Magnolia Plantation

 Chase had mentioned he hadn't been to a plantation yet and would like to go so we headed to Magnolia Plantation today. 

Picked him up bright and early - around 8:00 am. He was ready to go even though he had only gotten up about 15 minutes before we got there. He said picked up that talent in boot camp. Started with breakfast at First Watch, Chase had heard from a couple people that it was really good. I had a BEC sandwich - bacon, egg, and cheddar with arulgula and garlic aioli. Kurt had biscuits and gravy with million dollar bacon. Chase had a carrot cake and pecan pancake (it was HUGE), and million dollar bacon. All was delicious - good breakfast! Chase got free coffee for his military service.

After breakfast we made our way to Magnolia. We were surprised by the line on a Monday! We got there a little after 10:00 and the next house tour open wasn't until 2:00. At first we were disappointed but there was plenty to do. First we walked around in the Wildlife Center. A small selection of animal with peacocks roaming around. Not my favorite thing but I made it!

Look at the adorable face!!

I love this statue - tried to get Chase to pose next to it but he wouldn't... Some things don't change!

We had a 11:30 reservation for the 'Slavery to Freedom' tour so we made our way to the old slave cabins. They had 5 different cabins you could walk through. 

The original cabins had the dirt floor and straw roofs. At some point they were upgraded so they were off the ground with wood roofs. An upgrade, but still pretty sad. Original cabins were split in two with 10 to 14 people living on each side. Later, after the Civil War for families that stayed they were given a whole cabin to themselves so they actually had a sleeping room and a living room/kitchen.

The tour wasn't really a tour just a gentleman from Ireland of all places giving a talk. It was very interesting though, on the history of the slave families on the Plantation. History is so hard to imagine sometimes!

Next we walked around the Swamp Garden. Saw lots of birds, lizards, and of course some alligators with a stop in the African American cemetery.  Surprising the bugs weren't horrible, yet.

Notice all the large white birds in the trees - don't ask me what they are though...

We were going to go to the Peacock Cafe for something cold to drink but the line was huge so instead we walked back to the car and got our warm beverages. At this point we had about 45 minutes before our house tour. They have extensive gardens on the property. Actually in later years the family sold tours from Charleston to visit the gardens on the property for money. Walked around a bit until it was time for the tour. 

More alligators in the gardens

 This is actually the third house built on the plantation. The first was hit by lightning and destroyed. The next one was built during the Civil War. The final house was originally just a 4 room cottage. A later generation added on additional rooms, the upper floors, and porch. It was a neat house, not the favorite I have toured though. We still enjoyed. My favorite thing was a deer head on the wall. Not a super professional taxidermy job. You could see the stitching the neck and the hide around the nose didn't seem to fit just right. Looked like a Frankenstein deer head! I was so tempted to take a picture even though not allowed to take pictures in the house.

Front of the house

Back of the house

After the house tour we headed for the car to head back to Summerville. Had to drop Chase off at his apartment and we headed for our hotel. So hard to say good-bye. I am so excited for him and he is doing great things but that doesn't stop me from missing him!

 We were hoping to go to Vicious Biscuit for a bite to eat but well after 2:30 so that wasn't an option. Decided to go to LoLA, we were here the last time we came and they have amazing Boudin Balls and dirty rice. We arrived and they are closed on Mondays. Decided to try Rebel Tacqueria again as their tacos were that amazing. I told Kurt if they were open we were just going back to the hotel. They were open and the tacos were just as amazing. I got the exact same thing I did when we came the day we arrived and I loved them just as much.

Time to head for our final hotel - Drury Inn. Checked in, dropped off our bags, then headed down for Happy Hour. We just ate but did each have a drink and some dessert. During Happy Hour they have lava cake for $5. Who can pass up that offer???

Delicious!!! We shared (Kurt had a couple bites and I had the rest)!!!

Back to the room to make sure I can get everything back in our bags and early night. Plan to be at the airport at 5:30 tomorrow. I am NOT ready to go!

Side note - we are SO stinking proud of the young man this kid has become. He still doesn't like his picture taken, takes it as a challenge to finish his massive carrot cake pancakes, enjoys sitting back and playing a game as much as going out on the town. I amazed by the man he is and the man he is still becoming. I miss him every minute but so excited for his future!!!