Y’all! I believe I gained thirty pounds this past weekend…one pound for each year of marriage!
Tim and I went to Charleston, South Carolina to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We would recount where we began in high school, the “unnecessary two year breakup”, our final two years of college of being together again, and when and where he proposed.
We had been together for so long that I just knew we would get engaged after college graduation. Tim had graduated from UF in May of 1990, and I graduated from UCF in December of the same year. So, when it came Valentine’s Day, I just knew my left ring finger was surely going to get some bling on it. That Valentine’s Day we went to eat at Branch Ranch Restaurant…with his parents! I remember thinking, “Really? His parents are with us? Strange.” Then came the present time. I opened the gift box, and was filled with an inner “What the heck” response as I smiled and said thank you for my new sweater. A sweater! Little did I know that Tim had already purchased the ring and had the proposal all planned out.
On the date of our very first date, March 20th, Tim and I relived our first date. After dinner, and an attempt to go to the movie theater we originally went to, but was now demolished, he drove us to Lake Hollingsworth. Tim came to open my door, handed me an envelope, I opened it and found my man down on one knee, all before I left the car. A little more than six months later, we were married on October 5, 1991 at 4:00pm, at the First Baptist Church of Plant City.
Marriage is full of mountains and valleys. Marriage is something that requires unconditional love, forgiveness, and respect for one another. There should be ample adventures, with and without kids. Tim and I were asked by our waitress the secret. We had previously discussed the same question earlier that day. We said that besides having Christ in the center, you must like each other. Now, I admit, there are times that we probably don’t like what one another may do, but we always like and love one another.
On our trip, we met some absolutely wonderful people. The very first night we were there, we gathered with two couples who had been married for 40+ and 50+ years. We joined them each night to talk about our day and lives. It was a true blessing to become acquainted with couples who enjoyed each other with long marriages.
If you haven’t been to Charleston, GO! We will definitely be back, again and again.
A few people have asked about where all we ate and what we did. So, I’ve compiled a list of websites for y’all to check out. Enjoy!
https://www.vicsontheriver.com/: Our friend Kim recommended we eat at Vic’s on the River in
A lunch stop in Savannah.
Savannah on our way up. Reservations by the window were made. We always enjoy time in Savannah.
https://www.marketpavilion.com/mobile.cfm?specialoffer=Yes&page=grill225reservations: Okay, the only place we visited twice! While walking passed this hotel/restaurant/bar, we decided to stop by. It looked historic, but after speaking with the 7th generation Charleston gentleman (John) who was working behind the architecturally beautifully crafted bar, he informed us that when he was in high school years ago, a Fudruckers, an Applebee’s, and a skate park were once occupying this land. After Hugo, it was purchased and the now Market Pavilion stands. Why did we visit Grill 225 twice? Because the shrimp brûlée appetizer was divine! We didn’t even order dinner there because of other plans, but this appetizer…y’all!
https://www.henrysonthemarket.com/: Henry’s was established in 1932, It is the oldest continuous restaurant in Charleston and the state of South Carolina. We went for a late night crab cake and live music.
http://5churchcharleston.com/home-mobile/: This restaurant/experience will definitely be on our lunch or dinner list the next time we visit. We went there on a food tour. They prepared samples of lamb burger and Japanese fried chicken. De-li-cious!!! And, y’all, I’m a true southern girl, and they had the BEST sweet tea I think I had ever tasted! 5 Church is probably, in my opinion, the most instagrammed restaurant. The setting is so gorgeous, with rays of colors cascading in through the stained glass filling the room with beauty.
https://charlestoncrabhouse.com/: The Charleston Crab House was on our food tour as well. We enjoyed a low country boil with our new four food tour friends. BTW, each place we visited on the food tour was able to accommodate for food allergies.
https://www.pooganssmokehouse.com/: Pulled pork and collard greens were served here. This was our third food tour stop. I’m not a huge collard green fan, but these were simply tastey.
https://www.riverstreetsweets.com/retail-locations: On our final food tour stop we were given world famous pralines from Market Street Sweets. Although the praline may not have tickled my fancy, the variety of chocolate sweets’ aroma filled the quaint store and definitely caught my attention for another trip.
https://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com/: This is a market where local crafts (especially on the weekend) and imported tourist goods can be purchased. We supported two local artists and the preservation society by purchasing memorabilia.
https://tempestcharleston.com/: While on our food tour, the guide enlightened us to the fact that The Tempest was voted the number 1 new restaurant in the country! Hint…we discovered that when you call a restaurant or go online, they may not answer or have availability, but if you go there in person (especially for a last minute reservation like us) they accommodate. This happened to us here and at Hank’s. The stained glass ceiling was a gorgeous site,the food was impeccable. I had the best flounder I had ever tasted. The “s’more” dessert was oh so tasty and beautifully presented. THe chef, Jamie Lynch, was season 17 All Star of Bravo’s Top Chef and voted BEST CHEF in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2020 in Charlotte Magazine’s BOB (Best of the Best) Awards.
A tradition they say they’ve brought back from days gone by was at the end of our meal, they brought the lady a rose, the gentleman a cigar, and a glass of brandy. It was an elegant evening.https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/m_index.html: “Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.” (Quoted from the website) This plantation had a zoo, beautiful and intimate paths through gardens and along the Ashley River, a historic home, and rich in history. Me being such a wedding crashed type of girl, was delighted to see a bride and groom having a photoshoot. When I told them congratulations, they informed me that they had just gotten married the night before.
https://www.rodneyscottsbbq.com/: Two nights before we left on our adventure, Tim was watching the Food network. Rodney Scott’s BBQ from Charleston was going to be on the show. After Tim watched it he said, “We have to go there.” We did and we were not disappointed. When Tim ordered his “as seen on tv” steak sandwich, the lady taking the order was so excited and you could tell she was ready to enjoy that sandwich too. Tim convinced me to order Rod’s original whole hog pork sandwich “the king of the menu” Yum! We can testify that Rodney knows his BBQ. We will be back.
https://visitfolly.com/: With some time to kill, not sure how, but we made it to Folly Beach. Just a short drive from Charleston, the surfers were out. This is a quaint beach/fishing town.
https://www.kingscourtyardinn.com/: King’s Courtyard Inn was where we rested our heads each night. This historic town (with updated rooms as well) was located perfectly. We felt safe, the staff were delightful, a free breakfast was served, free wine and brandy nightly at 5:00pm, and the beds were comfy.
https://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/: Hank’s, voted number one seafood in Charleston for numerous consecutive years, was another “tummy filled with delicious food” evening. My grouper was exquisite. Tim says he knows now how I want him to prepare my fish. This was another place that we didn’t originally have reservations for, but when we went a couple of days prior in person, we were able to book for the night we wanted. It’s a must!
http://www.oldexchange.org/: We signed the Declaration of Independence here. Yep. Tim and Stephanie Shuff’s name are signed. Okay, not the original, but a cute experience. This tour was so interesting. Especially since we are currently taking a Biblical Citizenship class that teaches the Constitution, this stop was so eye opening. Did you know that the Charleston Exchange is one of only four structures remaining where the nation’s founding document was originally ratified. We toured the dungeon and walked the same halls that President George Washington along with many historic greats walked.
http://rainbowrowcharlestonsc.com/: Just had to go. We didn’t do a tour, but saw these beautifully colored homes along the water.
https://www.hallschophouse.com/location/halls-chophouse-charleston/: Hands down the best dining experience! As soon as you walk through the doors, to your table, at your table, walking to the restroom, and on your way out…these folks bring true southern hospitality to the forefront. Our waitress, Paige, was such a delight. The food was mouth-watering. Just thinking about it now makes me want to go back for tonight’s dinner. This wasn’t just a dinner, it was a total experience. In our quaint dining room, eight groups gathered. Being the investigator I am, we struck up a conversation with a secret serviceman, which I thought was a clergyman because everyone who came though was hugging him. Once I saw the smile of the gentleman he was keeping safe, I knew it was U.S. Senator Tim Scott. He’s a great man with a love for what is right for our country. We were able to speak with him and get a picture with Senator Scott.
US Senator Scott
https://www.angeloaktree.com/: On our way home, we had to stop and see this live oak tree that is supposedly the oldest on this side of the Mississippi. There is now fence surrounding this ancient tree, but we were able to view its majesty. Oh the stories this tree could tell.
https://www.skippersfishcamp.com/: Driving home we stopped in Darian, GA to eat at Skipper’s Fish Camp. The history that this little town holds is worth the trip to Darian.
https://gastateparks.org/FortKingGeorge: Small, but big in history. WE even discovered (we think) that this could have been the place where Tim’s family, the Dunbar clan from Scotland, first appeared in America. So cool!
Whew! Now you see why I say I gained a pound this weekend per year married. But we definitely will walk it off and treasure our time together.
Here’s to a lifetime more years with my man.
Happy 30th, Tim. I love you, Always!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
So many beautiful church steeples.
