Birthdays are a big deal in my family. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 3 or 30, it will be celebrated with multiple events, fancy desserts, and lots of family and friends. (Check out The Family of Over-Celebrators blog post after this!) When I thought about how I wanted to spend my 30th, a big party or gift didn’t feel right, and around fall I began thinking about a girls’ trip. I contacted my friends and we started brainstorming places that were warm and historic. When I imagined our trip, I saw long brunches, pretty views, and a little time to draw… all of which I got in our four days in Charleston.
My friends, Jackie, Ashley, and I flew to Charlotte, NC and made the drive south, stopping for high tea at Laura’s Tea Room halfway there. We stayed in a little bed and breakfast rental with a beautiful garden courtyard and felt absolutely spoiled. After an afternoon wandering the historic neighborhood, we made a picnic from goodies gathered at the local farmers market and checked out White Point Gardens. The next day was Magnolia Plantation (where we got a little sketching in) and Folly Beach where I watched my friends dive into waves with exactly the same enthusiasm we would have had in middle school.
Ashley described the trip as a “mental reset” and I think she’s exactly right. With friendships as old as ours and distances so great in between, four days together was a luxury. The more candles on my cake, the more blessed I feel to have a life that allows me to see new places, try new things, and reconnect with my favorite people.
0 Comments