Fresh Seafood and More on Charleston's Scenic Waterfront--Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar

For years a solitary eating establishment located along the Cooper River waterfront of Charleston, it has been fortuitously swept up into a bigger vision called The Cooper, Charleston's first luxury waterfront hotel, which will feature 191 rooms, infinity pool, spa, and event spaces slated to open in October. The hotel property will connect Joe Riley Waterfront Park with a water's edge scenic walkway leading to the Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar located at its north flank.

Fleet Landing Restaurant is housed in a 6,000 square foot, hurricane proof, 1940s retired naval building. It juts out over the marsh on a reinforced pier and boasts oversized windows that offer an unobstructed view of the Charleston Harbor. Built in 1942 by the US Navy as a debarkation point for sailors, the building lay vacant after World War II until it was acquired by the South Carolina Port Authority in the 1960s and used for storage. The structure fell into disrepair. Despite its condition, it caught the attention of Tradd Newton who predicted, "One day, I'm going to put something in that building," and he did. Newton, with the guiding vision of Charleston architect Reggie Gibson and his wife/business partner Weesie, fulfilled that dream.

Food and Wine Magazine described Fleet Landing Restaurant's interior as "maritime chic." When you step through its doors, your initial impression is unmistakable. The interior is without a doubt very spacious with community tables and a long, running bar on one side. One wall is covered with orange life preservers and another with a glass door display of assorted wines. Beyond its large windows, there is plenty of outdoor dining on picnic style tables with orange umbrellas where you can soak in the harbor atmosphere.

Fleet Landing Restaurant is by and large a seafood destination, and one of the most popular. However, dinner entrees do include a Filet Mignon, Boneless Ribeye Steak and Chicken Piccata, while the lunch menu included an 8 oz Angus Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and a Fried Green Tomato "BLT". The seafood offerings are plentiful and diverse. It also has a Gluten Free Menu, both lunch and dinner. All menus offer a wide variety of selections.

We were there for lunch. We did not have a reservation, and the wait was about twenty minutes for outdoor seating, which we requested. For a drink, I am partial to pomegranate, so I selected the Pomegranate Mojito made with Don Q Passionfruit Rum and Pomegranate Juice for $13--a pleasing refresher. From the lunch menu, I chose the Fried Flounder Sandwich with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Cajun tartar sauce for $16--fish was fresh with a pleasant coating. Our server was helpful and efficient, visited our table often, and did it all with a cheerful smile.

Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar is a quality seafood destination with a fantastic location, if you do not mind the pluff mud aroma at low tide, but that is all part of the waterfront experience. It lives up to its motto of having something for everyone. It is suggested you set up a reservation, especially for dinner sittings and beyond into the evening.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Lunch: Seven Days a Week 11am-3:30pm

Dinner: Seven Days a Week 5pm-10pm

186 Concord Street, Charleston, SC

Phone: (843) 722-8100

Kersey House in Summerville--A historic Gathering Place for Dining and Everything Else

Seems as though French inspired cuisine is becoming a thing in Summerville these days. Two of the many eating establishments recently making their debut in the town feature French classics like Croque Monsieur, Short Rib Bourguignon, and Beef Tartare. One of them is owned and operated by South Carolina resident Nico Romo, who is one of only 66 French master chefs in the country. The name of his magnifique entreprise is Kersey House. Why does a French restaurant have an English name, you may wonder? The original owners of the grand dame of Summerville no doubt would not want it any other way, and Nico agreed. Tributes to the Kersey family are found throughout the stunning estate's rooms.

Kersey House is located in the heart of "the heart of it all." It was built in the early 1900s, shortly after the construction of Summerville's famed railroad station just across the tracks. As you approach the historic property, the pristine white exterior of the house shimmers in the sunlight. Its signature double wrap-around southern porches beckon you to step up as the restaurants unassuming sign directly above states you have arrived at the right place.

Inside, the venue boasts 12-inch baseboards. The four grand parlor rooms feature restored original heart pine floors and beautiful fireplaces; each painted with a color of its own. The main dining space boasts a soaring ceiling adorned with impressive crystal chandeliers, large windows, cheerful yellow walls, and a full bar with plenty of seating. Beyond its rear door, the venue features a sweeping outdoor space, offering quiet al fresco dining. A large courtyard with red stamped concrete pads creates a distinctive contrast to the property's greenery, presenting an intimate, picturesque setting for any occasion. Last but not least, there is a spacious ballroom to dance the night away.

Kersey House promises to offer a comforting and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy exceptional meals, genuine hospitality, unforgettable dining experience. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic, approachable dishes, the menu is crafted to celebrate the art of simple, elegant dining. As they would say, la prevue sera dans le pudding.

Our reservation was for 6 pm. We were greeted with a smile upon entry and directed to a table in the front room by a window. There was a comfortable space between tables. With plenty of seating available in the beautifully appointed main dining, I wondered why we were not seated there. Turns out, seating arrangement has to do with balancing out server opportunity. They did offer to move us, but we chose to stay. As the evening progressed, I was not overly thrilled with our location, being close to the entrance and check in. There was a lot of activity of people coming and going. It was a nice space, just not ideal.

We perused the menu. Drinks were first. From the cocktail list, I chose the Sweet Magnolia, as did my companion. It was a mix of Firefly vodka, lemon, cinnamon simple, and hibiscus tea for $13. I am partial to Firefly products, so it was an easy choice. The cocktail was a satisfying and refreshing blend. On the menu, I chose from Les Soupes the French Onion with caramelized onion, baguette crouton, and gruyere for $12, and from Les Sandwiches, the Kersey Signature Burger with remoulade, American cheese, romaine, tomato, and pickles with the colorful Dijon salad for $15. My companion chose from Les Petits Plats a La Baguette with parsley butter, espelette honey $6, and from Les Sandwiches, Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon honey mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and brioche for $15. Pardon my French, the French Onion Soup was superbe, and the Kersey Signature Burger was excellente, one of the best burgers I've had, neatly stacked.  My companion souscrit.

Kersey House passed the test for high-quality ingredients and classic, approachable dishes, crafted to celebrate the art of simple, elegant dining. As to a comforting and inviting atmosphere, the room we were seated in was beautifully appointed and comfortable, just not ideal due to the traffic--maybe a decorative partition could be considered. The main dining room is a palatial and classy space with plenty of natural atmosphere. As to genuine hospitality, the staff was accommodating, and our server was friendly, courteous, and attentive to our requests. Used dishes were removed and water glasses filled as needed.

Nico Romo's Kersey House is without a doubt a historic gathering place for fine dining. The menu offers plenty of tasteful choices at reasonable prices. However, it is more than a restaurant, it is an everything else space. It is a grand addition to the many eating establishments making Summerville their home. Check it out if you haven't already.

Mon - Sat 11 am - 9 pm

Sun 11 am - 3 pm (Brunch) 

3 pm - 9 pm (Dinner)

Happy Hour - Monday-Friday 4-6 pm

Lunch Special - Monday-Friday 11 am - 3 pm

117 W Luke Ave, Summerville

843-983-1813

Step Back to Charleston's Colonial Days during and after the Revolutionary War--The Heyward-Washington House

The Heyward-Washington House became Charleston's first historic house museum in 1930 after being acquired by the Charleston Museum in 1929. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Two of the Heyward-Washington House's dramatic features are exclusive to Charleston house tours. It is located far from the madding crowd of tourism just south of Broad Street in a quiet section of the Lower Peninsula on Church Street.

Thomas Heyward Jr was one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence and an artillery officer with the South Carolina militia in the Revolutionary War. He built his Georgian-style double house in 1772. However, he was captured by the British in 1780 when they took possession of the city and returned in 1781 by way of an exchange. In May of 1891, the city rented the house for George Washington's use during the President's week-long Charleston stay. Thus, it is recognized as the Heyward-Washington House, even though it was purchased from Heyward by John F. Grimke in 1794.

A black sign bearing its name marks the address. Standing at its large, Colonial-style pediment front door, a note requests you to knock. The host welcomes you to step into its large center hall which leads to the room where you either pay for the tour ($15) or present your pre-paid voucher. The tour is a self-guided audio presentation, and you can begin anywhere you want. The audio tour includes a recognition of the contributions of Lowcountry women and the enslaved.

You will see a superb collection of historic Charleston-made furniture as you leisurely stroll from room to room including the priceless Holmes Bookcase, considered one of the finest examples of American-made colonial furniture. The audio device details how each room had a specific use to the family combined with a story from the life of the Heyward family in that particular room. Recovered artifacts are displayed throughout. No surprise, in one of the rooms, you will see a portrait of its famous guest, George Washington, hanging above its fireplace.

The highlight of the tour, in my opinion, is when you step out the back entrance. It is here you will see the two dramatic features exclusive to Charleston house tours--the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston as well as formal gardens featuring plants commonly used in the South Carolina Lowcountry in the late 18th century. The carriage house and kitchen building flanked each side with the spacious, beautifully landscaped garden extending beyond to the estate's farthest edges. I was surprised how far back it went. It was interesting to see the wide variety of utensils used in the kitchens and what meals were prepared for Thomas Heyward and guests. There is still an active archeological dig underway in the gardens.

The Heyward-Washington House offers an interesting and informative step back to Charleston's colonial days during and after the Revolutionary War for $15. However, several options are available for purchase. You can combine this tour with tickets to the Charleston Museum for $22 or combine it with tickets to the Museum and a tour of the Joseph Manigault House for $30. Tickets are valid for one year after purchase date. For the options, go to Charleston Museum.

87 Church St, Charleston, SC

Monday-Saturday: 10 am -5:00 pm (last audio tour at 4:15 pm)

Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00 pm (last audio tour at 4:15 pm)

Summerville's Flowertown Festival 2025

Summerville is at present shimmering in a sea of magnificent multitudinous masses of magenta. It is the annual azalea bloom putting on its best dress for the upcoming Flowertown Festival hosted in Summerville's Azalea Park. In the past few years due to pre-spring warm-ups, the grand show was long gone by the time the festival arrived.

The flowers are the official doorkeepers of spring greeting all to the celebration of warmer days. Drive anywhere on the streets in the town's historic district between Central Ave and S. Main Street and you will be convinced Summerville is rightfully crowned the "Flower Town in the Pines."

Rightfully called the "Flower Town in the Pines" because Summerville is also famous for its pine trees, but unfortunately, the pollen bloom that rains down from their branches when the weather warms is not enthusiastically embraced with happy celebration like the azaleas. With that being said, pine trees and azaleas are a perfect collaboration because azaleas grow well in their shadows.

The varieties of azaleas are as bounteous as its blooms thanks to hybridizing, or crossbreeding. They are native to North America, so it is likely they greeted our arriving ancestors in some form. All North American species are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves. The evergreen varieties come from Japan, where they can be hundreds of years old.

The azaleas that helped make Summerville famous are most likely the non-native variety. The first hybrids were planted in Charleston, South Carolina. John Grimke Drayton imported the Azalea Indica from Philadelphia where they were grown only in greenhouses by a nurseryman who also had a branch nursery in Charleston and introduced them into the estate gardens of his rice plantation on the Ashley River. Marie Clinton Hastie wrote about the beginnings of her grandfather's garden, "it was somewhere in the mid 1840s that the Azalea Indica was introduced to Magnolia." His garden was the first in America to plant azaleas outdoors. An interesting fact of history: The plantation house was burned during the Civil War. In 1873, John Grimke Drayton had his small, pre-Revolution summer house in Summerville taken apart and moved by barge down the Ashley River, where it was rebuilt on the ruined house's foundation.

Azalea Park visitors in the early days

In 1932, Grange Cuthbert became the mayor of Summerville. He came up with the plan to take some of the land deeded to Summerville by the "Civic League" between Central Avenue and Magnolia Street and turn it into a mid-town paradise. George Segelken, a pioneer in azalea propagation, entered the picture. Thanks to his generosity Summerville became the place to see these prolific plants in all their abundant glory in 1935. People came from all over to view the lush beauty of the town's Azalea Park. Segelken named the salmon pink colored azalea "Pride of Summerville." The park is the predominant venue of the Flowertown Festival.

The Flowertown Festival ranks as one of the largest festivals in the Southeast with an origin that goes back to 1973. The three-day festival also carries the well-deserved distinction as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, attracting over 200,000 attendees. One of the main features of this family-oriented festival centers on the promotion of arts and crafts. More than 200 craft artisans and vendors are given the opportunity to showcase their creative wares throughout Azalea Park.

The current festival was predated by a previous event in 1941, when Summerville celebrated the first Azalea Festival--a four-day event that included dances, concerts, a parade, and a formal ball. The festival promoted local business and celebrated the town's community pride, a pride as old as its trees. Summerville's rich history dates all the way back to the late 1600s.

Somes things about the Flowertown Festival seem to never change, such as the many familiar vendors you see every year. However, some things have changed. There was a time when a replica of the Hunley was featured as you entered S. Main Street next to the Townhall.

Also, the 2025 Farmer's Market will begin on Saturday April 5, hours 8am-1pm.

Well, that is Summerville—azaleas and the biggest festival in the Southeast. While visiting for the Flowertown Festival, when you see me walking around town be sure to say, "Hey." I am always interested in making new acquaintances.

Visit Summerville

All Roads in Summerville Lead You "Into the Woods"

I only saw brief portions of the movie called Into the Woods. However, anything with Johnny Depp in it is definitely going to have unmistakable weirdness weaved into the characters. So, going into the James F. Dean Theater to see Steven Sondheim's adaptation, I was totally unaware what to expect in the way of a storyline. The live stage production is loosely inspired by the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel with a witch thrown in to conjure up a little chaos for an unfortunate baker and his wife who want a child. They can undo their bad luck by collecting four objects in three days: the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and the slipper as pure as gold.

The Flowertown Player's presentation of Into the Woods was an empty your bladder and settle into your comfy seat for a three-hour giant rompem' stompem' whopper of a tall tale, including the short intermission. As the play's red-caped little vixen (Mackenzie Comer) skipped between the trees from scene to scene, I inexplicably thought of the lyrics of the song of the same name by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, and it was surely looking good. The performance was everything a big bad review could want. So, listen to me.

The stage was set. The props were in place. The production team was intensely focused. Director Nina Kahn had her well prepared cast of 24 ready to hit the lights and hit the heights to kick off their three weekend "bag of magic beans". The musical performers were harmonious as a whole from the opening prologue to the closing finale, when they symbolically blew the roof off the theater. If there were any glitches in prop placement as they moved from scene to scene, I didn't see it. If there were any hick-ups in the casts dialogue as they moved from musical number to musical number, I did not detect any. However, I respectfully have to mention one tiny thing. I sat in row L, which was more than halfway back in the theater. I had to strain a little to hear some of the dialogue due to the music being a tad to dominant when the vocals were in less dynamic ranges, or maybe my hearing isn't what it used to be. I'll leave it to you to decide.

It was not so hard to hear one of the most entertaining singing collaborations of the play between Jonathan Ford and Elisha Black as Cinderella's prince and Rapunzel's prince, when they belted out "Agony" in confidence and stunning harmony. Along the line of upper decibels, there was no escaping the ear popping screams of "hair as yellow as corn" Rapunzel played by Rachel Hiester-Myers.

Other notable renditions were "Witch's Lament" sang by Sarah Daniel, "Moments in the Woods" performed by Liz Perez (the Baker's wife), who also teamed up with Justin Robinson (the Baker) in "It takes Two", "On the Steps of the Palace" executed by Meredith Lane (Cinderella) and singing "I Know Things Now" was Mackenzie Comer (Little Red).

Other cast notables were Bryce Beasley as bad boy giant-killer Jack, beside herself Rachyl Kissling as Jack's Mom, the well-dressed ravenous Wolf played by Zachary Henderson, Vance White II as the Narrator, long-time Flowertown Player Jamie Young, who did double duty as Mysterious Man and Cinderella's Father, Holly Matthew's as Cinderella's Stepmother, Angela Pinkham as Florinda, Julia Sorenson as Lucinda, Krissi Hardy as Cinderella's mother, Graycen Szalwinski as The Steward, and Leighton Winters (Sleeping Beauty), Maddie McCall (Snow White), Zach Rettig (Granny), Susie Hallat (Voice of the Giant), Patti MooPone (Milky White).

Finally, I must give special props to Julie Crist for her adept handling of one of the play's more challenging characters, "the cow as white as milk"--Milky White Puppeteer.

This musical fairy tale is unlike anything you have ever seen before. There is no yellow brick road that takes you to an Emerald City, but the witch is witchier, and who honestly said of herself, "I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just right. I'm the witch." And cute, bratty Little Red noted of the baker and his vow breaking wife, "You seem to argue a lot." Cinderella's not so pure, self-adoring prince confessed, "I was raised to be charming, not sincere." I could go on and on, but I will leave the rest for you to see and hear for yourself. 

I encourage you to purchase a ticket, slip on your shoes, and make your way to the little theater on Hutchinson Square to see one of the funniest scenes of the play that has to do with guess what, footwear, and gold ones at that.

The cast skillfully delivers plenty of laughs along their way Into the Woods where you will discover family life isn't always little blue birds chirping happy bird songs, but it can also be downright morally and ethically jaded at times. Nevertheless, there is a happy ending in there somewhere.

Dates: March 7 - 23

Times: Evenings at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm

Tickets for Into the Woods

Photographs by Flowertown Players

Legendary Savannah's Forsyth Park, Mercer Williams House Museum, and Sorrel-Weed House Museum

General William Sherman's headquarters

Established in 1733, this southern gem was the grand design of General James Oglethorpe. Its formation was patterned after a Chinese city. Noted Architect, John Massengale, called this city's layout "the most intelligent grid in America, perhaps the world". Instead of burning it to the ground, General William Sherman presented it to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift. As a travel destination, it ranks number three in the United States according to the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2024 reader's survey.

Savannah, Georgia is dotted with picturesque miniature parks called squares, rightly named the "crown jewels" of the city. There is a total of 22 remaining today. Many are dominated by a monument featuring a famous dignitary who played an important part in its history and growth. Originally, they were used by the militia for practice and drills but now are gathering places for citizens and visitors. Each are shaded by huge live oak trees, beautifully landscaped, and surrounded by inns, shops, restaurants, museums, churches, and majestic estate homes available for you to tour.

On our way to Savannah, we made a stop at the Sheldon Church Ruins in Beaufort County, SC, which would turn out to be a fortuitous decision. From there, it was another hour drive to Savannah. Our accommodations for our two-night stay was in the Historic District at the Cambria Hotel on Montgomery Street. It turned out to be a good location because it put us within decent walking distance to the landmarks and points of interest we wanted to see. We were about a half a mile from East Bay Street and a little less than a half mile from the famous and stunning Forsyth Park, a must see when visiting the city.

Forsyth Park is a massive 30-acre park. It was the first landmark we targeted as we made our way down Whitaker Street past four of the city's picturesque squares, Palaskie Square, Madison Square, Chatham Square, and Monterey Square. It is three blocks wide, spanning from Whitaker Street to Drayton Street. Its vastness becomes obvious as you stand at its entrance on Gaston and Bull Streets--a tree-lined green space leading to an inspirational white fountain and extending beyond as far as you can see. The famous fountain was modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The perfect place for family pictures, selfies, and contemplation, which we did.

Moving past the fountain, you come to a building called The Fort on Forsyth where there is a restaurant, children's playgrounds, and a huge domed stage for concerts. Continuing further, you come to a tall Civil War Monument, and beyond that, acres and acres of green grass for setting up picnics and playing sports. The sun was getting low in the sky, so we made our way back toward our hotel, walking past the nearby squares, picking out the estate homes we were interested in touring on our next day--the Mercer William House Museum and The Old Sorrel-Weed House Museum.

The Mercer Williams House Museum is one of the largest homes in Savannah, covering a full block. Even though the house bears the Williams name, no one from the Mercer Williams' family ever lived in the house. John R. Wilder bought it and completed its construction. The house and carriage house are both constructed with deep rose-colored bricks called 'Philadelphia Reds'. Its architectural design adds Renaissance Revival elements to a standard mix of Greek and Italianate. The house maintains its original moldings, windows, doorways, hand-railings, interior shutters, flooring and famous interior dome with stained glass fitted in 1868 when construction on the home was finished. Its 60-foot entrance hall retains its original ceramic tile made in England at Stoke-on-Trent.

The house was slated to be demolished. In 1969, James A. Williams, one of Savannah’s earliest and most dedicated private preservationists, bought the vacant property and began a two-year restoration of the house that would become his permanent residence. Thus, we have the famous Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I will not go into detail about the true murder story. You will have to read the book, watch the movie, or go to Savannah and do the tour to get the facts. However, I do enthusiastically suggest the tour. It is fascinating, and our guide was excellent. I have no pictures of the Mercer House gardens or interior. You are not permitted to take photographs once you leave the carriage house, where the tour begins. However, I will say, it was stunning. Interesting fact--James Williams had a cat named Sheldon, who came from the Sheldon Church in South Carolina, according to the guide. Tour cost--$13.50 per person.

The Sorrel-Weed House and Carriage House Museum was our next tour. We were encouraged to take as many photographs as we wanted to. This house is famous for its ghost stories and is considered the most haunted house in Savannah. However, we did not do the nighttime ghost tour, we did the history tour. The tour began in the gardens, moved to the carriage house, then to the ground level floor, and finally to the main floors. The tour guide told story after story of the three different owners and the people who served them as we moved from place to place, some historically fascinating, some diabolically gruesome. Wealthy French Hatian merchant Francis Sorrel, the original owner, hosted well known guests like Robert E. Lee and the Sorrel family's many famed parties. It was the first home in the State of Georgia to be designated a state landmark. Enjoy the photographs. Tour cost--$14 per person.

Savannah's history oozes with charm. Its architecture dates back more than 200 years. Many of the city's oldest houses and buildings have been transformed into museums over the years. You'll find that Savannah is legendary for its unique old-world antebellum architecture, her cobblestone streets, beautifully landscaped garden squares, and world-renowned parks. Small shops and fine eating establishments small and large are aplenty. One visit is not enough. Two visits are not enough. Three visits are not enough. I will go as far as to say, no number of visits is enough to take in all that is Savannah.