The PERFECT Charleston Getaway!

While in Columbia for two weeks, I had a weekend off where I could do whatever I wanted. Sometimes, a certain property will need help with events that happen on the weekends… festivals, football games, etc. However, this weekend I was told I could do WHATEVER I wanted! Sooo… I drove for almost two hours to a city I called home in the summer of ’08! CHARLESTON!

I went down to see a few of my friends that live in Charleston and we did absolutely everything I wanted to do in Charleston. When I first arrived, my sweet friend Lynlea was waiting for me with a bottle of red wine that was only THREE dollars. It’s called Lucky Duck and it’s such a cute bottle… I’ve tasted better wine but you can’t beat $3 for a bottle. We drank a glass and then we poured the rest into small grape juice bottles so that we could take our $3 wine to the movies (a coke costs like $5 so this is a brilliant plan).

We saw Life As We Know It and this is a movie that I would normally make fun of but secretly love. However, in my drunken stupor, I was crying, LOL’ing, clapping, and loving life during this movie. Lynlea and Danielle both thought the movie was OKAY and I adored it?? No offense but Danielle LOVES Disney movies. Yeah, I must have just been drunk and emotional because at the time, I thought this was the cutest movie ever. Soooo that’s my movie review: See it when you’re drunk.

We went back to Lynlea and Tori’s house and STEGER came over! Right away we started playing my new favorite game that I learned from Cougar Town. It’s called “Describe two movies as if they were one to create one movie title” – that’s the official title. For example, an orange cat who goes to a baseball field to reconnect with his dead father…. GARFIELD OF DREAMS. Get it? Yeah, it took Steg a while to get it too.

We kicked off Saturday by waking up and heading to the Farmer’s Market Downtown. It's so pretty in Charleston.. so pretty that I (yet again) got distracted and didn't take any pictures when we were walking around. This beauty to the right is the only picture I took. It's so random but funny because the guy that was working this booth kept pressuring us to rub the mint leaves and then smell our fingers. It felt weird to do that. But, after he yelled at us a couple of times, we caved.

After dinner/drinks at Red's, we went downtown to Lyn's favorite place. It's where she takes alllll of her amazing guests. I don't even think it has a name it's just the Cigar and Wine Shop. The rest of the night is history. I am so thankful to have amazing friends who will take me in while I'm traveling. Loved seeing everyone in Charleston and I can't wait to come back!

Disregard the weird, old dude.

Columbia, SC!

Ok, I’ve officially learned that I know EXACTLY what I need in a hotel. WIRELESS. I at least need to have an Ethernet cord that reaches farther than 2 feet. I am blaming my lack on blogging while in Columbia on not having wireless. But DON’T WORRY, my sweet little followers, I’ll be blogging your face off at the next assignment.

To fill you in on the past two weeks, I’ve been in Columbia, SC. Thank the LORD that Pammie lives here! It’s been so great to catch up and see an old friend! We had a wine night on my first night here and then went out to dinner at this great little place called Gervais & Vine.

It’s in an area called the Vista and it’s pretty swanky. I’ve heard about the two big spots that people frequent in this town and it’s The Vista and 5 Points. Apparently 5 Points is where the college kids hang out and the Vista is where young professionals kick it. Pammie is taking me to 5 Points tonight so I’ll let you know what I think!

While I was in Columbia, I took a mini-roadtrip to visit my friends in the Low Country! Next, I’ll paint you a picture of my amazing weekend in CHARLESTON!

Everything Toledo!

If you ever find yourself in the beautiful city of Toledo, OH, you’ll soon realize that you’ll need some help determining what to do in this town. You could always watch movies and drink wine in your hotel room like yours truly, but trust me that will get old quick. Here are some things you must do if you find yourself in Toledo!

1. Go Downtown.

The Downtown Toledo area is really nice. There are restaurants for whatever type of food you’re feeling… Seafood, Mexican, Asian, American, you name it. Also, if the weather is nice, you can take a stroll around the river and possibly sit outside!

Sunday night I went to The Navy Bistro and it was amazing. I got the Mediterranean Chicken and it was so good. I really should have taken a picture but I ate it all before I even thought to take a picture. Although, I did take a picture of my view from my blackberry:

2. If you’re ready to shop, make the drive to Perrysburg and go to Levis Commons.

I thought I was in Heaven when I drove the 25 minutes to Perrysburg for dinner last week. I drove by Francesca’s, The Loft, and Venetian Nail Spa and I could barely keep my eyes on the road. I thought for one second that I was in Green Hills in Nashville and I wanted to cry I was so happy! It was not Nashville but this little area is super clean and swanky like Green Hills. I definitely recommend driving to Perrysburg if you’re looking to escape Toledo for a bit. http://www.shopleviscommons.com/

3. Head North to Canada!

That’s right – Windsor, Ontario is only 45 minutes from Toledo! I really wanted to go but I didn’t bring my passport… I won’ t make that mistake again. A lot of the kids in college go up there on the weekends because you don’t have to be 21 to booze it up. Apparently it's also kind of romantic; that's also where the kids go for date night. Here's a picture of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor (I didn't make it there so no, this isn't my picture.. but it's a pretty picture)

Welp, that's all I've got for you, kiddos. Toledo has been great and I've really enjoyed being here! However, I've gotten my next assignment. I'm heading to Columbia, SC on Monday for TWO WEEKS!