We ventured out to tour Middleton Place, home of Arthur Middleton, one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

I mistakenly thought historical headlines in Charleston’s history centered on the civil war, but there is so much history here related to the American Revolution.

At Middleton Place, they had one of the 4 original copies of the Declaration of Independence written on silk. It was just there, under glass, in one of the home’s small entertaining rooms. And we didn’t have to muscle our way up to it through a crowd of people. We were there with two other people. Amazing, that such a piece of American history is so accessible.

Middleton Place brought another perspective of plantation life into focus. Where Magnolia Plantation had beautiful gardens with themes and bridges, Middleton Place showcased life with original buildings allocated to the daily functions two centuries ago: blacksmith shop, coppersmith, seamstress,etc.

And they had heritage animals grazing the grounds. Oh, and there were a couple of alligators that gave me the serious side eye from the pond. I wanted to get a bit closer for a photo, and Peter had a conniption. I guess he really does care.

After a bite to eat, we set off in search of a couple of historic graveyards. I just learned that graveyard and cemetery are not two interchangeable words for the same thing. The difference between a graveyard and a cemetery is whether there is a church attached. Graves + Church = graveyard. Just graves = Cemetery. Now go win a riveting game of Trivial Pursuit with that gold nugget of knowledge.

We finished our visit to Charleston with an amazing meal at FIG (Food is Good). Peter worked hard to get the reservation, and it was absolutely worth every drop of sweat and the callus’ on his fingers from refreshing the Chrome screen every second. Not one plate had one morsel of food left. What was curious to me, however, was the Party List they gave us when we sat down. I had never seen one before. It was a list of cocktails with prices starting at $24 and going to $72. I thought maybe it was like buying a pitcher of margaritas for the table, but with mixed drinks. Lively debate ensued, and then I brought the waiter into the debate. As he diplomatically tried to tell me $72 was for one drink, but there were more economical options, I must have had a crazed and confused look on my face. $72 dollars….for 1 drink!!!!! I mean, I could buy a pair of sporty tennis shoes for that, or a nice dress, or…..so many things…but for a cocktail in a little miniature glass?!?!?! I guess I really am starting to get old. The next thing you know I’ll be reminiscing when gas was $3.00 a gallon…wait, I think I am doing that now.