On the road with the Goodkins

Early the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving, we embarked on a day’s journey to our favorite Southern city, Charleston, S.C., located more than 400 miles from Sarasota.

Charleston is a gracious, beautiful and history-seeped city. Grand old oak trees draped in Spanish moss line the streets, and a panoramic waterfront with many stately homes embraces the city. It deservedly boasts an acclaimed restaurant scene, unique shops and a variety of live music. Some historic points of interest include: The French Quarter, home of many historic buildings, including the French Huguenot Church; Market Hall; sheds established in the 1790s; and the Old Slave Mart Museum.

Charleston is a wonderful and easy city to walk to absorb the city’s style and vitality. Stroll the major streets of King, Meeting and East Bay, but be sure to meander down the tiny alleyways to find galleries, specialty shops, small treasures and amazing buildings.

A must stop is Graffito on 151 E. Bay St. It showcases interesting, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry and gifts. The store Worthwhile, on King Street, has a special merchandise mix of artfully designed clothing, jewelry, books and beauty products. Beautiful quality fabrics in rich colors are used to create dresses, vests, skirts and tops with fine detailing. And Ragoni of Florence, a paradise for shoe-lovers, has an amazing assortment, from heels to beautiful leather flats.

There are a myriad of places at which you can stay. We recently found the Vendue, an intimate and artsy hotel. The lobby is open and welcoming with a relaxed, desk-like reception space instead of the typical traditional hotel reception area.

It is one block from the waterfront, which is compelling for a stroll. The open lobby turns from a reception spot to a modern cafe, where you become transfixed by the art mounted on the walls. The lobby/gallery houses pieces from more than 40 different artists.

Part of Charleston’s allure is its quintessential eating scene. McCrady’s was our Thanksgiving dinner choice. The turkey was prepared sous vide, a French preparation that produced the most succulent bird we ever tasted. It was drizzled with a delicate natural juice gravy — sheer perfection.

No trip to Charleston can be complete without a breakfast or brunch at The Hominy Grill, located at 207 Rutledge Ave. It is famed for its special take on down-home Southern cooking. Try its amazing biscuits; they are light and fluffy on the inside with a perfect crunchy crust. A favorite is the restaurant’s take on a B.L.T. — a fried green tomato with ancho chile mayonnaise that adds the perfect kick.

We continued our journey north to visit lifelong friends and family in New Jersey, before returning home Dec. 15.

Carol Goodkin and her husband, Leonard, moved eight years ago to Sarasota and moved two years ago to Lakewood Ranch. The couple’s strongest passions include traveling and cooking.