Charleston

    Charleston is described in many ways, but the most common word used is "charming." It’s easy to understand why so many talk about its “charm”; there must be some kind of spell that makes you fall deeper in love with the city with each new street you explore. Humid breezes with the promises of the nearby ocean ruffle palmettos, loquat trees, and Confederate jasmine blooms. The paint of candy-colored houses peels to reveal chipping brick dating back to the city's antebellum past. Instead of skyscrapers, the steeples of 400 churches define the skyline, leading to Charleston's nickname being the "Holy City." In the parks, trickles of Spanish moss hang from ancient live oaks, and horse-drawn carriages clop down cobblestone streets and alleys. After even just one visit, it's clear that the spell that the city casts on its visitors must be a strong one. I doubt that my own fond memories of Charleston will ever wear off.

Green Anole, native