Like Vito Corleone, Seth Saunders believes that a man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man. He also believes that Crash Davis was right about everything, except for his contention that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. He's held many titles, but the one that he cherishes most is "Nolan's dad."
Dear Charleston,
You've been called so many things -- the Holy City, Chucktown, the Bachelorette Capital of the World, America's Friendliest City, and Conde Nast just flat-out said you were the Best City in the World -- and while we love all of those monikers, we just like to call you home.
No, you're not the city we were born in or even the one we grew up in. You're something different, something more exclusive. You're the city we chose. We chose you because of your pristine beaches and the timeless Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. We planned our wedding while drinking the locally-brewed suds of Coast, Westbrook, and Holy City. The docks of Shem Creek played host to our cornhole games and the barley & hops were served up by Vickery's Sand Bar. And six months ago on a beautiful September afternoon, our son was born here.
By themselves, those events would be enough, but we haven't even gotten to the food yet. Your brunch options are endless, but some Saturdays we just like to stay home. After all, with Granny's cast-iron skillet and 13 different kinds of artisanal bacon from Ted's Butcher Block, what could be better? You're home to James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock and his farm-to-table haven Husk. But as good as the food in the main restaurant is supposed to be, we've never actually been inside. We find our seats next door at their bar and have a couple bourbons as we devour a Husk Burger and an order of fried pickles. Not in the mood for a burger? Head over to the Tattooed Moose for a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich and an order of Duck Fat Fries. Pop down the alleyway off of John Street and settle in at COAST to enjoy the catch of local fisherman cooked in a wood-burning grill. Bonus? Cupcake is only a few short steps away, and trust us, their bourbon pecan pie cupcake will make you swallow your tongue.
Oh, and there's more. A Thursday night at Joe Riley Park during the Lowcountry summer offers an opportunity to cheer on the home town Riverdogs. And did we mention that also happens to be $1 Beer Night? After all the drinking and imbibing, exercise is a must. Just take a walk over the Ravenel Bridge, but don't forget your camera. At her apex is a panoramic view that even the Golden Gate would envy.
Even though it took us awhile Charleston, we're so glad we met you.
Forever Yours in Spanish Moss,
The Saunders Family (Seth, Jenna, and Nolan)