On the way to South Carolina’s coastal gem, I pulled off the road at the Carolina Cider Company to take a break. Today’s driving habits, when it comes to pitstops, involve McDonald’s, Taco Bell, or a drive-through of some description. Then drivers hop back on the interstate and continue their frantic drive to wherever their going, usually scarfing whatever food they just bought as they banter away on a cell phone.
I’ve cleaned too many seat cracks to try to eat a burrito and drive with my knee at the same time. So I’m one of those people who believe in pulling over, pulling off, and having a civilized moment to rest. The Carolina Cider Company offers the perfect respite.
Sure, it was hot. But a bag of boiled peanuts (Mrs. Murphy’s first) and a soft drink made the day pleasant. We bought a few gifts for friends and then hopped back in the Brougham for the trip into Charleston.
Charleston’s charms were impossible to resist. We stayed at the Governor’s House, a charming B&B with stunning views of the city. The staff came out to see us enter the driveway and oohed and ahhed over the Brougham. I refrained from kicking her in the tailpipe. Somebody needs to come up with a drink for poor vintage car drivers–perhaps one named “The Tailpipe.” It needs to have a lot of alcohol.
Speaking of drinks, Mrs. Murphy and I made our way to dinner at 82 Queen, a charming restaurant with outdoor dining and a fabulous bar. Two big liquor drinks later, we forgot all about the Brougham and chatted about how Charleston would be a splendid place to call home.