Great American Road Trip: Discovering the Carolinas from Charlotte to Charleston

Road tripping presents its challenges! Navigating massive detours around Hurricane Irene and driving through severe thunderstorm warnings made for an intense few days, yet we've savored incredible experiences along the way. Yesterday in Charlotte, North Carolina, we explored the vibrant downtown, the charming NoDa neighborhood, and the tree-lined boulevards of Dilworth lined with stunning mansions. The impressive outdoor sculptures downtown were a highlight.

We met Andi from My Beautiful Adventures for a late lunch and enjoyed a fantastic time connecting. This road trip, much like our life on the road, is as much about the people we meet as the destinations we visit. After a year of online exchanges via Twitter, Facebook, and our blogs, our in-person girly chat was delightful—we only wished we had more time (and wine!). Soon, it was back on the road to Charleston, South Carolina.

A three-hour drive stretched into nearly six hours due to a severe thunderstorm. At one point, the deluge evoked memories of Niagara Falls. Rather than pulling over, we exited and sheltered in a McDonald's in Columbia, South Carolina's capital. After an hour, we pressed on through the storm, completing the final 60 miles to Charleston with ease.

Charleston is a gem! Its historic downtown exudes timeless charm, unlike anywhere else we've visited in the U.S. The hot, humid climate, clapboard houses, and palm trees occasionally recalled Belize, while the cobblestone streets and colorful mansions mirrored Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama.

Nowhere in the U.S. compares, though readers often liken it to Savannah, our next stop tomorrow.

A special thanks to Explore Charleston for providing exceptional sightseeing passes that helped us make the most of our time here.