First of all, thanks to the Fodorites who helped me plan this trip. We all loved it and can't wait to get back.

Day 1. Buttery Biscuits

It was an easy ride from the airport to the French Quarter Inn. Took a cab ( D.J's company with Gordy as the driver). It was great to get to the FQI in time for the wine and cheese spread and even better when we saw that the room we were assigned had an extra sitting area, huge bathroom and a large terrace!

Gordy suggested we eat dinner at Fleet Landing. Although the evening was unseasonably cool and rather "drizzly," the fun, nautical feel of the restaurant set the mood for the start of our vacation. The biscuits melted in our mouths, they were like the ones I imagined a main character in Low Country Summer (the brain candy book we read on the trip) would have made, best ones we had on the trip. Also, the seared tuna appetizer was perfectly prepared, the hushpuppies lusciously rich, if a bit over the top, with their lobster cream sauce filling, and the crabmeat main course that we shared was unexpectedly light, tender and simply seasoned. We walked back to the FQI and waited in the seating area of our room for the third person in our party. She arrived and we stayed up talking, laughing and planning.

Day 2. It's all about Bob.

There was a mix up/miscommunication with the front desk and it turned out that we were not signed up for the Middleton Plantation tour we thought we had signed up for the evening before - long story - happy ending. We ended up calling Gordy, from DJ's, and he drove us over. The whole thing ended up being about $25 more expensive per person, but we were happy to be on our own time table. If we were to go to the Plantation again, and we would, I would first go in search of Bob. He was referred to us by guides who could not answer our questions. We found him by the livestock, taking care of the grounds and in 15 minutes of speaking with him, we had a better idea about the history of the plantation than we had in our banal carriage ride and rushed home tour. He was funny and informed, generous with his time and open-minded in his perspective. When we go again, we hope to take advantage of the free tour of the gorgeous gardens , the tour with a focus on the enslaved people and we'll try to spend lots more time with Bob. Oh yes, we had the three-course prix-fixe lunch ($18) pretty good with a nice view. The she-crab soup was pure cream, shrimp and grits and fried chicken were quite good, the pecan pie was not worth the calories.

That evening we had reservations at Fish. Took a pedicab there. Yes, they manage three people ($5 each plus tip) Yum!! Try to get the outdoor seating, if weather permits. Loved the dim sum choices , the fish special of the day, the coconut rice and the cheese plate. The three of us shared three appetizers, a side dish and a main. We were quite full and pleasantly surprised at paying under $20 each!

We enjoyed the walk back after dinner and just made it in time for Bulldog's Ghosts and Dungeons tour. It was a dark, foggy night, however our tour guide, Frannie, was wonderfully matter of fact and we actually learned a lot of wonderful history about some of Charleston's most infamous characters.

More soon...