Festival of Lights in Charleston

We spent an evening before Christmas at the 26th annual Festival of Lights at James Island County Park.

I don't remember this gorgeous blue tree from years past.....I think it was a new addition this year. I loved the blue color!

to see a minute of the dancing trees click here:

Dancing Trees video


The sweet little merry go round has lots of friendly animals ready to take the kids for a ride. 

There is also a train ride, food court, kettle corn, sand sculptures, gift shop, and fire pits where you can roast your marshmallows.

The giant greeting cards made by local school children are one of my favorite displays each year and I love to slowly walk along and view each one. 

We enjoy making our way through the three miles of twinkling bright light displays, many dancing/moving/interacting. Most people drive through but you may walk through too. I always pop popcorn and pack cookies and drinks as well.

Its a bright and festive way to spend a December evening every year, and also where we take little granddaughter to visit with Santa each year. One year it was cold but this year we didn't even wear coats.

Ansonborough

One of our favorite walking routes takes us through downtown's Ansonborough neighborhood

Always interesting things to see there, like this serene bubbling fountain

I love these old fashioned mail slots! Do any of you have a mailbox like this?

A pretty little courtyard:

an awesome fixer upper that looks empty:

Zero George, a quaint little boutique hotel. I think they took four or five historic homes and renovated them into a hotel situated around a pretty courtyard. We have not been a guest here but we hear the service, rooms, and restaurant are top notch!

the Garden Courtyard:

Looks like a lovely spot for a winter supper!

New Years in the French Quarter

We didn't stay at any one place......we stopped by several places. We like to wander about here and there...and I like to sit at the open air street tables and "people watch".

It was a warm and balmy night, windswept and light showers off and on. I didn't even dress up this year, and was glad we remembered our umbrella!

Time to go home!

It was another super nice New Year's celebration in Charleston. I am so thankful we live in such a wonderful city! Also looking forward to another new year of blogging with y'all!...sure enjoy the friendships I've made! Looking forward to seeing where the "Front Porch" adventures take us this year. Thanks to all my readers for another year! Thanks for reading....and for your sweet comments! Here comes 2016!!

Stories in the Windows

While walking we came upon this window and as I glanced up I was delighted to see this sweet little display of trinkets.

Tiny vases, salt and pepper shakers, little ceramic figurines.......each a memento, souvenir, or small present.......moments in someone's life.

Precious little shiny glass objects........special enough to someone for them to want to put them in this windowsill on this busy street, to share them with everybody who passes by.

Tiny, sweet, simple little things...........I'm so glad they shared them. It brought a smile to my face.

Sunshine in the Winter

Love these beautiful sunshiny yellow blossoms!

How is everybody's new year so far?