In Pat Conroy’s South of Broad, he refers to Charleston as the Mansion on the River. I’ve been listening to this book on audible.com as I drive the southern highways and byways. Not only is listening to books in the car a great way to pass the miles, but in this case it has been a roadmap to a city that I hadn’t visited.

I spent just one night in Charleston meeting up with one of my southern cousins. What a delightful evening; no Conroy melodrama, just lots of walking, exploring the city and a fabulous dinner at S.N.O.B.(Slightly North of Broad). The cobblestone streets, the gorgeous porched homes with their private gardens, and the expansive rivers are a meanderer’s paradise.

And I found spring in Charleston. Although there was a high wind warning, there was also sunshine, azaleas blooming and temperatures in the high 50s.