Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart and a Good Itinerary

I have to admit, Anderson SC was not on my list of top cities to see in the US, but yet again, it was another project down for the books. A couple of my favorite things about working in SC was the distance to my home. 2 hours tops. Not only could I drive to work, I could also spend more time at home.The second best thing was all the good southern food – I loovvee anything smothered!

Most of my time in Anderson I spent working, eating, and going home on the weekends which is not exciting I know. However, I did decide to stay one weekend and venture out of the city with my co worker and see what I could get myself into.

First stop: Biltmore mansion – America’s largest home built by George Vanderbilt.
When you arrive at the Biltmore you can pick different tours you want to do. We opted for the audio tour and the roof tour but there are different ones. Tours are optional but I would recommend them. For something built in the 1800s and sitting on 8000 acres of land, it’s nice to learn those backstories and history.
The house is beautiful and I do think these pictures do some justice for once. Can you guess the # of rooms that are in the mansion ?.. 250. We walked all over this house, the basement , the backyard, the roof. I didn’t use the elevator once. It was the best exercise I’ve had in months.
I know my co worker wanted to go to the vineyard but that was one place we didn’t get to go. Both of us tired and worn out, we just wanted to make it to the spa before they closed.

Omni Grove spa. A top notch hotel & spa. We booked a spa treatment and after our massages, in a separate area there is incredible indoor/underground spa pools. I counted 6 of them. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside but I have 3 words of advice. Don’t get caught. That’s horrible advice actually.
My favorite pool was the contrast pool. A cold pool next to a hot tub. You jump in and out of both if you can handle it lol. I was told it’s what many athletes do and is helpful for injuries.
Afterwards, we had dinner at Ichiban Japanese Steak House and enjoyed our one and only night at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. I was content to end my night in a lavender scented bath listening to soulful R&B.

In the morning I had a beverage at the bar and then we went to have breakfast at Tupelo Honey.

Next stop was Fred W Symmes Chapel. I found out about this place searching images on google.
It’s not a difficult drive but it’s not a drive down the block. You are driving up a mountain and I’m talking 5 miles of winding unpaved road. We definitely lost service the closer we got and I got “Wrong Turn” vibes, but there’s a camping center for kids nearby and you drive right into the parking lot. In a few steps you’re at the front.

The chapel is also called Pretty Place by locals.
From the exterior it looks soo small but once inside you see how the wall-less exposed view overlooking the mountains really opens up the place.
Tip: Make sure the chapel is opened before visiting. It could be booked for other events.
After leaving the chapel we drove 4 hrs to Charleston.
We had dinner at Paw Paws – I had the Double fried chicken!
Enjoyed hookah and drinks at Tabbuli before calling it a night – I thought I would be the party girl but it was my coworker who had one too many drinks lol.
The next morning we drove to riverfront and checked out rainbow row, had some good soul food at Jestine’s Kitchen. Took a stroll on the beach at isle of psalm