Smokehouse Charleston, South Carolina

This will be the first of many post about food during my travels. I'll be posting restaurant reviews on what I'll call Menu Monday's.

As the sign reads this is Southend Brewery Smokehouse, circa 1880 and is located at 161 E. Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina, right on the corner (see street light), very near the waterfront.

Taking this photo was an after thought as we left after a late lunch. After thought....key words. Don't be mislead by the very nice webpage, the photo's showing white table cloths, the words fine dining, or best brewery, or must be experienced and not to missed, or even beautiful building.

Yes it has some unique character with old wood floors, and a glass elevator which takes you to the 3rd floor, though that doesn't make up for the bad food or bad service. I had a watery Bloody Mary and a very greasy and flavorless hamburger, and cold fries. Now not being a health fanatic, I actually enjoy a good greasy hamburger from time to time...we all know you need some grease to give the meat flavor. My burger was the worst of both worlds, no flavor and greasy. Hubby's crab sandwich wasn't bad and his beer (one brewed here at the facility) was ok. Though he felt one was enough.

I love old, I love historical...but that shouldn't be confused with dirty or in need of repairs. The stairs leading upstairs (where one must go to use the washroom) are covered with very dirty and badly in need of being replaced carpet. You can see the vats of beer from the 2nd floor and the game room is available there as well.

When we were initially seated, hubby noticed his chair was wet and so we moved to the table next to the one we'd been taken too. When the server and receptionist returned we told them of the wet chair. Though there were 2 of them (and we weren't there during a busy time), neither made an effort to dry the table and chairs off, or move the chair to an out of way spot to keep another patron from ending up with a wet bum. Bad service. The chairs at the table we moved ourselves to had crumbs on all chairs which we brushed off in order to sit down........again no effort on the part of the staff........though there was a group of 4 staff members very busy chatting with each other 2 feet away playing with their cell phones and talking about who got drunk last night.

We were never asked if we wanted anything else before out bill was tossed on the table. Definitely not "Southern Hospitality".

Another item that might make this establishment unique or interesting is the ghost story, which I learned after returning home and reading their website. So, if you're into a good ghost story I suggest you check it out; but let that be the end of your interest in this establishment. I do not recommend this restaurant and I would not return. It appears to me, it's been a very long time since those nice pictures were taken that you see on their webpage.

Stop in next Monday, Feb 13th for another review.

Palm Desert/Springs California

Mariott's Shadow Ridge Time Share entrance is beautifully landscaped as it the whole resort here at Palm Desert/Desert Springs area. Have you considered a time share? There are multiple ways to vacation in one. First of course is to purchase a time share. Marriott's original system was to purchase a week, their current system is to purchase destination points which you then use to reserve your lodging. Sometimes you can reserve accomodations using your Marriott Rewards Points, while other times you can rent the accommodations either directly from Marriott or from an individual owner.
We enjoyed this beautiful morning sky from our balcony in Shadow Ridge Villages last fall. It was cool in the early morning and later in the day. But, beautiful the bulk of the day.

A view of the mountains, with the sun coming up again from the balcony. The sun was nice and warm in the morning. Great place to sip your coffee and enjoy the view.
Palm Trees, Mountains, and a beautiful golf course surround the whole resort.
As you walk about the resort the views are everywhere. Ponds in the golf course, mountains in the background....breath taking.
The villas are spacious, nicely decorated and very well maintained. The villas offer a full 2 bedroom arrangement, or can be divided into a full 1 bedroom condo with kitchen and living room, and or a 1 bedroom quest facility with bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, and small kitchenette. The kitchenette has microwave, small fridge, table and chairs for 2. Here's a view of the master bedroom (which is what you get with the full 1 bedroom arrangement as well as the whole 2 bedroom villa.

All units vary a bit by location in terms of colors and floor plan. Here we had a fireplace in the living room. The door to the left of the fireplace goes out to the large balcony. A beautiful accommodation that can sleep up to 8 using the living room sleeper sofa, as well as the sleeper sofa on the quest side.

I've been to Palm Desert/Desert Springs in both the fall and the spring and both seasons are very nice.

Palm Springs California

It's a good idea to ask what the special drink of the day is when you head to a resort pool. This tasty Bloody Mary was served at the pool bar in Palm Desert's Marriott Shadow Ridge Resort. You can enjoy yourself, and take advantage of specials/sales without spending the big bucks!
Not perhaps a sunny hot day to lounge in the water..........look the view though folks. We did sit at the pool, we did have our swim suits on with sun screen. The sun did peak out here and there. People did enjoy the hot tubs and yes there is some snow on the mountains way off in distance. A cool day at the pool relaxing and reading and sipping a Bloody Mary, still bits the heck out of being indoors. When on vacation, don't let a bad weather day ruin your fun.

We learned after the fact that this fireplace could have been turned on for us, had we made a phone call. Note to self.....when you're on vacation and see a fireplace by the pool it is for more then appearance. Our friendly bartender told us we could have it turned on if we asked.
Palm Desert/Palm Springs may be known for golf and movie stars and sun; however.......there is more to do and see. Walk around in downtown Palm Springs and you'll fell like you've stepped back in time. Lots of fun tacky things to see. Now if this doesn't call out to you to stop and get a burger...........

Hamburger Mary's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a family place, casual with indoors and outdoor seating.
Even on a day when sleeveless is comfortable........it gets cool as the sun goes down and a fire feels good.
After a fun day exploring downtown historic Palm Springs, you can enjoy a fabulous sunset!

We've enjoyed multiple trips to this area, we've not yet seen it all and so we do plan to return. Put Palm Springs/Palm Desert on your vacation list.

Traveling Memories

I am reminded of travels here and there even when decorating my Christmas Tree. Yes, we're past Christmas and decorations have been put away. But, as I was un-decorating snapped a few photo's of some of my favorite ornaments. Some are newer then others. Some tell you about where we were when I picked them out, others maybe a bit more about me, my habits.......the things I like. A martini glass....I do love Martini's, sometimes I drink a Dirty Martini (thus the olives), other times a LemonDrop. I love making them too, so this ornament is most fitting. Purchased this past summer while vacationing in Park City, Utah. Lots of info about Park City Check it out if you're heading that direction or are looking for an idea of where to do.
Hilton Head Harbor Light House on the left and a fun Christmas Duck on a sailboat from Lake Erie (Ohio) on the right. Lots of posts for both Hilton Head and Ohio. Need information, want ideas of what to see, where to eat? Try these links to get started. There's plenty more, simply type in the words Ohio and or Hilton Head in the blog's search feature.
This is probably self explanatory here...The Fabulous Grand Canyon.
You might have to give this one some thought. P-Town, Provincetown, Mass. This trip was quite some time ago. To date, I've not added any posts from there.
Bison Bison...Colorado from a trip many years ago.
Zion National Park in Utah, what an awesome place.
A Dorey, from Connecticut. Another trip from long ago without representation yet here on the blog.

Doesn't this make you want to explore? So many places to go, so many suitcases to pack. Save yourself some time and do some virtual travel right here on Traveling Suitcase.

Packing Tip

This is a packing tip for my fellow crafters out there. Knitters and crocheters, loomers and sewers. I've often gotten questions regarding what one can carry on, what's the best way to pack crafts etc. Many people read while traveling (probably more by plane then car), many want to knit or crochet or do other crafts. What works? Knitting and crocheting small pieces work well. You don't want to infringe on seatmates space so stay away from larger items, or pack those in your suitcases.

People have asked about carrying on knitting needles. I've reviewed websites of several airlines and don't find them to be restrictive; though most people think they are. I often gotten questions while flying, as I am knitting. People seemed surprised you can do that. I've not had any trouble. I've flown domestically and internationally successfully with knitting. I do suggest you not have your very best needles...just in case they want them to be left behind and always pack a spare in your suitcase.

Carry your knitting/crocheting in a zip lock bag. If anyone questions what you have via the security check, it's easy for them to see it. Also, it keeps your yarn etc clean. You can tuck the edge of your zip lock bag in the seat pocket in front of you to have your yarn pull out easily to work. You can also nab it quickly, if you need to. Patterns? Leave your books at home, they take up space and their heavy. Type or write your pattern on index cards. I recently found these perfect sized coupon holder to file my in. It will keep you organized both at home and on the road.

Enjoy your travels and pack light, it makes things so much easier. Put your zip lock bag and coupon holder/file in a canvas bag under the seat in front of you. Light weight, easy, and you don't need to mess with those awful overheads. If you only need a card or two, you could easily put your card in the zip lock bag and leave your small file at home.

Get organized, both at home and in your travels.