The Fox Adventure

Four years and ten months ago, I was a new bride moving states away from my family. I vividly remember thinking, “keep it together, you can’t cry the whole way down to South Carolina in front of your groom”. I was twenty years old, newly married, and moving over 600 miles away from home. Was I in love? – YES. Was I excited? – YES. Was I scared out of my mind? – YES! Now nearly five years later, I find myself with all those feelings again. Instead of moving from Smithville, Ohio to Charleston, South Carolina; my husband and I will be venturing across the country to move to Anchorage, Alaska.

I want to take a moment and remember a city that I love. It took two 20- year-old kids and pushed us to come the adults we are today. That city not only developed us individually but grew us together. Our time in Charleston, we have weathered storms together and celebrated many victories. We are leaving Charleston better and stronger than when we arrived. Clipstone Drive, you have a special place in our hearts.

Many people have asked us, what are you going to miss the most. I couldn’t possibly give you one answer, instead Andrew and I came up with our top 5 things we’ll miss the most:

5) Spring Time. You will find no better place in the world then Charleston in April or May. To quote Rhode Island, “Because it’s not too hot and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket” {Miss Congeniality, 2000}

4) Sullivan’s Island. There are many beautiful beaches around the Charleston area, but I always defer to Sullivan’s Island. The stillness and peace I find is like no where else.

3) Low-Country Food Culture. Charleston is a culinary destination of the deep South, with its own unique style of Southern cuisine. It is a wonder how I did not gain 20 pounds while living there. This unique style is present in the perfectly fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and freshly caught fish served daily. When looking for that Low-Country food experience, look no farther than Poogan’s Porch or head over to Hyman’s Seafood – someone is usually passing out hushpuppies on the corner of Market and Meeting. A southern style brunch is mandatory when visiting this city, head over to Toast or Hominy Grill, just two of my favorite spots. Or venture off the peninsula, look for the Early Bird Diner in West Ashley, known for their Chicken & Waffles, or Page’s Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant for truly dedicated Southern meal experience.

2) Downtown Charleston. There is nothing that I have enjoyed more than strolling the streets of Downtown Charleston. There is beauty everywhere you look – even if you have walked that street a hundred times.

1) Seacoast Church. Finding a church home was one of the defining moments that made Charleston feel like home. Seacoast Church speaks truth into our lives weekly, leads us in worshipping The King, and serves their people and the people in their community. Their mission statement, “We exist to help people find God, grow their faith, discover their purpose, and make a difference”. Folks – this church gets it.

photo credit | Stephanie Frizell