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The Wonder Luster

For Those Of Us Whose Dreams Won't Die Between 17 and 65.

Life is wondrous! Feed your lust for life with the tools & inspiration to help make it a great one.

Living History In Charleston, South Carolina & The Kings Courtyard Inn

Travel | July 30, 2015

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclosure Policy.

I loved experiencing the living history in Charleston, SC, especially having the opportunity to stay in the charming and cozy The Kings Courtyard Inn.

Nestled on historic King Street in Charleston, you’ll find a little nook leading to the Kings Courtyard Inn. Adjacent to historic buildings and centuries old graveyards, a city that lives and breathes it’s character from the old stories of it’s past inhabitants, you’ll find an equally historic location in which to rest your head for a few days.  If you’re looking for history, but also a cozy and romantic spot, you’ll love the Kings Courtyard Inn.

Built in 1853, the Inn is designed to exude southern hospitality at it’s finest- we had the opportunity to experience many of the perks associated with the Inn which help it’s guests relax and connect in a cozy bed and breakfast that’s at the heart of Charleston off historic King Street.

 

Bed and Breakfast the Kings Courtyard Inn Charleston

Maybe I haven’t lived, but in the hundreds of hotels I’ve stayed at, this was the first location that still used real keys- and when you use a key to unlock the door to your room, you’ll experience the chance to step back in time.

Cozy rooms at the Kings Courtyard Inn Charleston Comfort at the Kings Courtyard Inn Charleston

The rooms are cozy and gorgeous.  Though it was a warm summer, I can imagine the fireplace inside the room would be perfect for a winter romantic getaway or a chance to relax with girlfriends.  After checking in, we got to step downstairs for a complimentary wine and cheese hour, which brought guests together near the courtyard for some bites and flowing conversations with other travelers.  We met some nice families and enjoyed the free wine!  In the evenings, they also offer complimentary sherry to all guests.  Yes, complimentary sherry in addition to the free wine.  Yes, you could honestly put your feet up and stay awhile in southern comfort.

Complimentary wine hour at the Kings Courtyard Inn

After a nice evening of relaxing with complimentary wine and sherry, all guests get to enjoy complimentary breakfast delivered to their room- or they can enjoy their meal in the common areas in the courtyards.  Unlike most complimentary continental breakfasts, the Kings Courtyard Inn has waitstaff for the morning, so it’s really a nice way to sit down and start your day. Complimentary Room Service At the Kings Courtyard InnKings Courtyard Inn Charleston SC

Due to a great location, you can easily set out and explore Charleston without having to go too far.  On King Street you’ll find plenty of fun shops including high end boutiques from local shop owners, to brands you know and love like Vineyard Vines, Sperry, Kate Spade and if you’re brave, you can pop in Louis Vuitton for a peek.

We wandered up and down King Street, only to discover a hidden gem down a long, green pathway.  Charleston is known for it’s gorgeous courtyards and little nooks that lead to luscious gardens, but we didn’t know we had stumbled upon the oldest graveyard in Charleston, nestled alongside a historic church.  When you’re in the south, it’s odd to think of graveyards to be so beautiful, but they really are.  We respectfully wandered amongst the stones, reading epitaphs dating back to the 1800’s.

Hidden Gems in Charleston South Carolina Charelston Graveyards Historic Graveyards of Charleston

After our meanderings through the historic cemetery, we wandered back to the southern charm of King Street to browse antiques and grab some gelato.  (Yes, we lived a rough life while in Charleston between picture taking and browsing the charming southern couture!).

King Street Charleston South Carolina Downtown Charleston South Carolina

I highly recommend Charleston as a destination for a romantic weekend or a getaway with girlfriends. You’ll love the charming history of the city, the great restaurants and tasty cocktails, plus there are plenty of opportunities for shopping and fun excursions amongst the gorgeous historic buildings.

The Kings Courtyard Inn of CharlestonQuaint comfort at the Kings Courtyard Inn Charleston

The Kings Courtyard Inn offers a great package if you’d like to experience a great city with some of your favorite girlfriends.  They offer a 3 day, 2 night Girlfriend Getaway package.  It includes gift certificates for spa pampering and a wine bar near by- including all the amenities of in-room breakfast service and all the perks.  If you’d like a memorable getaway, the Inn also has recommendations the best spots to check out while enjoying the city.

Life is wondrous! Feed your lust for life with the tools & inspiration to help make it a great one.

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Follow the adventure on Instagram

Some people just make the world a more vibrant pla Some people just make the world a more vibrant place, simply by being in it.  I can say that about these people- who make life more colorful, brighter and true just by being themselves. 

Grateful we could slow down to capture a little snippet in time for our family before we grow again. ❤️
IYKYK, bath time edition. 🛁. #bathtime #travelb IYKYK, bath time edition. 🛁. #bathtime #travelblogger #travel #familytravel #travellust
3 years since this photo was taken and my former k 3 years since this photo was taken and my former kidney became this guy's kidney. ❤️

I can say, I've grown to appreciate this moment a lot more as time has gone on.  It hasn't been an easy road for my recipient, he and his family have had a few health scares and ups and down, but I'm so grateful we are in each other's lives.

Chances are, you may know of someone in need of a kidney. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., over 80 million people, are at risk for kidney disease.  While not every diagnosis leads to kidney failure, there are millions of people in this scary limbo hoping for good news.

I didn't know my recipient before this process started, but when I found I could live healthfully with one, I knew I had to try.  Donation is low-risk, my costs were generously covered by my recipient (both through insurance and the kindness of others) and I was back at work in 4 weeks.  Needless to say, it was easier than birthing a baby.

Candidates for kidney donation are thoroughly vetted to ensure the surgery, and life with one kidney are a good fit.  Trust me, your team will not ask you to donate if you have any risk factor of being in need of a transplant yourself down the road.  Testing took months and was incredibly thorough.  Your remaining kidney can do the job of two, and my kidney levels are normal and healthy 3 years later.

Even if you don't personally know someone who needs a kidney, please consider living kidney donation.  You can anonymously donate, be paired through a registry or find someone on social media who is in need, like I did.  There are literally thousands of people using Instagram and Facebook to try and someone who is even willing to get the basic tests.  You could be their person.  Have questions? I’m here for you! 

Being a living kidney donor absolutely enriched my life beyond imagination and has blessed my little family with a beautiful extended family to celebrate with.  Grateful for this day.
Life’s moments are made better with our pets. ❤️

Joey had been with us for nearly 4 years, made possible by the kind folks of South Texas Boston Terrier Rescue. I picked him up, intending on fostering him for a few weeks and ended up falling in love with his sweet spirit, exuberance for anything food related and his lovable derpiness.

Previously, he was kept in a small cage with two other terriers, all day every day and used as a stud. When he was no longer profitable, he, like plenty of others, was surrendered to rescue.  He was blind in one eye, needed teeth extracted and had skin lesions from life in a cage. 

Life hadn’t been easy for him, but I’m glad a rescue was there to give him a second chance, and they trusted me to give in his second chapter.  He was a well travelled dog and he was the Best Pup on our wedding day in Marfa.  Last night we said goodbye. Hubs and I will miss him dearly, but savor the moments and adventures with our little tank. 

Adopt, don’t shop.  Support your local rescues and give your fur kids an extra squeeze for Joey tonight.
“Is this enough for you?” My husband has asked “Is this enough for you?” My husband has asked me this before. To which, I answer- life is full, wonderful, and I am grateful. 

I believe he asks because before kids, I had a very different lifestyle. I traveled to Europe by myself, started businesses, donated a kidney, ran half marathons, got my master’s degree.  I lived a full life, then too. I was fiercely independent because I had to be.

I’m still that person, but fortunately I have more people to share it with. I also have to be more vulnerable than ever.

I had years to find myself and don’t plan on losing that woman I forged. Being a mom has also helped me heal some of the hard parts of the experience I had with my own mom. (I didn’t see that last part coming.)

Being a mom can make you lose yourself.  For me, it’s helped me discover myself once more. Grateful for this day and so many days - I’m just happy to be here. 

Happy Mother’s Day everyone. I hope you discover yourself, heal what you need and feel the love today and everyday.

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