As a native Charlestonian, springtime has to be my favorite time of year in the Lowcountry. I describe it like you are stepping into a painting where every hue seems brighter, every scent sweeter, and every breeze softer. A sense of joy seems to fill the air as the city comes out of the cold winter and is kissed by the emerging sun rays. The marshes shimmer in the early morning sun, and the live oaks, draped with Spanish moss, seem to whisper stories of the past while casting cool, dappled shadows on the sidewalks amidst the heat of the afternoon sun. The gardens explode with color—azaleas in pinks, purples, and whites stand proudly next to bright yellow daffodils, while magnolias open their creamy petals, scenting the warm air with their intoxicating fragrance.
As the days stretch longer and the golden hour rolls in, the Lowcountry comes alive with the sound of laughter and the soft clinking of glasses on outdoor patios. The birds chirp away in the trees and the skies above. The salty tang of the ocean lingers on the wind as boats glide through the harbor, their sails billowing in the gentle spring breeze. The streets are alive with the sound of musicians strumming their guitars and the murmur of tourists exploring the historic district. Charleston, in the spring, feels like a love letter to the senses—where every corner invites you to stop, breathe deeply, and take it all in.
I would encourage everyone of us to take one day this spring to put our phones and any other distractions away in order to spend some time out in God’s beautiful creation. Take a walk, go kayaking, eat local, visit a plantation (or a monastery – Mepkin Abbey is my personal favorite). Whatever you choose to do, I guarantee you’ll walk away feeling more refreshed and fulfilled than you did before. Don’t let springtime in the Lowcountry pass you by!