If you've never seen the "Old South," go straight to Charleston

Red Meat For Mushy Moderates

Nice juxtaposition: an old and very historic site, Fort Sumter, in the foreground with the sleek Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge looming in the background. Its triangular arches are stunning when illuminated at night.

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I’ve been out of commission for the last week or so as we visited new territory —Charleston, South Carolina. We had a great visit, stayed a block away from the main drag (King Street) and met up with my son and his girlfriend. Later during the long weekend, we were treated to dinner with one of my best friends from high school who happens to live in Charleston.

I’m going to gather some thoughts about yesterday’s SCOTUS decision on affirmative action and will post them on Sunday. Meanwhile, here are some photos of our visit, courtesy yours truly, except as noted:

Sullivan Island, where the famous fort stands, was originally a sand bar. Seventy thousand tons of granite were transported from New England to build up the artificial island. Remnants of the original sand bar can be seen from the fort.

The same view as above, from farther away.

The 8-inch 2,000 pound Parrot rifled cannon. Maximum range 8,000 yards.

A tour guide, right, explains the history of the fort, which was most famous for being where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. However, the fort was actually built in the years following the War of 1812 to protect the port of Charleston, previously known as Charles Town.

We posed with our son Roger and his girlfriend outside Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, where we were treated to a magnificent dinner with my old friend from high school.

Tourists listen, with the battery and museum in the background.

A Civil War-era submarine, the H.L. Hunley, sits outside the Charleston Museum. I had no idea such vessels even existed during that era. As the sign notes, it was the first sub in history to sink an enemy ship.

Our favorite breakfast spot on King Street. The shrimp and grits are to die for.

The plaque explaining the history of the most popular park in downtown Charleston.

The newly opened International African American Museum held its opening gala on Marion Park.

As musicians warm up on-stage, crews prepare the venue for the performance.

The Poyas-Cohen Mordecai House. Note the entrance at right. It does not lead into the house itself but to a porch that runs the length of the building. Our guide told us most of the row houses of that era were simply full-width rooms divided by walls without connecting doors. So the porches were the only means of accessing most of the rooms. -Wikipedia