Monday, May 18, 2026 - DASH around, French Quarter, City Market, Shem Creek

We start the day with breakfast at the Airbnb then a 20 minute walk down to the visitor center. We checked out some tour options but ultimately decided to take the free city DASH bus to the southern side of the city.  If you want to feel the true heart of a city, ride public transportation. We got an earful of a lady's story of her father's passing and estate distribution, or lack thereof, while all of her friends weighed in. We exited the bus at the Four Corners of Law - federal, state, city and church buildings all at Broad Street and Meeting Street.  We then walked to Rainbow Row, Chalmers Street (where the street is paved with ballast stones of English ships), and the Pineapple Fountain.

While near the Pineapple Fountain and looking out over the bay, we saw two dolphins cavorting about 50 feet away from the docks. Pretty neat. Later research convinced us that they were probably mating. They were very.... affectionate. How many can claim to have seen such a sight? 

Continuing our walk, we checked out the Dock Street Theater (which is actually on Church Street?)... free admission and friendly guides... and the City Market, which is three or four blocks of local vendors selling baskets, handmade goods, sweets and knick knacks (we didn't buy anything). Hot and tired of walking, we considered a carriage tour, but we felt sorry for the horses, who looked overworked and hot.  But I suppose for them, 85 and sunny is a "cool" day.

After a light lunch and beer at a touristy Irish pub - Tommy Condons, we took the DASH back towards home and relaxed for a bit. 

At happy hour, we were picked up at our door by friend Alisa. She drove us to a rooftop bar named Vendue, back in the French Quarter. You can't really see the bay from the rooftop, which was a shame, but the happy hour drink and food specials were good.  We had a nice chat, then decided to join Alisa to watch the sun go down at Shem's Creek - a large bar/restaurant area in Mount Pleasant, on the east side of the Ravenel Bridge (east of downtown Charleston).  

Lots of boardwalks, marina activity, and nearby "low country" nature to observe. A quick Uber back to the Airbnb. A beautiful night out!