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Hyman's Seafood 

8/13/2014

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Want to go to a restaurant where you can sit at a table that other celebrities have sat at multiple times? Want to eat at a world renown restaurant where the owner is still humble enough to be present each evening, personally greeting and talking to each table? Want to try some of the South's best voted seafood? Want to feel like your part of an incredible family story that been successfully passed down for generations? Hymans Seafood Restaurant is your ticket! I hope you got the point I was trying to make from all of the listed credentials above :)

My family and I have eaten at Hyman's Seafood restaurant a number of times.  My step-dad has frequented the restaurant throughout his years of growing up more times than he can possibly count on his fingers. It is in fact a family must when visiting the low country. I'm not sure what would happen IF  we didn't go while visiting, but I just won't take my chances. God blessed Charleston, and God has certainly blessed the family oriented business of Hyman's! Some of their credentials include being ranked #1 seafood restaurant in the South for nine years running, listed on the Food Channel Network as one of the top five seafood restaurants, and even positive reviews in some of the most prestigious, well known listings such as the New York Times. 

Hyman's is located right on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston, across from the market center. Many locals will play it off as if it's not an amazing place to go, making comments that it's a tourist trap and locals don't go there. Do Not Listen! Hyman's is amazing whether your a local, foreigner, owner, or employee! Trust me, I have asked around! Go! Try everything! You can't go wrong, and most importantly enjoy the hushpups! The prices are great, the staff are impressive and the owners, down to earth! I have never been there when the 15 minute wait wasn't worth it. My husband and I visited a year ago in October, before we got engaged. We returned in April, after being engaged for six months and the host who took names outside not only recognized us from six months prior but even remembered our first names. This is an establishment that most likely filters hundreds of hungry visitors from all over the world daily. To remember a couple from six months ago, as if it was just yesterday that you saw them, is anything shy of impressive and sincere! 
Also, while you're there, don't be ashamed to buy a souvenir. I have NO problem buying souvy's when it's for a great establishment. 

Hyman's Seafood Restuarant: Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
Hours: 11 - until
Recommended dishes:
                    *  Lobster Tail *
                     *  Hushpups *
                     *  Salmon Melody *
                     * Anything & Everything *

"Always smile while you're eating, you never know who's dinner will be made more delicious because of your brightness."  ~ Mo


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Patriotic Bagels

8/9/2014

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The fourth of July is always an exciting holiday for me! There’s just something about the parades, picnics, national colors flying everywhere, and of course the fireworks! A day in the middle of a stretch of no holidays where everyone just let’s go and enjoys the beautiful country in which we live!

 Being the born and bred American that I am I have always wanted to experience this national holiday in our nation’s capital. So, this year we decided it was going to happen! On a spur of the minute decision my hubby and I loaded up the Tacoma and hit the open highway heading North!

We stayed outside of downtown D.C. in Arlington. I MUST recommend doing that! While I really should save this for another post, I can’t help but brag on Arlington a tad. Stay in Arlington! It’s wonderful! Much more peaceful and relaxed than the chaos of being in the heart of all the monuments and landmarks. We stayed at the Hilton right at Courthouse. It was conveniently across the street from a Metro and a block from neat restaurants and shops. Definitely one of many good decisions we made while on our fantastic trip to our Capital. It also didn't help that I was there to see my best friend for the first time in over a year and her family lives in Arlington! Double win for Arlington! 

This blog is not about Arlington though. It is far more important! This blog is about breakfast, the lack of a breakfast place, and the journey in which we found great food! (Please remember the importance of eating a good, nutritious breakfast to start a successful day while reading this review). To be more specific, we found good bagels! This particular bagel place may have a New York name but obviously has the heart of many Washington locals and Washington tourist. 

The first morning we were there we decided that we wanted to save our money and not spend $15 eating at our hotel for breakfast. So, thinking that it would be NO issue, we took off walking towards the little shops and restaurants just one block up from our hotel that we had seen the previous night as we were pulling in. To our surprise breakfast shops were limited. Very limited! In the midst of panic and hunger desperation we chose to follow the crowd on this one. So, that’s what we did! And, the crowd led us to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery right off of Courthouse.

This hole-in-the-wall joint was packed with everyone! Tourist, locals, business folk, and anyone else you could possibly think of! We decided it was an automatic win. So, we stood in line and by observing the demeanor of other customers realized that we better be ready to order once the tall man behind the counter came yelling at us. They are a busy place, with special talents of Bagel making and they do NOT have time to play we quickly learned. This is a concept that as an elementary school teacher, I can appreciate and respect!

Sure enough, in a very timely manner, through the midst of all the chaos and chatter, the man behind the counter yelled “what can I get you?” We yelled back our orders in our most confident tone and followed the crowd through the assembly line. When we reached the end we paid for our bagels (both were extremely reasonably priced), coffee and magically our food appeared ready to eat!

The one down side to this gem of a place, while still not a deal breaker was that seating is limited. Most, from our observations, chose to sit outside on their few provided tables but they were all packed so we just took our bagels and found a seat in a local tiny park located across the street. It turned out to be perfect! 

 Brooklyn’s Bagels are kettle boiled and cooked just to the right amount! Not chewy (I can’t stand chewy bagels) and perfectly topped (I can’t stand when there’s too much butter or cream cheese)! Perfection! All THREE times we ate there. :)  

After eating our bagels that first morning we put on our patriotic attire and rode the metro a couple stops into the heart of D.C.! But, if the truth be told, we couldn't have managed our eventful fourth of July day without the jump starting help of Brooklyn’s Bagels! Truth be told, we visited every single day after that until our trip ended! It was just that delicious! And affordable!   

When you're in Arlington, grab a Bagel from Brooklyn! 

“Nothing says US of A like a good bagel on the fourth of July”  ~ Mo 


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Boston Water Taxi

8/8/2014

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It probably comes as no surprise that we could easily win an award for being tourists of the year. Especially with this blog post. But, at the risk of sounding touristy, I'll chance it. While in Boston for a quick layover on our honeymoon, Jo and I had a great experience that we wanted to share for others that find themselves in similar situations. If you ever find yourself stuck at Boston Logan, and you just can't stand the thought of waisting hours sitting around in those uncomfortable airport seats, there's good news for you. There are other options!  

It's pretty rare that you find yourself at airport that accommodates, or in a situation where you have the time to get off the plane, catch a shuttle, then a taxi and make it into downtown and back in time to catch a connecting flight. Most airports are built so far away from downtown, provide little to no transportation, and are so chaotic that just the stress of leaving and checking back in would not be worth it. Well, Boston has figured out how to make it simple! They created the BOSTON WATER TAXI!

Jo and I only traveled with a carry on just for the sake of not having to check bags (this is our norm for traveling). So, we hopped right off the plane and hit the streets. Almost literally. We did have to wait the usual exit time period and navigate our way through the airport terminals. But, once we did that we simply walked right out the front doors of the airport where we caught a shuttle that took us to a dock. Now, I know what most think. This IS Boston. Docks, airports, yeah, yeah! We have ALL seen The Departed. It was NOT that scenario at all! We were dropped off at the water taxi loading dock by the five minute shuttle that picked us up directly from the airport. Fortunately, we were the ONLY ones willing to risk the rainy, chilled morning air by taking a boat ride. This made for no wait and even a couple of different boats to choose from.

The taxi round-trip cost us a total of $15. The view and nice morning boat ride were worth every dime. Our driver was super too! She told us about tons of hidden treasures within the city and some of the history. We had a guide and a GPS all in one. It’s always neat to get a local’s scoop on the city that you’re visiting too. Definitely puts things into a different perspective.

We began our trip to the heart of Boston on the docks and then at noon our same boat picked us up on the Boston side docks and brought us right back to the airport where the shuttle was sitting, as if it had been waiting the whole time! It was uniquely simple and time well spent. 

If you’re ever in this awesome city, even if it’s just stopping through on a plane, I definitely recommend taking the water taxi! It’s neat, you get to connect with locals, and I mean seriously, who doesn't love a good boat ride? Especially when it’s through the Boston harbor!




“Dare to adventure into unknown seas. Treasures lie on the other side.”   

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Mike's

8/8/2014

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I consider myself to be a Southerner to the T. I mean, sweet tea lover, “ya’ll” frequent user and guilt driven by many other stereotypical “southern” charm habits. I love everything about the South! However, recently my husband and I have found ourselves venturing North a bit more frequent than normal. Within the past two months we have been to Washington D.C. (Yes! DC IS considered north…no ands, if’s or buts), Boston, Nantucket, AND Martha’s Vineyard! We are on a roll! This particular blog is in reference to a hidden treasure we found while hanging out in the North's beloved Boston for a couple of hours.

While strolling through the North End section of Boston we decided, or better yet our stomachs decided, it was brunch time. In case you are unfamiliar with brunch it is a combination of breakfast and lunch. An American gem that allows us hungry folk to squeeze in just one more meal of the day because everyone knows that five just isn't enough!  You see, we were on our first official day of our honeymoon. We had a 7 a.m. flight from North Carolina, and we were FINALLY Mr. and Mrs Best! Food had NOT been in the cards, until our grumbling stomachs broke their peace!

While strolling, Sunday mass was letting out at a beautiful church hidden between cobble streets and old brick buildings. We heard a NUMBER of people chatting that they were going to Mike’s Place to eat because it was the BEST! Well, seeing our state of hunger, and the fact our last name was now Best we decided that we better get to know this Mike person as well!  

We actually stumbled upon Mike’s place really! If it hadn't been for the crowd and our need for energy we would have NEVER located this place. I am assuming (which I tend to do quite often) that Mike’s most popular business hours are right after Sunday services between 10:00 a.m. and noon. This is, at least, what the crowd suggested. Mike’s Pastry, located in the North End on Hanover Street was surrounding inside and out with what looked like pleasantly hungry, and satisfied local customers! Josh and I decided based on what had been heard and the look on all the fokl it was a must! We, too, had to experience Mike’s. 

The restaurant has limited seating, but a large variety of pastries, cupcakes, sweets, and beverages to choose from. Anything and everything to fulfill that sweet tooth! Grab something and stand on the street chatting with the locals. That seems to be what the cool kids are up to! I chose to order a Chocolate Croissant with a Cappuccino. By far the best decision I made while in Boston! Talk about perfection to the lips, and tummy. It was delicious!  

We felt like foreigners entering, but locals leaving. After fighting (and I mean you’ve got to put some back into it) to the counter at the front to place our order, we got our food within seconds. It was fresh and delicious from the first bite to the last. It’s always wonderful to find a local place, especially when it’s by chance. We truly felt like we had discovered and explored a gem of the North End on that overcast day in May.

“Sweet delicious treats are merely sunshine to a rainy day”  ~ Mo 

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Marriage: The Big Adventure

8/6/2014

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I must start my adventures with the biggest, most recent adventure that I have embarked on. Getting Married!

Five years ago, I met a kind-hearted, tall, handsome dark haired boy. I first met him after one of his basketball workouts. He was drained and sweating tremendously. I was already attracted. We were freshmen in college, both basketball players. He had just had practice. I, fortunately, had not gone to mine yet so I was in a more presentable manner than he was, considerably. For some unknown, God-powered reason, we became friends instantly after just one encounter. Between study sessions, dining together and random ventures around our college town, we somehow managed to strike up a quick, inseparable bond . Some would have considered it a “best” friendship (This is appropriate since my new last name is, in fact, Best). They would be correct. I would go home, telling family and friends all about my best friend Josh that went to the same college as I did, he would do the same. 

It took us one week to become friends, one year to start a romantic relationship, and four years later we were engaged. It has, indeed, been an adventure, but a remarkable one! I once saw a picture that had a quote from a woman named Connie Sue. The picture and caption were titled “Heavenly place,” and it read “Sometimes I just look up, smile and say, I know that was you God! Thank you!” This does a much better job of expressing how things fell into place for Josh and I than I ever could. It has been a roller coaster at times, sometimes it has even been paused, but looking back it’s easy to see that there was an ultimate plan for the two of us to end up together. Something we both giggle about now. A destiny that we had no control over, but one that turned out better than we could have ever imagined. 

After spending four months in Italy during the start of our Sophomore year in College, talking to Josh on a daily basis (as JUST friends), he finally asked us to be more. He asked me out on our first "official" date with only about 10 minutes to spare before needing to leave for the event. He took me to a concert! He was able to get his hands on some very last minute tickets (hence the 10 minute heads up) and although we had spent the past year and half eating dinner together most nights, hanging out on a daily basis and even taking road trips once or twice, we considered that night, rushing to the concert together, our FIRST official date. 

Two and half years later - with more than 10 minutes to spare:
Josh asked me to marry him on a cold, windy evening in November. With the help of family, A.C. Moore craft shop and a made up story about turtles hatching, he was able to pull off a surprise engagement that had been in the works for months. It was a perfect moment, in one of my favorite places, with a few of my favorite people. Everything I had envisioned and could possibly dream, plus more. 

Six Months Later - after a lot of planning:
On May 24, 2014, the day of our fourth year "dating" anniversary, Josh and I said “I do” in front of a crowd of our closest friends and family. We were surrounded by beautiful, natural landscapes, a river that sparkled in the background from the sun, spanish moss that hung rhythmically from huge oak trees, and people who loved us enough to give their blessings for a life we would build together with love. We had a quaint, nautically rustic themed wedding at a family home in Beaufort, NC. It was a beautiful day and as we rode off on a boat into the slowly setting sun I felt, once again that I was living a dream come true. 
The Wedding Story: 
A short time after noon, I slipped on my Lacey, white wedding dress. It had a train that was longer than I was and enough lace to cover the queen of Englands dining table. ~(A long train had always been in my vision of what the perfect dress would look like and although the event was outdoors, I had also dreamed of having a long train to accent the perfect dress)~ My mom, sister, Mammaw, Grandma and closest friends surrounded me in the room which I got ready with laughter, stories and excitement for the events that awaited. Once the guest had ventured into the ceremony I was left in a room with my immediate family, our talented photographer (Justin and Courtney Cook Photography from Durham, NC) and nerves that were enveloped with an excitement and love that I had been waiting for my entire life. My mom pushed the veil that was made from lace from my grandma’s wedding dress into my loosely curled up-do and off we went to tie the knot (literally), and say our I-do’s in front of our personal world with beautiful, God-created scenery surrounding us. 

When I reached the ceremony my only site was on the finish line (my husband and preacher standing patiently at the alter). The decorations, and those surrounding us were a complete blur (thank goodness for pictures I could look back at). I would have sprinted up the aisle if my heavy dress,  and proper etiquette had allowed. It wasn't more than 10 minutes later that in front of God and our friends and family we professed our love for each other by vowing to cook pancakes once a week and hang a strand of colored Christmas lights throughout the holidays (both promises that would determine our destiny as husband and wife, of course). Then we tied a fisherman’s knot which represented the bond and strength that our marriage would sustain. (A fisherman’s knot is the strongest knot. The ropes will break before the knot comes untied and the knot only get’s tighter with pressure).~This symbol was perfect for our nautical wedding but it also symbolized something more. We often see people who go into marriage thinking that if they love each other enough it will be a simple ride. Imagine the shock when worldly issues prevail (and they always do)! 

Marriage is the most wonderful gift from the heavens, but it is tough. You must work at it daily, and when the roads get rocky you must pray and work harder. Just like the fishermans knot that only gets tighter with pressure, so much our marriage.
We must keep faith at the center of it and work at committing our self to our partner and our God every single day. 

Anyways, after the vows were made, rings were exchanged, and pictures were taken, we joined our guests’ seaside under a beautifully decorated white tent. There, we chatted, reminisced, danced, and ate the most delicious food and cake ever created. We were surrounded by our favorite music, people, and scenery.

When it slowly came to end, I changed into a short white dress complete with a bow on the back. I climbed aboard a boat that we had ridden together many times before and I am sure many to come, and together, as a newly husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs., we cruised off into the distance where the climbing evening sky met the tides of the sea. Together we waved to our friends and family, concluding one adventure but embarking on a lifelong one.

Mr. and Mrs. Best ~ May 24, 2014~ 
Photo Credits: Justin and Courtney Cook Photography (Durham, NC) - The most fabulously, talented folks of all time! 


“And he has made everything beautiful in his time.”  ~ The Bible

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Sweetwater Cafe - James Island

8/6/2014

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Oh boy! Where do I even begin when talking about the beloved city of Charleston? This town has a large portion of my heart and soul! I just love it! From the very first trip with the family to Seabrook Island, to the many adventures ever since, Charleston is always wonderfully vibrant and filled with new adventures. The particular hidden treasure in which I write this blog post is a local breakfast, lunch, and dinner dive.

Sweetwater Café is located off Folly Road on James Island. It’s one of those places that could easily be driven past multiple times, never spotted. That would be your loss! My husband and I stopped in here one morning on our way to Folly Beach. We had found it by chance and decided to test out the waters. Boy, were they sweet!   

There was a short wait. Always a good sign. The more of a wait, obviously the better the place! We sat outside on their provided waiting benches before being seated in our cozy spot at the back of their sunroom area. The restaurant itself is tiny but extremely quaint and unique. You know how you just get that feeling when a place is going to be good? Well, we had it right away!

We ate breakfast, but word has it you could order breakfast for lunch. Awesome! My husband ordered their pork chop biscuit with gravy and egg. I ordered an omelet. Simple, safe choices? Well, they went above and beyond! The staff were wonderful. We almost felt like family once we left. The coffee was decent (coming from a coffee snob). The food? Phenomenal! We have told just about a gazillion people to visit Sweetwater since we visited the place our self! Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Go get some!

Go! Eat! Be full and happy!

Located: Folly Road, James Island, Charleston, SC

Hours: 8:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.

Stars: 5+ (and a smile for good measure)

“Eat good, leave good!” ~ Mo B. 

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    About Us
    We are the Bests! Jo and Mo. Founders of BestCapturedTravel.
    ​We have been immensely blessed with many opportunities to see various parts of the world. We live an average, working life in Cambridge, MA but through our many opportunities have developed a passion to see the world. Our goal is to share with other desiring travelers different tips and experiences from around the world as we begin to check them off our bucket list.  If anything, we hope to provide a little sense of motivation and adventure to those wishing to embark on their own journey! 
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