I am the Gatekeeper...

On a recent trip to Charleston I had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite streets, Legare (No — this has nothing to do with the fact that it is my middle name). 

While the draw to Legare for most tourists are the famous (to Charlestonians, anyway) Pineapple and Sword gates, it's easy to overlook some of the other gems that can be found along the way.

Pineapples — the sign of Southern hospitality — what they don't tell you in SC history is that they were displayed to tell the lady of house's paramour that her husband was back in town. I have this on the best authority.

If you can't afford pineapples, add ball finials.

Nothing says "Welcome" like swords and spears.

Ahhh... perfection. Just the right mix of color and crust.

Scale be damned... I want a big ass lantern, and I want it here! What's not to love.

...the neighbors across the street answer in kind.

...and shouldn't Widow Jones be told to keep her window shades all pulled completely down?

While not exactly on Legare, this guy is the ultimate "Gatekeeper".

 

Around the corner and oh, soooo quirky. When you can't decide on an iron detail, use them all.