A Travel Diary

This time last week, my sister and I were getting home from a fun girls trip to Isle of Palms and Charleston! This was my second time to Charleston, and I absolutely did not regret going back for round two. There is something about this city with its window boxes, cute houses and alleyways, and the BEST FOOD, that has me all sorts of wrapped around its Southern little finger.

Yesterday, I talked all things Isle of Palms, and today we’re talking Charleston!

EAT

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I once had a Charleston cab driver that said, “If you have a bad meal in Charleston, you’ve really done something wrong.” That is, it’s nearly impossible to find bad food here. Every last single place I’ve ever been to in Charleston is out of this world good. Here are some of my favorites:

Magnolias – I’ve been to Charleston twice, and both times Magnolias was on my list of places to eat. It’s upscale Southern, and their fried chicken is bomb. There I said it. There is no other way to describe it.

The Darling Oyster Bar – So cute. So instagrammable. The Darling is on King Street, so if you’re staying near King Street (I’m looking at you, bachelorette parties – because that’s where all of the bars are), this is a must visit. The oysters were fantastic, and the only ones that have come close to our favorite oyster bar in Boston.

Poogan’s Porch – I love Poogan’s porch for lunch. It’s in a cute little house turned restaurant. A glass of sweet tea, some fried pimento cheese, and complimentary biscuits. Sign me up.

DRINK

The Rooftop at the Vendue – Who doesn’t love a cocktail with a view? The Rooftop at the Vendue has both a beautiful view of the city and a beautiful view of the harbor.

Husk – The cutest little patio with delightful cocktails.

Bitty & Beau’s – I adore this little coffee shop with a mission. It was founded by a couple in honor of their two children with Down’s Syndrome, and all of their employees have intellectual or developmental disabilities. It’s adorable. It’s got the best mission. And it serves a darn good cup of coffee.

PLAY

Every little alleyway in Charleston is picturesque. Just walking the city is so much fun – popping down a side street, winding down a cobblestone road, catching up on some shopping on King’s Street. You truly can’t go wrong!

Rainbow Row – Rainbow Row is a set of cute little row houses painted in rainbow colors. It’s the perfect place for pictures, especially as a horse drawn carriage rolls by in front.

Waterfront Park – A beautiful walk through the majestic trees on the water. It features the famous Pineapple Fountain, and is a great place to stop for a rest under the shade of one of their giant trees.

Calhoun Mansion and the Historic District – Kendra and I spent hours just walking around the area of the Calhoun Mansion, ogling beautiful little courtyards and the cutest houses. It’s definitely a must!

Rent a bike – There are bicycle rental stands all over the city. Hop on a bike and head all over the city for a fun and different way to explore!

Magnolia Plantation – Every single person who has visited Charleston will tell you to visit a plantation. There’s just nothing like it. The history that comes alive at the plantations is worth it alone. Not to mention that Magnolia Plantation has some of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen!

Shopping on King’s Street – King’s Street is the perfect place to shop in Charleston. Cute little boutiques are sprinkled in between some big name stores. It’s an easy way to spend a hot afternoon popping into and out of air conditioning. 🙂

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STAY

The Vendue – We stayed at the Vendue this trip. The hotels in Charleston are as cute as their alleyways and window boxes. The room was lovely, clean…but lacking windows. Which was a little weird. But maybe if you get a bigger room, that comes with a window :). The location was great – right by a ton of restaurants and Waterfront Park. We spend very little time in the hotel room, so frankly, as long as a place is clean and comfortable, it works for me!