Charleston, SC is one of the most beautiful and relaxing cities I’ve been to. I highly recommend going if you get the chance. I am already trying to make time for another trip. I was a little disappointed to not see everyone walking around in Kentucky Derby style outfits. For some reason, that’s what I picture when I think of Charleston… haha.
For starters, we decided to do something a little different and stay on a Yacht we found on AirBnB. Overall it was a pretty unique and cool experience. Only complaints were shower was a little small and didn’t have a lot of pressure, otherwise added a great touch to the Charleston trip.
There is lots of seafood in Charleston.A lot of people recommended Darling Oyster bar. However, since I’m cheap, I looked around and prices and decided to try Oyster House on Market. They had a happy hour special from 4pm to 7pm. The ceviche was very delicious, definitely recommended it.
There were so many recommendations to go watch the sunset from the rooftop bar on the Vendue. I feel like this was overrated. I just thought it was average. The building is even with the others around you so you don’t get to see much. Maybe I was just disappointed since I grew up close enough to Chicago to see some really nice views from skyscrapers. The nachos weren’t that great either.
Prohibition on the other hand was pretty cool. They have live music 6 days a week, no cover, and they have swing dance lessons. We didn’t get to Charleston in time to do the swing dance lessons, but maybe next time! The live music ended around 10:30pm. They cleared more room for the dance floor and started playing today’s hits, which was also a lot of fun.
We rented some Kayaks from Nature Adventures it was about $50 for 4 hours in a tandem Kayak. There was another rental place not too far away, but this was the cheapest I found. If you get one of the Charleston brochures, we did see a coupon for a few dollars off as well.
We also ate at Bay Street Biergarten. They had and outdoor and indoor bar and table tappers! Shrimp and Grits is Charleston’s specialty meal. It’s hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t serve it, so I obviously had to give it a try. ???? Stuffed pretzels were delicious too.
Boone Hall Plantation was one of my favorite places we went. $24 per person and it included all the tours and shows. I didn’t do my research ahead of time, but was excited to find out it was Ali’s parents house in the notebook! What girl doesn’t love the notebook. The corner of Market and King downtown was where they laid in the street by the theater. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds wedding was also here.
These were photos of the slaves homes. Apparently in the notebook they are visible on the side of the driveway when Noah was rushing to try catch Ali before she moves.
The famous Avenue of Oaks was also at the Boone Hall plantation.
St. John the Baptist cathedral does free tours after the church services.
We took one of the horse and carriage tours, but it was a little disappointing. You don’t get to pick your tour, all the companies are under a lottery system ran by the city. We got zone 3 and there was nothing of significance to us on the tour. We basically went through neighborhoods and were informed why houses were built with their architectural features. 🙁 If you do your tour through Palmetto tours they give you a refund if you pay for another tour and get the same zone.
The boat bay tour was cheaper and we thought it was much better. You got to drive along the coast, out to fort Sumter, and under the Arthur Ranenel Jr. Bridge. If you bring your kids along they let your kids steer the boat! You can also walk or run along the bridge. I believe they said it was 2.4 miles long.
We found a groupon for Magnolia for $35 for two entries to the plantation and the swamp garden. If you were to pay full price they don’t include all the tours like Boone, everything is a separate fee so it can get pricy. I would like do a house tour next time I go. We were running behind on schedule and got there a little bit before 4:30, which is what time it says it closes. The grounds are still open until about 7 to walk around, you just wouldn’t be able to get the house tour or trolley. Plantation suggestions- bring coolers to avoid paying $2.50 for drinks in the gift shops.
The Swamp Garden was my favorite part of Magnolia. We saw some alligators! There were also a lot of spiders. ?
A weekend in Charleston just isn’t enough. Here is a list of things I want to do next time I go:
Picnic in Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain)
Rainbow Row (Colorful houses)
East Battery Street – Mansions, Museums, Horse Drawn Carriages along water
Angel Oak Tree
Pitt Street Bridge to watch Sunset
Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge Run
Pages Okra Grill (Chicken and Waffles, Fried Okra)
Feel free to comment any other suggestions of places to eat or visit for future trips 🙂
