For my 30th birthday last August (and for our “babymoon”), my husband and I spent a few days in Charleston and on the nearby Isle of Palms. We chose Charleston mostly because of cheap flights, and because we’d heard the food was good, but truthfully I went into this trip already disappointed (which sounds like the brattiest thing ever). I was six months pregnant and we had just moved back from Europe, and I was kind of hating the United States at this point.
Yes, yes, I know this is the epitome of first world problems, don’t worry! But mostly I’m telling you this because I wasn’t that excited for Charleston and oh my gosh, did I love it. Even in the August heat and humidity (although I think a different type of year might be a little better, ha).
Charleston is completely charming, full of great history, close to beautiful beaches, and full of the BEST. FOOD. I was looking forward to the food and it was so much better than I expected. I would seriously consider moving there, just for the food!
I’m no foodie, but these, in my humble opinion, are some of the best places to eat in Charleston:
Poogan’s Porch for brunch.
Magnolias for lunch. Get the fried chicken!!! And the pecan pie.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. We had to try more than one, of course!
Husk. (the bar). We tried to get a reservation into the famous Husk and sadly could not–but we got an insider tip to just go next door to the bar area, which has open seating and a smaller menu. Amazing!
82 Queen (dinner). Crab cakes!
Pawpaw…for beignets!
Okay, okay, enough about the food!! We did do more than eat there, I promise–but not much.
We started out with a few days at on the Isle of Palms, not too far from Charleston (we used Uber to get around). The resort is huge and has a lot to do–but mostly we just hung out on the beach, slept, had breakfast in bed, and listened to their live music. Also I got a massage…I mean, that’s essential for your 30th, right?
After a few days of straight relaxing, we went to Charleston for the rest of our stay. We spent a few nights at the great little Elliott House Inn–really cute and great breakfast, and a good location!–and then moved to a bigger hotel closer to the airport for our last night.
In Charleston, we mostly did…just eat, ha…but we also toured the Nathaniel Russell House, walked to Waterfront Park, and visited the Instagram-famous Rainbow Row.
The majority of the time, we wandered the streets, with a lot of breaks because OMG THE HEAT (have I mentioned that going to Charleston in August, while pregnant, was probably not my best idea…?), and soaked in the history. There is so much!
Also if I win the lottery I am buying a house in Charleston. Who’s with me??
My visit Charleston marked my first foray into the American South…and it was quite an introduction! Honestly I’m not sure how the rest of it will measure up…maybe I should have saved Charleston for last ;).
