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 ;).
Oh it looks SO beautiful. Charleston is one of those places I’m most desperate to visit in the US. Thanks so much for sharing on #FarawayFiles
It is so gorgeous!!! And soooo delicious ;). I think it might be the best food in the US…but don’t quote me on that 😉
I’m so surprised that the south looks like this! This looks like such a sweet place for a babymoon – I’d love to go sometime 🙂
Isn’t it cute?? Who knew?? I really loved it and would love to go back, too! Or even somewhere else in the South…I guess there is a lot of the US I need to explore, too 😉 So funny that I’ve lived in Europe but never been to NYC or the South before this trip!
I’ve never been *anywhere* on the East coast so I definitely feel what you’re sayin’! I am sort of banking on hoping to explore the USA after (if? lol) this whole Europe thing blows over. Nothing like spending some years outside of your home country to stoke the fire to see more of it! And you know how it is – talking to locals and hearing their admiration for certain places in the USA is incredibly endearing.
lovely! it kind of looks European to me:)
Doesn’t it?? I guess because, for the US, it’s really old 🙂 It is so cute!!
Thinking of a trip to Charleston this coming summer break, and yes I know it will be TOO hot, but when you can go, you go. We’ve always wanted to go… sadly for us the flights won’t be cheap, coming from LA, but having visited NOLA so many times, we feel its time to try somewhere new in the South. Thank you for sharing these great tips on #farawayfiles
Haha well we went in the summer and loved it anyway!!! I would recommend some beach time though to cool off 🙂 I’ve never been to New Orleans–maybe that’s on my list next! Or Savannah maybe…. 🙂