Travel Guide: Charleston

Travel Guide: Charleston

I’m so excited to finally share this post with ya’ll!!  It’s been a few weeks in the works.  A couple weeks ago, my girlfriends’ and I hopped on a plane for a long weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.  We planned a weekend full of great food, fabulous drinks, tons of shopping, and being 100% tourists!  The city is so gorgeous and the history is well preserved.  I could get lost just walking the streets admiring the historic homes.  I put together this Travel Guide Charleston to share some of my favorite things to do in the city.  I have been a few times, so this list is a compilation of multiple trips. I have plans to go back at the end of the summer, so I plan on updating this post as I find more favorite spots!

Ravenel Bridge - Charleston, SCHusk Restaurant - Charleston, SC
WHERE TO EAT:
Poogan’s Porch – A great restaurant for brunch, order all the biscuits!!!!
Leon’s Fine Poultry and Oyster Shop – One of the best chicken sandwiches ever!
Fleet Landing – Great lunch spot, love the She Crab Soup and the Fried Green Tomato BLT.
Fleet Landing BLT Sandwich
The Macintosh – A cute little brunch spot with the cutest red dishes!
A few great dinner spots: Husk,  Blossom, and Fig

Exploring Charleston's ChurchesInside Charleston's historic churches
TOTAL TOURIST!
Walking Tour – A really great way to see the city and learn all about the history of the houses, churches, and what famous Declaration signers are buried here.
Walking Tour - Charleston Cemetaries
Carriage Tour – A relaxing way to see the city.  I think the walking tour is much more cool, you definitely see and learn more, but this is a great alternative if you don’t want to walk a bunch.
Old South Carriage Ride Tour
Charleston carriage ride tour - Lady in Violet
Historic Home Tours – I love touring old homes and seeing how they lived and how the homes were restored to their original splendor. We visited the Nathaniel Russel home and learned how they discover the homes’ original paint colors.
Nathaniel Russell House staircase
Plantations – I didn’t have time to visit a plantation, but it is on my list for a future trip.

WHERE TO STAY
King Charles Inn Charleston, SC
King Charles Inn – One of the more affordable options in the downtown area.  The hotel was walking distance to everything we wanted to do.  The staff was really nice, and offer full concierge services which is great for ordering airport or plantation trip shuttles.
Belmond Charleston Place | Lady in Violet
Belmond Charleston Place – This hotel is in the center of it all.  Just walking in you are greeted with a grand staircase and chandelier.  The staff is super friendly, and the rooms are pretty nice.  This hotel is a bit more of pricier option.

Bin 152 - Charleston wine bar
THE BAR RUN
Bin152 – Give me a chill environment and a glass of wine, and I am a happy girl.  This was my favorite bar of our trip.  The staff was really nice and knowledgeable about the wines.  Not super packed so no long waits for a glass of wine.
5 Church – An old church transformed into a bar/restaurant.   I’m in love with these wing chandeliers!!  The whole place was gorgeous inside, and the staff was nice and attentive.  They were busy, but we still got our drinks quick.
FEather Wing Chandelier - 5 Church (Charleston Tour guide)
Rooftop Bar at Vendue – An elevator ride away from gorgeous rooftop views of the water and a glass of rose.  Weekends can be crowded, and you will have to wait for an elevator ride.  I wouldn’t wait until closing to leave or you will be waiting awhile.
Stars – Rooftop views and fun cocktails, but pretty crowded expect to have to wait for a drink and a seat.

King Street Charleston | Lady in Violet

WHERE TO SHOP
King Street – From small boutiques to big chains like Banana Republic and JCrew, this street has a little something for everyone.
City Market – One Stop shop for all your souvenier needs, including local artist handmade goods.  Outside the market are more shops in case you want even more souveniers like tees, hats, and toys.
Things to Do in Charleston - City Market
Charleston Farmers’ Market – Only on Saturdays, a great place to scope out more local artists from paintings to beauty to jewelry to food.

Rainbow Row of Chaerleston - Tourist Guid

As you can see, Charleston has many ways to keep you busy. Be prepared for lots of walking!  It’s a great place for a long weekend getaway. My girlfriends’ and I had tons of fun exploring the city.  I have to give major props to my friends Ashley and Lauren for coordinating our reservations, and to Alex for being our tour guide and showing us fun things like where Patricia from Southern Charm lives!  I can’t wait for our next girls’ weekend getaway!!

Girls weekend in Charleston, SC

What I Wore in Charleston: NIGHT ONE  | DAY TWO  | DAY THREE

What I Packed for my Trip is HERE!

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