A Charleston City Guide. Finally, right?!
This city guide has been a long time coming.
It’s been a while in general since I’ve shared an installment from one of my favorite categories.
I’m guessing that you can figure out what that is – TRAVEL!
After our big trip to Europe last summer, we’ve been keeping it low-key with traveling. Oh and also perhaps because Tim and I are getting in less than 5 months! Pinch me. It doesn’t feel real.
Well, since we didn’t plan any big trips for end of last year/start of this year, we’ve been treating ourselves to little weekend getaways.
One of my favorite being, Charleston.
I visited Charleston for the first time at the end of last year and fell. in. love. The city is beautiful!
Perhaps it’s the colorful buildings (read: pink. everywhere), the charming cafés, – or maybe it’s just the city as a whole. It’s got a ton going for it, like an a+ food scene and a walkable city center that makes you feel like you’ve teleported to this dream of a place.
Now let’s get to the goods. Or rather, my official Charleston City Guide!
Charleston City Guide: 48 Hours in the Charming Southern City
If my recent obsession with Charleston over on my Instagram hasn’t hinted at how much I enjoy the city, I’m not sure what will. I’ve got tons of window box, pink house, and front door shots filling up my computer and I’m getting REALLY excited to share them all with you! So without further ado, let’s jump right in y’all.
Where to eat & drink in Charleston
- Darling Oyster Bar. Oysters. Enough said.
- Leon’s Oyster Shop. Again. Oysters. Oh, and also fried chicken. Does life get any better than that?
- Lewis Barbecue. Is it a trip to the south if you don’t get BBQ? I honestly don’t think so. And, Lewis does not disappoint one bit.
- Basic Kitchen. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick juice to go or full-on breakfast, Basic Kitchen is THE spot. It doesn’t hurt that it’s absolutely beautiful, too.
- Cannon Green. I haven’t had the food here, but the restaurant is just full of southern charm. And there’s a surprise inside. You’ll know what I’m talking about as soon as you see it!
- Xiao Bao Biscuit. The cocktails, the food, the service – it’s all top notch at Xiao Bao Biscuit. But if you do anything at this spot, make sure it’s ordering the okonomiyaki with pork candy. You’ll thank me later.
- Edmund’s Oast. The dinner (ahem…steak) we enjoyed at this expansive restaurant + bar was my favorite meal of my first trip to Charleston. It was the special entree for the evening and I’m downright delighted that we waited to hear about it from our server before diving in with a typical menu item. Not to say their menu isn’t delicious, because it is.
What to do in Charleston
- Eat. Eat all the things. Oysters, barbecue, and everything else because the food in Charleston is unbelievable.
- Explore the city by foot. I know some of you may enjoy those hop-on-hop-off types of tours (which is a great way to explore a new-to-you city!), but I suggest exploring the city by foot, too. It’s highly walkable with a fairly dense downtown area. You may stumble upon some spots that you wouldn’t have found otherwise!
- Find a rooftop bar. Whether you’re imbibing or not, snag a spot on a rooftop bar/restaurant and enjoy the views and salty summer breeze.
- Spend some time in Mount Pleasant. Now here’s the opposite of exploring by foot. Take a ride out to Mount Pleasant and enjoy the views – and ALL THE PALM TREES! There are so many. Everywhere. Oh, and once you’re famished from your jaunt around Mount Pleasant, treat yourself to a meal at The Obstinate Daughter.
Where to get coffee in Charleston
I feel like a bit of a fraud for this section because to be totally honest, every time I’m craving coffee, I end up at Second State Coffee née Black Tap. BUT, I’ve got a few adorable spots that I think you’ll enjoy during your weekend in Charleston.
Tourist attractions worth visiting in Charleston
- Rainbow Row: Rainbow Row, is as you’d think, colorful and fun. However, I urge you to walk around some of the streets that run parallel to Rainbow Row. They’ve got equally impressive homes and nearly as much color.
- The Battery: If you’re in Charleston, you MUST take a walk by the water. The Battery is certainly quintessential Charleston. It’s that view that you think of (or at least that I think you may think of) when you hear Charleston.
- Candlefish. I know this isn’t really a ‘tourist attraction’, but it’s a popular shop that’s worth a visit if you enjoy candles. Fun fact: They don’t name their scents. Instead, they number them and use an oversized leather bound book to keep track of the ingredients/scents featured in each candle. Pretty nifty, right?
Where to stay in Charleston
- Zero George. I’ve yet to have the opportunity to stay at Zero George, but I’m already in love. And, I think you will be, too. It’s quintessential Charleston. The charm is just bursting at the seams at Zero George.
- The Dewberry. If a Mad Men vibe is what you’re looking for, then The Dewberry is for you. Located a few blocks away from the weekend farmer’s market, King Street, etc. The Dewberry is incredible accessible. Oh, and the cocktails at the bar are DIVINE.
- The Restoration. Another modern gem right in the heart of Charleston. Oh, and remember that Rise coffee bar I mentioned up there? It’s located in The Restoration!
Whew, lots of recommendations for your weekend in Charleston! Truly hoping you’ll find this Charleston City Guide helpful. Have any favorite spots of your own in Charleston? Do share in the comments so I can check them out during my next trip.
And, if you end up at any spots during your next visit, tag me on Instagram so I can live vicariously through you!
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