Charleston, SC
Welcome to Chucktown
Charlestown is one of my favorite cities in the U.S, and I’m far from the only one who feels this way. It’s been voted by readers as Travel & Leisure’s number one U.S city for several years now. It’s beautiful, charming, has incredible food and a sweet southern hospitality.
I’ve now been traveled there twice, and I definitely plan on returning. My first trip was in 2016 for my friends bachelor party, and we had a blast! Eating like kings and queens all weekend long, soaking up the warm October sun at Folly beach, bar hopping around town, and stopping by all the well known photo spots. This city is perfect for bachelor and bachelorette trips because the weather is great and there is so much to do.
We went back in early December to visit our friend Jamie who has been living there the past few months. He gave us a tour of some of his favorite restaurants and bars, and it was so great getting to explore more of the city with someone who knows it well. Especially since it’s been a few years since I was in Charleston! To my surprise, some of the hottest restaurants then are still the most popular now! And I got the chance to check more of them off my list.
Interested in planning a visit to Charleston? Read on to learn more about getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to dine!
Getting There
Charleston is an easy trip from New York City! It’s less than a 2 hour flight, which made it easy to do after work hours. We flew out of Laguardia airport which is a quick car ride from our apartment and the Charleston airport is only 15 minutes from the city center.
Driving is also an option, but it’s a long 12 hours. Upside, there are many great places to stop along the way.
Other Destinations Around Charleston
This southern city is located in a beautiful part of the country, nestled on the coast of South Carolina. There are a few nearby destinations that could be combined with a trip to Charleston. Many people visit the city when planning a beach vacation to nearby Kiawah Island or Hilton Head.
As its close to Georgia, my parents did Savannah and Charleston together, but you can easily visit the states beautiful beaches too including Tybee island and St. Simon’s Island.
History & Culture
Charleston is an old city, and has been prominently noted in US history during the Revolutionary War in the 1700’s and the Civil War in the 1800’s. Around the city you can find many monuments from this period of time as well as signs and informative plaques on buildings that provide the ability for a self guided tour. As always, a little research (like reading this post) and walking around a new place is the best way to explore if you don’t have a tour guide!
The first shots of the Revolutionary war were taken at Fort Sumter off its coast, and at one point Charleston was taken over by the British. It’s not easy to forget this history in the Battery, in the cities southern peninsula. Given that Charleston is surrounded by water, it’s also a very beautiful place to take in the views at sunrise or sunset!
Unfortunately, Charleston also has a dark side of Lowcountry history as well, slavery. It was not only legal to own slaves, but it was also a key player in the countries slave trade. There are a few spots that acknowledge this including the Old Slave Mart Museum and a slave auction site downtown.
Though a visit to the plantations nearby is a common activity to tour the beautiful home and gardens, it is also about learning the history of these plantations. I visited Magnolia Plantation in 2016 and enjoyed getting a tour of the owner’s home, and it’s beautiful farm and gardens. It was heartbreaking to see the conditions of the slave quarters but intriguing to learn about the African-American history.
While Magnolia is the most popular plantation for visitors, other nearby options include Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place and McLeod Plantation.
The highlight for me of getting out of Charleston into the countryside a bit is all the beautiful willow trees. Many films have taken place at these famous locations, like the Notebook. For any of you big fans of the movie (like me) check out this article from Country living with some of the most recognizable the filming locations in the Notebook around Charleston!
Southern Charm
I love the style of Charleston. From the cobblestone streets lined with palm trees, to the brightly colored facades, and all the pineapple adorned gates and entryways.
Walking around the city and exploring the mix of old and new that intertwines on any given street is a treat. And I appreciate the careful restoration projects that have taken place to preserve so many of these important landmarks.
I love the character that each house has. Three story homes, pretty porches, and shutters on the windows. Pastel colors, lanterns by the doorway, and flower boxes that feel like a friendly welcome.
Fun fact about the homes in Charleston. I found out why they are long and narrow, often with a big open side porch:
When the city's first streets were laid out in 1680, residential lots were long and deep but had little street frontage. Placing the house sideways on the lot made the best use of space. This also allowed the home to take full advantage of the prevailing southerly breezes.
I jogged around town on my first day in the city to take it all in. I found so many cute stoops, doorways, and cutely decorated homes. Particularly I loved the little residential streets south of Broad.
I’d definitely recommend it as a way to really get to know the city.
Where to stay in Charleston
On my most recent visit my friends and I rented an Airbnb, a very spacious apartment on Spring Street right off north King Street.
My last trip we rented a home in nearby Folly Beach! This was a great area outside of the hustle and bustle, with some restaurants and bars in town. other options include Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant!
Though I think you get the best value in Airbnb’s when you’re with a group, I definitely have seen some great hotels in CHS. Here are a few that are at the top of my list!
Where to Dine in Charleston
Raw 167
Our first night in Charleston we grabbed one of the hottest tables in the city at 167 Raw. We put our name in, grabbed drinks across the street for an hour, and by 7pm we were happily dining at one of the best restaurants in the city. Lucky!
The crowd was buzzing amongst a dimly lit dining room.
You could probably have guessed from the name, but the restaurant is known for their amazing seafood options, particularly of the raw variety. We ordered a plate of raw oysters and crab mafaldine to start. I had the tuna burger, and Ryan had the swordfish burger. This was probably my favorite meal of the trip!
Poogan’s Porch
Poogan’s Porch is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. I knew it was going to be great when we had some of the best biscuits in town served with whipped honey butter before we even ordered.
We started with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese balls. I had the french toast! Be sure to get the fried chicken and waffles and the she-crab soup.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
Three words. Champagne & Fried Chicken.
This is how we were suggested to start our evening at Leon’s Oyster Shop and as seen in the description on the menu below, it’s kind of their specialty! It was the perfect way to kick off the meal.
We also shared a plate of char-grilled oysters. Be sure to sample as many of the smallish plates and sides as you can, like the hush puppies, fried brussels sprouts, scalloped potatoes and black eyed peas.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
When in the south…. you have to try barbecue. On our first day in Charleston we grabbed lunch at one of Jamie’s favorite bbq spots nearby, Rodney Scotts Whole Hog BBQ. As one of the worlds most famous pit-masters, Rodney knows how to do barbecue right. I had the best bbq brisket sandwich of my life, with a side of mac and cheese. We split some hush puppies too.
Try all the sauces! I would put it on anything.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
I’ve been thinking about these amazing biscuits for years, and couldn’t wait to go back and get them again. This trip I tried a few different kinds including cheddar and chive, buttermilk, and shortbread. I dipped in blackberry jam and cinnamon butter.
Husk
Husk is a landmark in Charleston. And upon seeing the stunning 19th century home it occupies on Queen Street, you’ll understand why. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and chic, but not stuffy. It’s cozy and comfortable, like going home for dinner.
We had mimosas, crispy bacon, warm biscuits and a delicious egg hash.
Next time I visit I would love to try some of their famous dinner dishes like Carolina Gold Crab Rice, Tomato Jam, Crab Roe, South Carolina Shrimp and Choppee Okra Stew.
82 Queen
Just down the (Queen) street from Husk is Queen 82 which has been a staple in Charleston for almost 40 years. It’s known for its food to be Quintessentially Lowcountry. Simply Delicious. And that was exactly our experience!
When I came in 2016, we dined in the cute outdoor courtyard between the restaurants three buildings. The menu is full of some amazing lowcountry dishes like award winning she-crab soup, bbq shrimp and grits, the southern pickins plate, and seafood gumbo or jambalaya. This is one you won’t want to miss!
Edmund’s Oast
Edmund’s Oast was one of my favorite meals in Charleston, partially because it was such a surprise! Located off the beaten path in East Central, but it’s definitely worth the trip. And even though Edmund’s Oast is a brewery, don’t expect only beers or standard bar food on this menu. The surprises started with the warm lighting from the hanging chandeliers, and an extra large cocktail list and dessert menu.
Our group ordered an assortment of different dishes to try and taste. Starting with a cheese plate, peel n’ eat shrimp, spicy Korean meatballs, salt chicken and a juicy ribeye steak.
A Few More Famous Foods
Reservations strongly encouraged.
Magnolia’s Restaurant - They say it started the culinary renaissance in Charleston. I’m dying to try the dill pickled deviled eggs!
High Cotton - Year round Turkey dinner? Yes please
Halls Chophouse - a steak lovers dream
Hank’s Seafood - a seafood lovers dream
S.N.O.B - Slightly North of Broad
Bars in Charleston
There are so many great bars in Charleston! I highly recommend enjoying as many as one can drink on a little bar hop. For some reason having an oyster shooter along with your cocktail makes it more fun.
First up is one of Charleston’s best rooftop bars. They aren’t common in Chucktown! On both my trips I’ve paid a visit to the Rooftop at the Vendue. It’s a casual spot to enjoy when the weather is nice! Skip the food, and have a few rounds of drinks here with a group on a sunny day.
On my next visit I hope to make it to The Watch Rooftop at the Restoration Hotel. The food looks delicious, and it boasts some panoramic views as well!
Another spot we enjoyed was Prohibition bar. They have a cute back patio as well!
There are so many great bars to explore around town. Here are some favorites:
Coffee Shops
Get your morning caffeine fill at one of these amazing coffee shops in town!
Shopping in Charleston
There are so many cute stores and adorable boutiques to pop into. Even beyond the bustling King Street and Broad, you can find shops nestled into small side streets. Be sure to check out Charleston City Market for all your souveniers!
Here are some of my favorite stores from the past few trips!
Candlefish - they do a BYOB candle making workshop which I’m dying to try. Perfect for bachelorette parties and girls trips!
Sewing Down South - If you know Craig from Southern Charm, swing by his store and get some pillows.
Sapphire Boutique - the cutest clothes!
Buxton Books - the sweetest bookstore
My Sisters Cottage - Great gifts and home decor
Rainbow Row
Be sure to stop by the historic rainbow row on Bay Street! Bright, colorful, and a great spot for pictures.
When to visit Charleston
Typically I would say Charleston is best in the Spring or Fall when the weather is mild. But after going in the winter I’m confident that this city is a great year round destination!
If traveling down south in the heat of the summer then it would be amazing to enjoy the beaches in nearby Sullivans Island, head to the waterfront in Mount Pleasant, or enjoy a boat ride around the Charleston Harbor.
But going in December it was so fun to see the city decorated for the Christmas! There was so much cheer, wreaths on all the street lights, and homes each decked with their own unique holiday decorations. I loved it!
Need more activities?
Take a ghost tour, the city is haunted! Rent a boat for the day. Visit Shem Creek for fresh seafood in Mount Pleasant. Have a beach day at Sullivan’s Island. Do a food tour.
Come back soon
I sure do hope another trip to Charleston is in store sooner than later. It’s truly the one city outside of the tri-state that I could see myself living in.
There will always be more to see and do here than I can squeeze into a long weekend. But I’m so grateful to Jamie for inviting us down there while he live that little dream for me in Chucktown! It was a trip for the books.
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