Charleston has been consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the US and it is easy to see why. Charming architecture, friendly people, and food that is as delicious as it is inventive.
We arrived Friday night and after dropping our bags at the Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel we walked a few blocks to Poogan's Porch, which was recommend to us by the concierge at our hotel. We found a southern style home converted into a restaurant. We sat on the terrace outside and people watched while eating our first helping of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and freshly baked biscuits.
We arrived Friday night and after dropping our bags at the Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel we walked a few blocks to Poogan's Porch, which was recommend to us by the concierge at our hotel. We found a southern style home converted into a restaurant. We sat on the terrace outside and people watched while eating our first helping of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and freshly baked biscuits.
We start Saturday at the Farmer's Market in Marion Square. The farmers market happens only on Saturdays from April to November. If you are in Charleston during this time, I recommend you make it a must stop. Vendors at the market sell fresh produce, spices, food, soap, pottery, and more. What makes this market different from many is that all items at the market must be local, homemade/homegrown products and the artist must be present.
After purchasing some soap, spices, and wind chimes, we walked up the block to Callie's Hot Little Biscuit to grab ourselves a breakfast sandwich of bacon, eggs, and pimiento cheese on one of Callie's famous hot biscuits. Don't be deterred by the line. The breakfast biscuits are worth it.
Walking down towards South of Broad, we stop at the Historical Charleston Market. The item to check out are the several basket weavers making sweetgrass baskets. One of the oldest handcrafts from Africa, the art is past down from mother to child. There are over 50 artists making the baskets which can take as long as 100 hours to weave.
Walking down towards South of Broad, we stop at the Historical Charleston Market. The item to check out are the several basket weavers making sweetgrass baskets. One of the oldest handcrafts from Africa, the art is past down from mother to child. There are over 50 artists making the baskets which can take as long as 100 hours to weave.
With so much history and beautiful architecture in Charleston, we decide to sign up for a walking tour with Charleston Strolls. The two hour tour took us around Broad Street, French Quarter, tucked away alleyways and down to the waterfront. Our tour guide Lisa was informative, funny, and entertaining.
_That night we dine at the top rated restaurant, Husk. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time and go early to have a drink in the restaurant's bar right next door.
Sunday morning we are up early for Sticky Bun Sunday at Wildflour Pastry. Lauren Mitterer is the owner and baker of this little pastry cafe. All of their baked goods are delicious but on Sundays, Lauren and her team bake sticky buns. The line gets long so head over earlier rather than later.
Once we fill ourselves with sticky buns and a goat cheese, fig and prosciutto quiche, we catch an Uber out to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Owned by the Drayton family since its founding in 1676, Magnolia has extended grounds with Spanish moss, magnolia trees and a deep history. For $50/person, you can get the full package tour which includes several tours of the grounds, the plantation home, and a historical lesson and tour of the slave cabins and slavery on the plantation.
Wear bug spray. The mosquitos are horrendous!
Wear bug spray. The mosquitos are horrendous!
Getting There:
Charleston International Airport is located just 20 minutes from historical Charleston. Several airlines fly nonstop from major cities including DC, NYC, Chicago, Dallas and more.
Where to Stay:
Renaissance Charleston Historical Hotel is well located in the historical center.
Conde Nast List some of the top places to stay in Charleston which include bed and breakfast, grandiose mansions, and charming boutiques: http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/2015/united-states/top-hotels-in-charleston-sc-readers-choice-awards-2015
Conde Nast List some of the top places to stay in Charleston which include bed and breakfast, grandiose mansions, and charming boutiques: http://www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/2015/united-states/top-hotels-in-charleston-sc-readers-choice-awards-2015
Where to Eat:
Poogan's Porch: one of Charleston's oldest culinary establishments offering Lowcountry cuisine.
Husk:award winning dining offering southern cuisine in an old Charleston home.
Slightly North of Broad: low country bistro
Saturday Farmer's Market: open on Saturdays only. Food vendors and food trucks are present at the market dishing up some of Charleston's best.
Xiao Bao Biscuit: if you need a break from all the southern food - as delicious it is - go to this Asian fusion that gets the fusion just right.
Hominy Grill: your homemade southern cooking, this diner offers the classic Charleston dishes.
Husk:award winning dining offering southern cuisine in an old Charleston home.
Slightly North of Broad: low country bistro
Saturday Farmer's Market: open on Saturdays only. Food vendors and food trucks are present at the market dishing up some of Charleston's best.
Xiao Bao Biscuit: if you need a break from all the southern food - as delicious it is - go to this Asian fusion that gets the fusion just right.
Hominy Grill: your homemade southern cooking, this diner offers the classic Charleston dishes.