Low Country!9 min read
My blog is normally about our great city of Cincinnati but … sometimes we like to get away ;)
I’m already planning my trip back to Charleston, SC…and I just got back! What in the heck took me so long to visit this dreamy place???!! It’s just one of those destinations where, as you leave, you’re thinking about when you’re coming back.
There’s a reason Charleston has been named the #1 city by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and more! I love beaches, but I need things to do…and Charleston is the place.
The eating. OMG the eating! I think I gained 20 pounds just googling restaurants and making reservations. Great shopping, wonderful history and, of course, beaches…all in the most quaint town!
I’ll just give you a rundown of the things Kevin and I did during our long weekend.
Hotels
We stayed in two hotels, just so I’d be able to give you good info. :)
The Belmond (the locals call it Charleston Place): 205 Meeting Street
This was a beautiful hotel with shopping off both wings of the main lobby. They have a cute outdoor courtyard restaurant and a great cocktail bar. Located in the heart of the city.
This is a boutique hotel that is really special. The rooms and lobby are and hip and eclectic. It has a cool restaurant and rooftop bar (The Watch) with quite a view. And you’re treated to a complimentary breakfast that’s delivered in a picnic basket, plus free bikes to ride around town and free wine happy hour!
Shopping
You can find it all on King Street. Every price range.. Jewelry, art, shoes, on and on! If you see stairs going up between buildings, then go up! I found some adorable hidden places. One store away from King Street was Maris-Dehart32 Vendue Range. Stop in before you hit Vedue rooftop! The owner is awesome and has a great eye for what girls want!
There’s alsoThe City Market at 188 Meeting Street. This is more the tourist shopping area, because it’s housed in a historic building and is four city blocks of shopping. It hosts a ton of vendors under one roof, selling just about anything from paintings, jewelry, toys, to baskets made of sweetgrass (which, incidentally, are sold all over)! This is a must-see area, because it’s iconic and everyone will tell you to go ;)
Many companies offer these rides. You can simply walk up to a window by the market and pay-and-go. I think the carriage ride is a good way to get a little info and see the area…then you can decide where to go back and further check it out. You can also do your own walking tour, which I really enjoyed. You can go to the Visitor Center at 375 Meeting Street and get a little $5 book that tells you everything you need to know.
The Battery: The Southern tip of the city. It has great views of stunning homes and the harbor. There’s also a beautiful park with historic monuments. History buffs will love this area!
Waterfront park:Great for a walk along the water and out to the pier. Of course you need a pic of the “pineapple fountain” cuz everybody does!
Rainbow Row:Make sure to see the pastel painted row homes and just walk up and down brick streets and alleys. There are so many cool houses, you just want to wander for days.
FOOD
My list was soooo long, we had to narrow it down. But, like I said, I’m ready to go back and hit some more!
Chez Nous: 6 Payne Court
Neighborhood spot down an alley. Quaint, restored house where the chef, Jill Mathias, handwrites the menu everyday!;) Very cozy and romantic…you’ll feel like you’re in France. Fantastic wine selection!
Zero George: 0 George Street
Nestled in the courtyard of a hotel. I don’t know which is better the food or the atmosphere. It can be romantic, but there were tables with groups and girls night and couples. This was worth the visit. Make sure to check out the upstairs lounge area for the hotel guests! They offer a cooking class (on my to-do list for next time)!
FIG:232 Meeting Street
“Food Is Good!” James Beard award-winning. We couldn’t get reservations, but one night we just stopped in for a drink and lucked out with spots at the community table. We sat with two sisters from Boston, two locals and a guy in town for business from San Francisco. We all hit it off and were cracking up in no time…so much fun! This was one heck of a meal. If you can get in and they have the ricotta-filled gnocchi…GET IT!
Darlings Oyster Bar:513 King Street
Late night stop for us…and I got my husband to have his first oyster ever! Now he’s hooked! Amazing what people will try at 1:30 am!
Pearlz Oyster Bar: 153 East Bay St.
Yes, this is a small chain in the south, but the chef at each one tweaks his own menu! Sit at the bar and meet some friends!
Drinks/Rooftops( hello it’s vacation!)
The Cocktail Club:479 King Street
Rooftop above MacIntosh restaurant. Fun spot with great specialty cocktails.
The Republic: 462 King Street
Inside dancing and outside band. Fun stop!
The Bar at Husk: 76 Queen Street
Adorable and next to the very popular Husk restaurant! You can get some great apps and cocktails inside and out!
Vedue: 19 Vendue Range
Another great rooftop, but don’t dart up there without checking out the art in the lobby of this hotel! Please look through the wall full of view masters !
The Watch: 75 Wentworth
Rooftop of the Restoration Hotel. Adorable!
Dessert
We made two stops just for dessert.
Carmella’s Dessert Bar: 198 East Bay St.
They have an “ice cream sandwich” that’s gelato in a Panini! So, it’s cold in the middle and warm on the outside…delish!
The Peninsula: 112 N. Market Street
For the legendary 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake.Just look at the link for a full-page description that will blow your mind!
Island Days
Fantastic place to take a drive and go out to the Ocean Course for a grilled pimento cheese sandwich! Cute shopping area and just a beautiful drive and wonderful beaches.
Not much here but a couple of cute restaurants and a quiet beach. See the lighthouse and Fort Moultrie National Monument. Poe’s Tavern is a must…great burgers and adorable décor. Plus, listen to Poe read to you over a speaker while in the bathroom :)
Notes
•You can walk everywhere, but it’s also fun to take a bike taxi! They’re everywhere!
• The Downtown shuttle is free
• Pop into hotels and check them out…they’re all so different and cool!
• Shopping for days…have extra space in your luggage!
• So many great restaurants…be sure to hop around. Appetizer here, dinner there and then dessert at another!
• Go to the beach! They have many wonderful beaches that are so close.
• Day one, go on a carriage ride or buy the Walking Tour book mentioned above to get your bearings on where you are.
• Stop in St. Michael’s Church. Tiffany glass windows are gorgeous. Check out pew #43…where many Presidents have sat for worship when in town.
• Notice the “front doors” of the homes (which lead into an open-air side porch or piazzas, then to the actual door of the home. The very top ceiling of these 2- or 3-level porches is often painted Haint Blue, which is suppose to keep away evil spirits. ;) If the front door is open, that indicates to neighbors that they’re welcoming guests.
I could go on and on, people…but all I’m saying is Y’all need to get to the Low Country and check it out!!!
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