I think Ben said it best when he declared Charleston to be a town you could just melt into and never leave.
We felt so at home in the south, taking in the scenery, laid back lifestyle, and strolling our days away.
Vacation never felt so sweet!
I love how downtown Charleston has a couple of different sides to it. Centuries-old cobblestone streets still remain in parts of the French Quarter with upscale dining establishments just around the block, and influences from Europe to Miami can be seen in the enviable homes that line the peninsula.
As a history lover, I, well, love, the fact that many places in the area (including private homes, shops, and businesses) have placards with the history of the building on them – some dating back to the early 1700s. I always forget how “old” the east coast is compared to the rest of the country. I think that’s so neat!
As I mentioned in previous posts, the food in Charleston is not to be missed. From regional snacks like boiled peanuts (crazy!), to re-imagined dishes like pig ear lettuce wraps, and staples like Chicken & Waffles, the splurges were well worth it.
(Remind me of that when I’m chugging along on the treadmill this week, mmkay?)
One thing I was surprised by is how OUTSTANDING Charleston’s shopping scene is. Like, some of the best shopping I’ve seen anywhere, ever.
The main shopping district on King Street is lined with upscale brands like Cynthia Rowley and Louis Vuitton, fun and more affordable shops like Anthropologie and Kate Spade (ok still not that affordable) but the kicker is all the boutique shops filled with adorable dresses, jewelry, bags, and shoes that also dot the street. Ben and I were both pretty happy that I’m not able to fit into anything right now because I could have done some serious damage this past week!
One thing we were able to buy was a bow tie for our little man. He’ll be such a Midwestern gentleman! ;)
I always say the best way to get to know a new place is to see it on foot, and lucky for us Charleston is a true walking town. Ben and I walked everywhere – I’d say between 3-5 miles a day. Between the gorgeous waterfront and house gazing, it wasn’t hard to rack up the miles. Helped negate our heavier dinners, too…right? RIGHT?!
While in Charleston we stayed at the Francis Marion Hotel on King Street. The stunning hotel was built in the 20s and is in the perfect location for exploring the shops, restaurants, and areas on and off King. (Photos from hotel website.)
While the hotel was beautiful and clean, it was definitely built in a different era. The rooms are small and bathrooms even smaller with needs for updates. If I were you, and the budget allows for it, I’d stay at a nearby B&B to get the true Charleston experience in an old, Victorian-esque home. The Francis Marion was not bad at all, and we were only there to sleep and shower though, so no biggie!
With that, it’s back to the real world for us! Charleston was a dream, but alas, it is time to wake up. Thank you for coming along with us! Back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. I hope you had a great weekend!
Love South Carolina!! I vacation in Pawley’s Island at least once a year, and I haven’t been to Charlston in a few years. This year I am putting my foot down and making day trip there! Loved reading your posts and seeing your photos, made me wish my trip was closer! PS- those bow ties are ador!
You guys are seriously too cute!! Your trip looks amazing. I’ve only been to Charleston once, but I could tell from just that short trip that it is the city for me! I’m really a southern belle at heart :)
I lived in Charleston for 2 years and if there was ever a city I could move back to it would be that one. I rave and rave to everyone that has never been to go. It truly is a like being on vacation when you live there. I am taking my two teenage daughters there this summer for a mother/daughter trip. Can’t wait!
Thanks for letting us travel to Charleston vicariously through your posts! Travel isn’t in my budget right now, but the experiences you shared made me feel as though I were right there with you. I am also a history lover and Charleston is definitely a place oozing with historical tidbits that I would love to explore
What a blast!! Love your bump!
What a beautiful place. I now want to go to Charleston. I wonder if I can talk the hubby into going?
Chicken and waffles? Wow I think my boyfriend would die and go to heaven if he saw let alone ate this.
Glad you guys had fun :) Love the photos.
That’s it! Charleston is officially on my list!
Looks like a great vacation! I’d love to visit there sometime. I love the east coast so much.
Thanks for taking us along on your fabulous vacation! The trip was great. Thoroughly enjoyed ALL those pics. Glad you had a good time and good weather too! Safe travels to you and Ben.
The Southeast is fabulous! I grew up in the Twin Cities but moved East after college, then married a Carolina boy and kept moving further south. I could NEVER EVER live in the Midwest again. For me the South takes it every time. Such special people too. Glad you had a good trip.
I never had boiled peanuts until I moved to the south, but they are actually sort of awesome.
Just wait til you get to plan trips with the little one! Finally a bump picture!! Yay! :) As you can tell, most of us readers are a bit baby-obsessed! Haha