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!
I live in Columbia, South Carolina and we are in Charleston all the time. So excited that you got down here and got to experience our “southern charm”!
Ahhh, this makes me SO excited for our trip there in a month!! (not in the least because we are now on day 6 of snow/sleet/freezing rain here in Minnesota) We currently have reservations for Husk, and are planning on doing Shem Creek one night for something more casual. Now questioning if we should switch to SNOB?? SO hard to narrow it down!! We’re only there 2 nights, and I could be there for a full week and not try everything!! We’re doing 2 nights there, and then 2 nights in Savannah – so excited! Loved reading this.
I’d say if you only have 1 night in downtown then I’d stick with HUSK. SNOB was superb food, but HUSK was definitely super southern! :)
It looks like you and Ben had such a fabulous time!! I love all the gorgeous photo’s – it looks like it’s a very photogenic city. I have been dying to go to Charleston for the longest time and your post just make me want to go even more! Hopefully I’ll be able to convince the hubby we should make a trip there sometime soon :)
I saw in your post a couple back about decaf coffee…I am too pregnant, due in July. I treat myself to coffee from Trader Joe’s. They have a decaf that uses a water process to get the caffiene out instead of chemicals…it says on the back of the container. The guy in the store said all their coffee uses chemical free processing but it was a piece of mind to read on the packaging! Just thought I’d pass along…
You, your bump, and Charleston are just tooooo cute!
Now I feel guilty for leaving Ben out of this cuteness comment. He’s cute too, but I’m really hoping he got a bow tie to match baby boy. ;)
Charleston looks so beautiful! It reminds me of the beautiful squares in Savannah!
You look amazing, happy and healthy! I can’t wait to go there with my daughter!
I am super behind on reading your blog (all blogs really). What is funny is I saw this post come across my email and it specifically peaked my interest because we booked a trip to Charleston at the end of the month! What is funnier is that I am pregnant too :) I am 17 weeks now! I will definitely read your other Charleston posts to get some insight! Thanks!
Congrats, Suzanne! You will LOVE the city – we miss it so much!
Thanks! Congrats to you as well :) We loved your restaurant reviews and are looking forward to our trip even more now!!
Charleston is the best–I loved reading your adventures. Especially the food. :) I have yet to try most of the restaurants you hit up so they are now on my list!
I would not have considered Charleston as a possible vacation spot, but it has been added to our list. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, but been a bit leery because of safety/rowdiness concerns. Charleston looks a little more our speed. Also, you look fabulous and thanks for posting a bump picture.
You showed us your bump! Bless you! :) As I was reading the post, 1st there was a pic of your back as you were walking away & then another one of your front, but w/ a black dress & denim jacket, you can’t see the bump at all, & I was like, “She’s such a stinker!” (You’re a tease is what you are!) ;) Thx for showing us! So excited for you!! & you look terrific btw! Glad you guys had a good time in Charleston.
You have officially convinced me that I NEED to see Charleston! It looks like such a lovely Southern town. The way you describe sounds similar to how I felt about Austin, Texas the first time I visited!
ohh congratulations on your pregnancy! :D You’re looking great and healthy~which is most important. And omgsh that food looks delicious, and I’ve never tried actual chicken and waffles. Charleston is so darling and I wouldn’t mind visiting there ooooone bit.