From the chilly Midwest, to the warm and sunny south – greetings from Charleston, South Carolina!
The Arnold Palmers down here are fahbulous dahling. ;)
Ben and I have spent the past day and half wandering around, and getting to know gorgeous downtown Charleston. From the beautiful, blooming flowers…
To the majestic, southern-style homes…
this place is simply oozing with charm!
From our time spent wandering Tradd, Queen, King, Market, and East Bay Streets, peeking in secret gardens and ally ways, and taking in all the sights, we’ve decided that if New Orleans is the boisterous younger brother of the south, then Charleston is its sophisticated, older sister. We just love it here.
One thing I didn’t realize about the city is that it’s home to the College of Charleston, which is located smack dab in the middle of all the historic sites.
Can you even imagine what it must be like to go to school here? I must say, it’s been a trip seeing all the students streaming down the street with their backpacks on, as us tourists check out their town.
Some highlights so far include breakfast atEast Bay Meeting House on Monday morning. Ben and I strolled past this little cafe/wine bar on our first night here and vowed to come back for breakfast. It’s so cute!
A thick, iced vanilla decaf latte (best ever – probably because it was made with 2% milk) and homemade granola yogurt parfait was perfect to power me through the day.
The weather has been absolutely gorgeous (60s and 70s) and while I wanted to sit out on the patio to people watch while we sipped, sadly I lost a game of rock, paper, scissors, and we viewed from the inside at a cozy, corner table. Kind of felt like I was in France!
The Meeting House is just blocks away from the waterfront, so afterwards we spent the afternoon strolling past lush gardens and gorgeous homes that look like they jumped out of the pages of a magazine.
Strolling hand in hand with my handsome fellow.
It’s hard to believe that this is the last trip we’ll take together before our baby boy arrives! (BTW we are totally buying him a bow tie down here, and perhaps a seersucker blazer as well. Southern fashion is seriously my favorite. Such a trip!)
The food scene in Charleston is a big reason why we chose to come down here, and one of our favorite meals so far has been lunch at Poogan’s Porch (HUSK tonight!)
Poogan’s Porch is located on the lovely Queen Street, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s located in a restored Victorian Mansion, and named after the neighborhood pooch, Poogan, who used to porch hop in the area. (RIP Poogan circa 1979.)
The 2-story outdoor dining patio is supplemented by a sophisticated, yet charming, indoor dining area where Ben and I were seated. I feel I’m in a movie everywhere I go here. It’s just all. so. Southern. I love it!
Ben and I were feeling crazy, so we started off with, wait for it, Fried Alligator with Honey-Jalapeno Dip. This was the best alligator I have ever had – probably because it was local, and fresh! Sorry to be gross, but the gator I’ve eaten before has been sinewy and just not that great. This practically melted in our mouths. Must. Try.
For our main dish, Ben and I split a couple of sandwiches. A Fried Green Tomato BLT with smokey bacon and tangy chevre for her (delish),
and the Duck Confit Sandwich with Pimento Cheese for him. This was absolutely incredible. The best duck confit we’ve ever tried, and so jazzed to finally try pimento cheese, which we’ve been seeing everywhere here. My sandwich was good, but this was GREAT.
Can’t forget the complimentary, warm buttermilk biscuits with whipped honey butter on the side. Heaven.
I tell you what – we have yet to go hungry in Charleston! :)
With that, I hope your week is going well! More from Charleston soon, plus keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. See y’all!
Looks like you guys are having a great trip – enjoy it and all that southern hospitality!
Charleston looks amazing. I am putting it on my bucket list since I’ve never been! Enjoy the rest of your baby-moon. :)
Ohhhh….your trip looks so lovely already! I’ve been pushing hard for Charleston to be our next domestic/non-beach trip. Your pictures are exactly how I imagine the city to be, I can’t wait to visit!
Welcome to the Holy City! And I was just thinking it was a little chilly today :-)
I’m an Iowa girl born and raised, and now live just 60 miles from Charleston. We love to skip over there to eat, walk around, support the economy and basically just soak it all in. Thanks for the lovely pics and the run down of your great eats. Enjoy your stay in SC!
You look adorable! I think pregnant women can eat some shellfish…right? If so you must try some she-crab soup! It’s my favorite little Charleston dish.
I love Poogan’s Porch! My mom took me there when she visited me once. The fried green tomatoes were to die for.
Looks like you are having fun! Your post makes me miss Charleston soo much!
Going to Charleston in September for a wedding and will definitely be adding all of these spots to my “to-do” list!
Glad you are enjoying Charleston! You should check out Magnifilous Toy Emporium on King Street, its a great toy store that my son (2yrs old) and I love to go to almost every month. And stop by Macaroon Boutique on Johns St!!
I have never been to Charleston and now it is totally on my list! What gorgeous pictures you’ve posted :) I hope you have a great rest of your trip – enjoy the time before your little man arrives.
Now I really, really want to go to Charleston — it looks gorgeous! The eats look pretty good too. :)
Skip the touristy seafood joints and hit up Coast on John Street. Absolutely delicious! Sunday Jazz Brunch at High Cotton is a must and Basil is the best Thai I have ever had. So jealous – now I have to get back to looking for dinner ideas!
I love Charleston! My Aunt and Uncle retired there and it is just beautiful. Glad you had fun.
Looks like such a charming little city and you guys are the cutest! Enjoy the rest of your trip and those phenom-looking eats!
I’m so envious of the warm weather. Please send some to Amsterdam! Enjoy your baby-moon!
I was one of the lucky few to attend CofC, and I can honestly say – never, ever will I take those fabulous 4 years for granted! Go Cougs!
Gorgeous pictures! I am so jealous of the beautiful scenery and the nice weather that you are getting to experience. I hope the rest of your trip is just as fun! :)
You are such a tease with your front facing cute little self. I was hoping to get a sneak peak at your belly bump from the side. You should be a travel writer because I’m seriously contemplating a trip to Charleston now.
You look absolutely amazing Kristen ! Enjoy your anniversary….
I love Charleston! I haven’t been in years but I will never forget that Southern Charm this town illuminates. Love that you two are enjoying this little getaway. :)
Oh man, I loved Poogan’s Porch! When I read the line, “we were feeling a little crazy,” I’m like, “they got the alligator!” Yum!
My sister is a Sophomore at College of Charleston, and she is totally in love with the city. I have been dying to visit! I will make sure to add your restaurant recommendations to my Charleston to-do list.
Well you’ve made up my mind about where my boyfriend and I need to take a vacation!
If you have a hole in your schedule- check out the eats at Hominy Grill. It is on the other side of the city, closer to MUSC, on Rutledge Ave. Best grits in the south and their toasted pumpkin bread is fabulous!
I love southern cities. I have been to Asheville, Savannah, New Orleans, and Biloxi. I have had the best biscuits down there. I’m glad you are having a great time!
I have been begging the hubs to go to Charleston, my brother currently lives and works on Kiawaha Island which is pretty close, and I so want to visit and explore before he moves!
I know you said you’re not into showing bump photos, but I’d love to see how the bump is coming along. Charleston looks like a relaxing place to visit.
from the front i couldn’t even tell that you are pregnant!! although your chest does appear quite full! lol-its a perk with pregnancy that just must be enjoyed me thinks :)
I was in Charleston right after Thanksgiving. I love the outside doors to the porches. If I ever win the lottery I am totally buying a house there.
What awesome photos!! You are absolutely glowing and look beautiful. Have fun!
Your pictures are AMAZING and you are definitely capturing the essence of our gorgeous city. It’s a wonderful place to livel. I hope you make it over the bridge to Mount Pleasant. You will love Shem Creek and Old Village. Sulllivan’s Island and Isle of Palms aren’t too far away either.
Everything looks so fun and bright and springy! Love it! I’ve heard great things about Charleston :)
It looks like you are having an awesome trip! The pictures are wonderful, Charelston is such a beautiful city!
Darling! All the photos are just lovely — and I need to say that your guy is a “hurly-burly” kind of guy (South Pacific). Glad you are enjoying the sights and the food. Charleston is one of the most charming cities in the US.
I loved Charleston…
Looks like a blast! My hubby and I drove by the airport on Sunday and were itching to hop on a plane and just go somewhere…
Welcome to the Carolinas! Which also happens to be my neck of the woods. There seems to be beauty around every corner around here, no matter the season.
I went to College of Charleston for a semester in college on an exchange through Iowa State. I lived on Logan Street! Enjoy your trip!
That food looks amazing!
My husband and I visited Charleston a few years ago with his family. There are so many pretty things to look at — and good food!
I went to college of charleston and currently go to musc in charleston as well! Im definitely one of the college/grad school students with my back pack among the tourists! I love that you are enjoying the city! I highly suggest getting to a rooftop bar if yall have time left and a slice of coconut cake at peninsula grill! Ps my brother used to work at husk!
That yoghurt parfait looked good!
I’ve never tried nor can I say wanted to try alligator :)
Thanks so much for all the flower pics! Oh my gosh do we need a
Lot more spring around here (from Mpls.) ;) Thanks for all your great
Recipes and fun vacation photos! We love to find great restaurants
When my hubbie and I travel with or without the kids. ;)
Congrats on your baby news!!
I have been living in Paris, France for two years. Now I want to visit Charleston! Inspiration to save $$$ for my trip back to the states in ’14! Thanks for your lovely photos and commentary!
I love Charleston! I live just a few hours north in the capitol of South Carolina, Columbia. If y’all need a place to stop on your way back through the southern hospitality doesn’t end there :)
What a beautiful city. I would love to go someday!
charleston is the BEST!!!! it’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited and I’m so lucky that it’s within driving distance. (Granted a longish drive, but worth it.) I’m heading back in May and can’t wait! If you have time, the Boone Plantation is amazing. :)
If you get a chance to go back to Poogan’s Porch, you must try the fired pimento cheese balls. They are something else! Poogan’s Porch is one of my wife’s favorite restaurants of all time.
Charleston is one of my favorite cities in the US. And I lived in New Orleans for four years so I know what you mean when you compare the two cities. Try to get to Magnolias for a meal. Best grits ever!
You MUST try this french chocolatier while in Charleston!! AMAZING melt-in-your-mouth chocolates and a little coffee and pastry spot as well! http://www.christophechocolatier.com/