Final week our household took a last-minute, 2-day-3-night journey to Charleston, South Carolina and it was *chef’s kiss*. It was our first time there, and we arrived having executed zero planning and no itinerary with the aim of exploring, having fun with the sights, and consuming some great things alongside the way in which (spoiler: we achieved all three!). Truthfully, it may need been our favourite weekend journey but (tied with New Orleans). So listed here are all of the locations, actions, and meals that made our journey so nice.
Why We Picked Charleston As A Spot To Go to?
Ever since we moved to Florida three years in the past, our household holidays have modified a bit. We used to nearly at all times decide locations with a seaside and/or pool close by, however now that we’ve each at house, we discover ourselves extra taken with walkable cities or small cities with attention-grabbing sights, retailers, parks, eating places, and extra. And Charleston was nearly excellent for that! As our kids have gotten older – they’re now 9 and 13 – they get pleasure from exploring extra, and we not discover ourselves searching for out playgrounds and youngsters’s museums. So whereas every part we did right here was completely kid-friendly (and dog-friendly!) it might not be excellent for youthful youngsters.
The place We Stayed In Charleston, SC
A part of the rationale we booked this journey so final minute is that we got here throughout this awesome-looking Airbnb that occurred to be marked right down to fill just a few days between bookings (and you realize we love a sale). We stayed for 3 nights, and it was such an ideal spot and a well-managed rental, as the numerous evaluations attest to, which is what made it simple for us to click on that e book button. It will’ve completely been definitely worth the full value too. Notice: this wasn’t paid or sponsored in any manner & they don’t know us from Adam.
We had the upstairs unit (“The Poppy Suite”) however the downstairs can also be accessible from the identical host, in addition to just a few different listings round Charleston. We will’t say sufficient good issues about it. It was nicely adorned, very clear, nicely stocked, and each kid- and dog-friendly. The one downside for some individuals could be that it solely has one toilet, however you all know that we’re fairly comfy with that!
The center bed room pictured above is the place our daughter slept, and our son had a cute bunkroom within the again. Sherry and I took the entrance bed room as a result of it opened out to the entrance balcony, which we closely used and liked. We spent a few hours on the market throughout each of the complete days that we had in Charleston, simply hanging out and studying and having fun with the breeze. It was the proper spot to take a break from strolling round (particularly through the hottest elements of the day) as a result of it stayed shaded and I can’t promise you’ll expertise the identical breeze that we had, however it was there each days we have been on the market, and it was good.
And as a lot as we preferred the Airbnb itself, we largely picked it as a result of it was in an ideal location that was walkable to eating places, espresso retailers, and extra. It’s in a neighborhood referred to as Cannonborough / Elliotborough, for these accustomed to Charleston.
The place We Explored In Charleston, SC
Since we have been solely in Charleston for 2 full days, we determined to make use of at some point for exploring the town and the opposite for testing among the surrounding seaside communities (not only for the seaside – a pal tipped us off about some nice meals and issues to do on the market too).
We opted for a go-with-the-flow model journey, relatively than well-liked vacationer actions like visiting historic websites or museums so preserve that in thoughts. There are lots of of these issues to do in Charleston if your loved ones is on the lookout for that sort of journey as nicely. Throughout our metropolis day, we walked from our home on Spring Avenue right down to King Avenue – the principle avenue full of retailers and eating places that traverses Charleston – and simply kinda popped into retailers, ate, and loved the structure alongside the way in which.
We in all probability might’ve spent an entire day (or extra!) simply strolling and taking a look at the entire historic houses. Additionally they had guided strolling excursions that appeared fascinating, so if we ever went again I believe we’d strive a kind of. I’ll share our favourite shops and eating places in a minute, however first I’ve to drop in just a few extra stunning houses. We liked seeing all of those iconic Charleston facet porches with their very own “hospitality doorways” alongside the entrance (they seem like an actual entrance door, however simply result in the open-air porch on the facet).
Charleston felt like such a cool metropolis as a result of though there are such a lot of very previous houses and historic particulars, it was additionally colourful and vigorous. It didn’t harm that we have been there when every part was in bloom. And let me let you know, this metropolis LOVES window containers.
And simply have a look at this vibrant pink church we wandered previous in Charleston’s French Quarter (sure, they’ve one too, similar to New Orleans, which is one other weekend journey we took & liked this yr).
Talking of colour, we after all hit up Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, which is a row of brightly coloured Georgian houses alongside East Bay Avenue (don’t fear, “Rainbow Row” comes up in Apple and Google Maps, so it’s very simple to search out).
We clocked about 6 miles of strolling on our first day and, after looping house for a noon break, we drove again within the night to hit up among the additional spots from our home (like Rainbow Row and Pineapple Fountain). We do a variety of strolling round our neighborhood at house, so our youngsters didn’t bat a watch at this type of mileage – particularly because it was damaged up with meals, a few hours again at house within the A/C (nicely, we have been studying on the porch however they have been inside with the AC), and loads of stops in retailers.
The place We Shopped In Charleston, SC
A lot of the shops we popped into have been situated on or close to King Avenue, and we principally simply wandered into something that appeared attention-grabbing. Just like the tented rattan paradise that was this Amanda Lindroth retailer.
We at all times attempt to hit up an unbiased bookstore every time we journey, so we have been blissful to encounter Blue Bicycle Books. In some way we missed the signal for Buxton Books additional down King Avenue, however that appears to be one other well-liked native bookseller.
We didn’t encounter a ton of kid-specific shops (aside from this toy retailer within the Charelston Metropolis Market) however at 9 and 13, our youngsters love random issues like plant shops, artwork retailers, and even a stationery retailer (they purchase pens and felt tip markers like they’re connoisseurs). Additionally they had a stunning quantity of enjoyable smelling soaps on the Outdated Whaling Firm (pictured beneath) and all of us liked testing the artwork within the Mitchel Hill Gallery furnishings retailer. We rounded issues off with a good time within the Mildred Newberry stationery store (see: they like markers and pens).
And naturally, Sherry made certain we stopped into Stitching Down South, which is the pillow retailer opened by Craig Conover from Bravo’s Southern Allure. There have been no precise sightings of any Bravolebrities, however that was not for lack of effort (the trouble largely being Sherry randomly whispering “Craig?!” and “Paige?!” as we walked round city. Can’t imagine that didn’t work…).
As a lot enjoyable as we had strolling round Charleston itself, our two favourite shops have been really over the bridge nearer to a few of Charleston’s seashores.
Exploring Charleston’s Seashores
As I discussed, hitting the seaside isn’t actually the principle cause we e book a trip anymore simply because we reside on the seaside full time, however we have been all excited to drive out to Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island one morning to examine them out, since we’ve heard such nice issues about these communities and a pal gave us some tips on the place to eat and another enjoyable stuff to do and see on the market.
We parked close to The Boathouse at Breach Inlet in Isle of Palms to get pleasure from a pleasant morning stroll on the seaside since IOP gave the impression to be probably the most accommodating to canine on the seaside. After a pleasant seaside stroll (that they had some good shells & Penny liked sniffing every part) we went on the hunt to discover a place for espresso & brunch and stumbled upon a retailer in Sullivan’s Island referred to as A Maker’s Submit. It had the best mixture of artwork, housewares, and crops. And each of our youngsters walked out with new books that they bought, so it was successful for all ages.
After posting about our journey on Instagram final week, the photograph above in all probability obtained probably the most curiosity – a lot in order that I’m certain Sherry’s fingers harm from typing “it’s referred to as A Maker’s Submit” over and over in her DMs. It’s fairly onerous to overlook from the street, however it’s subsequent to a vibrant pink place referred to as The Co-Op (the place we ended up getting espresso) if that helps.
Our different favourite cease out that manner was a store we hit up on the way in which again from the seaside in additional suburban Mount Plesant. It’s referred to as Plant Home and – after A Maker’s Submit was such successful for our total household – I discovered it simply by googling “plant retailer.” I’m a hero.
Now we have since discovered that it’s a sequence with 7 areas within the Southeast (even one again in our previous hometown of Richmond, VA!) however it was completely new to us right here in Charleston and it’s in all probability the longest we spent in any single retailer the entire journey! They promote each plant and pot you might think about, and the shop itself is simply crammed to the brim with stuff to have a look at. Plus there’s a very enjoyable exercise they provide anytime you cease in…
… they’ve DIY terrarium stations! So for $25 every, our youngsters obtained to assemble their very own plant terrarium. They every picked out two small crops together with their spherical glass vessel after which the entire “toppings” on the worktable have been free: soil, sand, rocks, shells, moss, and many others. There was a girl who guided them by means of all of the steps, and every child had a lot enjoyable. Sherry additionally had enjoyable when our son often requested for a hand.
The workers was tremendous pleasant and useful, so the children obtained nice steering for constructing and caring for his or her terrariums too. They actually allow you to simply stroll in and make one anytime – however in addition they have scheduled workshops for grown-ups, and there’s even a bar with booze within the retailer!
As a lot as we loved all of those retailers and actions, the actual highlights of our journey have been in all probability the meals.
The place We Ate In Charleston, SC
We’re certainly not high-quality eating individuals and our trip MO is simply to search out locations with scrumptious meals and a enjoyable environment. Charleston didn’t disappoint on this entrance!
Breakfast in Charleston
Each mornings we obtained breakfast at neighborhood spots inside a brief stroll from our Airbnb. The primary was Daps Breakfast & Imbibe which had nice espresso, large egg sandwiches, and much more large pancakes. Looking back, the children might’ve shared an order (we knew they have been large however we didn’t notice they’d be THIS BIG). I additionally in all probability might have gotten a “facet” of pancakes with my order that may have fed them each! These have been the Fruity Pebble ones that our daughter obtained (our son went with one thing dusted with cocoa powder).
Our different breakfast was at Holey Metropolis Bagels which, to start with, earns factors for a top quality pun in its identify (Charleston’s nickname is “the Holy Metropolis”). The bagels themselves are the closest factor we’ve needed to a New York model bagel shortly and the hooked up espresso store was nice too.
Lunch & Dinner In Charleston
One other couple of nice spots inside strolling distance of our Airbnb have been Pink Cactus and Gasoline Cantina, each with Mexican menus. Pink Cactus appears to be like fairly unassuming from the road (the patio is kinda plopped into a few parking areas) however the meals was scrumptious and generously sized. They don’t have a child’s menu and like to not make substitutions, however each of our youngsters loved what they obtained (they’ll every deal with a little bit of spice which was undoubtedly current). We later met somebody who labored at Plant Home who stated her buddies drive 40 minutes to go to Pink Cactus, so apparently it has many devoted followers.
Gasoline Cantina undoubtedly beat Pink Cactus within the out of doors environment division. It’s situated in an previous gasoline station and the again patio, the place we ate, was the proper place to relax on a good looking summer time night. Suppose strings lights, TV, large followers, together with bocce and large Jenga to maintain the children entertained.
I took the above photograph the next morning on our stroll to Holey Metropolis (therefore it trying closed… as a result of it was). However I snapped the pic beneath the earlier evening on our manner out to the patio. They actually leaned into the previous gasoline station factor by turning some gasoline pumps into sconces!
One other tremendous chill meal we had that was large on environment was our dinner on the Port of Name Meals Corridor. The meals corridor gave us a number of choices – I obtained Greek, one child obtained seafood, and the remainder obtained smash burgers – and the seating space was good and shady. For dessert, all of us tried pineapple comfortable serve for the primary time at The Pineapple Hut.
Most likely our favourite meal food-wise was throughout the bridge in Sullivan’s Island at a spot referred to as The Obstinate Daughter. A pal beneficial this as a spot with incredible meals the place we might “costume up a bit”, so initially we wrote it off (none of us packed something remotely dressy). However then we occurred to drive by round 11am and noticed a number of households consuming on the patio in very informal apparel, so we determined to have an early lunch. And boy are we glad we did.
I obtained the particular of the day, a peach flatbread pizza with balsamic drizzle, and it completely hit the spot. The youngsters break up a cheese flatbread and a few pasta, which they each declared: “the very best.” Sherry obtained some scrumptious ahi tuna particular with a cream sauce and potatoes. This was the one meal we didn’t have leftovers from, as in, we licked every of our plates clear. Sure, that total pizza went into my stomach.
There’s a gelato store in the identical constructing referred to as BeardCat’s Candy Store, which we obtained for dessert. You get to pick two flavors even for a small dimension, so Sherry and I break up a darkish chocolate + olive oil and salt gelato. They actually drizzled olive oil on the highest, which I wasn’t so certain about at first, however it ended up being extraordinarily good.
Was Charleston Canine Pleasant?
Sure! Aside from just a few shops that stated “service animals solely,” we discovered every part in Charleston to be extraordinarily canine pleasant: our Airbnb, the seashores, and the out of doors eating places. As a result of we had such good climate throughout our keep, we have been capable of eat each single meal outdoors. For some meals – just like the breakfast locations and the meals corridor – it meant one in all us staying outdoors with Penny whereas the others positioned our order, however that’s no large deal and one thing we do at eating places again house too.
Since Penny’s a small canine, we usually decide her up every time we go into a store simply in case. That is extra for our & her security than the rest (that manner she doesn’t attempt to eat one thing below a show, get spooked by a store cat, or unintentionally knock one thing over along with her leash). We additionally usually ask an worker “is it okay to convey our canine in right here?” simply to be secure. Everybody was more than pleased to have her! She was additionally the one member of the family who requested to be carried just a few occasions outdoors when she didn’t really feel like strolling. #spoiled
As our Airbnb hosts identified of their booklet, many of the Charleston space seashores are canine pleasant too – however the guidelines fluctuate by space and time of yr, so you should definitely examine earlier than you go. In Could we have been capable of take Penny on the Isle of Palms seashores with no downside.
Our Journey To Charleston, SC: A Abstract
For Charleston first-timers who did little or no planning for this 2-day-3-night weekend journey, we had a good time. For comfort, I believed I’d bullet the locations talked about on this put up multi function spot for you.
- Our Airbnb: The Poppy Suite on Spring Avenue
- Strolling down King Avenue
- Visiting Rainbow Row & Pineapple Fountain
- Exploring the French Quarter
- Trying out homes on Cannon Avenue
- Strolling on the seaside in Isle of Palms
Purchasing
Consuming
Thanks for an ideal journey, Charleston. We’ll be again!
Different Household Journeys We’ve Taken
When you’re taken with our tackle different locations or in the hunt for family-friendly journeys, you may get pleasure from a few of these posts too:
