6 Things To Do On A Short Trip To Charleston
Now that it’s been almost four months (I can’t believe it!) since we moved from San Francisco to Charleston, we’re really starting to feel settled at home. We’ve made a great group of friends, we’ve figured out our daily routine, we’re finally getting back on track with fitness (we just started Orange Theory and we love it), we’ve ridden our bikes all over town and we’ve definitely seen our fair share of brunches, lunches and dinners. Even though it’s a smaller city, it sure doesn’t feel that way. Charleston has so much to offer when it comes to activities, restaurants, arts, shopping and you can’t forget all of the history. While we’re currently working on a much more in-depth Guide to Charleston (coming soon!), we thought we would share our short list for those of you that may be coming for a long weekend or getaway. We’ve been getting lots of requests, so keep reading to see what topped our list…
Enjoy a Cocktail and Dinner at The Ordinary
The Ordinary is our favorite all around dining experience in Charleston. We love sitting at the bar for one of their many delicious rum-based cocktails and whether it’s an appetizer or an entree, you won’t want to miss their seafood.
Rent Bikes and Cruise Around South of Broad
We love a leisurely bicycle ride. If you’re lucky, your hotel will already have bicycles available for you to take out. If not, there are a number of options for rentals. Once you have your bicycle you can cruise through the pristine South of Broad neighborhood – just make sure you take notice of the many one way streets.
Tour a Historic House or Plantation
Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, so naturally it’s full of history lessons to be learned. There are a few historic houses we’ve enjoyed visiting, including the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House in Charleston. Or you can visit a few of the historic plantations in the area, such as Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place or Boone Hall.
Visit the Beach at Sullivan’s Island
If you’re open to an early rise while on vacation, we highly recommend a sunrise stroll on the beach at Sullivan’s Island. If you prefer to stay in bed a little longer, lunch at Obstinate Daughter or Poe’s, followed by a walk on the beach may be an even better option.
Eat Brunch at Butcher & Bee
To some, brunching is considered an important weekly event, often given as much dedication as going to church or watching football. That culture is definitely alive and well here in Charleston. While I normally don’t partake in one of the only forms of socially acceptable drinking before noon, I do love the food. If the toughest decision of the day is deciding between ordering savory or sweet, then you’re probably off to a great start. I always order “Pancakes for the table”, but it’s my way of getting a little bit of both. When craving brunch, more often than not, we find ourselves going to Butcher & Bee. I get the Brown Rice bowl filled with rice, veggies, egg and almond butter, which sounds like an odd addition, but it definitely makes the dish.
Shop on King Street
The King Street fashion district is filled with wonderful little shops and restaurants. Two of my favorite boutiques on King are Hampden Clothing and Lily and two boutique mens shops Thomas likes are M. Dumas & Sons and Grady Ervin. Looking for a quick bite to eat? There is a wonderful dive-in lunch spot off King on George Street called Caviar & Bananas. On Upper King, you’ll find some of our favorites restaurants, bars and shops- Stars, The Darling Oyster Bar, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Monza, The Daily, Blue Bicycle Books, and Beckett Boutique.
Just off Upper King in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhoods you can find some really fantastic spots more specifically on Cannon and Spring Streets. Make sure to checkout Xiao Bao Biscuit, Cannon Green, and Five Loaves Cafe. If you’re in the mood for sweets, Sugar Bakeshop always satisfies and across the street you will find an adorable paper shop called Mac & Murphy.
“Made a great group of friends” in only 4 months? Teach me your ways :)
Would love your take on making adult friends in a new city — honesty is appreciated because I usually find it challenging!
Hi Jordan,
We knew a few people before moving, so that definitely helped because they’ve introduced us to lots more. We’ve also just been really open to meeting with new people that have reached out- through email, Instagram, etc. I think being open and making time for creating those relationships is really important!
x Julia
Hey Julia! I live in Charlotte, and my house looks EXACTLY like the pink one in your photo, with the fake front door leading to the porch! The architect that built our home designed all of the homes in the surrounding area based off of these homes in Charleston. I thought you’d like to know that the city you live in is an inspiration because of its beauty! Enjoy it! taylorjoblog.com is my new blog I started, fell free to check it out!
Such gorgeous photos! Must plan a trip to Charleston asap
XX
Lizzie
the-streetwalker.blogspot.com
Thank you for this post! It’s excellent. I just moved to Columbia and have been wanting to make a trip to Charleston soon, so this is so helpful!
So many great recommendations! Love it! Especially all the brunch and exploration options!
xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co
Wow. Charleston is beautiful! All the pictures looks like a dream! I would love to someday visit the place. Thanks for sharing.
xo jamie
http://jamieonthings.com/
I never had the good fortune to visit Charleston, but from your picture it seems amazing! Have a nice day, kisses,
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Eniwhere Fashion Facebook
We visited my in-laws there for New Years and had the best time. Next time I really want to go to Butcher and the Bee. :-) Thank you so much for sharing this I will save it for our next visit. Do you have any favorite coffee shops?
Your timing is perfect. I was going to ask you for suggestions as my husband and I will be visiting for the first time at the end of February. Thanks for the ideas.
I love this! I would LOVE to go on a weekend trip to charleston!
Oh my gosh, Charleston looks breathtakingly beautiful. Saving this for a (hopeful) future trip. <3
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
Great travel tips! Bookmarking for my eventual trip to Charleston (one day!)
Style by Joules
Hi! I’m going to Charleston for my bachelorette party at the end of April. Any good drinks spots for a big groups that have a fun atmosphere?
I long for a trip to this amazing town!! one day
http://www.redlipsandlattes.com
I visited Charleston for the first time last spring and I definitely want to go back and check these places out!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
Hi Julia! So off topic of the post, but I absolutely love the high neck dress you’re wearing in the photo on the porch! I’ve been looking for one like it for spring engagement photos. Where is it from?
such a cute post! xo
http://dearserendipity.com/
A bike ride on the beach in Charleston is such a wonderful experience – something I would highly recommend. Beautiful photos of this amazing city. Thanks for sharing!
City Style and Living The Editors Notebook | Instagram
Thanks for all the great info. I’ve been to charleston once but my husband and I are planning a trip back together this summer!
Love it! Where is your great monogram beach tote from? Thanks! xo
Hi Julia-I would love to know more about your pink bike that I have seen in a few of your posts-brand, place of purchase?
Hello Julia! Your blog is so beautiful and inspirational. Thanks for your great work. I’m planning a short trip to Charleston in a couple of weeks and would like to know what are your best recommendations for wineries ? Thanks in advance! Camille
Hi Camille,
We have yet to check out any wineries in the Charleston area!
x Julia
I’m SUPER excited to visit charleston for the first time next month. And definitely going to reference your guide– thanks for putting it together!
Hi Julia!! I love your post!! My husband and I are visiting Charleston Memorial day! We are so excited. We are definitely using a lot of your tips and restaurant recommendations. We wanted to visit one plantation. I was wondering which plantation did you visit in the picture above. The one with the beautiful tree and water where you are walking? Thank you so much for your help!
Thanks so much for sharing, I’m visiting Charleston for the first time this June and this has me so excited. I’m most looking forward to the brunch scene!
-Michelle
http://www.caseofthewanderlust.com
This looks amazing! The hubs and I are planning on a short trip to Charleston this summer for the first time and this was def helpful! Thanks for sharing darling!! :)
-Katie http://www.meshkomoments.com
Hi Julia! I just love following your blog – I recently traveled to Charleston for my birthday and told my boyfriend we had to use your guide, it was SO helpful! On another note, I live in Charlotte & have been thinking about buying a bicycle for a while now and want more of a cruiser but that is still good for a little bit longer rides. I wanted to see what type of bike you & Thomas decided to purchase or if you had any good recommendations? Any help would be so appreciated!
Hi! I’m having my bachelorette in Charleston in august and have been reading your guides for inspiration. Do you have a suggested neighrboorhood or part of town we should look in for an Airbnb?
Thanks and love your blog!
I was never interested enough in Charleston until I started following you at IG. I am from the Bay Area and am planning to visit Charleston this month on the 15th for 2 nights. Now that you’ve lived there longer, have you discovered new places and have new recommendations as to places to stay and see. I am very excited! Who knows, I might even bump into you ;) Thank you in advance for your help.
Ruby
@14chiqui
Charleston would never have been in the list of places I am interested in until I stared following you on IG. Last week, I and my sisters took a 3-day visit and found your guide to be very helpful. We weren’t able to go to all the places that you recommended but the ones we did were fantastic! We loved The Ordinary, Xiao Bao Biscuit, The Husk and Lily. I will definitely be back with my girlfriends next time during cooler months. Thank you