CHARLESTON, SC TRAVEL GUIDE

It’s no secret that my husband and I LOVE Charleston. It holds such a special place in our hearts for obvious reasons – we were married there! But there is even more to why we love it so much and why we chose to get married at Lowndes Grove in Charleston. So, before I get into the travel guide let me explain a little more.

Summer of 2014. My husband (then boyfriend) and I were in college and had been dating for about 6 months. We wanted to take a beach trip but wanted somewhere we could drive to because #brokecollegekids. So, we chose Charleston, SC. We headed down the week of July 4th- spent our days at Folly Beach drinking too many frozen daiquiris and our nights roaming the streets of Charleston. We completely fell in love with not only the city but each other on this trip. One night, July 3 to be exact, we were driving around aimlessly exploring and stumbled upon Lowndes Grove- the most breathtaking old plantation home situated on the water. We immediately decided that if we were ever to get married this would 100% be the spot. We took a selfie outside the gates and left. Fast forward 3 years to the day and we were married at Lowndes Grove on July 3, 2017 in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s crazy how life happens, isn’t it? See below for the selfie in 2014.

Anyhow, onto the travel guide!

Where to stay:

Spectator Hotel:

Our number one favorite and also rated the #1 hotel in Charleston. We freaking love this hotel. We stayed here on our wedding night, fyi. The rooms are stunning and the location is amazing- you’re steps away from the Market! You’ll feel like you travelled back in time. I couldn’t recommend this hotel enough.

Belmond Place:

Situated in the middle of King Street this hotel is STUNNING. A grand hotel that will surely make you feel like royalty. Highly recommend.

The Dewberry:

So many boho vibes! This hotel is amazing and definitely one of a kind! There’s even hand-painted wallpaper in every single room. WHAT?!

Where to eat?

Magnolias:

The most amazing southern style food with something for everyone! We love this place not only for the food, but for its authenticity and welcoming environment despite it being an upscale restaurant. I had my birthday dinner here this year!

Husk:

Located in an adorable Charleston style home, this place was named top 50 restaurants in the US! Make sure to make a reservation days or even weeks ahead of your visit to make sure you get in. Yes, it’s really that popular. A modern take on southern food – you’ll be talking about it for weeks to come!

FIG:

Stands for Food is Good (duh). A local foodie favorite for obvious reasons. The chef was named best chef in the southeast- what?! The experience is more than just the food and it’s something you will just have to experience for yourself!

Leon’s Oyster Shop:

An award winning restaurant known for their fried chicken, oysters, champagne, beer and an even better atmosphere. You definitely won’t want to skip this one.

Poogan’s Porch:

We love to grab brunch here on Sundays! It is so freaking delicious. Sitting outside on the front porch with biscuits, gravy and a mimosa. I mean, what more could you ever ask for?

Callies Hot little Biscuit:

If you’re looking for a quick breakfast look no further. This place is INSANE. The pimento egg and cheese biscuit is the real deal. We went here on my birthday and they even gave me a birthday cake biscuit with a candle! The wait can be long though, so be prepared but know that it’s 100% worth it!

What to do:

King Street:

Lower King Street is known for its shopping! You have everything from Louis Vuitton to local boutiques. Honestly, I could walk that street for HOURS so give yourself lots of time.

Upper King is booming with tons of new restaurants, bars and shopping! Make sure to explore allllll of King Street and not just one part.

Charleston City Market:

One of the oldest public markets in the nation! You’ll be sure to find one of a kind pieces or if you aren’t looking to buy, it’s still so much fun to browse! I’m such a sucker for these types of things.

The Battery and Rainbow Row:

You can’t come to Charleston without walking both of these areas. The houses are INSANE and the views are one of a kind. So many photo ops and history.

Folly Beach:

One of my favorite things to do! The tiniest beach town, with only one hotel, one street and little mom and pop restaurants and shops. We spend most of our days here at the beach when we are in town. We even had our wedding rehearsal dinner on folly beach! Be sure to eat at Taco Boy or Ritas.