Picture cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and southern hospitality. This and much more make Charleston, South Carolina an ideal spot for a couple’s getaway. With a few days to spare before collecting our kids from camp, we decided to rediscover what this authentic city has to offer.
Being one of our favorite stops, we have two preferred accommodations in Charleston. Zero George is a classic contemporary boutique hotel comprised of restored circa 1804 buildings. From complimentary wine and cheese in the evenings to European breakfast baskets and use of bicycles in the private courtyard, the abundant amenities are a wonderful addition to its perfect location.
This time around, we chose to visit the luxurious Hotel Bennett. Designed to feel as though its origins date back to the 18th century, Hotel Bennett takes Southern hospitality to the next level... My husband even had to remove his hat in the lobby.
The epitome of Southern luxury and charm, Hotel Bennett is located on the fashionable King Street. Each exquisite guest room has a deep soaking tub as well as at least one built-in bookcase paying homage to the former city library that used to occupy its address. We felt like royalty sipping complimentary champagne in the lobby.
Charleston is chock-full of events. We spent Saturday morning strolling through the farmer's market in Marion Square. From local produce, to art, crafts, live music and food vendors, it was like stepping back in time.
There are plenty of self-walking tours to take to visit historical sites, landmarks, and museums. You can find some from a simple Google search. A walk through the City market is a must! Don't miss the famous Callie's Hot Little Biscuit stand, where you can try one of their daily flavors. We advise opting for one of Charleston's famous food tours in place of one of your meals to sample local favorites like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and pralines.
Other activities in Charleston include guided tours to learn about its rich history and architecture. Highlights include Rainbow Row, the Battery, historic churches, and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Another great way to see the town is by taking a carriage tour or a boat tour around the harbor. Although we didn't venture out of the city this time, there are multiple plantations to visit, just 20 minutes away, each with their own story.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how incredible the shopping is in Charleston. Famous for its history and architecture, King Street is adorned with practically every kind of store. From the most proper one-of-a-kind boutiques to the high-end brands, antique shops and everything in between, you could spend the day getting lost in the sales.
But then when you need a snack, back at Hotel Bennett, the afternoon tea at Camellias is a must-try. From the dazzling crystal chandelier to the adorable pink teapots, it's one of the most instagrammable restaurants in the city. Our favorite savory treat was the deviled eggs with truffled caviar.
As for dinners in Charleston, I don't even know where to begin. Hank's Seafood is famous for just that - seafood. Their menu includes all the staples as well as plenty of delicious salads, cocktails and desserts.
Other favorite restaurants of ours are Leon's Oyster Shop, Wild Common, Halls Chophouse, Husk, The Ordinary and The Obstinate Daughter, which can be found on Sullivan’s Island.
You can obviously fill the nights with food alone, but there is plenty of evening entertainment to choose from, like rooftop bars, dessert cafes, wine bars, and ghost tours exploring Charleston’s haunted history. This time, we took an adults-only tour called: The Dark Side of Charleston, providing "an uncensored look at the untold history of Charleston." It started at 10 pm, which was perfect for us, since we had a late dinner. The guide recounted stories of brothels, corruption, crime and more.
Reach out to us for your next adventure - with or sans kiddos. We'll curate the perfect itinerary to meet your needs.
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