April 2, 2022
Charleston, S.C. is truly one of a kind! Charleston is rated one of America’s top trending travel destinations. I am super excited to share my travel experience and some tips for those who would love to experience Southern Charm!
My stay:
We checked into Marsh N’ Sea Serenity, a private home on Folly Beach (4570 sq feet)- this property had it all! Located on Eastend of Folly Beach, the home sits on a small saltwater tributary of the Folly River. The home offered easy beach access directly across the street and picture perfect marsh views from the deck, where you could take in the beautiful sunset. So many gorgeous views- river, marsh, beach, private dock and lighthouse.
Hotels worth mentioning: Immerse yourself in Southern elegance at these luxury Hotels:
•Hotel Bennett-Grand luxury hotel downtown Charleston with great vibes, Instagram worthy, provides the best aerial views of Charleston skyline.
•The Loutrel- located in the French Quarter has one of Charleston’s premier rooftops.
Where to Eat & Drink- Restaurants: Will travel for Food! Charleston is a foodies dream.
•Peninsula Grill- Fine dining/Southern restaurant located in Historic District. Ressies required, we made reservations before we left Chicago. Must try the 12 layer coconut cake-OMG!
•Poogan’s Porch- Traditional Southern cooking served in a Victorian townhouse, make reservations to avoid long wait time. I wanted to experience the old southern charm, “Charleston right of passage “, so I sat on the porch and sipped my Zoe’s Iced Coffee with my meal for an afternoon buzz! My fav dishes were chicken &waffles, shrimp &grits and bone in fried chicken. I saw she-crab soup on a lot of menus; will have to try next visit.
•Church & Union- American dining and cocktail bar; former Church transformed into a restaurant. The atmosphere is casual, yet refined. Cutting edge design, excellent service, great food and specialty cocktails – the Ghost was my favorite. There is also live entertainment on some nights.
•Hyman’s Seafood- no ressies taken, may experience long wait times-35 minutes for my party at 5:00pm. Amazing food and awesome service. Must try the Chilean Seabass croquettes and the crispy flounder. Met with the owners of the establishment for a great conversation!
•Carmellia’s Cafe and Dessert Bar- an Italian- American dessert boutique cafe with great music and vibes! Head over after dinner at 5Church; great selection of amazing cakes!! Wow… so many to choose from! I had the Red Velvet and it was very good. I also tried the Lemon Blueberry Cake and the Canoli cake. The cakes are shareable.
To Do:
•Fiat Lux- craft cocktails
•Camellias- premier Pink Champagne Lounge located inside Hotel Bennett. Has an extensive selection of champagnes by the bottle and by the glass. Loved the pink decor- pink marble countertops, plush rose chairs, drinks to match the decor and diamond chandeliers. Great spot for afternoon tea, reservations required.
•Rainbow Row- Stroll East Bay Street along Battery to see the Iconic pastel-hued Georgian rowhouses. There are 13 historical houses with beautiful flowers in window boxes and cobblestone walkways. So much history here.
•Battery Street- located on the other side of Rainbow Row- great photo-ops! Check out the Pink Mansion, a beautiful colonial home on East Battery Street that overlooks the Charleston Harbor.
•Joe Riley Waterfront Park- nice place to stroll along the Charleston Harbor with views of Ravenel Bridge and the iconic Pineapple Fountain. Great view of sailboats while relaxing on the parks bench!
• King Street: fabulous shopping in Historic District- luxury hotels, fine dining, boutiques nightlife, art and antiques.
• Charleston City Market- downtown Charleston, one of the oldest public markets and cultural heart of Charleston. It’s filled with vendors that sell an array of goods and handicrafts(beautiful baskets).
I hope this guide to Charleston, SC will provide insight to all who choose to visit the city soon!
Rochelle M.
