Charleston Guide

The guide for Charleston is finally here! I have to be honest, this trip already feels way longer than a month – the days are just flying and soon we will be off to our next destination! So to start I want to say that I truly can’t believe this is my first time in Charleston because it’s very close to NYC . Charleston is truly beautiful and has all the femininity and charm in the architecture that will keep you wanting to take pictures in every corner you turn. Thomas and I love to walk but we have to admit it was difficult to do it in such hot weather – if you’ve never been to Charleston I would advise you to go anytime between September through May when the heat is milder. I also added a short clip at the bottom of the post  – I hope to keep getting more video footage of all my trips – but bear with me, this whole video thing is new to me and I have ways to go to learn more about it all. Hope you enjoy  it!

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STAY: 

The Dewberry 

It’s been a while since I’ve fallen in love with a hotel property. The Dewberry was fantastic and the only hotel we would stay in when we return. This stylish mid-century yet modern property ( the building used to be a federal building) –  is in the PERFECT downtown Charleston location – near all the top restaurants and key streets that you will want to walk on for pictures etc. The rooms were lovely and had that southern charm I so wanted. The bed and linens were so comfortable that it was hard to get up each morning, and the bathroom was spacious and beautiful – all marble with copper details and great lighting.  I really appreciate the little things that hotels do to make me feel at home, The Dewberry  even went as far to not have random weird magazines that so many times you find in hotel rooms but instead were thoughtful enough to have the latest Architectural Digest waiting for you by your nightstand….loved that detail! ( Yes, I’m a bit crazy when it comes to hotels ….I pay attention to EVERYTHING! ). The service was top of the line – we were greeted each morning by the staff – especially Emma over at concierge, who not only made us feel at home but who gave us the best recommendations – I’d go as far to say that our 4th of July went so well due to her detailed recommendations which were so important to us since it was our first time in Charleston and we had no idea what to do to celebrate! The Dewberry checked off all my boxes and can’t wait to return!

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The Darling Oyster Bar - Charleston
The Darling Oyster Bar - Charleston
Butcher and Bee - Charleston
The Butcher and Bee - Charleston

EAT:

The Daily

This was our first stop in Charleston! After we dropped off our bags, we walked over from our hotel ( about a 20 min walk ) and enjoyed a cup of coffee and lunch. It’s  causal – cool spot to eat like a local!

Butcher and Bee

If you want sustainably sourced, this is your spot! EVERYTHING is made in-house….even the ketchup! 🙂 The restaurant was a bit out of the way for us but we really wanted to try it ( this is also where Leonardo DiCaprio ate when he visited ) – I had the veggie burger and Thomas had the Roast beef sandwich  – both really great and fresh.

Henrietta

This stylish restaurant is inside The Dewberry and just like the service at the hotel – our waiter at Henrietta was wonderful ( forgot his name ) – I had a cocktail called “One Before Dinner” with infused gin turmeric which they make themselves and it was so good! As for the food, the burger and fries were so good and filling.

The Ordinary

YOU MUST GO HERE. I loved this place so much that I was swaying on my chair as I ate the Hawaiian rolls ( which we re-ordered as sliders – because they were so good ) – let me put it this way – I am currently trying to find a way to have those rolls send to me in NYC because I loved them that much. The service was great and loved every dish and cocktail!! Order the Hawaiian rolls and Oysters – also make reservations ahead of time since it’s such a popular spot and always booked!

The Darling Oyster Bar

This is in walking distance of The Dewberry and so cute!! Known to be one of the best spots to have oysters in Charleston so we had to try it. We split oysters but for the main dish I ordered a lobster roll which was soooo yummy – Thomas had the scallop and wasn’t in love with it – so go for my choice and have the lobster roll. Yum!

The Obstinate Daughter

Did you catch my post of our day in Sullivan’s Island? If not, add this restaurant to your list – it’s right off the beach ( a couple of blocks ) and so pretty – we recommend you order the grilled octopus, brussel sprouts and the dairy-free clam pizza! For dessert, you can go right downstairs to Beard Cats Sweet shop for gelato!

Husk 

We were so happy to have gotten a last minute lunch reservation at Husk because it had been booked for weeks! I had the famous cheeseburger with fries ( yes, I’m not suppose to have dairy but for a cheeseburger this famous I didn’t care about stomach pains! ) – and boy was it worth it. Go for the cheeseburger and a side of corn bread and you will thank me. We didn’t get a chance to try the cocktail bar next door that is also part of Husk but if you do then let us know how you like it! 🙂

Hominy Grill

I can’t take credit for this one – Thomas picked this local favorite for our last breakfast in Charleston and it was sooo good. Hominy Grill is not close to many things but if you want to hang where the locals go and have a real southern breakfast then put this on your list and take an Uber!  Be prepared to wait to be seated.

Zero

Do you want a romantic dinner option? Go here! Zero restaurant is inside the Zero George boutique hotel and the space is super intimate and lovely. The dinner was not only really delicious but the presentation was top notch – be ready to pay for that presentation and quality, this was definitely one of our more expensive meals but well worth it.

Sugar Bakeshop

After seeing this bakeshop all over Instagram, I clearly had to go! Thomas and I both got cupcakes and homemade ice tea – the space was adorable and the cupcakes were delicious. We highly recommend it!

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DO: 

Boone Hall and Plantation 

Boone Hall is absolutely breathtaking – and it was my personal favorite out of the two we visited. We did a house tour where we learned about the history of the plantation and also saw where The Notebook was filmed! 🙂 – we also took a ride on the trolly that gave us a tour of the farmland that once upon time was big on cotton but now producing strawberries, tomatoes and peaches. I would def. go back here and stay longer – the intense summer heat didn’t really allow for us to stay out for too long.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

This plantation is massive – so plan to be there for a few hours! There are a ton of options in terms of the tours but we only did the gardens – Magnolia is one of the oldest public gardens in America so you must add it to your list!

Sullivan’s Island

Plan a day at the beach! Read my last post here to get more details of what to do and how to get there.

Take a stroll

The streets of Charleston will make you want to live there – not joking. The mansions and the cobblestoned streets will def. take you back in time! These are the streets that you need to make sure you visit:

  • Legare St.
  • Church St.
  • King St from Spring to Broad
  • East Bay St along the Battery

Sugar Bake Shop - Charleston


 

 

 

Outfit details:

Bag | Top | Skirt | Sandals

 

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2 Comments

  1. Samapti Taylor
    August 2, 2017 / 11:47 am

    I love this post! you were very thorough will all the food options- and i love the video of the hotel. Im always very picky about the bathrooms and the tour helped. can’t wait to go there now!

  2. August 9, 2017 / 11:44 am

    Stunning photos. I love all of the trees, so beautiful. I haven’t been to Charleston since I was a child, I need to get back there.

    Kara Aragon
    http://www.thekaragon.com

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