My friend Sarah and I were both interested in visiting Charleston, South Carolina so we quickly booked a long weekend less than two months out. (We went at the beginning of March 2016.) It was a really fun and packed trip. This travel guide includes everything I learned from my trip to Charleston and I hope it helps you plan your trip!

WHY VISIT CHARLESTON?
On our second morning in Charleston, we went to Fort Sumter and in the afternoon we enjoyed a Bulldog Historic Walking Tour around downtown. It was a lot of history in one day, and a lot of painful history at that. Charleston was in the center of a horrific civil war, one that divided the country and the community. Their economy was built on plantations and the slaves that kept them up, so you can imagine the confusion and uncertainty among the subjects of morals, economics, state rights and their way of life. Most recently, it was the place of the 2015 church shooting that was fueled by racism. Charleston’s story weighed heavy on me. As we stopped by another historic church on our walking tour, our guide reminded us again that all the churches in Charleston are very welcoming to all visitors, no matter what their beliefs and even after what happened in 2015. He added that while there is a whole lot of sad history, Charleston has grown together stronger than ever, showing how the city has progressed and matured. While Charleston can’t change its history, and to be honest, some of their history is what has given the city its charm and energy, it has made sure their future is brighter than their past.

As I learned during the walking tour, Charleston’s economy was crippled after the Civil War and they couldn’t rebuild and didn’t necessarily want to become industrialized like other cities. Their decisions/set-backs created today’s economy built on tourism. The historic buildings they’ve preserved and restored are what give Charleston its charm and legacy. So while Charleston has a growing, vibrant culinary industry, the history is what draws people to the city. It doesn’t hurt that Charleston has some perfect weather!

QUICK TIPS

• Rent a car for a day or two to see sights outside of downtown.
  
• Bring a jacket. Beware of cloudy days and cool breezes.

WEATHER

Charleston has perfect weather – not too hot and not too cold. The average high in the summer is in the 90s and the average low is in the 30s. A great time to visit is Spring or Fall.

GETTING THERE

You’ll be flying into the Charleston International Airport (CHS). It’s a fairly small airport with two terminals. As of March 2016, they are doing major construction, so your restaurant options are limited. Our flight from Austin (about $250 round-trip) had a quick change of planes in Charlotte, North Carolina.

GETTING AROUND

Charleston is a very walking-friendly city, especially if you’re staying close to downtown. We stayed close to downtown and our walks to get to certain places ranged from 10 to 30 minutes. Our Uber ride from the airport to our hotel was about 12 miles and 22 minutes, costing about $20. Our return to the airport cost about $16. A 2 mile, 10 minute ride in downtown cost about $7. To visit sights out of town, we rented a car for a day (Volkswagen Beetle), which cost $45, including filling the tank.

WHERE TO STAY

The average hotel rate is about $177 per night. The average Airbnb is $147. We stayed at the Ansonborough Inn ($189-309 per night). Once a warehouse, its conversion into a boutique hotel gives it many historic features and charming quirks. The rooms are spacious and the hotel provides many amenities, such as complimentary breakfast, happy hour and snacks. They have a newly renovated rooftop terrace we didn’t get to check out but it looks comfortable! From our hotel, it was a comfortable 15 minute walk to downtown, and it was a good proximity to all the sights and restaurants we visited.

The Mills House is also a very popular hotel and located in the middle of downtown. For unique, high-end hotels, check out the French Quarter Inn or Zero George. There are also a handful of chain hotels around downtown that may be on the lower end of the pricing.

Ansonborough Inn

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK

You’ll find some fantastic eats in Charleston. Check out my post about the Best Restaurants in Charleston to plan where you’ll dine!

Shrimp and Grits at Hominy Grill

WHERE TO PLAY

You definitely want to plan on walking around downtown to take in the city. Check out my post about the Best Things to Do in Charleston for more recommendations.

Have additional questions about Charleston? Leave a comment below or send me a message.

The post Charleston, South Carolina Travel Guide appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

One of the main reasons my friend Sarah and I picked Charleston for our girls’ trip was because of the food. We heard it was a foodie hotspot and after eating at some of the best restaurants in Charleston, we found it to be true! We thoroughly researched and made reservations before our trip to create a trip schedule. I’ve included restaurant hours, reservation information, and tips to help make your dining experience in Charleston extra tasty!

Sugar Bakeshop
Following my tradition of eating cupcakes when I travel, I found Sugar Bakeshop was one of the most popular places in Charleston. We split this scrumptious Vanilla Blueberry Cupcake with Lemon Curd filling. If you’re not into cupcakes, they also make cookies, tarts, and pies.

Offering: sweet treats for anytime
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am to 6 pm; Sat 11 am to 5 pm
Address: 59 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
While Jeni’s is not homegrown in Charleston, it’s a delightful treat when you’re walking around downtown. The cute shop smells of waffle cones and their ice cream flavors will have you salivating. I enjoyed the brown butter almond brittle and salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks. The good thing is you don’t need to go to Charleston to try it; buy it in a grocery store near you or online.

Offering: sweet treats for anytime
Hours: Noon to 11 pm daily
Address: 501 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

WildFlour Pastry
We needed to grab a snack for the airport (it started as an excuse to visit but it ended up being truth), so we stopped by here after breakfast. We grabbed quiches, lemon cake, and a cupcake. These were all happily enjoyed as we made our way home. My favorite thing was the mushroom and gruyere quiche! I hear their sticky buns are amazing but those are only offered on Sunday morning and sell out quickly, so plan accordingly.

Offering: One menu for breakfast, lunch and snacks
Hours: Tues-Fri 6:30 am to 4:30 pm; Sat 8 am to 3 pm; Sun 8 am to 1 pm; Closed Mon.
Address: 73 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403

FIG
Our first dinner was at the popular restaurant FIG. Its dark restaurant was intimate and casual. The service was outstanding. We split some amazing dishes: Ricotta Gnocchi and Grass-Fed Beef Bolognese (my favorite of the night), Golden Tilefish, Suckling Pig Confit and Sticky Sorghum Cake. The decadent, soft pillows of ricotta gnocchi were so good, I slowed myself down to savor every single bite of the dish. Though it will put a larger dent in your wallet than other restaurants, it’s definitely a worthy place to try!

Offering: Dinner
Reservation Tip: Reservations can be made a month (exactly) in advance, and plan accordingly because those reservations are snatched up quickly.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Fri-Sat 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm; Closed Sun
Address: 232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Butcher & Bee
After looking at the menu, we knew we had to fit this simple spot into our schedule. We enjoyed the kale slaw, crispy Brussels sprouts, double burger and fries and turkey hash. The juicy burger and the kale slaw were my favorites at Butcher & Bee! Their menu is fairly short and the daily menu is posted on their Facebook page.

Offering: Lunch, Weekend Brunch, Late Night
Reservation Tip: No reservations since it is counter service.
Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am to 3 pm; Sat-Sun 10 am to 3 pm; Fri-Sat 10 pm – 3 am
Address: 654 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

The Daily
Butcher & Bee’s sister shop next door, The Daily is a coffee shop and quick snack store. We made a stop here after eating at Butcher & Bee and got some buttermilk muffin donuts to go. They are the perfect sweet snack dipped in sugar and only $1.10 each.

Offering: Coffee, cold-pressed juice, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, grab-and-go items
Hours: 7am-7pm Mon-Fri; 8am-7pm Sat; 8am-4pm Sun
Address: 652 B. King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Rooftop at The Vendue
This hotel has a hot spot rooftop bar and restaurant that gives you some of the best views of Charleston. We enjoyed some cocktails here as the sun set. They have live music every Sunday from 2-5pm. That view!

Offering: Lunch, Dinner and Drinks; Live music every Sunday from 2-5pm
Reservation Tip: Does not take reservations
Hours: 11:30am–10pm Sun-Thurs; 11:30am-12am Fri-Sat
Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401

Husk
This was another fantastic dinner spot during our trip. Led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock, Husk focuses on the bounty of Southern ingredients, working closely with local farms. You’ll see the ingredients and its origins listed on their website and prominently in the lobby of the restaurant. When we were there, we enjoyed Cheddar Pimento Cheese and Hoe cakes; Country ham with buttermilk biscuits, mustard and bread-n-butter pickles; slow cooked pork ribs with puffed pork skins; and Cornmeal-dusted catfish with shrimp rice, roasted fennel and mustard greens. If I had to pick a favorite dish, it would be the Cheddar Pimento Cheese. Every dish was exceptional, the service was pleasant and attentive, and the environment was casual yet special.

Offering: Lunch, Sunday Brunch, Dinner
Reservation Tip: Advance reservations are very necessary if you want to eat here. We made our reservation about a month in advance.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Sun 10 am-2:30 pm; Sun-Thurs 5:30-10 pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11 pm
Address: 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
This spot was not on our food schedule but we passed by it several times when walking along King Street. After smelling the biscuits from outside and seeing many people taking orders to-go, we knew we had to make room somehow. We made it for breakfast and it was such a good idea! I enjoyed the biscuit sandwich with sausage, fried egg and pimento cheese. It was messy, flavorful and filling.

Offering: One menu for breakfast and lunch
Reservation Tip: No reservations since it is counter service
Hours: 8 am – 2pm daily
Address: 476 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Xiao Bao Biscuit
This Thai restaurant is a favorite among visitors and locals. The unassuming, casual eatery was a happening place on a Monday, and we managed to get two seats at the bar without waiting. The menu is short, sweet and truly authentic. Sarah had been craving a papaya salad of the same caliber of those she enjoyed in Thailand last year and this one, the Som Tum with Chicken (black bean fried chicken over rice and papaya salad) satisfied the craving. My dish, the Pad Kra Pow (minced beef, beans, Thai chili, basil, rice and egg), was so tasty and fresh.

Offering: Lunch and Dinner
Reservation Tip: Does not take reservations.
Hours: Mon- Sat 11:30 am- 2 pm; Mon- Sat 5:30 – 10 pm
Address: 224 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29401

167 Raw
This 18-seat restaurant will make you wait but it’s worth it! On a Monday night around 6:30pm, it was about a 15-minute wait. We started with ahi poke, which came with chips. I enjoyed three freshly shucked oysters and the fish taco. Sarah enjoyed the incredible lobster roll. If you love seafood, this is the spot!

Offering: Lunch and Dinner
Reservation Tip: Does not take reservations
Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am-9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm
Address: 289 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Hominy Grill
For our last meal in Charleston, we decided we needed a traditional Southern meal. Hominy Grill satisfied our taste buds. We split the Charleston Nasty Biscuit (chicken biscuit sandwich covered in gravy) and the shrimp and grits. I’ve eaten a handful of shrimp and grits in my life and I can easily say this one was my favorite!

Offering: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch
Reservation Tip: Does not take reservations
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am–9 pm; Sat 9 am-9pm; Sun 9 am-3 pm
Address: 207 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

We had many restaurants on our list after our research but weren’t able to visit all of them. Here are some more noteworthy options I’d recommend checking out:

• Edmund’s Oast: This gastropub is the place for craft beers and cocktails. It’s located far north.
• Bay Street Biergarten: This cute biergarten would be a perfect chill spot during nice weather.
• Wild Olive Restaurant: Located on Johns Island, this “rustic chic” restaurant will satisfy your need for Italian food and quality wine.
• McCrady’s: You’ll find Southern fine dining at McCrady’s, located in the French Quarter. Chef Sean Brock of Husk is also the chef here. It was opened in 1778 as a tavern.
• Two Boroughs Larder: We had been looking at this spot for weekend brunch, but they also serve dinner and happy hour. It’s focus is on seasonal American dishes and noteworthy wines and beers.
• The Ordinary: This not-so-ordinary restaurant was a James Beard finalist in 2013 and a place to indulge in seafood. You’ll find an oyster bar and grilled fish dishes here.
• Indaco: Indaco (the Italian word for indigo) is an Italian restaurant in downtown Charleston. At this finer dining restaurant, you’ll enjoy pizzas, pastas, and cured sausages.
• The Grocery: Known as warm and welcoming, The Grocery focuses on a seasonal menu for weekend brunch or dinner. You’ll find mostly American-style dishes with ingredients from local purveyors.
• Palmetto Brewing Co: In looking at Charleston’s breweries, this one seemed to be noteworthy and popular.
• Westbrook Brewing: I enjoyed two of Westbrook Brewing’s beers (White Thai and One Claw) in Charleston and their brewery (outside of downtown) would be fun to visit for a tour.
• Proof: This craft cocktail, beer and wine bar is a cozy speakeasy to relax in.

Westbrook Brewing Co’s White Thai

Have a Charleston restaurant you’d recommend? Leave a comment below!

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Charleston, South Carolina is a fun city for a long weekend! It’s a city filled with history and great eats. I’m excited to tell you all about my trip and give you some recommendations about things to do in Charleston for your future trip. Take a look at my top five suggestions.

St. Michael’s Church

1. Walk the city. (Take a historical walking tour by Bulldog Tours.)

Downtown Charleston is very walkable, especially if the weather is perfect. There is much to see and walking around will help you take it all in. Around every corner is something that will catch your eye. You’ll see colorful buildings, interesting businesses, historic plaques and more. While we did do a lot of walking by ourselves (a lot of walking from restaurant to restaurant!), we also enjoyed a historic downtown walking tour by Bulldog Tours. The guide was very knowledgeable about the city’s history and showed us his favorite spots. Charleston also has downtown carriage tours like Old South Carriage Tours and nighttime ghost tours. Charleston Footprints is another recommended walking tour. If you’d like to make your own tour, here are some places to check out:

• Battery Park / White Point Gardens: This waterfront area gives you great views of the water, waterfront mansions and historic sites like Fort Sumter and Castle Pickney.
• Rainbow Row: On East Bay Street, you’ll find the well-known, pastel row of houses. You can’t miss them. Just look for the tourists taking pictures across the street!
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church: Oldest surviving religious structure in Charleston, it’s one of the most well-known and visited churches in the city.
• Four Corners of Law: You should stop by the intersection of Broad and Meeting streets to observe this unique sight. On the four corners you’ll see St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Charleston City Hall, Charleston County Courthouse, and the United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse. These buildings represent the law institutions of federal, state, local and religion.
• King Street: This is a long street filled with antique shops, bookstores, restaurants, and gift shops. Part of the street includes many chain restaurants and stores.

Rainbow Row

Palmettos near Battery Park

2. Visit a Plantation. (Visit Middleton Place.)

Charleston’s economy was built on plantations and many were made into historic sites. Many have been restored or enhanced so that they are a beautiful sight to see. Some may have historic homes on the land to show you how people lived. We visited Middleton Place, which is 30 minutes outside of downtown Charleston. The gardens are immaculate at Middleton Place and we saw many varieties of colorful flowers. We toured the Middleton House with an official guide and did a self-guided walking tour around the plantation where we saw the stables and what used to be rice fields. If you’d like to visit a plantation, I’ve read that Magnolia Plantation is also a favorite.

3. Visit Angel Oak Tree.

About 30 minutes outside of downtown Charleston stands the majestic 400-500 year old Angel Oak Tree. This tree is enormous! It’s 65 feet tall, its longest branch is 187 feet, and its circumference is 28 feet. On a Monday, the tree only had a few visitors and everyone walked around quietly admiring it.

4. Visit Fort Sumter.

On the Charleston bay, you’ll take a 30 minute ferry ride out to Fort Sumter. The ferry ride was a fun part of this experience because we were able to see the Charleston skyline, a great view of the Ravenel Bridge and sailboats. At Fort Sumter, you’ll see, hear and learn about what the fort endured during the Civil War. Plaques around the fort tell you its story and guides are available to give you more information. A small museum exhibit on top of Battery Huger, a structure built inside the fort in 1898, gives you a timeline of the fort’s history.

5. Visit a beach.

One thing we didn’t do (because of time and distance), was visit one of Charleston’s beaches. I’m sure this is a must-do when the weather is warmer! In my research, I saw that Folly Beach was a favorite spot, but you also have the options of Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, and Seabrook Island.

Blue Bicycle Books

If you have time, or have particular interest, here are some other activities you may enjoy in Charleston.

• Charleston Museum: We got multiple recommendations from people in Charleston to visit this history museum.
• Mac & Murphy: This cute stationary store has a good selection of cards, notebooks, and other trinkets.
• Blue Bicycle Books: This new and used books store is on King Street. I liked their section with books about Charleston. A great Charleston souvenir would be a cookbook by one of Charleston’s chefs. Try: Heritage by Sean Brock, Callie’s Biscuits and Southern Traditions by Carrie Morey, or The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen by Matt and Ted Lee.
• Lulu Burgess: Located on King Street, this gift shop has unique Charleston gifts along with fun knick-knacks.
• Charleston City Market: We visited this market expecting something like San Francisco’s Ferry Building but it turned out to be a market filled with souvenirs. A quick walk-through took about 10 minutes.
• South Carolina Aquarium: Another recommended spot, the aquarium is along the waterfront and by Fort Sumter’s ferry.
• Candlefish: We didn’t make it here but Candlefish is a popular candle and gift shop.

Mac & Murphy

So there you have it. If I missed a sight or attraction you loved, be sure to leave me a comment below!

We were given complimentary passes to Middleton Place, Fort Sumter and the Bulldog Tour by the Charleston Visitors and Convention Bureau. Reviews were not required and my recommendation is my own opinion. I thought the three experiences enhanced our trip greatly!

Stay tuned for my recommendations for restaurants and a travel guide to help you plan your trip!

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