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I just got back this past weekend from my latest road trip to Nashville, TN and Asheville, NC. As I started going through all of my photos from this trip and began thinking about putting together travel guides, it hit me… I never did a Charleston, SC travel guide from my last trip! I swear time just passes me by sometimes. I took this trip back in mid September, but it feels like yesterday because it was so much fun and went by so quickly! Read on for my recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.
Where to Stay:
Wentworth Mansion (first three photos)
Wentworth Mansion is a little on the pricey side, but well worth the money. It’s a historic 19th century home located right in the heart of the downtown Historic District, which made it convenient to most of the restaurants and attractions that my mom and I wanted to hit. Furthermore, the rooms are truly amazing.
The beds are extremely comfortable, there’s a giant whirlpool tub, and we also had a cute separate sitting room. They also serve a complimentary breakfast at their restaurant with your stay, along with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:00 daily. Lastly, they have their own private parking lot-which in a city like Charleston with limited parking is a real plus.
Zero George (last two photos)
I didn’t actually stay at Zero George but I stopped by to check it out because I had read about it on one of my favorite blogs, Gal Meets Glam. From what I could tell, it appears to be just about equally as nice as Wentworth Mansion. The location is not quite as good, but the staff is extremely friendly and the grounds are beautiful. They have several nice sitting areas outside along with a pretty porch and courtyard area. Zero George does have parking as well, although it costs extra.
The rooms themselves are in 5 different historic homes, so each one is a little different, and there are only about 15 rooms. This gives it a little bit more of a quaint bed and breakfast type feel whereas Wentworth Mansion is much larger. They do have a restaurant on site as well, and also a complimentary breakfast as well as wine and cheese.
Where to Eat:
Magnolia’s: lunch & dinner
Upscale southern food; it doesn’t get much better than that! This place has great service, a nice ambiance, and healthy portion sizes. I split the fried chicken with my mom and it did not disappoint! This was easily one of our favorite lunches of the trip. Highly, highly recommend.
The Ordinary: dinner
When in Charleston, you have to eat oysters. And there’s no better spot than The Ordinary! Everything is extremely fresh and there are loads of different oyster and clam options. Housed in an old 1920s bank, the decor and feel is also top notch. They are known for their large seafood towers, which happen to be as Instagrammable as they are delicious. One thing to note is that oysters and clams are not extremely filling, but they are rather expensive. If you have a big appetite, be prepared to drop some $$$ here. Lastly, you’ll probably want to make a reservation because it’s a very popular spot!
High Cotton: brunch, lunch, & dinner
This is another upscale southern restaurant. Are y’all sensing the pattern here? I am a huge fan of southern cuisine and this spot has an ambiance that feels classy yet casual at the same time. I came here for dinner, but I think their brunch would be to die for. No matter what meal you eat here, I am confident that you’ll be pleased.
Sugar Bakeshop: sweets
Whether you are stopping in for dessert or simply an afternoon treat, Sugar Bakeshop is one of those places you just can’t miss when you’re in Charleston. My personal recommendation is definitely the almond cupcake, but they have tons of other cupcake flavors, bars, and cookies too. Yum!
What to Do:
There is a ton of stuff to see and do in Charleston. If you’re into history, there’s Fort Sumpter and lots of different historic homes and southern mansions to tour. I’d recommend Boone Hall (a little bit of a drive), the Nathaniel Russell House, and Calhoun Mansion. The Angel Oak Tree is another great spot—the tree is 400 years old and approximately 60 feet tall!
Other sites to see are Rainbow Row (pictured up above) which is more or less just a quick photo opp, but it’s one of those touristy things that you have to see. White Point Garden and The Battery was my favorite area because it’s where most of the iconic, classic Charleston homes are located. If you want to get some good photos, I’d suggest going here. All in all, Charleston is such an amazing city and I highly recommend it if you like a little southern charm, history, and good food.
’tis the season to give back!
I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers
to give YOU a chance to win:
a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, to make your holidays just a little bit sweeter!
Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter.
You’ll receive one entry per completion.
This giveaway is open internationally and runs until end of day 11/20.
Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!
*this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Nordstrom.
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