Visiting Charleston, South Carolina

A Charming Southern Destination

Charleston is very near and dear to my heart. Andy took me here when we were first married to meet his Aunt, Uncle, and cousins and we have continued to come back countless times over the years with our family. There are so many wonderful places to visit in Charleston that it is worth it to spend a few days in this magnificent city. 

We usually make a day trip to the beautiful and historic downtown Charleston also known as the French Quarter. It is such a fun, beautiful, and very walkable part of the city with its old buildings, cemeteries, parks, diverse restaurants, and excellent shopping. There are many stunning architectural home styles here including Colonial, Georgian, and Victorian which is one of the many things that makes Charleston so lovely and charming. One of our favorite things to visit is the famous Pineapple Fountain. You haven’t completed your trip if you haven’t seen this magnificent site. We have watched our kids grow through the pictures we have taken over the years in front of that fountain.

Another wonderful place to visit is Waterfront Park Pier, it is a nice little walk out over the water and there are lots of places to sit and enjoy the view of Charleston Harbor. We also love to walk through the Charleston City Markets where the shopping is fun and one of a kind. Clothes, jewelry, art, food (definitely get some benne wafers), South Carolina cookbooks, and probably one of their most famous items is the sweetgrass baskets that you can watch the locals make everyday, they are absolutely stunning. The CCM is probably the best shopping I’ve ever experienced because of how much variety of unique items and artwork there is, along with the buzzing atmosphere (be advised though it can get VERY crowded).

A stop at Market Street Sweets right across the street is always fun. They have amazing homemade pecan pralines along with other delectable treats, usually you will find someone outside handing out their enticing samples. While you are here you might as well take a ride on one of their many horse drawn carriages for a tour through the charming historic district.

Another stop in downtown Charleston we enjoy is The Battery and White Point Garden. The Battery is a row of stunning antebellum homes along a seaside promenade. The garden is a really beautiful place to walk around under the Spanish moss draped large oak trees, view monuments, and even civil war era cannons along with enjoying the peaceful seaside.

Before we leave we usually drive down Rainbow Row and see the adorable pastel painted houses with all their southern charm. Something unique about downtown Charleston to note is that you could almost go on a scavenger hunt of all the old gates there are. They are all unique and there is even a jewelry company in the markets that sells necklace pendants and earrings designed after them. 

Besides The French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and the Battery, there are other unique destinations in Charleston. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a lovely place to visit and spend the day. We did not visit Magnolia House because there was an extra charge for the tour and we just wanted to visit the gardens, but it is supposed to be a wonderful experience as well. We spent a few hours wandering through the trails to the many different gardens they have. Lots of magnolias, azaleas galore, and also a towering bamboo garden. Even the Audubon swamp garden with its many cypress and gum trees was beautiful to walk through on the boardwalks and bridges throughout.

Another bucket list item to see in Charleston is the Angel Oak Tree located on John’s Island. It is a magnificent towering live oak tree that is over 300 years old. I highly recommend visiting this beautiful majestic tree during your visit.

Charleston is very close to my heart and also a beautiful city steeped in rich history and of course overflowing with that wonderful southern charm.

A Charleston inspired meal idea:

Low Country Boil - A famous family feast, this meal is cooked all in one giant pot and served family style. You can serve it on a large baking tray or make it fun by laying down newspapers across the center of the table and spreading it out on it. Either way it is a fun family meal and absolutely delicious.