August is typically the time of year that Matt and I plan a visit to see our family in Charleston. For those of you who may not know, Matt grew up in Charleston and we lived for the first ten years of our marriage. The charming city will always hold a special place in our hearts and we are counting down the days until we are able to visit our family there again.
But, until we can make our next trip, I wanted to virtually re-visit and highlight some of our favorite spots that I’m looking forward to visiting once we are able to travel again {hopefully very soon!}.
Our Favorite Restaurants
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer about Charleston because it is a foodie town. It’s nearly impossible to visit each and every restaurant and there are new hotspots opening up frequently as it gains more exposure for its incredible food scene. There’s an abundance of delicious cuisine and quaint cafes in the Lowcountry.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Darling Oyster Bar
- The Grocery
- Hall’s Chophouse
- FIG
- Slightly North of Broad
- Xiao Bao Biscuit
- Gnome Cafe {great vegan breakfast spot!}
A few new to us places we can’t wait to check out:
Our Favorites Beaches
Charleston has several beaches to choose from with each one having their own unique ambiance and offerings. When we first got married and were in our early twenties, Folly Beach was our favorite spot. We loved walking along the pier and grabbing a margarita at Taco Boy. Now, we prefer to visit Sullivan’s Island for a little more peace and tranquility. It’s located at the top of the Charleston Harbor and it is the perfect spot for picturesque views and scenery.
Kiawah Island is another favorite of ours. It’s a little further out from the peninsula but the drive is gorgeous and the beaches are never overcrowded. I also suggest stopping by The Ryder Cup Bar to enjoy lunch seaside, overlooking the 18th hole of The Ocean Course {which will be the host of the PGA Championship in 2021!}
Where to Find the Best Coffee
Our favorite spot for coffee in Charleston is Second State Coffee {formally Black Tap Coffee}. Their unique approach and craftsmanship is bar none. I highly recommend adding it to your list – plus, it’s close to all of the amazing boutiques on King Street making a great starting point for a full day of shopping!
Where to Shop
Charleston has no shortage of boutiques and specialty shopping experiences. It’s one of the things I miss most about living there. As great as the shopping at The Mall at Millenia is here in Orlando, nothing beats the intimate feel and curation of the boutiques in Charleston.
A few of my must-visit shops are:
Where to Stay
Although Matt and I typically stay with family when we visit, here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay when visiting Charleston:
