For this year’s summer vacation, The District Darlings take Charleston!! We had the privilege of working with the Charleston Tourism Board who planned our stay with the city’s top to-do’s. We’ve visited areas of South Carolina on vacations before, but Charleston was a city like no other so I was excited to dive into the action (and food) packed vacay.
WHERE WE STAYED
On our first day, we checked into one of Charleston’s top hotels, The Belmond, which is equip with a full-service spa, rooftop pool overlooking the town, and the best accomodation, “The Shops” right on the ground-floor (a shopper’s paradise!!)
WHERE WE DINED
The food in Charleston was like no other. We mostly ordered meals we know (french toast, burgers, steak etc.) but got a flavor that was far from simple. Toast of Charleston was a New York Times recommendation as a “must eat”. Their deluxe french toast (pictured first below) was stuffed with warm cinnamon apples and topped off with an apple cider syrup!
Another one of Charleston’s top spots for breakfast was Hominy Grill. The service at these restaurants is impeccable and you really get that cozy “grandma’s house” feel at these local spots which I loved. (pictured second)
On our last night, we dined at the OAK Steakhouse of Charleston (pictured third). We each ordered the filet mignon, but my favorite part of this meal had to be the sides! There were such strong flavors in the smokey bacon macaroni and cheese, the grilled asparagus, and the truffled pomme frites.
Not pictured were a couple other spots you’ve got to try: Queen Street Grocery, Box Car Betty’s and Southend Brewery
WHAT WE DID
This trip was packed with so many amazing things to see and do! My favorite part definitely had to be jet skiing- or more so watching Nicole fly off a jet ski. While doing tricks in the water going 60 mph like this was Wave Race on the Nintendo 64, the whole experience felt surreal. We were going through the alligator-filled swamps, and our guide even took us to an empty island where we stopped off and collected sea shells. It was overall an amazing experience I’d definitely recommend!
Charleston is also known for their amazing tours! We took a horse tour with Palmetto Carriage Works where we got to see Charlestons’ gorgeous historic district.
Something I’d definitely recommend as well was the nighttime Ghost Tours– just pack your sneakers for this one, because it IS a walking tour! Our guide took us through the graveyards and cobblestone streets while he told us ghost stories about the local spots (and one story was about a restaurant we dined at!!
One of the coolest parts of the trip was being able to get bikes from a local bike rental and just ride them the WHOLE day through the city. We rode for miles over bridges, by the water, on the boardwalk and even right down the busy streets, and the view was amazing! We got to see all of the extravagant waterfront mansions and bike through “Rainbow Row”- a colorful set of Georgian style homes all lined up!
A majority of our time was also spent at the local Charleston City Market where there were blocks of local vendors selling all kinds of amazing goods! It’s the cities #1 visited attraction and it’s the perfect spot to find a souvenir to take back.
And of course.. WHAT WE WORE
This vacation was the perfect time to get in those last looks with our summer wear before the cold fall transition hit!
Overall, it was an amazing trip and time spent with my family. The best part about this spot is that it’s not that far of a drive away from D.C., and you’ll feel like you’re in a whole new world inside of Charleston.
with love, xoxo
Chelsea
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