Since settling into Asheville in the past year or so, we have been enjoying spontaneous weekend road trips around the South filled with history, beauty, amazing food, and culture. This past weekend we ventured to Charleston and on our drive we listened to some amazing podcasts to refresh our memory on the history of the beautiful city of Charleston. I must say Charleston is filled with so much history, architecture, and much more. After this 3-day trip, I want to return to see more, learn more, and visit the amazing historic sites we have yet to visit. Here is my first taste of Charleston from history, and food to shopping as well as my bucket list for my next visit. Walking Kings Street made me feel like I was in SoHo, NYC. However, off of King’s Street, I stumbled upon so many amazing antique stores. I will return and continue exploring this beautiful city.

Historical Sites

PHILIDELPHIA ALLEY CIRCA 1800

Such a lovely walk thru a few cobble stone streets filled with so much beauty and history.

THE CONFEDERATE MUSEUM

This is a must-visit! So incredible to see how much was preserved, found, and documented. Also, behind the museum is the market hall filled with local vendors that set up every morning and take everything down in the evening as the high tide could flood the area and wash away their goods.

THE HUNLEY

Listening to a podcast on our drive really intrigued us to visit The Hunley Museum. The museum is designed for all ages and is very well-exhibited. The history and story is so amazing. I so love how the submarine that disappeared in 1864 was found and raised for restoration in 2000. (A must-visit restaurant, Momo, and a beautiful walk within minutes from the museum)

THE GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

The Gibbes Museum is the South’s oldest Art Museum Building. The museum is in a Beaux Arts building built in 1905. It just completed a $14- million renovation which added more space, bringing the total to approximately 42,000 sq. ft. of gorgeous architecture and art. A must-visit!

Hotels

Walking around The French Quarter and South of Broad we noticed so many cute boutique hotels. We searched online and picked The Loutrel…What a beautiful hotel located within walking distance from the best restaurants, waterfront walkway, museums, and historic churches.  We were greeted with a lovely refreshment and welcoming staff. Our room was elegantly decorated and filled with a bountiful of complimentary snacks, water, and soft drinks. They offer a complimentary breakfast every morning complete with fresh juice, eggs, fruit, pastries, and homemade granola. Every evening between 4-5 they offer complimentary cocktails and mocktails with music on Friday and Saturday. A bonus, the gym was amazing and never crowded….we even went there for an after dinner stretch and yoga.

Dining

MARKET/FRENCH QUARTER

Within walking distance of our hotel, we had some of the best dining experiences that for sure did not disappoint. There were also some choices 20-30 minutes away, however, we decided to enjoy walking and enjoying an after-dinner stroll. A few of our favorites…

LEGAMI

Italian restaurant that has locations in Rhode Island and Boston. Overall was pretty expensive, however, it did not disappoint. The service was top notch as was the food. We try to always dine at the bar to allow us to take in the surrounding guests, service from the kitchen, and have a nice chat with the bartender. We felt like a local as we had a lovely conversation with the bartender and manager. If your budget allows do stop by.

HARKEN CAFE

One of my morning runs exploring all the side streets took me by this amazing and extremely popular cafe. I did not have an opportunity to stop and try the wonderful baked goods everyone was lining up for! By 9:00 the line outside was 30-40 deep reminding me of some of my favorite boulangeries in Paris where locals would line up for their daily breads and patisseries. I am looking forward to stopping by on my next visit and treating myself to maybe a biscuit or scone.

MAISON

Lovely French bistro-style restaurant serving quintessential French dishes with a Southern twist. Service and food did not disappoint. A must-visit!

SNOB CHARLESTON

On our last night in Charleston thinking about dinner with many choices of where to
dine; our decision was made on a place within walking distance of our hotel. While walking around town inquiring about favorite places to dine Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) came up a few times as a must-place to dine. I must say I had the most amazing flounder ever!  For sure highly recommend!

Here are a few more places to explore….

UPPER KING AREA

KULTURA

Filipino, tapas style, voted best new restaurant in SC by Eater Magazine chef Nico, James Beard Nominee

SOUTHBOUND

The best seating is the chef’s counter. The restaurant is set in a two-story house destroyed by arson in 2011 and was rebuilt in 2023 as an upscale restaurant. One of the many beautiful designs of the restaurant is the oak-fired hearth and grill.

CHEZ NOUS

A sweet neighborhood restaurant in downtown Charleston offering a seasonal menu that features food & wine from Northern Italy, Southern France, and Spain. The menu changes daily and is written by hand by Chef Jill Mathias. The restaurant is set in a cute maison hidden in a busy neighborhood. Once there you feel like you are in a village in France.

THE SELECT

Amazing cocktails and cuisine inspired by the famous Parisian brasserie vibe of the 1920s. The diverse menu focuses on local ingredients keeping it simple and full of flavor.

SCOTTY DOESN’T KNOW

This is apparently one of Charleston’s best speakeasy bars…It is located behind a custard and candy shop on East Bay Street. Upon entering you need to go to the back door where the is a doorbell hidden behind the fridge…ring the bell and your evening is yours. FYI the entrance is very discreet and I think a reservation is recommended.

Other Historical and Entertaining Places to Explore:

Forte Jazz Lounge
Old Exchange Historical Landmark
34 West Theater Company

And then there are Plantations to Explore:

Middleton Place
Magnolia Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Have fun when you visit and let me know what you love!