Cobblestone streets, quaint corners of hidden treasures, long treelined driveways with Spanish moss draped from tree to tree, pristine waterfront views, salty marshlands, charming architecture, art galleries, South Carolina lowcountry food, and walkable views- this is Charleston, South Carolina and it’s a must see on your travel list.

South Carolina was the eighth state admitted into the union of the United States in 1788 with a unique history. With its name signed to the Declaration of Independence, it joined twelve British colonies and defied the British crown by choosing to secede from Great Britain in 1776. Today, as you walk the streets of Charleston, old world British colonial style architecture circa 1600s to mid 1700s yells out of symmetrical façades, pillars, columns, three levels and multi-pane windows. South Carolina was also the first state to once again secede but from the United States in 1860, as the city of Charleston fired cannons at Fort Sumter, which can be seen from the Battery.

Three-hundred and fifty-one years old, Charleston still stands drawing tourists from all over the world. New York City may have skyscrapers that kiss the sky, Chicago may have deep dish pizza, Texas may have roaming steer, and Los Angeles may have a robust cinema industry where we’re entertained in our living rooms, but, Charleston has charm, some of the best Southern lowcountry food, amazing hospitality, and captivating nooks and crannies no matter where you turn. So, put those the bright lights and big city vibes to the side and prepare to be amazed at one of America’s gems.

Downtown Charleston is full of cutesy restaurants, quaint shops, and landmarks:

Where to stay

The Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Charleston is modern luxury steeped in Southern charm in the heart of the city with staff who are friendly and helpful. Hands down, it is the hotel of top choice when in Charleston. An Autograph Collection of upscale hotels in Marriott’s portfolio of international hotels, the Grand Bohemian hits you with the art lining the walls upon first walk in. One of the most helpful things about the hotel is the valet parking that’s $39 per night, so you don’t have to park your rental car in a garage at night.

Upon first walk-in is the hotel’s signature fragrance that hits you in the lobby. Pet friendly, the hotel is less than a five-minute walk to all the top Charleston historic sites. Each room is decorated with art that can be purchased and an art gallery with some of the city’s top paintings. Rooms include deluxe amenities of Kessler collection lotion, shampoo, and conditioner- along with complimentary wi-fi, and pillow top beds.

The Élevé rooftop restaurant offers European cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as their famous Charleston-inspired brunch. The dishes include a gypsy twist with fresh herbs, plated in an artistic fashion.

55 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 | +1-843-722-5711 | web

The best Southern food

Poogan’s Porch- 

Poogan’s Porch has been recognised by The Travel Channel, Martha Stewart Living and Southern Living for its quintessential Southern menu. Set in a restored Victorian house and tucked away on Queen Street, the restaurant serves daily brunch and dinner, and it’s a must dine experience. After you order something Southern off the menu, you’re served warm homemade biscuits. I suggest a bowl of she-crab soup to start. Originally a home, the last residents left their fluffy white dog Poogan behind, moving elsewhere. Poogan always stayed near the house and when it was converted into a restaurant, management kept him and he became a regular fixture, welcoming guests. Passing on in 1979, his memory is still honored through name and memory.  

72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 | +1-843-577-2337| https://www.poogansporch.com/

Black Magic-

Located on James Island and a location in West Ashley, Black Magic Café is the go-to breakfast spot in Charleston. The breakfast is good, the staff is friendly with a whimsical ambience that’s inviting surrounded by brightly colored walls of quirky mini signs everywhere. From omelets, to French toast, pancakes, the “Tree-Hugger” granola and yogurt dish, to fresh fruit options you can’t go wrong. With a range of juices and coffees a must order is the honey lavender latte, infused with lavender and is quite tasty.

1130 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412 | +1-843-637-3686 | https://blackmagiccafe.com/menu

RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila –       

Was a God-save. If you’re hungry but looking for something affordable, filling but not too filling, but more than a cookie, you’ve got to go to RuRu’s. Its Mexican inspired menu has filling snacks that won’t disappoint. Try the “I’m Nacho Bae,” nachos served with queso, lettuce, pico, jalapeños, and crema. You can add chicken, steak or shrimp for 31dhs ($8.99). Or, the “Ma the Meat Loaf” for 33dhs ($9), which is chunky guacamole and tortilla chips. Their super-duper flour tacos start at 15dhs ($3.99) and range from various Mexican-inspired fillings. RuRu’s does not skimp on its portion sizes with enough of every ingredient to fill your taco, quesadilla or nachos.

159 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | https://www.rurustacosandtequila.com

Home Team BBQ-

There’s Southern American bbq and then there’s Home Team BBQ. Home Team BBQ is known for its, “traditional processes and techniques of classical cuisine with the simplicity of comfort food, BBQ, and southern fare. With a relaxed environment, the award-winning menu has some of the best slow cooked chicken dishes and wings with six sauce options of bbq sauce styles from around America’s southeast. Not only is Home Team BBQ in Charleston, it’s in two other South Carolina cities: Columbia and Greenville, and, in Aspen, Colorado. With its vast menu, Home Team offers live shows and even radio station broadcasts. Hands down the food is amazing, the staff has Southern charm and warmth, and you won’t leave disappointed.

126 Williman Street, Charleston, SC 29403 | Phone +1-843-225-7427 | https://hometeambbq.com/

CODfather-

If you’re looking for a proper chippy in Charleston, the drive to the CODfather is well worth it. And by chippy, it includes British meat pies from chicken and steak pies, as well as sausage rolls. With full fish and chip options or half fish and chips- and fish butties and chips, you can’t go wrong. Mushy peas aren’t amiss with proper curry and gravy sauces to season up your meal. The menu isn’t vast but it’s authentic British pub food and it’s more than filling.

4254 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405 | +1-843-789-4649 | https://www.facebook.com/TheCODfatherchippy

What to see

Charleston has mild weather with the best times to visit being March to May and September to November. The rainy and hot season is during the summer months. With the perfect temperature, the first day in Charleston if you don’t know the city can be done with a horse drawn carriage tour with Palmetto Carriage Works. It’s possible to book a private carriage ride, which start at 735 dhs ($200), or join a tour group starting at 129 dhs ($35).

8 Guignard Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | Phone +1 (843) 723-8145 | https://palmettocarriage.com/

Rainbow Row

Filled with pastel-colored Georgian historic homes on Charleston’s East Bay Street, diagonally down the street from The Battery is Rainbow Row. Available for free on any given day, it’s a top Instagram worthy location. Attracting visitors from around the US and around the world, it’s easy to be taken in by their aesthetic charm and captivating pull. An Instragram worthy site, it’s also worth walking on the side streets off of East Bay Street, behind Rainbow Row. There, you will find breath-taking alleyways, quaint courtyards with fountains, and cute homes.

The Battery is located below Broad Street, where you have the Atlantic Ocean on one side with Fort Sumter sticking out and historic Charleston homes on the other. It’s also an Instagram worthy spot to take photos with an ideal backdrop of old homes behind.

Fort Sumter- is where the US Civil War started in 1860 and can be visited today, but can only be accessed by boat, as it is a total island.

1214 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 | Phone: +1 (843) 883-3123 | https://www.nps.gov/fosu/contacts.htm

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon  

The edifice has worn many hats from commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters and museum- and it was also the site for live slave trading. It was during the American Revolution that the British made the bottom floor of the building a provost or “dungeon” imprisoning American prisoners of war, British soldiers, enslaved people and anyone they deemed in its jailing quarters. And in 1791 President George Washington was posted at the Exchange in a private dinner.

127 East Bay Street, Charleston, DC 29401 | +1-843-727-2165 | http://www.oldexchange.org/

Pineapple Fountain

The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality in the American South, as the date is a symbol of hospitality in the Middle East. Located at the Ravenel Waterfront Park sits a multilayered giant pineapple fountain that faces the Charleston waterfront perfect for sitting and taking in waterfront views, or taking that noteworthy family photo in front of.

1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401

Historic Charleston City Market

In the heart of Charleston is the Charleston City Market. Because of the pandemic masks are mandatory, and hours of operation are limited from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Most all vendors accept credit cards and it’s a genuine one stop shop for genuine Charleston souvenirs from t-shirts, post cards, art, other type of clothing, Southern lowcountry food- from sauces and baking food and everything else in between. The Chuma Gullah Gallery is filled with Charleston and Gullah images. One thing you don’t want to miss are the Sweetgrass Baskets, which were originally made to winnow rice on local nearby plantations. Today, they are sought-after souvenirs and they can be quite pricey but the time and labor put into them make the baskets a well worth investment.

188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 | +1-843-937-0920 | https://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com/

Angel Oak Tree-

Measuring in at 66 feet tall (20m) with a circumference of 28 feet (8.5m), the Angel Oak Tree on Angel Oak Park in Johns Island is five-hundred-years old is a magnificent nature must see. It covers 17,200 square feet with its longest branch extending 187 feet long. The land was once privately owned but now belongs to the City of Charleston. It’s free and a family fun must see.

3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455 | +1-843-559-3496 |  https://www.angeloaktree.com/

USS Yorktown CV-10

The USS Yorktown is a retired 24 Essex-class aircraft carrier, built during World War II for the US Navy. Named after a key battle in the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Yorktown, the ship is opened for daily tours including the weekends. Parked and a part of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, it makes for a half day of fun as you’re able to go down into the ship and see other naval vessels.

40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 | https://www.patriotspoint.org/explore/uss-yorktown/ 

If you want to get out of downtown Charleston, other neighborhoods a short drive away will give you a more local vibe of the city from Sullivan’s Island, to Mount Pleasant, the Isle of Palms, Daniel Island, James Island, Johns Island, Kiawah Island-perfect for eighteen holes of golf, and Folly Island. These neighborhoods are filled with seafood restaurants and markets, tree-lined streets with Spanish moss draping down, and beautiful walkways.

Charleston is quaint, it is charming and it is memorable. While Americas big cities offer bright lights and glamour, Charleston offers history and beauty at every corner. It’s a must visit city that won’t disappoint, fitting for a romantic getaway or a family holiday.