Our Trip To Charleston, SC

For our 2nd year anniversary we were really thinking about where should we go away to and celebrate. Should we go to Europe? Should we stay somewhere local? Should we go to an island? After thinking about what made more sense for us, we both mutually agreed on visiting Charleston, South Carolina. I never really had an urge to go and visit until recently this year. I noticed a few pictures here and there on google and on Instagram, and then it became a must. So I was beyond excited once it was decided we would be heading off to Charleston.

We wanted to really wanted to take advantage and learn about the history Charleston had to offer, as well as feel like a local, while still having a getaway feel. So there we were picking and choosing what our week would consist of. After looking at many bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels in the downtown area, we decided to stay at The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. This hotel was just as beautiful as the pictures we saw online, it was about maximum 10 minutes from downtown (with shuttle rides if needed), super friendly and accommodating staff, a pool sitting off the marina, long piers where you can look out to downtown, fire pits that allowed you to make s’mores, electric fireplaces in the rooms, free bike rentals and just so much more. The list would go on and on. Once we parked our car at the hotel, it was a beyond pleasant welcome to Charleston.

Sunday

We drove down to Charleston, and arrived there on a Sunday evening. We took advantage that there was a restaurant that was owed by the hotel, and had our dinner there. We were more than happy when we had our dinner. Now we really understand the meaning of southern food. Everything just tasted very homey and believe it or not healthy. We tried to still be conscious of our meal choices, however we did bend when it came of course to our desserts. I personally am not a pecan lover or a pie lover, but I was beyond in love with the pecan pie and ate it more than once during our stay. We toured a little bit of the hotel, unpacked and were ready to start exploring during the week.

Monday

We started off Monday we a late breakfast at the Broken Egg Café located in the Historic French District. I had a serious craving for buttermilk pancakes with banana slices, and it hit the spot! Walking around, we were just loving the historic feel of the downtown. Not only was there beautiful architecture, but we were starting to understand the definition of southern charm, and appreciated gratefully the genuine friendliness of everyone, throughout the whole trip. As it was a sunny warm day with a light refreshing breeze, we decided to go and visit Boone Hall Plantation.

Before visiting Boone Hall, I was impressed by how the trees would look like when I was first looking information on it, and that was all I needed to convince me to visit this plantation. But I was wrong, the whole location was just like a story book. The trees I was of course obsessed with, as that was not a sight I had seen before. They were tall oak trees with ferns hanging off of them. You paid one general admission, and were able to take advantage of multiple tours throughout. This includes a house tour of Boone Hall, a slavery to freedom story told by a relative of a slave who used to work at Boone Hall and a tour around the whole plantation, and if you are in season, you can even go vegetable and fruit picking. So many movies, commercials and even a famous wedding was down at the Boone Hall Plantation.

After Boone Hall, we went back to downtown to get some Haagen Daz. We explored a bit more of the downtown area and were able to see different sections, that included the infamous Rainbow Row, Pineapple Fountain and the local streets. Once we started to feel hungry, we detoured to our hotel to get ready for dinner. Instead of going back to downtown, we went to Mt. Pleasant and ate at what is now one of our favorite Thai spots, Basil Thai Cuisine. Just a little disclaimer, it is what we felt a bit expensive for Thai, but you definitely do get your plate super full of food!

Tuesday

Tuesday was another perfect. We started with a late breakfast at Dellz Uptown and Another Broken Egg. We quickly started our way out to visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. They were having a few specials during that time, with discounts on their tours. They have so many different kinds to offer, so we chose a few this time, and will take advantage of the others next time. The grounds are breathe taking, the house has so much history and you learn so much about the employees and see the different kinds of homes they lived in, as well as the struggles. They even have a petting zoo with a peacock who roams around freely on the grounds.

Once the gates were about to close, we decided to head back to the hotel to cool off and take advantage of the walk-in pool that over sees the marina. There are complimentary chairs and umbrellas, so you can choose exactly where you want to relax and just enjoy the view.

Since this was our anniversary, we went to celebrate in a romantic and delicious restaurant, Le Farfalle. The staff was just so pleasant and accommodating with our needs in every way. Originally, we were wanting to sit on the outside front patio with the twinkling lights on the trees, but unfortunately, there was on and off light rain, so we sat inside, which was just as beautiful and memorable.

Wednesday

We started the day off with Café Park. Wanting to take advantage of the outside patio, we enjoyed the light cool breeze and ate an amazing and home-made tasting breakfast, with fresh fruits. We were missing our little Milo, and felt happy to see that Café Park allowed those with dogs to sit outside on the patio with furry friends.

A few minutes away, we headed down to the South Carolina Aquarium. I will honestly say that I did not have much expectation, but was pleasantly surprised. There are so many different kinds of animals, a scuba diving show, have the opportunity of spotting dolphins and even get to visit rescued sea turtles who are currently being cared for, before being released. I totally felt like I was living Finding Dory. We stayed at the aquarium a lot longer than expected, and loved every minute of it.

After, we headed back to our hotel and were able to use the spa facilities and were able to enjoy a couples facial and massage. It was one of the best services that I have ever received, and took me back to my honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The staff was just so delightful and wonderful, and really listened to what were your needs. We were not ready to leave after our time was up. I’m ready to go back down just to get their spa treatments.

Once finished, we were ready to continue to sight seeing and went back to downtown, as it’s only a few minutes away, and enjoyed some ice cream and quick bite in Basic Kitchen. We were not able to take too much advantage of what meals to eat there as they were transitioning to dinner, but the décor is just so insta-worthy. At the Historic French District, there is a type of flea market that is opened daily. It was so interesting to see the little souvenirs that were being sold and super cute home decors. We definitely took some home with us, just to bring a little bit of Charleston to Jersey.

For dinner that night, we stopped by Stars Restaurant. Once again we were catered to all our needs and such pleasant staff. The food was cooked to exactly how I was wanting, and it was very much appreciated. After dinner, we were welcomed to finish out drinks in the upstairs rooftop. We did however, make a quick detour at the well-known Kaminiski’s to pick up some dessert, and enjoyed it at our hotel’s patio, where they have rocking chairs and outdoor sofas, with the marina breeze.

Thursday

Thursday was our last full day at Charleston and we had to start it off at the gorgeous and homey Harbinger Café. The food there without question is made with love! Once we finished taking in the scenery inside and eating, we headed to the Tea Plantation, which is still part of Charleston but a bit farther away than . It was a bit cloudy, so it was the perfect escape, as half of the tour was inside their family owned size factory. We were able to learn a lot and were able to really enjoy their gift shop too! Again, we wanted to walk one last time downtown and explore into some of the galleries and look around.

And just like that it was time to get ready for dinner. We planned to go to Barsa, a tapas lounge & bar, because every Thursday, they have live jazz, and needed to make reservations during the week, so we did not want to loose our spot. The band was very talented. Even during their intermission, they interacted with all the guests, which was a special treat. Once again and without surprise, the food was just super delicious and was just perfect. We went to the gorgeous Eleve Rooftop at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, and there I enjoyed the amazing Nutella lava cake, literally a Ferrer Roche but in cake form! To finish the night, we went back to “our spot” in our hotel and enjoyed the back patio that overlooks the pool and marina, really enjoying the weather and marina breeze.

Friday

Friday was our last true day in Charleston and we really wanted to keep taking advantage of our time. We stayed with the hotel and doing fun morning activities. Just like the locals, we were used the complimentary bike rentals, and rode around the area, feeling like kids, explorers and just loving every minute of it. We had our last Charleston meal, where we had our first Charleston meal, at the hotel’s restaurant. Right next door, there is a beautiful boutique style gift shop and we decided to make that our last stop. We went in and of course left with a few goodies. Once check-out came around, we started our journey back home, and still counting down for the next time we come to visit this beautiful and hospital able town, so we can continue to explore.