Hey, there friends! It was a whirlwind couple of extra days in Charleston after the Haven conference was over. Mark flew into town and met me and we stayed in an Air Bnb near downtown Charleston for the 3 nights we were there. We spent most of our time outside going and doing, so tried to see as much as we could in the limited 2 full days we were there. We had a great time in spite of it being so hot. Charleston in the summer is no joke. It’s hot here in Atlanta too, but I’m not usually out walking around in it for hours at a time. At least there is a breeze at times and the nights were definitely cooler.
You will sweat and sweat with the heat and humidity and there’s just no getting around that part. Summer in the South, y’all! It’s a real sticky situation.
Things to do in Charleston?
It’s been about 20 years since I’ve been to Charleston, so it was almost like going for the first time again. It’s one of the most charming Southern cities you will ever visit and I love it as well as Savannah for authentic Southern architecture and history. Strolling the streets of Charleston is such a fun experience and peeking in the courtyards and gated front entries is such a treat for the eyes.
I’m going to cover what we did in Charleston to give you ideas if you make a trip of your own. I read reviews on restaurants and booked a week in advance for the popular ones through Open Table. It was nice to know where we were going to dinner both nights.
Enjoy this recap of Charleston highlights with only 2 days to see everything!
Visit the Old Market
We started here on our first morning in Charleston, at the old Market. We learned on our carriage tour that everyone thinks this is called the old slave market because this is where slaves were sold, but contrary to that belief, it’s where slaves sold their goods, here in the old market. He said slaves were bought and sold on the waterfront.
A map in the old market. It’s definitely helpful to have a walking map of the city when you’re downtown to get the lay of the land and where everything is located.
The market is a long row of vendors that flows several blocks long, setting up everyday to sell things. Part of the market is air conditioned and part of it is not. There are lots of things to shop for in the market, from candy, to t-shirts, all sorts of home decor, jewelry, and more.
Basket making from the Gullah people, local to the low-country are abundant in the market. They have a special art to making these baskets and they are very pretty. Many of them are weaving the baskets sitting at the market.
Just enjoy walking the streets in and around the market, taking it all in.
Pralines are very popular in Charleston and we had a taste of these, so good. I love pralines! Another sweet treat from the low-country is Benne wafers. If you’ve never had those, try them if you’re there. We bought a box of those and I forgot to take a pic of them, but they are all gone now. Mark loved them and had never had them.
Pineapples of Charleston in the Old Market, a symbol of hospitality. Here’s a link to a Southern Living article about the pineappple in Colonial days and why it means hospitility. It became associated with the South as well.
Walk along the Battery and Rainbow Row
Rainbow row houses are some of the most iconic views of Charleston history. If you’ve never been to Charleston, you’ve probably still heard of rainbow row and it lives up to expectations, pastel colored houses all spread out in a row along East Bay Street.
Such a gorgeous area to walk and get in the feel of Charleston.
The don’t call it Rainbow Row for nothing!
Window boxes are abundant in Charleston and I took pics of a lot of them, so I think I’ll devote a post to just window boxes and another one to the beautiful houses we saw as well. I took a lot of pics, way more than one post will hold.
Walking along the battery by the waterfront is such a beautiful view.
We strolled here the first night I was in Charleston, after dinner with my girl friends.
The houses facing the water are big and stately with so much to see, like these ivy covered stairs.
Houses along the Battery facing the water.
It was so fun to peek up at these porches on the sides of the houses. Those must be some fun porches to lounge on with that water view.
Cobblestone streets are part of Charleston charm too and you’ll see these throughout the old part of the city.
The charm is abundant and old brick is too. We adore old brick and Charleston has plenty of it all over the city.
Go For a Carriage Ride
I never went for a carriage ride while in Charleston years ago, so this time I was determined we were going to experience that and I’m so glad we did.
I booked a tour through Palmetto Carriage works and there are many to choose from. We met in the big red barn and waiting our turn for boarding the carriage ride. The rides last an hour and take you in and out the historic district.
Inside the red barn.
The horses in their stalls.
And getting ready for the carriage rides with big fans to cool them off.
We found out they only allow 28 carriages out in the city at any given time and there is a lottery done every time they leave to determine the route they get to go on that day. I thought that was interesting. Our driver was very good.
He gave us lots of history lessons along the way and pointed out the different residential areas of high end real estate and higher end real estate which was very interesting. Of course, real estate in Charleston is very pricey in this area.
It was fun to take it all in from the back of a carriage, the horses hooves clip clopping on the old streets.
We passed by the old jail and he told us it’s rumored to be haunted and there are ghost tours at night. Mark wishes we had gone to that one, he likes stuff like that.
You will enjoy a carriage tour, so I’d recommend that for sure if you visit Charleston. A wonderful way to experience the ambience of this charming city.
Visit the Fountains of Charleston
Pineapples are the traditional symbol of hospitality, so naturally there are pineapples all over Charleston. That Southern Hospitality is a real thing, you know! And that’s why I named my blog after this well known saying.
The fountain is beautiful and sits in Waterfront Park, a beautiful area with trees and sidewalks right on the waterfront.
There was another fountain nearby and the kids were all over it on that hot summer day, darting in and out of the spraying water. I was surprised they were allowed in the pineapple fountain, but they were there swimming around in it, cooling off from the heat.
Take a Walking Tour – Peek in the Courtyards
The charming courtyards, alleys, and fenced front yards are some of the best places to peek and look in Charleston. I remember this from my visit years ago too and that feeling of history and beauty is still there.
I loved this little side portico and brick courtyard in between these houses.
Everywhere you look there are beautiful flowers and gorgeous fountains, so don’t miss those.
The old brick is something to behold too! Take it all in.
The charm never ends in Charleston and everywhere you turn, it’s beautiful.
See what I mean?
Again, so many gorgeous window boxes are abundant in Charleston, so I’ll do another post highlighting my favorites from those.
Visit Antiques Stores on King Street
There are many antiques stores along King Street, we decided to browse through a few of them. The furniture must be priceless antiques because these were expensive. I think this chest was marked at $11K, definitely out of my budget.
It was nice to get out of the heat in the air conditioning for a few minutes and take in some of the beauty of these gorgeous antique pieces.
Eat Some Fantastic Food
I can’t recommend this enough! I did a little research before going to Charleston and had some ideas of where we wanted to eat and I’m happy that we were able to hit 3 or 4 of them. Mark and I had breakfast one morning at the Hominy Grill and it did not disappoint. It was only a couple of blocks from the Air BnB we stayed in and was delicious.
I got pancakes with peaches and blueberries and a side of bacon.
Mark got a crab omelet with veggies, side of potatoes and a biscuit. We shared our breakfasts for a mix of savory and sweet and it was SO good.
Our first dinner out was at Magnolias. I had eaten there a few nights previous with my Haven girls and I knew it was fantastic.
My meal this night was so delicious as well, a tenderloin steak and crabcakes. I wanted to lick my plate!
We were so full, but splurged on a piece of bourbon pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. So decadent and delicious!
Our second night out for dinner, we went down to the waterfront to Fleet Street Landing, which I had read about. Everyone said to sit on the patio, so we did and this was our view. There was a really nice breeze blowing, so it wasn’t hot at all.
We had been out all day in the heat, so this was a nice repreive and a great dinner.
I had grilled shrimp with a lemon dill sauce, green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. This meal was fantastic as well and I loved every morsel!
Mark got grilled shrimp, with the same lemon sauce, cole slaw and fries.
Have a Cold Drink on Vendue Rooftop Bar
I also read that the top of the Vendue hotel was a great rooftop bar that shouldn’t be missed, so after dinner at Magnolia, we headed over there. It was just across the street. This plate display was in the lobby. We took an elevator to the rooftop bar and were not disappointed in this view at all.
All the way on the top of the roof is this view, so pretty!
It was nice to see the city from this vantage point, as well as the water beyond.
I made Mark take selfies along the way so we could remember our visit. So glad we did!
The views were outstanding up here on the Vendue rooftop, so I’d highly recommend going up there and getting a cold drink.
Visit a Plantation
When I was in Charleston 20 years ago, I visited a plantation and I think it was Magnolia Plantation. I read up this time and decided on Boone Hall plantation. I’ve been to a few of these including one in Louisiana a few years ago that my sis and I visited and I always enjoy these excusions. I’ll give you our viewpoint on this one, since we enjoyed it, but were a little disappointed to find out the plantation house was built in 1935, not exactly the period house you’d be expecting from a plantation.
The drive into the plantation is beautiful, with these stately old live oak trees creating a canopy across the dirt road going in. These were planted back in 1743 by the son of John Boone, the original plantation owner and this is what they look like now.
The grounds are beautiful and we did enjoy our visit.
Going into the plantation house driveway.
And the house. It’s a huge and stately house and we found out that this is the 4th house on this spot since the original plantation days. So, a 1935 house isn’t quite as exciting as a house built 100 years before that would be, but it was still enjoyable to see.
We coudn’t take pics inside the house, but outside pics were of course encouraged.
The original slave houses are still intact and they line the driveway coming through the oak trees, so this part was very interesting to see.
The stories these houses could tell is abundant, I’m sure.
This was a very similar presentation to the plantation I visited in LA a few years back. These fragments are pieces of pottery found on the plantation grounds around the slave houses.
There was a live presentation from the Gullah Theater and I sat in for a few mintues on that and then we had to go to our house tour. This was really interesting as well. I think this and the wagon ride around the property would be the most favorite things for people to see at the plantation.
The new owners of the plantation live on the top floors and the bottom floors are kept open for tours. The plantation is also a working farm and they grow vegetables and fruits on the many acres, selling them at local farmer’s markets around the town of Mt. Pleasant. The grounds of the plantation are beautiful and we took a nice wagon ride tram around the property which was enjoyable. They also have fruit that you can pick yourself during peak times of the year, strawberries and blueberries and maybe more. It was a fun visit and we enjoyed it, but as I mentioned were a little disappointed that the house was not original.
And that, my friends, is a quick tour of Charleston, seen by us in 2 days. It was a fast trip, but oh so worth it, so if you haven’t been, I hope this whets your historic Southern city appetite so you’ll plan a visit too. We loved it and I’m sure will go back one day.
I’m so excited that Mark and I are planning a trip to New England in October. I have never been to this part of our country and cannot wait to go. Mark has been a few times and he has some favorite spots to see again that he wants to show me, so we are starting to plan our itinerary and I’m so looking forward to seeing New England!
Shannon says
For anyone planning a trip to Charleston, SC please avoid the recommendation to take a horse drawn carriage tour. They do not care for the horses as they should and are frequently in the local news because one has collapsed from heat exhaustion on a route or simply died because of dehydration. Sadly, they don’t tell you this in the brochure but if you’re hot walking around, how would you feel toting a huge trailer full of people in 90-100 degree heat wearing a fur coat? Please have some courtesy for our animals who can’t speak for themselves. We live on the outskirts of Charleston so I was curious what this post would include as I follow the blog occasionally and thought I’d pass along the insider information. We protest monthly in order to have the horse drawn carriages shut down and are close with the new Mayor finally. Sadly, much of Charleston is still stuck in the past which is great if you’re touring the secret holes but not so if you want progressive humane change.
Vicki says
I totally agree and was sad to see this in this post.
Benjamin Doyle says
Shannon,
I appreciate your passion on the subject of carriage horses, however your knowledge seems to end on only an emotional note. As a carriage operator for nearly 40 years in this city, what you are claiming is absolutely untrue, and a result of false propaganda being spread by anti-tourism groups. There has never been ANY heat related incident in this city involving a horse. The reason being that we have the most regulated carriage industry in the nation. There have been numerous horses trip and fall, but every one of them got up and either retired, or is still working with us. Where you get your false info is no surprise, it is suspiciously similar to anti-carriage/anti-tourism FB pages. These pages, and you are why there is a cloud of suspicion over our industry. We have an excellent animal care record. We have never had any ‘collapse’, nor has the industry for that matter. Spreading this kind of false, libelous, info is not only dangerous, but it is wrong. You are welcome to come down and see each and every animal in each and every barn as all guests are allowed. We have nothing to hide, and we have an army of veterinarians to back up our records. Please don’t taint what was a beautiful blog with made up stories that make you feel better, learn about us.
Good day
Great Blog!
Benjamin Doyle
Palmetto Carriage
Rhoda says
Thank you, Benjamin, for stopping by, appreciate your comments!
Susan says
What a lovely recap of your trip to Charleston. I think you captured the beauty and allure of this historic city, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. I really enjoyed reading about your trip and the restaurants! We have also enjoyed all of those venues. You packed a lot into your two days! My mom, sister, niece and I go to Charleston once or twice a year for a girls’ trip, and we always stay in the historic area, usually at The Meeting Street Inn near the market. I loved all of your pics and will look forward to pics in your upcoming window box post. One year, I took pics of many of the iron gates leading into courtyards beside historic homes. A year ago, on the recommendation of a friend, we drove out to the Charleston Tea Plantation….a very interesting trip if you like tea! There are so many fun and interesting things to do in and around Charleston! Thanks for sharing your trip!
Dana says
Enjoyed your pictures and your insta stories of the plantation tour. My husband and I did the same thing when we ate at Hominy Grill, a sweet and savory breakfast. Looking forward to your future posts.
Susan B. Jones says
Can’t wait to see your post with all the window boxes!!
Roxanne says
Thank you for the great tour of my hometown! Yes, Charleston is not for the fainted hearted in July! Every year I think how did my mama survive giving birth to me in July back in the days of no air conditioning! (I will respectfully have to disagree with the comment above about the carriage tours. I know the owner of your tour company, and there are very strict guidelines about the care of the horses and how much they can work. I’m the world’s biggest animal lover, and I would not hesitate to speak out otherwise.). I shall look forward to your posting about the window boxes…they are so fabulous!
Rhoda says
Hi, Roxanne, what a great city to grow up in, that must have been magical. It’s a beautiful place, full of such history and character. So much to love about Charleston.
Janet says
Whenever I go to Charleston, I make time to go for afternoon tea at Charleston Place. They do a wonderful one in their fancy lobby. Or at least they did, it’s been about 4 years since I’ve been there. Beautiful city and very walkable. I love looking at all the different wrought iron gates.
Guerrina says
Beautiful! I’ve been to Savannah, but not yet to Charleston. Where are you headed in New England. I’ve lived in CT most of my life!
Rhoda says
Hi, Guerrina, Mark has been so he is planning our itinerary and we have just started looking at the spots he wants to go again. We only have a week, so are planning out our stops along the way, but I think Kennebunkport, Maine is on the list, as well as mostly in MA, Falmouth, Sandwich, all along the Cape and we want to go over to Nantucket island as well. It’s going to be fun, can’t wait to see this beautiful part of our country that I’ve never seen before. If you have any tips, let me have them! I don’t think we’ll make it to CT, but I’d love to see more of that state and Maine. But again, limited time for a week.
Reneé says
Our son is a graduate of The Citadel class of ‘95. He met his wife at The College of Charleston. They married in Summeral Chapel. Charleston will always hold a warm special place in our hearts.
Rhoda says
What a lot of great memories for you! It’s a beautiful place for special occasions.
Iris says
I enjoyed your post on Charleston very much-this is a city that I have always wanted to visit. I will definitely try for a somewhat cooler month. If a Southern native discusses how hot it is I am certain that it would be too much for me. I lived in Vermont for a while and can tell you that New England in the fall can be breathtaking and like the South has so much history. Pay close attention to the weather before packing as it can be very changeable. Being cold can be more miserable than being hot since sitting in the shade with a cool drink won’t help. I’ll be interested to hear your take on my neck of the woods.
Rhoda says
HI, Iris, thanks so much, will definitely pack for the weather. I don’t do all that well with cold either, so I’ll definitely be layering while we are up there. I do better in cooler weather while outside though, so that should be a plus. The heat gets me when I’m walking around outside for long periods of time.
Terri says
Oh, Rhoda, your post makes me want to hop a plane today and fly up to visit my sweet girl who lives in Charleston! My family has deep ties to the city as my son and daughter-in-law were stationed there while in the Air Force. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma just as she was being put on bed rest due to the impending birth of twin girls. It was a scary time for all of us and I spent most of the spring and summer of 2005 there helping out. He remains in remission and the girls were born at healthy weights so the story has a happy ending. They’re now 13 years old and have a precious baby brother, and they all live here in Louisiana now. My daughter was in middle school at the time and fell in love with Charleston. She participated in a national exchange program and spent her junior year of college at College of Charleston and then went back to earn her MBA there. And yes, a South Carolina guy was part of that equation and they were married at Wingate Plantation in 2016 and live just outside of Charleston. Thanks for sharing your fun trip with us!!!
Mary Ann says
Love this tour of Charleston! Was there 20+ years ago and would love to go back!. Can’t wait to see where you and Mark are planning to visit in New England. As an almost lifetime resident of MA I can tell you that October is one of the best times to visit! Nothing like going for a drive in the crisp sunshine to see the gorgeous foliage and stopping at a local orchard for hot cider donuts!
Linda says
What a pretty city. Loved the painted houses, the court yards and all the pretty flowers and window boxes. I always feel a little sorry for the pretty horses.
They pull the carts and stay in the barn….do they let them out into the open fields at night ? Probably not since its in the city. A little sad.
Glad you all had such a wonderful 2 days !
Wendy Jennings says
I knew Southern Hospitality was real, but had no idea about the tie in with pineapples!
Rhoda says
Hi, Wendy! I think the pineapple thing goes back to Colonial times, from what I remember.
Maria says
Great post! Wish I could have gone this year to the Haven, Always something my daughter had a nother baby and she needed help! But hopefully next year! Glad you enjoyed your time and had some fun seeing Charleston.
Kellie Smith says
Nice blog on your trip! You will love New England, especially in the Fall..
Robin says
A day trip to Newport, RI is worth a visit. A very walkable downtown area. The Breakers and The Elms are only 2 of the 12 tourable mansions in the area.
Rhoda says
Newport is on our list to visit.
Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows says
There’s nothing like the true south! Charleston is definitely on our list.
PC says
I actually am sitting in Charleston now teaching a 2 day class. We went downtown to the Battery this afternoon and drove around to see the old buildings and water. The architecture is beautiful and there was a nice breeze. I wish I had time to stay another day or two to see some more. The old bricks and gaslights are my favorites.
Sherry M says
I love Charleston! My husband and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary there. It was wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to stroll down memory lane! You will love New England too. My first visit was when we drove from NC to Lyndon State University in Vermont because my son was considering their meteorology program. It was a wonderful trip. I’d love to return during the fall one day. Rhode Island is the only New England state we haven’t seen. Take lots of pictures during your visit in October.
Katherine says
Thank you for posting all these pictures! We have been to Charleston many times, my daughter married there 15 years ago too. Now that I’m 78 and can’t walk much anymore, I enjoyed some “armchair vacation” pictures that you posted! Looking forward to seeing the window box pictures too!
Katherine