Travel Diaries: Charleston, SC

I love adventuring, exploring new places and creating an itinerary around meal time. I am fortunate enough to travel to fun new places for work, err well under normal circumstances anyway. Last fall, I packed my slightly overweight bag for a 15 day coast to coast trip - first stop, Charleston, South Carolina!

While my days were primarily filled with ESPN pre-season basketball, we did have a little bit of time to see the sights and explore the city. We ate, we explored, we shopped, we experienced happy hour, and we ate again.

Charleston is such a magical, colorful little town, and I cannot believe it took me this long to visit. Below is a very short list of some of my favorite Charleston spots. I’m counting the days until I head back later this year, and can’t wait to add to my list!

1. Rainbow Row
   It should come as no surprise that I have a love for southern charm, color and an appreciation for unique architecture. Rainbow Row and its neighboring streets are something else. The colors, textures and intricacies of the garden spaces? Hello, I live here now, don’t mind me. Put me on influencers in the wild - I’ll awkwardly hover all day long.

2. Glazed Gourmet Donuts
   If you know anything about my diet, you know that donuts and cheese (but not cheesy donuts) are my kryptonite. I made friends with the front desk staff at my hotel, (I mean what else do you do staying for 7 nights) and they shared that Glazed Gourmet and Duck Donuts were the must-try local spots. I didn’t have time to make it to Duck, but I will say with 100% certainty that Glazed Gourmet knocked it out of the park - I had reservations about the sweet potato donut, but whoa nelly. I could’ve had approximately 4 more. Holding out for the peanut butter brownie donut next time.

3. Historic Charleston City Market
   Moseying through the Charleston City Market made my dreams come true. The vendors, unique products, and hidden gems, swoon. Old Whaling Company was my favorite find during the trip, all made locally in Charleston. I loved them so much in fact that I went more than once, picked up all the Christmas gifts, and my bag was even more overweight for the second leg of my trip. 6 months later, I’m still kicking myself for not buying more. The body butter and salt scrub are unlike anything else I’ve ever tried. Can’t wait to visit again, and have a suitcase solely dedicated to their products.

4. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
   I live for seafood, and outside of the occasional chicken nugget, primarily only eat fish. I lived my ultimate truth in Charleston with all the lobster rolls. My dear friend Carolyn drove from Atlanta to visit me on Saturday, and after I dragged her to Old Whaling Co., we found ourselves here for dinner. The picture doesn’t properly capture the glory of this sandwich. Other notable restaurant favorites: Prohibition, Five Loaves Cafe, Callies Hot Little Biscuit 

5. Walk the Battery
   Continue your sight seeing trip from Rainbow Row and walk along the picturesque sidewalk of the Battery, overlooking the Charleston Harbor.  Ocean views on one side, multi-million dollar homes on the other, I mean what more could you want in a scenic walking route? Finish in Waterfront Park for a picture with the infamous pineapple fountain.

Stay tuned for more Charleston escapades later this fall!

Yours Truly,
J