Charleston is a huge fan favorite for so many travelers. It is well loved not only across the US but around the world. Charleston was voted one of the “Top Cities in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler beating out major destinations like Monte Carlo, Lyon and Mérida.
From the sweet Southern charm to the centuries-old gorgeous architecture, Charleston is the crown jewel of the South. You have access to the best of the old and new, with history on every street and a mouth-watering restaurant just around the corner.
Add in Charleston’s proximity to beautiful beaches and there’s plenty to keep you occupied no matter how long you’re in town. Charleston is one of America’s best-preserved and most picturesque cities in America’s Old South. It’s a city filled with Southern hospitality and charm.
Best Time to Travel to Charleston
For those that have fallen in love with Charleston, there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit. The Low Country is charming during any time of the year. The winter months of January and February tend to be mild. You may need a light jacket while walking around exploring the city.
Summers tend to be hot and humid with temperatures peaking in July and August. But that means it’s a perfect destination to visit then head to one of the many nearby beaches for some fun in the sun!
My favorite season to visit Charleston is in the spring when it is the most captivating. The flowers are colorful and abundant at every turn. The city is so fragrant with the scent of jasmine. Azaleas are bursting forth in vibrant shades of pink. The beaches are nearby. The sun is warm on your face and the soft sand will feel delightful on your feet.
There really is no city quite like Charleston in the springtime.
Let’s Explore Charleston
A carriage ride through Charleston is one of the most iconic experiences for first time visitors to the city. The old-fashioned open-air carriages make their way through the historic districts of the peninsula from their starting point in the City Market. The knowledgeable guides point out the famous, infamous and humble landmarks of Charleston. Our guide told funny, fascinating and tragic stories of the people who made Charleston the astonishingly beautiful place it is today.
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste it, to experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
There are an abundance of activities to do while in Charleston. With plenty of secret alleyways and hidden gems, Charleston is best explored on foot. To take in the city’s rich history, rich cuisine and vibrant scenery, slow down and join in on the many walking tours. From historical tours where you’ll hear tales of Charleston’s famous historical characters and the events that shaped the city, to “savoring the flavor” culinary tours, to architectural tours or even haunted ghost tours, Charleston in rich in history and culture! Pick one and join in on the fun!
Where to Stay in Charleston
Hands down, my favorite hotel is Hotel Bennett. The location is impossible to beat…on upper King Street alongside historic Marion Square, a 10-acre park that hosts festivals, picnics, farmers markets and more. There are many shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
The site on which Hotel Bennett sits once housed the Charleston County Library and the former Citadel military college. To pay homage to the former library, each guest room has bookcases that proudly display many of the books that were once in the county library. And every room has different sets of books.
While Hotel Bennett feels elegant and grand, it’s also comfortable and welcoming. Each room has charming but contemporary furnishings. The bathroom has a beautiful standalone tub. The colors in the rooms are so calming and elegant.
La Pâtisserie, their own pasty shop, serves the Holy City’s finest coffee, breads and pastries, and breakfast sandwiches and quiche. Renowned French Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock ensures both authenticity and freshness with each delectable delight! I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Remy when I stayed at the hotel.
I love the roof top pool too. It’s perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring the city.
And a must see…Camellia…Charleston’s premier Champagne Lounge features an extensive collection of bottle and by-the-glass offerings paired with a decadent selection of caviar, ceviche and tartare. Stop in to see the beauty within this champagne bar! It’s stunning!
Even if you are not staying at Hotel Bennett, stop in for a meal at their restaurant Gabrielle, a Parisian style outdoor/indoor eatery started by an acclaimed chef from New Orleans. You will be glad you did!
Delectable Delights
Charleston is a culinary delight. Each time I visit Charleston, I head back to Eli’s Table. The menu features bold, world flavors using fresh and local ingredients. They are known for their award-winning Duck & Waffles and Shrimp & Grits! Both are mouth-watering, deliciousness in every bite…oh so good!!
A few weeks ago, I went on a “Girl’s Getaway” to Charleston and we enjoyed another delicious meal at Eli’s Table! We shared a few of the appetizers and entrees…the Smoked Gouda Fondue, Fried Green Tomatoes, Prosciutto & Fig Crostini, Shrimp & Grits, Duck & Waffles, Grilled Brussel Sprouts and Beignets. We savored every bite! :>!!
10 Fun Facts about Charleston
- Charleston was the fourth largest city in colonial America, and the wealthiest!
- Charleston boasts the first public college, museum and playhouse in the US.
- The first golf club in America was established in Charleston in 1787.
- North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, spans the Charleston Harbor, connecting historic Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
- Dr. Alexander Garden, a Charleston physician, first imported “Cape Jasmine” from South Africa circa 1754. The flower was renamed “Gardenia” after Dr. Garden.
- Charleston’s first baseball team was the Sea Gulls, established in 1886. The team is now called the Charleston River Dogs. Part owner and “Director of Fun” is actor and Charleston local Bill Murray.
- Look around Charleston and you’ll see the image of pineapples everywhere-on front doors, gates, and even in the middle of the most famous places in the city, the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. Why? Local legend has it that when a ship captain arrived home after a long journey, he would hang the tropical fruit in the door to announce he was home and welcoming friends and neighbors to come visit.
- Catfish Row, the setting of Porgy and Bess, the first and most important opera in American musical history, was based on Cabbage Row in Charleston. The opera about African American life in Charleston in the 1920s was written by George Gershwin during his vacation on Folly Island in 1934. You can still walk by Cabbage Row today.
- Buildings in Charleston must be no taller than the tallest church steeple, which is St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. The Holy City gets its nickname from its skyline full of steeples, not necessarily the behavior of its fun-loving citizens.
- The old “single houses” in Charleston have their narrowest side facing the street, and long, often double- or triple-decker porches or “piazzas” stretch along the long sides of the house. The front door is on the side of the house, and the house is only one room wide. It’s a really distinctive style of architecture perfectly suited for Charleston’s old tax laws and sticky climate. The piazzas face south and west to catch the coastal breezes while the narrow façade on the street side limits the property tax burden.
Let’s put HOPE on your calendar!
As your travel advisor, I’m here to help you dream about your next adventure! How about a weekend getaway to Charleston?
In May, I’ll be heading to St. John, US VI to explore the beautiful beaches, the surrounding islands and to go hiking in the Virgin Island National Park.
In June, I will be biking through the mountainous regions of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindio near Bogota, Colombia! We will be exploring coffee plantations, local wood workshops, a sheep farm and staying with local families. What an adventure!
In early July, I’m off to the picturesque island of Turks & Caicos with a small group of Travel Advisors. I’m looking forward to visiting several resorts so I can match my clients with the perfect choice while in this beautiful Caribbean destination.
In late July, I will be cruising down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans on the American Countess, a beautiful new paddlewheel ship with American Queen Steamboat Company!
I personally can’t wait to travel to these places! The memories will forever be a part of my travel experiences!
