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Within 24 hours of arriving in Charleston I had decided to move there (but then I got on Zillow to look at the cost of housing, and quickly changed my mind). It's incredible. The glistening water and southern charm are incomparable. You feel like you're walking through history, but with the amenities of a modern dining scene and thriving bar life.
We recently did a long weekend in Charleston, and left planning our next return. If you have three days to spend in the area, I have the perfect suggestions for you.
After arriving, take a stroll through the French Quarter. Make sure you see the iconic pineapple fountain at Joe Riley Waterfront Park. The Doc Street Theater hosted the first opera performance in America, and is a great photo backdrop. If you're an art fan, gallery row will keep you enthralled for hours.
Check in at your hotel, and make yourself comfortable. One of my favorite parts of Charleston is the seemingly endless supply of boutique hotels. We stayed at the French Quarter Inn, and were absolutely overtaken by the charm and customer service. Our hotel had a pillow menu (yes, you read that right), an incredible included breakfast, and bikes for borrowing. 12/10 recommend, although it's definitely not the most budget friendly option.
Dinner will be at 39 Rue de Jean. The seared scallops with parmesan polenta is life changing, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you're taking a peek into the soul of the city. Reservations recommended!
Pack your favorite picnic with adult beverages and head to Folly Beach in the morning. Here you will meet your captain for your private boat charter adventure. You will get a beautiful view of South Carolina that you can't quite get from land, and get to experience a remote beach for the day that has you wondering if you're in the Bahamas. We used Water Music Charters, and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
After a late afternoon nap and a shower, dinner will be at 82 Queen. This restaurant is known for its lowcountry cuisine. Don't leave without trying the Barbecue Shrimp & Grits. Their outdoor patio is adorable, but an outdoor table isn't always possible. Again - highly recommend a reservation,
Do NOT miss brunch at Hall's Chophouse. This was the absolute highlight of the trip for me. The brunch features a menu that will have you drooling everywhere, and the live music filling the halls will have you dancing in your seat. Reservations are absolutely needed, and are well worth it. Did I mention you shouldn't skip this?
You can't leave Charleston without soaking up some of its iconic history, so your next stop is a historical walking tour. We booked through Charleston Sole Walking Tours, and were beyond impressed. We left feeling like we had time traveled, and gained valuable knowledge about the history of our nation along the way.