3 Days in Charleston

One of the great cities in America for a quick and amazing dose of history, architecture, and, of course, food & drink. The challenge is that there are just too many things to do…but that is what will bring you back again and again. You just can’t do it all. We visited in the early summer and the heat was there, but it was not unbearable. The town was even a little quiet (despite the fact we were there on Carolina Day which is June 28th every year and will offer you the opportunity to see multi-generational locals sporting every form of seersucker). The next visit will be during a cooler month.

Take a peak at all my Charleston Photos too!

We did a ton of research and here are the recommendations:

Hotel: We stayed at the Dewberry. It was amazing. Housed in an old Federal building. For just a little more, you can book a Charleston Flat which I would highly suggest. Great service. 3 bars (The Living Room, Henrietta’s, and the Citrus Club up on the roof). Bikes you can use (and should). The smell of dewberry candles everywhere.

Kayak Tour: Book a three hour tour of the Folly Island creeks and tidal areas with Coastal Expeditions. Knowledgeable and super-friendly staff. The tour is incredible. Explore mile after mile of oyster beds with all of the incredible marine life abundant in the area. We saw at least a dozen dolphins (mother and daughters, mates, and fathers employing the coolest fishing techniques).

Walking Tour: There seem to be a lot of tour guides roaming the streets, but there can be nothing better than Two Sisters. These 7th generation sisters, with boundless energy, know everyone and everything. In 2.5 hours, you will know everything you need to know.

Food & Drink: Everything you need is listed on my Charleston food page

Bikes: The best was to efficiently see the town on a hot day…and you will want to start at the Battery and make your way through all the side streets slowly checking out all of these meticulously restored historic homes. We especially liked Tradd Street.

Shopping: You really don’t come here to shop, but King Street has some cool local stores…but sadly the national chains have started to take over.

Plantations: We didn’t have time to make a visit, but it would have been cool I’m sure.

The Islands: From Sullivan to Folly to Kiawah to Edisto to a number of others, you can check out the South Carolina beach life if you need to get out of the city.

Carriage Tour: If you don’t want to do a walking tour or ride a bike, this looked like a good lazy option.

House Tours: We did not have the chance to do this either, but I would have liked to.