Spring in Charleston

April 24, 2017

A spring-time getaway to the south has been on my bucket list ever since my romantic side fell in love with The Notebook (albeit mostly Ryan Gosling IN The Notebook, but wasn’t that all of us?) Between the beautiful old buildings, delicious food, and warm weather, it felt like the perfect location to celebrate our 1 year anniversary—a long weekend filled with all that Charleston and its famous southern hospitality has to offer.

While we weren’t able to stay at Zero George Street since our dog Louis joined us on the trip, we did have a chance to explore the hotel and spend some time there. Nicely situated off the more touristy Meeting and King Streets, but still close enough to walk to all the main sites of downtown, Zero George is a group of perfectly appointed buildings dating back to 1804 restored in the most charming manner. Immaculately landscaped courtyards, sprawling porches, award-winning cuisine, and even a cooking school, Zero George really has it all. And not to mention complimentary bikes available for use, which are the perfect way to explore the city.

^^So handsome

Having never been to Charleston before, we wanted to see as much as we could, and even with four days, it felt like we could have spent at least another week taking in all the city has to offer. We didn’t waste any time, and made sure to explore the main sites of downtown like Marion Square, Meeting Street, King Street, Rainbow Row, South of Broad, Waterfront Park and The Battery….but also making sure to wander down back streets and alleyways, full of incredible homes with overflowing flower boxes and window shutters of all colors. And of course with all the exploring, it was crucial to make sure we had enough energy to burn, breaking regularly for fried chicken at Leon’s, oysters at The Ordinary, shrimp and grits and ooey-gooey mac and cheese at Poogan’s Porch, the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth brisket at Lewis BBQ, crispy crusted southern inspired pizza at The Obstinate Daughter, and bacon cornbread made perfectly in the skillet at Husk. We never missed an opportunity to dine outside on porches and patios, feeling the sun soak in all around and sipping ice-cold drinks including a new favorite “Frozé” aka frozen rosé—my idea of perfection. And let’s not forget the sweeter side, home made gelato at BeardCat’s and the most divine cupcakes at Sugar Bakeshop. We did eat some more healthy fare to balance out our indulgences—juices and delicious farm-to-table selections at Butcher & Bee.

On top of walking and eating our way around downtown, we also spent a day at the beach on Sullivan’s Island, an idillic retreat just 20 mins away, and wandered around Boone Hall Plantation, taking in the history and staring in awe at the old oak trees covered in swaying Spanish moss. Charleston really is as lovely as it seems, almost so much so that it’s hard to believe a city so old and quaint and full of history has managed to maintain that charm and beauty after so many years. Walking through the neighborhoods, its impossible not to imaging what memories the 300 year old houses must hold. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve already picked out your dream home for the day you strike it big.

Black Linen Dress | Isabel Marant Etoile