Charleston South Carolina is a wonderful place to spend 3 perfect days for a quick getaway. I’ve always been curious to visit and learn more about this fascinating Southern town.
I chose to stay at Hotel Bella Grace, which is a 50 room boutique Marriott property nestled in the heart of Charleston. This lovely spot provided easy access to explore and discover the city.
Right next door is the charming circa 1830 Delaney House, which offers a personal connection to Charleston’s layered history and serves as the hotel’s complimentary breakfast and gathering space.
After settling in it was time to find a spot for lunch and explore! Charleston has endless shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for top brands or one-of-a-kind boutiques, you can find them here.
Nothing defines Southern charm quite like King Street. It is a bustling thoroughfare where Charleston’s past and present meet. At more than 300 years old, King Street is the second most historically and architecturally significant street in downtown Charleston, after Meeting Street. It was named for King Charles II of England and was a main route in the early city of Charles Towne. King Street was used predominantly as a path for coming in and out of town until the mid-1700s, as it was not originally designed to serve as commercial property. That was reserved to locations closer to the water and wharf docks for port trading. In the late-18th to early-19th centuries, the newly constructed railroad terminus allowed King Street to thrive as a retail corridor and commercial center. In the mid-19th century, the Civil War devastated the Charleston economy. The city fell into disrepair, bringing economic development to a halt well into the 20th century. During the 1950s, the city went through an urban revitalization with a cohesive melding of over 300 years of commercial function, putting the King Street shopping district back on the map.
Now, a revitalized and vibrant King Street boasts some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and sophisticated cocktail scenes along with hotels, art galleries, flourishing businesses, and a lively nightlife – not to mention some seriously exceptional shopping. In fact, U.S. News and World Report named King Street one of the country’s “Top 10 Shopping Streets.” Crossing through the middle of the Charleston peninsula, its wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, chic boutiques, antique shops, three-story brick and stucco buildings, and central location make it easy to see why King Street is an unforgettable dining and shopping experience.
After exploring it was time for dinner and some true southern cooking.
Charleston cuisine is defined by its coastal location and soul food influence, with foods as rich in history as they are in flavor. Although the City has grown and evolved in recent years, classic Southern foods like shrimp and grits and she-crab soup remain staples of the Charleston food scene, and Hall’s Chophouse did not disappoint.
Regarded as one of the top restaurants in town, Recommended are the 28-ounce Tomahawk rib eye, the New York strip, and the slow-roasted prime rib. Upon entering, the staff was so friendly and welcoming they made me feel like a VIP who had been going there forever!
I ordered the She-crab soup. This is a classic Southern food you need to try in Charleston. Hall’s had a gluten free version of this delicious bisque-like soup which included crabmeat, crab roe, sherry, and plenty of heavy cream. Think of it as Charleston’s answer to New England clam chowder. Dinner is served 7 nights a week and a Gospel Brunch on Sundays, all with live music.
For my entree, I ordered the Caviar Pan-Seared Scallops with Risotto. The scallops were sweet and so perfectly light and luscious. The vegetable risotto was a perfect creamy compliment and a delightful blend to the palette!
Day 2
Charleston’s Historic City Market is one of the oldest markets in the United States and is open every day except Christmas. This was a great place to spend one of my 3 perfect days in Charleston, South Carolina. While there are plenty of normal touristy souvenirs for sale here, there are also lots of one-of-a-kind watercolor paintings of Charleston’s famous landmarks, homewares, homemade spice blends, grit mixes, barbeque sauces, jewelry and more! The sweetgrass baskets are beautiful and a very popular souvenir. These are handmade in Charleston by Gullah artisans. The Gullah people are descendants of enslaved Africans and their language and basketry skills are unique to South Carolina.
After a morning of exploring, I decided to visit the Spa at Belmond Charleston Place Hotel. The staff was extremely friendly and the check-in process was smooth. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the Relaxation Room before your appointment time, which has juice, tea and nutritious snacks. I chose the microdermabrasion facial and emerged feeling fresh-faced and rejuvenated. The locker rooms were very nice and stocked with the necessities for before and after treatment. The pool was absolutely beautiful and offered a lovely view overlooking the city.
Surrounded by historic homes and buildings, strolling distance to the city’s delightful shops, galleries and restaurants, and close to pristine beaches, Belmond Charleston Place is the perfect place for guests to experience the unrivaled charm of Charleston in a setting unlike any other.
A great place to end the day is Le Farfalle. What is so beautiful about this restaurant is that it is Italian and Charleston at the same time, a bit like a rambling Italian seaside restaurant tucked just a block off King Street. There is a charming courtyard perfect for brunch in dappled sunlight, a formal dining room with high-backed wooden booths creating a cocoon for intimate conversation in the otherwise expansive room, but for most people (just like the kitchen at a good house party), the bar is the heart of the restaurant. It’s bright and airy with doors that open to the night beyond, high-topped “café style” wicker chairs invite you to sit and stay for dinner, and conversation between guests flow as easily as the wine. Chef Michael Toscano is serving up lunch and dinner with a modern approach to authentic Italian cuisine. Also boasting a well-rounded wine, beer, and craft cocktail program, Le Farfalle makes for a perfect stop to grab a quick hand-made pasta, or a destination to celebrate any special occasion.
For our final dinner in Charleston, we chose High Cotton. Established in 1999, High Cotton has received acclaim for its food, wine and service from numerous local and national publications including Southern Living, Bon Appetite and USA Today.
This lovely restaurant has a feeling of warmth and celebration that begins the moment you step inside. You’ll find it in their gracious, knowledgeable servers, expertly prepared dishes, and a remarkable wine and cocktail program. From conversations and laughter in the bar to their stylish dining rooms of heart pine floors and antique brick, you’ll come to understand true Charleston hospitality.
Dinner is served nightly and there is Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
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