Wanderlust: Charleston, SC

One of my favorite things to do is travel. I love visiting a new place and have quite the long travel bucket list. Before I go on trips, I love to hunt down blog posts about the place I'm traveling to, figuring out the best places to stay, eat, visit, etc. So I wanted to start my own posts each time I travel somewhere. They'll always include where to stay, eat, some must sees, dos, and some helpful tips that I wish I'd known  before my trip. Hopefully these posts will be helpful to those of you looking for your next adventure! 
  
Where to Stay: 

Inexpensive:
We stayed at the Sleep Inn on Savannah Highway just outside of Charleston. I'd recommend it. Inexpensive, very clean, good location to visit downtown Charleston and Folly Beach. Also relatively close to the Angel Oak Tree.

Expensive:
Harbourview Inn, Vendue. Ok, I didn't stay here--but they sure looked NICE and had an excellent location.

Must Eat: 

This list could get ridiculous. Charleston is kind of known for it's food. Here were my favorites:

Pearlz Oyster Bar - Savannah Hwy just east of the city, and downtown on East Bay.

Try their clams and Shrimp & Grits.
                  

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar - Downtown, East Bay St.
OH MY GOODNESS. I would drive to Charleston just to eat dinner here and drive back. Shrimp corn dogs--do it! Grilled Crab & Shrimp Cake sandwich

  

Sol - Sullivan's Island
This wasn't your typical place you'd think to eat in Charleston, but a friend recommended it and it was pretty yummy! I had the Carnitas Napoleon and it was a delicious stack of yum! In keeping with our "things-on-a-stick" theme from Amen Street, we decided we had to get the Tuna Lollipops. They were no Shrimp Corndog, but they were pretty darn tasty. You have to like raw fish, though!




Poe's Tavern - Sullivan's Island
Poe's is a burger joint. I recommend the Amontillado burger. Guac, Jalapeno Jack Cheese, Pico de' Gallo and Chipotle Sour Cream all on a delicious burger. Also, go for the onion straws.



Husk - While you're waiting on your table or if you just want to stop for a drink, head over to their old-timey bar next door. It won't disappoint.

Must See: 
Rainbow Row

Angel Oak Tree
This tree is utterly fascinating. Seriously. Be sure to check park hours, though--it doesn't stay open late and it's not an open-all-the-time kind of park. 

Must Do: 
Plantation Tour - Boone Hall Plantation





Peach/Blueberry Picking at Boone Hall Plantation (if visiting in the summer)
After your plantation tour, stop by and visit the u-pick fields and pick some fresh blueberries, peaches or whatever they offer in-season when you visit. 

Walk up Church Street from the Battery Park 
You'll find some of the coolest homes in Charleston if you start up Church St. from the Battery (where you should park.. we'll get to that!). When you think Charleston, this street embodies all that you imagine.

Check out the Doors, Windows and Gates of Charleston (#windowsofcharleston #doorsofcharleston #gatesofcharleston)

            

                      

  


Must Know:
Parking... ugh parking. You can park for free down by the battery and White Point Garden. If at all possible, DO THIS! If you head out to Folly Beach, beware. Your tires can't touch the roadway if you're parking on the side of the street. I mean even an inch of your tire touching the pavement will slap you with a $30 parking ticket.