During the most recent stay in Charleston, we went from July 19-25, 2014. Since it has been a year since the travel, I am just going to highlight some of the favorite spots and activities we did, as well as some restaurants. We LOVE to eat! I traveled to Charleston with my parents, Penny and Michael. They own a time share, and we stayed in Charleston's Blue-Green location. The name of this condo-hotel is called the Lodge Alley Inn.
These images are all from the hotel.
The condo was also complete with a kitchen, and the main bedroom was in the upstairs loft. Due to this being a historic hotel, each room is different with different attributes. It also reflected some wonderful historic character in it. One of the wonderful things about the hotel is that it is on East Bay Street, extremely close to The City Market, which is a large tourist attraction. At the City Market, locals sell items that they create themselves or offer at their company. It is also surrounding by quite a bit of restaurants. A large positive also of the hotel is that it is extremely safe. It is gated in at night. It has a courtyard (pictured above) that is offered to guests for use. There is no pool at this hotel, so if that is something that is necessary to you, check out a different hotel in this area. This hotel does have a positively reviewed restaurant that is also attached named High Cotton. We did not visit this restaurant during our stay.
The first restaurant we visited was called Cypress. It was close to our hotel and was easy for our first night there. It was a little more dressy, but it was definitely worth the money.
In the morning, we went to a restaurant known for it's southern style, home cooked breakfast food. Again, it was extremely close to our hotel and was recommended by a woman who worked at the front desk. It's name is Dixie Supply Bakery and Cafe. A major positive of this place is the amazing food. A major negative of this place is the limited seating. We struggled to get a spot to sit, and found a table outside of the cafe. This would've been absolutely fine - except we were expecting storms. Thankfully, we were able to eat quickly before getting rained on.
Another notable place we ate for breakfast was Toast. I got french toast while I was there, and it was incredible. It was very homey, with wood benches as the seating. They did have a wait, but we booked on open table that morning so we were able to get seated fairly quickly.
Charleston is one of those cities where wherever you go, or whatever you're interested in, there's something you can find. My father is very into Pirate's, so we found ourselves on a Pirate Tour. The link is from their reviews on Trip Advisor, which I always find to be very helpful! I believe we had discounted tickets from our hotel, which made the Pirate Tour a decent price. I also know that they do occasionally offer this tour on groupon - so definitely check there as well if you're looking for a great trip on a budget. It was a two hour tour around the city and included admission into The Powder Magazine Museum.
This is a home that our tour guide pointed out used to be a Brothel in the city (and a frequent destination in the city for pirates) - what a transformation some historic renovation can do!
This is our tour guide Erik - he dressed just like a Pirate from historic Charleston!
These pictures are all from the Powder Magazine House in Charleston. As stated previously, this is where the Pirate Tour began. My father stated that this tour was his favorite thing we did while in the city, hands down! My mother and I also enjoyed it, and our tour guide was extremely knowledgable.
We also decided to do a lighthouse tour to the Morris Island lighthouse. This was something that was more expensive on our part, but my mother really wanted to attend this tour. This tour was from Charleston Outdoor Adventures. And while it was more expensive, it was also two and a half hours long. Since Morris Island lighthouse is off the beach and into the water, the tour includes a boat ride.
Old shipwreck remains just off the side of the river.
Morris Island Lighthouse
As you can see from the pictures, it was not a gorgeous day out. However, we definitely made the most of our trip, and got to collect plenty of seashells as well from around the island. Along with this, we got to watch for dolphins along our boat! It was pretty awesome.
Another thing my family truly enjoys to do is take a ride on The Schooner Pride. This trip is a family favorite that we make sure we do every time we head to Charleston. I've not only attached the link to this, but here you can find their trip advisor reviews as well. The only thing I can suggest is please look at the weather before heading out and booking this trip. It is an absolutely fabulous excursion, but it is obviously unsafe to sail on this during a storm. They have sunset tours and tours offered during the day time. I'd say if you have children, the afternoon tour is better. My family and I have gone on both tours (this time during the day), during the evening and during the day and definitely find the day tour to be more child friendly. However, alcohol is offered on both tours (just beer and wine folks), but it is reasonably priced. This is a CANNOT miss when you come from my family! It may go back to again, my father's love of pirates! It is however not a narrated tour, so you won't get the history of Fort Sumter, etc. You will however, pass Fort Sumter. One of my favorite things about this tour is while it isn't narrated, the crew will let you assist them in things like raising and lower the sails, which has been something my father loves to do! One a previous trip, my little sister also got an opportunity to do this.
My father working the sails.
We ventured out of Charleston to Magnolia Plantation. On this trip, we drove ourselves down to Charleston so had a car accessible. We decided that it would be better to drive to the plantation rather than take a bus tour, which is also offered. During previous trips, we went to Boone Hall Plantation and Middleton Plantation. Each offers something different, and Magnolia is no different. It had beautiful gardens as well to venture through, and also included a boat ride.
Look out tower in the gardens at Magnolia - we were able to climb to the top. What a view!
Something that I always find fun and fascinating while in Charleston is the haunted past. We always look to Bull Dog Tours - and have done plenty of them in the past. We have attended ghost walks through the Old City Jail, but this time, decided to go to the Old Prison and Dungeon. I have never had a bad tour guide here, they are knowledgable and very engaging. You can find their trip advisor here.
St. Michael's church - it is absolutely beautiful during the day or in the evening!
Something I honestly would suggest in Charleston is going to Rainbow Row, and just walking around the city. It is one of my all time favorite vacation spots, and you can never run out of things to do! Unfortunately with Charleston, I am not as knowledgable in the night life, even though there is plenty to offer. Here are a few more pictures just around the city that hopefully show its beauty, along with a unique history.
The City Market front. Please note that if you are looking for something authentic Charleston to bring home, buy a sweetgrass basket from one of the artists here! They are beautiful and will last. Another thing to buy is the sweetgrass roses that are offered by artists throughout the city - I bought a dozen and put them in a vase to keep in my room. They really add a unique quality to my living space and is something to always remember my trip!
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