If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway that is filled with southern charm and hospitality, look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. With it’s cobblestone streets and window boxes filled with colorful flowers, Charleston welcomes you like an old friend! Let me show you why Charleston, South Carolina should be on your list of places to visit this summer.

Charleston was founded in 1670, originally named Charles Town in honor of King Charles II. Charleston hosted the very first golf game, first museum, first public library and first theatre in America. This city is simply busting at the seams with history, but you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it!

While you’re exploring the streets of Charleston, be sure to look for some of it’s “hidden alleyways.” A couple of my favorites are Stoll’s Alley and Longitude Lane. While these aren’t that hard to find, I would say that they are off the beaten path. If you are directionally challenged like me, Google Maps gives you step by step directions on where to find them and be sure to bring your camera! If you work up an appetite, head over to Miller’s All Day on King Street. It is by far my favorite place to eat in downtown Charleston.

When you think about Charleston, Rainbow Row is probably one of the first things that come to your mind. One of Charleston’s most recognized landmarks, Rainbow Row, is located on East Bay Street, just up from Longitude Lane. These houses weren’t always colorful. They received their bright and charming paint job in 1931 when Judge Lionel Legge and his wife Dorothy purchased the row of homes on East Bay Street. Dorothy wanted to brighten up the area with a nice pastel shade of pink. This trend caught on as their neighbors also began painting their homes bright colors. Dorothy was such a trendsetter! Other streets that you should see: Tradd Street, King Street, Church Street and Legare Street are all some of my favorites!

While there is plenty to do in downtown Charleston, you don’t want to miss out on experiencing a visit to some of the plantations of Charleston. I haven’t been able to visit all of them just yet, but I have been to Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place. I would recommend setting aside plenty of time for each of these locations as there is so much to do and see.

Magnolia Plantation: Located just about thirty minutes from downtown Charleston, is where you’ll find Magnolia Plantation. As soon as you purchase your ticket and walk through the entrance, you are surrounded by an array of colorful flowers, Spanish moss-covered trees and multiple paths to begin your exploration through the plantation. Be sure to stop by the Peacock Café and grab a sandwich and a refreshing cup of lemonade during your visit! Just beside the Peacock Café you will notice a fenced in an area where you can encounter some animals! Here you can find chickens, peacocks, goats and a very friendly turtle. My favorite part about Magnolia Plantation is the Long White Bridge. In my opinion, it is one of the most picturesque places on the property.

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Middleton Place: I can’t begin to describe just how magnificent this place is! From the moment that I stepped on the property I was left practically speechless. As with Magnolia Plantation, there are multiple trails that you can take to explore the property. There are Belgian horses, cows, chickens, sheep and a barn cat that you can meet. Keep an eye out for alligators! I saw two during my visit. I would recommend setting aside a full day to visit Middleton Place. There are so many things to do and see. If you’re hungry, stop in at The Middleton Place Restaurant. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, especially their fried green tomatoes (these are only on their Sunday brunch menu.)

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What about the beach?! While I’m more of a mountain and explore the city type of girl, I do really enjoy catching the sunrise at Folly Beach. If you decide to be there at sunrise, the temperature is great and there aren’t a lot of people. Just a short drive from Folly Beach Pier you’ll find the Morris Island lighthouse. If it’s your first visit to Folly Beach I would recommend venturing out a little way to check it out.

During my most recent trip to Charleston, I knew that I wanted to photograph some shrimping boats, preferably by a pier. After a quick Google search, I discovered a little place called Shem Creek Waterfront located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. While I just went to explore the boardwalk, you can also find restaurants and boat and fishing charters there. Shem Creek is the perfect place to spend an evening by the waterfront and watch the sunset.

Don’t let your trip end without heading over to Johns Island to see the Angel Oak tree. This tree is massive and estimated to be 300-400 years old. The Angel Oak reaches a height of 65 feet and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. This is just one of those wonders that you must see for yourself. Pictures simply don’t do it justice. Just a heads up - parking can be a little tricky, especially if it’s during the busy seasons. However, I’ve always been able to find a spot.

I could go on endlessly about the things to see and do in Charleston. This blog just covers some of my personal favorite sights and experiences. There are too many landmarks and picture-perfect spots to possibly name them all. One of my biggest recommendations to you would be to just have fun and explore the city. Some of my favorite places have been discovered by just exploring…without Google Maps lol!

Safe Travels,

Brittney