What a spring it has been! I had all the intentions in the world of sitting down and writing this post as soon as I came back from Charleston, but between Abi and I, we have been slammed every weekend. From weddings, a new job, a move, bachelorette trips, and most importantly-Abi and her husband Brian just announced they are expecting a baby girl in the fall! More on this here 😊
Even with all the busy-ness and life changes-we wouldn’t have it any other way as travel feels fully back and here to stay. I visited Charleston in mid-April for a bachelorette trip for one of my best friends and absolutely fell in love. I had visited as a kid but was too young to appreciate all the charm the city has to offer. It is the perfect place for a girls trip, mom/daughter weekend or couples getaway and I’m already itching to go back. I didn’t plan this trip– MOH did an incredible job (thanks, Liv🤗)— so I’m simply sharing what we did and what I loved most.
Where to stay:
We stayed in an AirBnB located right off Spring Street. I loved this location, and it was an easy two minute walk to coffee shops like 132 Spring for a quick bite in the morning. I know there are tons hotels in the area that are super charming and historic, but for a bachelorette trip, the AirBnB was the way to go for us. It felt much more homey and like we were back in our sorority house from our college days!
What to do:
Where do I start?! We visited Thursday-Sunday but I could have easily done a few more days-there is so much so see! Here is what we packed in:
- Folly Beach: The beach was only 25 minutes from our AirBnB and it was fun to see a new area! We spent half a day here and it was great for a really chill morning. The weather can be hit or miss in April-we went when it was a little chilly but still loved being by the ocean regardless. There is a service that will set up chairs for you if you for a price, otherwise come prepared with towels and chairs.
- Southern Charm Sightings: I personally have never watched this show, but we had some super fans on this trip! Even if you aren’t a fan, the Ravenel Bridge is worth driving onto, it is an architectural beauty and a Charleston staple.
- Sailboat Cruise at Sunset: This is a MUST-especially if you are planning a bachelorette trip. It is such a fun way to kick off the weekend if you’re going with a group. If you go in the springtime-bring a jacket, the weather can get chilly!
- Charleston City Market: This is a great indoor/outdoor market packed with local vendors and an easy place to bring a group. It is so massive, I don’t think I made it all the way through and I was in there for at least an hour.
- Walk the city: If you do nothing else, get out and simply take in the charm of this city. There is so much to look at from the architecture, historical homes, garden alleys and the occasional Civil War reenactment soldier sightings! Here are a few points of reference and spots you won’t want to miss:
- Rainbow Row
- Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
- Washington Square
- Battery Street and The Battery
- Shop King Street: I was pleasantly surprised, for this being the more “commercial” part of town it still felt charming. I wouldn’t dedicate a whole day to exploring King Street but it has all the hustle and bustle of the city and has plenty to offer if you want to visit a few shops.
- Visit Historical Sites: Unless you’re a history buff bride, I wouldn’t dedicate a whole day to this for a bachelorette trip. My first trip here, we saw more of the historical side of the city and did everything from, touring a historical home, Fort Sumter, horse and buggy rides and did a haunted jail tour (still traumatized!) Options are endless if you do like history, but there is also plenty to see outside of this.
Where to eat:
Okay-the important part. Let’s talk food. I know there are plenty of there are posts dedicated solely to the food scene in Charleston because the experience is truly unmatched, but here is a quick overview of where we ate over the weekend:
- Fleet Landing: Awesome seafood and gorgeous views with indoor/outdoor dining right on the water.
- Taco Boy-fun Mexican restaurant in Folly and great for a group lunch.
- Poogan’s Porch: If you haven’t had real southern food-this is your chance! This restaurant is a whole experience and the wait staff is such a blast. They are really used to bachelorette parties and also give a TON of recommendations. Everything is delicious-especially the fried chicken and shrimp and grits😍
- Miller’s All Day-Such a fun retro breakfast or lunch spot! Highly recommend and they are great for to go’s. We ate our biscuit’s while we walked the city (get the ham biscuit!)
- Felix-French fare, great for brunch, lunch dinner or a drink at the bar. Loved the atmosphere here.
- 5 Church-A nicer upscale dinner in an old cathedral. Loved the moody ambiance, it was the perfect spot for a more special dinner on our last night.
- Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop: This is such a cool concept, not only is the coffee and service great, but they hire and empower people with intellectual disabilities. There are many across the U.S. but we were excited to find a shop in Charleston!
There is something for everyone in Charleston, especially if you’re looking for a low-key, charming weekend with your girls for a bachelorette party. If you’re on the fence, book it and don’t look back-you won’t be disappointed 💕
Happy Travels!
-Ally
