Charleston, South Carolina

I am not sure what I was expecting for my first trip ever to Charleston. I mean I have always heard that it is one of the most charming cities in the south but you never really ‘know’ how something is until you experience it first hand. If you follow me on instagram you know that I spent last weekend in Charleston, South Carolina and if you really pay close attention you know that I had an absolute blast.

The weekend started off great. Upon arriving at the gorgeous (pink) Mills House Hotel, we were greeted by the loveliest staff. I took a later flight out so I did a quick change and it was time to meet up with some of my favorite girls for a glass of champagne before we jumped on our rickshaws (pedi-cab) and headed to upper King Street to begin our progressive dinner. This progressive dinner was unlike any I had done before…it was very southern. A.K.A. So much food (which was amazing).

We started the night at The Daily for a glass of wine, cheese, and the most amazing kale salad I have ever had. I have to say, if I lived in Charleston I know I would be at The Daily daily (get it) for a craft sandwich or grab something delicious at their corner market. After what seemed like 5 minutes (time flies when you are having fun) we hopped on our rickshaws and headed to The Grocery. Round two was just amazing as round one. The Grocery is a farm-to-table hot spot in Charleston. We pretty much sampled the entire menu and a few of my favorites included the gnocchi (my favorite), the eggplant (you HAVE to get this) the okra and the whole fish. All items were delicious so after indulging in these amazing shared plates, finishing a glass of champagne we headed to our last and final stop, The Macintosh.

If you read Chassity’s blog on the regular, you know that The Macintosh is her favorite spot so I was excited to go here and see what all the fuss was about! Well, just like the previous two spots we had gone to, this soulful menu did not disappoint. The scallops and the CAB Deckle were out of this world..and if I haven’t already made you hungry I probably should not mention how tasteful the chocolate soufflé and housemade ice cream were…As night one came to a successful close we were ready for what the next couple of days in Charleston would bring….

The gorgeous Mills House Hotel (walking distance from King Street where some of the best shopping in the city is)

We started Saturday morning off with the BEST tour of Charleston. John from Bulldog Tours led us around. It was so fun seeing the city on foot while also learning to many interesting facts!

It was a trip of 9 bloggers so of course we all stopped along the way for necessary photos!
My favorite house in the whole city. Not only did I love the green shutters but the view of the Charleston Harbor that the owners get to see everyday was dreamy.
Snap, snapAfter our wonderful walking tour we headed to Chassity’s gorgeous home for lunch. Yummy bites, beautiful flowers, lovely stationary and of course champagne made this lunch so special. Such a fun setting to dine it! I mean just look at that tablescape!
When our dreamy lunch came to a close we had the afternoon to do as we all pleased. I stopped by the Charleston Market (oldest public market in America), shopped at Hampden’s (I snagged this hat & this blouse), tried on jewels at Croghan’s (the goldbug collection is a must see), popped into Sam’s, grabbed a cupcake at Cupcake, and then grabbed an afternoon cocktail at Husk (it’s next door to The Mills House Hotel). By the time I looked at my watch, it was time to rush back to the hotel and get ready for the night!
Headed to the Croghan’s dinner!
Arriving at the incredible Hay house for such a special evening.
Now this is southern charm! Lovely music from The Bluestone Ramblers
We enjoyed the best craft cocktails from mixologist and restaurateur Brooks Reitz the founder of Jack Rudy small batch tonic
With sweet Chassity at the Hay house for the Croghan’s dinner party prepared by Cru Cafe (mini chicken & waffles, friend green tomatoes, sheet crab soup, mac & cheese…just a few of the many favorite items that were served)Sunday morning began with Charleston Singleton and his jazz band setting the mood for poolside brunch at The Mills House featuring Callie’s Biscuits and these Charleston tastemakers:

Candy Shop Vintage, Bulls Bay Salt, Virgil Kaine, Grey Ghost Bakery, Charleston Tea Plantation, Rewined Candles, Fat n’ Juicy, Bittermilk, King Bean Coffee, Historic Charleston Foundation and Produce Candles

Such a fun brunch.

Charleston is unlike any city I have ever been to. It is colorful, architecturally exquisite, historical, charming and well, you get the idea. I kept telling our lovely hostesses that they live in a fake land because every where I looked and every corner I turned there was something beautiful. The husband has never been, so we are already planning our next trip back…I know we are going to have to add golf into our weekend (he’s obsessed). Thanks to the Charleston CVB and Mrs. Chassity Evans I feel like I will really be able to show him the best spots in the city!

*A special thanks to the Charleston CVB for making this weekend so wonderful

images by Gray Benko

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