How To: Charleston in 72 Hours

Happy Monday y’all! I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Charleston, South Carolina and had to share (RAVE) about it. I have been to Charleston a few times in the past, but in just three short days, I feel like we got to see so much more of it than I ever had before. And while I am no expert, I had to share my suggestions of how to visit Charleston in only 72 hours. An alternative title to this could be how to gain ten pounds in Charleston in 72 hours!

Dress: Wayf / Bag: MISA Los Angeles / Shoes: J.Crew Factory / Sunglasses: Karen Walker

First things first: the hotel. We stayed at the Fulton Lane Inn on King Street and definitely splurged a little here. It is right in the heart of historic Charleston and we could walk to almost everything we wanted to see.. The Market, Rainbow Row, The Battery, amazing shops and restaurants. Plus, they deliver breakfast to your room each morning as well as offer a wine and cheese reception (read: unlimited vino) from 5-6pm. We arrived around midnight Thursday night and had a quick drink nearby before heading to bed.

Day 1: Jeremy and I woke up and headed straight to Black Tap Coffee. I had heard amazing things about their lavender latte (steamed milk art included) and Black Julep (espresso, honey, and mint shaken and poured over ice) and they did not disappoint! The ambiance of this place is gorgeous as well.

Black Tap Coffee: 70.5 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401

Once we were geared up on espresso, we walked down to The Market to browse the local vendors. Everything in The Market is very kitschy and touristy, but it is still fun to check it all out. One vendor had Spartina 449 paper products and I stocked up!

The Market: 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

By now, Jeremy and I were working up an appetite. We headed to 167 Raw for oysters, lobster rolls, and rosé and holy delicious! The servers there are so friendly as well! Disclaimer: There was a 45 minute wait and lunch was a little pricey, but the food and atmosphere were worth it.

167 Raw: 289 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

I pulled Jeremy across the street into the Starbucks in Harris Teeter to snag a “pink drink” (strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk and strawberries) since it was getting pretty hot outside, and we jumped on a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of historic Charleston. I love learning about the history of places I visit and this was such a relaxing way to do it. There are walking tours as well, but it was about 100 degrees outside so no way, José! Our tour guide was hilarious, answered every question I had about the city, and offered dining suggestions.

Carriage Ride: 8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401

Dress: Chicwish c/o / Heels: Sam Edelman / Hat: Brixton / Sunglasses: Karen Walker

We hopped off the carriage ride in perfect time to make it back to the hotel for the wine and cheese reception located in the courtyard of Fulton Lane Inn’s sister and neighboring hotel, the King’s Courtyard Inn. Insider tip: the hotel doesn’t ask for proof you are staying there, so go load up on free wine 😉 Plus, the courtyard is gorgeous and the pimento cheese is delicious!

Jeremy and I showered up and ventured to Poogan’s Porch for dinner (make sure to make a reservation a few days in advance). This may be the best meal I had on the trip, even though it sounds a little funky… blackened scallops over pimento cheese ravioli over creamed corn. It was amazing! And bottles of wine were under $30! So yes, by this point we were drunk.

Poogan’s Porch: 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Dress: Vestique (Similar here) / Sandals: J.Crew Factory / Earrings: BaubleBar

Day 2: I woke up on Saturday ready to take on the shopping of King Street. The road is lined with high-end boutiques and honestly, I couldn’t afford much on it! But it was fun to window shop and I found a fabulous dress at a more affordable boutique, Vestique.

Vestique: 183 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

We snagged lunch at Brown Dog Deli and not only does this sandwich shop have the cutest outdoor seating area, the food is amazing! I HIGHLY recommend the Apple Butter Jeans… delicious and fun to say!

Brown Dog Deli: 40 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401

After working up a sweat shopping, we changed in to our bathing suits and drove over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to Folly Beach. There are quite a few beaches within twenty minutes of Charleston and this one is definitely the most populated one. We rented two beach chair and an umbrella by the pier and sunbathed and swam for a couple hours before grabbing ice cream cones and taking a walk down the pier.

Folly Beach Pier: 101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439

We didn’t get back until late, so thank goodness that Husk stays open until 11pm. We popped over to the restaurant and even at 9:30pm, there was a wait. We put our names in and went next door to The Husk Bar where we grabbed hand-crafted cocktails and an appetizer. I almost spoiled my dinner thanks to the best chicken wings I have ever had, hands down. By the time dinner rolled around, I stuck with the grilled octopus appetizer and was completely satisfied 🙂

Husk: 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Charleston is dotted with rooftop bars, and why not? It is a peninsula surrounded by water and the views are gorgeous! My friend Nicole suggested we hit up the rooftop bar at The Grand Bohemian Hotel. The decor is gorgeous and modern, in stark contrast to the rest of the city. I wasn’t the only fan… Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler were having cocktails a table over from us!

The Grand Bohemian Hotel: 55 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

Day 3: Jeremy and I packed up our stuff and loaded the car in the morning, but had no intention of leaving this magical place anytime soon! We drove down to The Battery (there’s free parking) and took a walk from there, past Rainbow Row, to Waterfront Park. Biking this route and more is top of my priority list the next time I return!

The Battery: 20 S Battery, Charleston, SC 29401

Dress: Wayf / Bag: MISA Los Angeles / Shoes: J.Crew Factory / Sunglasses: Karen Walker

We drove over to Magnolia’s (which offers free parking) for brunch. Jeremy and I split two entrees, the pigs in a blanket (IT IS HUGE) and the lowcountry benedict and were stuffed just in time to change into our bathing suits!

Magnolia’s: 185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Jeremy and I thought we’d try our hand at a different beach and Sullivan’s Island exceeded our expectations. I fell in love with it! It is a residential island with more wildlife so the beaches are cleaner and far more relaxing. It has the perfect view for watching the boats leave Charleston’s harbor, while the last government-commissioned lighthouse stands behind you. Plus, Edgar Allan Poe lived here for years and it was the backdrop to three of his books.

Sullivan’s Island Beach Access: Station 18 St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

But Jeremy couldn’t sit idle for long. After a couple relaxing hours seaside, we drove to the neighboring Isle of Palms for a jet ski safari. This hour and a half-long trip takes you through oyster beds, up the intercoastal to Caper’s Island. This uninhabited island is where families dock their boats to picnic and swim in the calm salt water. It was my favorite part of the trip! We then hopped back on our jet skis for the 15-mile return trip.

Tidal Wave Watersports: 69 41st Ave, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Before we finally left the fantasy-land that is Charleston, we stopped in at the Acme Lowcountry Kitchen that boasts ten different versions of shrimp and grits. I out-ordered Jeremy this go round opting for the BBQ shrimp and grits while he had the blackened shrimp and scallops over grits.

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen: 31 J C Long Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

I haven’t been back for 24 hours yet and am already itching to return! If y’all have any suggestions on things to do that I missed, I would love for you to leave them in the comments below 🙂