Destination "Charleston, South Carolina"
Beck Street
Beck Street
Rainbow Row - Charleston Photo credit: Kyle Haines - unless noted differently.
friend of mine, Vicki, suggested I join her maiden journey to the city of Charleston, South Carolina. I agreed to accompany her to this Southern gem.
We stayed in the French Quarter at The Vendue hotel, an artsy boutique hotel that allows dogs. We were canine free, but into the artsy look and feel of the place. An excellent location for walkable access to everything within the historic downtown as well as water views.
https://www.thevendue.com/
Upon arrival, the staff greeted us with a glass of bubbly and overall were very professional throughout our stay.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Vendue hotel offers a two level rooftop bar and restaurant. The sunshine was invigorating, the food fresh and tasty, the views of the Cooper River sparkled and the downtown roof tops were a delight to see. There was even a cruise ship in the harbor.
German Village resident, Kelly Mills, friend Kate was recently in Charleston and told me we definitely should go to the High Cotton.
https://www.highcottoncharleston.com/
We enjoyed two-courses of low country cuisine with an appropriate cocktail.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The High Cotton offers live music seven days a week. We were able to sit in the lounge at a comfy rounded booth and see the band as we dined.
The Rosa Caliente cocktail was perfect for cutting through the creaminess of the She-Crab soup which included sprinkles on top of crab roe and lumps of crab within. The Shrimp & Grits was a delicious southern comfort cuisine of tasty grits paired with seafood, okra, tasso ham and an amazing gravy. Vicki loved the Prince Edwards Mussels with the Creole mustard cream and afterward the lighter flounder paired with spinach, heirloom tomatoes and green olive tapenade. Our server was outstanding in attentiveness as well as personality. A great Charleston dining experience!
The Rosa Caliente cocktail was perfect for cutting through the creaminess of the She-Crab soup which included sprinkles on top of crab roe and lumps of crab within. The Shrimp & Grits was a delicious southern comfort cuisine of tasty grits paired with seafood, okra, tasso ham and an amazing gravy. Vicki loved the Prince Edwards Mussels with the Creole mustard cream and afterward the lighter flounder paired with spinach, heirloom tomatoes and green olive tapenade. Our server was outstanding in attentiveness as well as personality. A great Charleston dining experience!
We headed up to Marion Square. A historic park that was deeded to the South Carolina colony in 1758 and these days is the home of the Charleston Farmers Market in the summer and Charleston Holiday Market in December.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Bennett Hotel, an upscale hotel, is located upon one of the edges of the park. We decided to drop in and take a look. We made it up to the rooftop and enjoyed the views of a historic church steeple (Charleston is called the Holy City due to its long-term openness to various religious groups), Marion Park and the Cooper River. The pool was inviting and we stayed for a cocktail at the rooftop lounge.
https://www.cntraveler.com/shops/charleston/king-street
Charleston originally was called Charles Town, named after King Charles II of England. It was changed to Charleston during its incorporatation as a city in 1783.
King Street (named when South Carolina was a colony and ruled by a king) is the go-to for shopping and dining.
There are three sections to the street:
Lower King - fantastic selection of antique stores.
Middle King - fabulous shopping of upscale fashion.
Upper King - wonderful design stores and restaurants.
There are three sections to the street:
Lower King - fantastic selection of antique stores.
Middle King - fabulous shopping of upscale fashion.
Upper King - wonderful design stores and restaurants.
|
|
We took a carriage ride around the historic district. Our guide and carriage driver was very knowledgable and funny.
He discussed one of the common residential styles is the single house. The house is one room wide, with the other rooms behind each other. The porches are called piazza's and are placed on the South or West side of the house in order for the occupants to take advantage of breezes during the HOT and HUMID season.
The front door of the residence looks like it would enter into a closed wall structure even though it opens to the piazza. It was interesting to learn that if the front door is closed, people know not to knock or try to visit. If the door is open people know the residents are willing to receive guests.
He discussed one of the common residential styles is the single house. The house is one room wide, with the other rooms behind each other. The porches are called piazza's and are placed on the South or West side of the house in order for the occupants to take advantage of breezes during the HOT and HUMID season.
The front door of the residence looks like it would enter into a closed wall structure even though it opens to the piazza. It was interesting to learn that if the front door is closed, people know not to knock or try to visit. If the door is open people know the residents are willing to receive guests.
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are large historic homes within The Battery overlooking or close to the Charleston Harbor which is an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Battery/@32.7701219,-79.9364738,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88fe7a04968e1309:0xe9e4f2ff16335a59!8m2!3d32.7702216!4d-79.9287947
|
|
We enjoyed a boozy breakfast at Ruby Sunshine on East Bay Street. If desired, you can get a shot of bourbon in your coffee or enjoy other libations.
I did not get a picture of it, but when they served me the Southern Breakfast it included the biggest and best buttermilk biscuit I have ever eaten.
I did not get a picture of it, but when they served me the Southern Breakfast it included the biggest and best buttermilk biscuit I have ever eaten.
Advertisement
There are numerous museums, slave educational entities, Civil War related cruises and tours, beaches, plantations and other interesting destinations in or close to downtown Charleston. A great place to go for a fun and historical get-a-way.
GO | Charleston, SC Issue XXV
Click on pictures below for other articles!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPONSORS
|