Charleston, SC has been named “Most Romantic, Friendliest City” and consistently ranks high for top travel destinations in the nation and worldwide. I have always loved the sophistication and southern vibe of this city. Here is our review of our stay in Charleston last July. Yes, I used to live there, but there’s something different about staying downtown and absorbing the culture.
We have never actually stayed downtown since my mother and step-father live just 20 minutes away. Of course we visit often–several times a year–but since we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and that’s where we got married, we figured it would be fun to be a part the city for a few days.
Planters Inn (Joy’s Review)
(http://www.plantersinn.com)
I remember when I was in middle school and we would visit downtown especially the historic open market on weekends. We would walk right past this hotel and I would look up in awe and wonder what it looked like inside. After staying here, I could go on and on with this little hotel. Now I understand why it has graced so many magazines and why its on top lists of hotels worldwide year after year. To be quite honest, I didn’t think I would be so attached to this hotel since I seem to gravitate towards more modern designed boutique hotels for special occasions. But the top notch service, the history, the special 10 year anniversary occasion, the elegant decor, mixed in with the charm of Charleston made this hotel perfect and makes it on my top list as well.
From the tasty treats in the lobby, the private courtyard which takes me back to France, the private piazza, our view overlooking the historic open market, the four-poster bed, to the excellent customer service. I was wishing our three-night stay was longer.
Aw, our trusty valet and perfect travel advisor, Alan. He was so accommodating and gave us so much information about Charleston and all it has to offer. I loved his uniform with the gloves, he was such a good sport even with the heat and humidity. (photo by Alice Park).
Peninsula Grill (reviewed by Garrett)
Every time we visit Charleston we walk by the market and notice Peninsula Grill. The entrance leads you up a dark grass-lined sidewalk under gas lamps to a private patio with candle-lit tables. It’s intriguing to say the least. We decided that we would have our “anniversary dinner” at Peninsula Grill. The reviews are outstanding and Chef Robert Carter is a Charleston legend. Speaking of legends, their Coconut Cake is legendary as well. It was sure to be a great fit.
Dinner was superb. The servers were outstanding and everything was just right. I ordered roasted chicken breast, vidalia mashed potatoes and asparagus, while Joy ordered grilled Atlantic salmon with jasmine rice and garlic spinach.
The only issue was that after finishing our meals we couldn’t bring ourselves to order the 1lb piece of coconut cake. Our plan was to come back and get it the next day, but unfortunately that didn’t happen either. Next time for sure!
Hyman’s Seafood Co. (reviewed by Garrett)
(http://www.hymanseafood.com)
For years we’ve been wanting to try Hyman’s Seafood Co. Located on Meeting Street, Hyman’s is a Charleston institution. And each evening, rain or shine, summer or winter, the sidewalk is lined with people waiting to get in.
We decided that we would kick off our time downtown with none other than Hyman’s. Our wait was about 45 minutes, which wasn’t too bad. The food was fantastic! After we were seated our server brought a bowl of boiled peanuts to the table.
We made quick work of the peanuts and shortly thereafter our food arrived. I ate flounder and a baked potato.
Joy ate fried tilapia. She’s a big tilapia fan, but we’ve never had it fried before.
My flounder was fantastic, and they were extremely generous with the portions. Joy’s tilapia was fair. She ended up picking off of my plate and in the end she was more than satisfied.
The manager, an older gentleman, came by the table and asked us where we were from and why were we visiting. We told him it was our 10-year anniversary and we visited together for a few minutes. At the conclusion of our meal our server brought us a warm chocolate fudge brownie and ice cream, compliments of the manager. We’ll DEFINITELY be going back!
Tacone Flavor Grill (reviewed by Garrett)
Tacone is a chain. When we’re visiting a new city we usually try and look for local places, but there was something about this place that drew us in. Of course at this point we still had the girls with us and it looked fairly child-friendly. The menu actually had a bunch of options in the “sides” department, and for anyone with children, that’s an automatic score. I had some kind of fish wrap…I believe it was the special of the week. It was amazing! Other than that, I don’t remember what anyone else had, but my food was delicious and that’s what mattered. Check out their awesome menu!
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant (reviewed by Garrett)
After dinner the first night, we walked around the block taking the long route back to our room. We happened upon a lively restaurant called Hank’s Seafood. The atmosphere was nice and the staff and clientele looked friendly. That was not on our list of places to try, but it looked great so we took note. When we were looking for a place to eat with Alice and her husband Kyu after our photo session, we ended up choosing Hank’s. It was a good thing we called for a reservation because they were just about booked solid. We arrived right on time and were immediately escorted straight to our table. Our server was a young gentleman who looked a bit like a cross between Abraham Lincoln and a New England Fisherman. The food was good, but I wasn’t overly impressed. The seafood meal we had eaten a couple nights before at Hyman’s was (in my opinion) far superior at a significantly lesser cost, though the atmosphere wasn’t quite as nice and the service not quite as good. The photo above was taken after we ate at Hank’s…but somehow we were in front of Peninsula Grill :)
Caviar & Bananas (reviewed by Garrett)
Joy had read about Caviar & Bananas, a little gourmet market & cafe just off of King Street, and she wanted to stop in before we left town. Boy, am I glad we did. They had the most amazing variety of food, as well as create your own made to order panini sandwiches.
I got a tomato, artichoke, avocado panini with olive oil dressing and aioli. It was without a doubt the best sandwich I’ve ever had. Seriously.
Joy ordered a caprese panini and she said that hers was amazing, but I promise that there’s no way it was as good as mine. As we were leaving we stopped by their fresh pastry counter and grabbed a couple of desserts to go.
Funny thing is that we’re headed back to Charleston in a couple weeks and we’re thinking of going straight to Caviar & Bananas before we even drop things off at the in-laws.
Hominy Grill (reviewed by Joy)
(http://www.hominygrill.com)
The best breakfast and brunch in the city. This place off the beaten path and is more known by the locals. But word has spread and the secret is out. Made with fresh, local ingredients, they have a fantastic southern menu that is to die for. And I absolutely loved the homey atmosphere with its white bead board walls and chic country charm.
I ordered an omelet with tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and spinach. I don’t even like grits, but somehow decided to order it and wow, their grits were delicious! Garrett had an omelet with tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions. Hominy Grill, you will see us again very soon!
Macaroon Boutique (Reviewed by Joy)
(http://www.macaroonboutique.com)
To those loyal readers, you know our love affair with Macaroon Boutique. We already gave this special place its very own blog post and review, HERE.
Kaminsky’s (reviewed by Garrett)
Also a Charleston institution is Kaminsky’s. Just a few doors down from the Planters Inn, Kaminsky’s tempted me every time we walked by. So on Thursday evening after dinner as we walked up and down the market, we stopped by Kaminsky’s for some Tollhouse Pie to go. I savored every bite that evening as I was watching the British Open highlights on the Golf Channel. Absolutely amazing! Trust me, it’s definitely a dessert that you won’t soon forget.
Charleston’s Candy Kitchen (Reviewed by Joy)
(http://www.savannahcandy.com)
One of the most interactive candy stores I’ve ever been to with a station and server for each of these: pralines, gelato, fudge, candy apples, and more. As you walk in, there is a lemonade stand and you are offered fresh squeezed lemonade, which on a 100-degree afternoon is the perfect rememdy.
You will also find the most unique and vintage candy brands, the kind you grew up with and are harder to find these days.
King’s Street Shopping District (Reviewed by Joy)
The place to shop is definitely King Street. There you will find many boutique stores and well-known brands as well as great restaurants and more lodging with a prime location. One of my favorite boutique stores on King Street is V2V. Of course the crewcuts J Crew store, we just need to stay away from, and I am embarrassed to say, they actually know us each time we visit! I just adore their children’s clothes and I need an extra suitcase when they have their seasonal sale.
Here is a perfect description of King Street by Charleston’s Finest website:
“King Street is Charleston at her best! She has developed into The Upper King Street Design and Dining District; The King Street Fashion District and The Lower King Street Antiques District. In the historic district of King Street you will find a wide variety of shopping, accommodations and restaurants — each with its own sense of style and flavor, but all uniquely Charleston.”
Right on King Street, is the Charleston Place Hotel that has a wonderful spa. I have been there several times and they have great customer service and a relaxing atmosphere. During our visit, Garrett had a massage and I had mani/pedi that was super relaxing!
I could go on and on and review many more restaurants and boutiques, but we wanted to review this particular visit and experience to share with you. So if you ever want to have a mini, get-away vacation, Charleston is the perfect place! We are excited to be going back in a couple of weeks.
****Also, don’t forget this month’s giveaway which ends this Friday. Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Lauren Weisberger’s new novel, ” Last Night at Chateau Marmont”.
Milan, Italy '07
I am a wife, mom of two little citizens of the world, hopeful entrepreneur, traveler, and a foodie-wannabe. I am also CIO of my husband's photography studio by day and blogger by night. When I'm not editing this blog I love lazy weekends at home with my husband and daughters. I also enjoy reading, cooking, shopping, anything involving chocolate, evenings out, vacationing, dreaming, hoping and believing.
