Charleston is a pretty easy drive from Jacksonville so we were able leave after work and arrive just after the dinner hour. Since we wanted to focus our budget on dining and activities over lodging we stayed about 30 min outside of town at base lodging. It’s doable if you have your own transportation and are willing to arrive into town early to find parking and stay all day. Nothing beats getting to walk out your door without having to deal with the hassle of parking, without having to drive a lot of you decided a midday nap is in order, but sometimes it’s just not doable when prices soar. Charleston has numerous options located within a reasonable drive.
Being the avid runner that I am, I started my day with an 18 mile tour of the Joint Airbase Charleston. This left me plenty ready to stuff my face when we got downtown. Luckily, we had breakfast reservations for Husk.
We had a little wait but the outside porch is so beautiful you just don’t mind hanging out on the swing chatting you other customers. I ordered the chocolate French toast and it was sublime. The inside is a mix of modern and classic southern decor. It’s almost like eating at someone’s upscale home. Breakfast done we set off to explore what makes Charleston haven for visitors. The cobblestone streets, the flower boxes bursting with blooms, the unique architecture. All of it is right here.
Our first stop along the way was to the Old Charleston Jail on Magazine street. Operation from 1892 to 1939 meant it was used to house everyone from pirates to POWS. You can even see the old turrets for cannons. The tour is led by informative staff dressed in traditional garb that lead you from room to room describing each of the different phases the old jail has gone though including it’s use as a post office.
Lunch time brought us to SNOB, slightly north of broad. If you come to Charleston it is practically law to get a shrimp and grits entree. Order a craft cocktail and you’ve got the most southern of lunches.
Walking down the main historic district to the farmers market along cobblestone streets, you catch a glimpse of old graveyards and numerous churches.
Take your time to peek down alleyways here. There’s usually a pleasant surprise of a hidden garden, ivy covered brick walls or other architectural gems.
Once in the farmers market, an open air maze of various stalls surrounded by brick and mortar boutiques, we perused the wares for sale, dipped into some stores in search of souvenirs and tried some tasty samples from vendors. Byrd’s famous cookies is a must stop. The crispy, sweet peach cookies are heavenly.
Dotted along these historic streets are various murals begging to be captured by your camera.
Don’t let the murals be the only photographs you take, however, because even the brick walls here have so much character.
Dinner time found us ordering a traditional fried green tomatoes appetizer along with the fried chicken from Poogan’s Porch.
After dinner we took a stroll to the famous Pineapple Fountain to enjoy the waterfront. It’s only a few hundred years from the farmers market and worth the small deviation. Careful jumping into the fountain without the ever important lifeguard on duty. I wonder why this even needs to be posted, but regardless. Don’t go diving in.
Walking around in all that heat sure worked up an appetite so we stop into Carmelas bakery for the best cannoli cake I’ve ever tested. Yes, buy the whole cake. It’s miniature in size, but big in flavor.
When we woke up on Sunday morning we grabbed a quick breakfast and drove to Beaufort, SC to catch a glimpse of the Angel Oak.
Beaufort is located a half hour outside of Charleston, but not far off of I-95 so it’s a pretty easy side trip. The oak tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old and stands 65 feet tall. This was a great way to say goodbye to this delightful southern city.
Eating Around 