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A Girlfriend’s Weekend in Charleston, SC

This is a sponsored post. I have been compensated for writing this post, however, all opinions are my own.

Everybody needs some time away and there is no better way to rest, relax and refresh than a weekend trip with the girls! Get the girls together, make some plans and head to Charleston, SC.

Charleston is one of the most charming cities around. Add that to the number of things there is to see, eat and drink and you and the girls will never want to leave.

Getting to Charleston

Photo Credit: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle

If you are a South Carolina local/native – you know where Charleston is. Doesn’t everybody? If you aren’t, the Charleston International Airport is right outside the city. Once you arrive, there are lots of options for getting into the heart of the city. I would recommend a service like the Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.

You will experience your first taste of southern hospitality! Punctual, comfortable and reliable are all the things you want when you only have a weekend and that is what you’ll get from Lowcountry! You can also use their car service during the weekend if you want to expand outside the city.

Photo Credit: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.

Where to Stay

Charleston is full of hotels both large and small. You will want to stay in the heart of the city in easy walking distance to all the most popular spots.

The Vendue, Charleston Art Hotel is a historic building. Originally two warehouses and now a boutique hotel. No two rooms are alike and each is decorated with different period reproduction furnishings or true antiques. The hotel is also dedicated to the arts and offers over 300 pieces of original art for guests to enjoy. Three on-site restaurants and The Rooftop lounge that overlooks the Charleston Harbor make the hotel ideal.

Other options include the French Quarter Inn or the Hyatt House Charleston.

Many say they can’t find one thing wrong with the French Quarter Inn. The location, right at the city market and a short walk to King Street, you will be right in the middle of the best shopping, the best eating and the best sight seeing Charleston has to offer. The friendly and helpful staff knows how to show visitors southern hospitality. The rooms are perfect. Champagne on check-in and fresh baked cookies with milk at night – who could ask for anything more!

The Hyatt House Charleston is a bit more reasonably priced for Charleston and also offers a location that makes it easy to walk to most of the city highlights. This is an all suite hotel which is always a plus when traveling with friends. A separate living space is a great spot to meet and share a cocktail before heading out for the evening. Omelet Bar and H Bar offer great meals and a 24 hour market lets you prepare small meals or snacks in your suite.

What to Do

Historic antebellum mansions, Civil War sites, and trendy boutiques and restaurants highlight Charleston’s charm. The city offers a year round calendar of festivities and entertainment. 

Plan an afternoon exploring The Battery, its famous South of Broad neighborhood, and White Point Gardens. Stroll past charming homes and iconic buildings until reaching the tip of the Charleston peninsula that overlooks Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.

The historic Charleston City Market is an absolutely delightful, several-block-long collection of artisan stalls, antique stands, and culinary (and spice) purveyors. This is also where you’ll find locals weaving the iconic sweetgrass baskets. 

Several gracious plantations and gardens of the past are in the Charleston area. The most beautiful are Middleton Place, which showcases America’s oldest landscaped gardens; Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, founded in 1676 along the Ashley River; and Drayton Hall, with its well-preserved 18th-century home.

Serving as the main shopping district of Charleston for centuries, King Street is a bustling mecca lined with local boutiques and internationally known brand name stores alike, as well as fine-dining restaurants, cafés, art galleries and more. Explore world treasures in the antique district, south of Market Street or discover the trendy Upper King district just north of Calhoun.

The Charleston Museum, the South Carolina Aquarium and Charleston Waterfront Park will entertain you all for several hours during your visit. Head out for a tour (and some drinks) at High Wire Distilling, then grab tickets for a sunset sail aboard The Schooner Pride. The possibilities are endless!

Charleston is also blessed with beautiful beaches just minutes outside the city. Folly Beach is home to Lowcountry surfing, a maritime forest, and the Morris Island Lighthouse. Sullivan’s Island is one of the most relaxing and family-friendly beaches on South Carolina’s coast. And Isle of Palms is known for its outdoor activities.

Where to Eat

So many restaurants – so little time. Do you want to eat like a local? Do you want to experience some of the best fine dining around? 

Husk for dinner is a must. It’s located in a converted Victorian-home. Other great spots include Fig, Xiao Bao Biscuit, and Butcher & Bee.

For brunch you should head to Poogan’s Porch, Hominy Grill or Lowcountry Bistro. Shrimp and grits! If you just need a quick sandwich, head to Goat. Sheep. Cow.

King Street is where you’ll find hoppin’ bars. It’s got some great gems like Proof, The Cocktail Club and Prohibition. 

 So, grab your BFF’s and head to Charleston, SC for a weekend!