I have been daydreaming about visiting Charleston for as long as I can remember. The fascination with southern hospitality, sweeping Spanish moss trees that look like they’re straight out of a storybook, the historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and the food…Oh my, the food! I decided to take a 3-day solo trip and see what my fascination was all about. I actually enjoyed myself more than I expected and met some really wonderful people along the way. When you put yourself in uncomfortable situations you have to just allow yourself to adapt.
My first stop of the trip was to Butcher and Bee restaurant. I found a spot at the bar in front of the chef’s kitchen next to one other woman so I could watch the chefs create the fabulous dishes I have been hearing so much about. I ordered a glass of wine and started with the WHIPPED FETA fermented honey and warm pita. Can I just say YUMMMM!! If you want something light, try their kale salad with chicken, you will not be disappointed!
Timing is everything
Have you ever had that feeling you are exactly where you should be at the right time? Well, this was one of those moments for me. The woman next to me was visiting a small town in Asheville, SC a few days prior to scouting out locations for her workshop which I was also there a few weeks prior with my family. I learned she teaches flower photography workshops. We talked for about 30 minutes and I shared with her my passion for designing floral arrangements and she gave me great advice on how to start a small business. I know we were supposed to meet on that day, it was the right timing.
Rainbow Row
A must-see is Rainbow row where there are endless streets of colorful buildings, you can feel the vibrant history in the town when you are walking down the cobblestone streets. My favorite thing to do when I explore a new city is going off the beaten path and hop into cafes to try the local coffee and find unexpected art. I typically do not have an agenda when I visit specific cities, I find that you can stumble upon the true gems of the city. I completely surrender to the city and what it has to offer.
Boone Hall Plantation
On day two of my trip, I decided to spend the day learning about history. I joined a guided tour of the Boone Hall Plantation and met wonderful people from all over the world. There was a selection of plantations to visit, I chose this one because of the beautiful gardens, the horses in the backyard and it is one of the oldest working farms since 1956. The history of the Boone family is fascinating and worth taking a guided tour. The driveway was a sight to see with the long path of the trees hanging over the gravel road…
Fresh pressed juice
If you are looking for a juice bar check out Huriyali . They have fresh-pressed juices and smoothies from local veggies, fruits, and herbs. The menu is vibrant with Acai bowls, fresh salads, and sandwiches
I enjoyed listening to the locals talk about surf. The locals were really friendly, and they wear flip-flops even when it rains (In Seattle we do not do this). Sounds silly but it is the little things I notice that bring a smile to my face.
Haunted Church Restaurant
Typically I like to find local restaurants or shops to avoid tourist attractions. However, I decided to have dinner at 5 Church that is known for being a haunted church they turned into a restaurant. The bartender shared with me the haunted experiences she has had in the bar. I enjoy the special which was swordfish, out of my comfort zone to try but it was pretty amazing.
Southern hospitality is real
Later on in the evening, I joined a yoga restorative class that involved mostly meditation. The yoga class wasn’t my favorite class however, the feeling of being welcomed by the students was unforgettable.
My heart was completely open to new experiences and being at peace during my visit to Charleston. I set intentions to watch the sunrise at the beach and listen to the waves on my last day. I found a beach that was off the beaten path between the neighborhoods. It was quite and exactly what I needed.
Thank you, Charleston for showing me the true southern hospitality I was seeking, see you soon.
