Charleston Trip Report
Apr 27th, 2007, 11:13 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Charleston Trip Report
My husband and I just got back from a long weekend in Charleston. It was a 'babymoon' as they say.. we left our wonderful one year old at home with my in-laws. I always use this site for any trip research, but have yet to post. So I decided it was long overdue especially after such a wonderful vacation. I have to thank GoTravel for her trip report.. Anyone thinking of going to Charleston must find this posting. Her report was basically my guidebook. I also want to let everyone know I probably won't be checking the forum very often once I post this (think 1 year old at home) so I apologize if I don't answer questions very quickly.
We stayed at the Harbor View Inn and I STRONGLY recommend this hotel. Fabulous location, lodging and staff. The price is worth it in my mind. The rooms are lovely. We opted for a historic room which featured a tempurpedic king bed, whirpool tub, exposed brick and a huge window overlooking Vendue Range. Every morning featured a continental “plus” breakfast delivered to your room or better – the rooftop terrace. You were given a card every evening to fill in your choices… it wasn’t just a Danish & coffee type of breakfast. They also offered wine & cheese in the afternoons and cookies & milk at night (although we were never home before 10pm to enjoy!). I had called the hotel with questions about touring prior to our arrival and the woman I spoke with was very helpful and even called me back when she wasn’t sure of the answer to one of my questions. Maybe I just normally don’t stay in the right hotels, but that impressed me. It also is a wonderful location. We were a block from the restaurants SNOB, Magnolia, Blossom, Cypress, and High Cotton. We were on the same block as the Vendue Inn (great rooftop bar). Oh! If you are a AAA member you get a discount (10% I think) which always helps. You need to show your card at check-in to confirm your rate. I just can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed the hotel.
We arrived Thursday mid day and left Sunday afternoon. The first two days we overlapped with friends who were in town for a wedding, and then had 2 days by ourselves. We opted not to rent a car and it was easy not to have one. Our friends drove us in from the airport and the hotel called a taxi for the trip back. The taxi ride was $35.00.
We had great meals the whole trip. We lunched at Magnolia’s, Jestine’s Kitchen, Blossom & Poogan’s Porch. We had dinner at the Penninsula Grill Thursday night. The food was delicious and service was excellent. I had the Bourbon Grilled shrimp and it was amazing. Friday night we ended up hanging out at the Vendue Inn rooftop, ordering appetizers (nothing special) and enjoying the view & band that started around 7:30.
Friday & Saturday afternoon we toured the Nathaniel Russell house on Meeting Street south of Broad and the Aiken Rhett house farther north near the museum. You can buy one ticket for both and do not have to use the ticket the same day (as they are a little far apart). The houses are both very interesting – and different. Besides built at different times in different styles, the Aiken Rhett house is a restoration in progress and the Nathaniel Russell house is an example of a superb restoration with period furnishings.
We took a carriage tour with Palmetto Carriages. It was a lovely ride. The tourguide was good – he shared a lot of stories and it was a lovely way to see the city. They all leave from Anson & Market Street and I’m sure each company does a good job. We used Palmetto because our hotel gave us discount coupons.
We spent a lot of time just wandering. We found it very easy to orient ourselves and not have to rely on the map to get everywhere. I think our favorite walks were south of Broad along Meeting and the other little side streets. Peeking at private homes & their impeccable gardens was such a treat! It was great inspiration to get busy here at home. King Street has great shopping. Lucky enough for my husband, I wasn’t really in the mood to clothes shop. I really enjoyed browsing the antique shops as well as the Charleston Reproduction shop on Broad & King. We found two composite Pineapple finials for the garden that arrived today! I am in love with them and may use them as decoration inside rather than out. It’s a great memory. We also cruised the markets but didn’t find too much we were interested in. My exciting purchase there (pay attention moms & grandmothers) was a smocked dress for my daughter. There is a woman in one of the last buildings (toward E. Bay street) that sells Smocked clothing (ages 0 – 5T I think). I could have bought tons but settled on an adorable dress for next summer. I thought her prices were great – everything was basically $40 and the dress is hand smocked. There was a children’s boutique on Church street that sold smocked dresses for double and I know that is what I would pay at home.
Saturday we took a cab to Magnolia Gardens. We missed the floral peak probably by about a week or so – I will definitely return to see everything in bloom. Even missing the peak of the azaleas the plantation grounds are gorgeous. The house tour is interesting and has some lovely furniture & decorations. We also took the boat tour and enjoyed learning about the birds, gators and rice farming. One note – when you arrive at the plantation you pay for your tickets and are given times for the tours you request. They really pad the times of the tours. We had arrived close to 11am and they put us on the 12:00 boat tour. But we hustled down to the dock and hopped on the 11am tour – and caught the earlier house tour. Just something to keep in mind.
Saturday night we dined at SNOB. Everyone visiting Charleston must eat here! It was our best meal. The atmosphere was festive and service excellent. Now, about the food.. It was just unbelievably fabulous. My husband and I shared the shrimp and grits, and then he had the lamb (because everyone raved about it on this forum) and I had a soft shell crab special. We had great drinks before and after, and shared a berry cobbler that was the icing on the cake. The great thing about SNOB is that the food is too not fancy – it is just delicious. After dinner we walked over to the Market Pavillion Rooftop. In my opinion it was a little ‘sceney’ by 10:00. It’s a lovely spot but I think we should have gone there for sunset drinks instead.
Sunday we brunched at Poogan’s Porch and then walked in Waterfront Park and sat by the Pineapple Fountain enjoying the sunshine and views. There were a number of little kids playing in the fountain and we both realized we were really homesick for our baby girl! Luckily we scheduled to leave mid – afternoon and were home to kiss her goodnight.
In summary – GO to Charleston, book NOW for the fall or next spring. It is such a wonderful getaway. Stay at a lovely hotel that pampers you, wander without looking at a map, and eat. It was such a perfect getaway for us. Worth every penny
We stayed at the Harbor View Inn and I STRONGLY recommend this hotel. Fabulous location, lodging and staff. The price is worth it in my mind. The rooms are lovely. We opted for a historic room which featured a tempurpedic king bed, whirpool tub, exposed brick and a huge window overlooking Vendue Range. Every morning featured a continental “plus” breakfast delivered to your room or better – the rooftop terrace. You were given a card every evening to fill in your choices… it wasn’t just a Danish & coffee type of breakfast. They also offered wine & cheese in the afternoons and cookies & milk at night (although we were never home before 10pm to enjoy!). I had called the hotel with questions about touring prior to our arrival and the woman I spoke with was very helpful and even called me back when she wasn’t sure of the answer to one of my questions. Maybe I just normally don’t stay in the right hotels, but that impressed me. It also is a wonderful location. We were a block from the restaurants SNOB, Magnolia, Blossom, Cypress, and High Cotton. We were on the same block as the Vendue Inn (great rooftop bar). Oh! If you are a AAA member you get a discount (10% I think) which always helps. You need to show your card at check-in to confirm your rate. I just can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed the hotel.
We arrived Thursday mid day and left Sunday afternoon. The first two days we overlapped with friends who were in town for a wedding, and then had 2 days by ourselves. We opted not to rent a car and it was easy not to have one. Our friends drove us in from the airport and the hotel called a taxi for the trip back. The taxi ride was $35.00.
We had great meals the whole trip. We lunched at Magnolia’s, Jestine’s Kitchen, Blossom & Poogan’s Porch. We had dinner at the Penninsula Grill Thursday night. The food was delicious and service was excellent. I had the Bourbon Grilled shrimp and it was amazing. Friday night we ended up hanging out at the Vendue Inn rooftop, ordering appetizers (nothing special) and enjoying the view & band that started around 7:30.
Friday & Saturday afternoon we toured the Nathaniel Russell house on Meeting Street south of Broad and the Aiken Rhett house farther north near the museum. You can buy one ticket for both and do not have to use the ticket the same day (as they are a little far apart). The houses are both very interesting – and different. Besides built at different times in different styles, the Aiken Rhett house is a restoration in progress and the Nathaniel Russell house is an example of a superb restoration with period furnishings.
We took a carriage tour with Palmetto Carriages. It was a lovely ride. The tourguide was good – he shared a lot of stories and it was a lovely way to see the city. They all leave from Anson & Market Street and I’m sure each company does a good job. We used Palmetto because our hotel gave us discount coupons.
We spent a lot of time just wandering. We found it very easy to orient ourselves and not have to rely on the map to get everywhere. I think our favorite walks were south of Broad along Meeting and the other little side streets. Peeking at private homes & their impeccable gardens was such a treat! It was great inspiration to get busy here at home. King Street has great shopping. Lucky enough for my husband, I wasn’t really in the mood to clothes shop. I really enjoyed browsing the antique shops as well as the Charleston Reproduction shop on Broad & King. We found two composite Pineapple finials for the garden that arrived today! I am in love with them and may use them as decoration inside rather than out. It’s a great memory. We also cruised the markets but didn’t find too much we were interested in. My exciting purchase there (pay attention moms & grandmothers) was a smocked dress for my daughter. There is a woman in one of the last buildings (toward E. Bay street) that sells Smocked clothing (ages 0 – 5T I think). I could have bought tons but settled on an adorable dress for next summer. I thought her prices were great – everything was basically $40 and the dress is hand smocked. There was a children’s boutique on Church street that sold smocked dresses for double and I know that is what I would pay at home.
Saturday we took a cab to Magnolia Gardens. We missed the floral peak probably by about a week or so – I will definitely return to see everything in bloom. Even missing the peak of the azaleas the plantation grounds are gorgeous. The house tour is interesting and has some lovely furniture & decorations. We also took the boat tour and enjoyed learning about the birds, gators and rice farming. One note – when you arrive at the plantation you pay for your tickets and are given times for the tours you request. They really pad the times of the tours. We had arrived close to 11am and they put us on the 12:00 boat tour. But we hustled down to the dock and hopped on the 11am tour – and caught the earlier house tour. Just something to keep in mind.
Saturday night we dined at SNOB. Everyone visiting Charleston must eat here! It was our best meal. The atmosphere was festive and service excellent. Now, about the food.. It was just unbelievably fabulous. My husband and I shared the shrimp and grits, and then he had the lamb (because everyone raved about it on this forum) and I had a soft shell crab special. We had great drinks before and after, and shared a berry cobbler that was the icing on the cake. The great thing about SNOB is that the food is too not fancy – it is just delicious. After dinner we walked over to the Market Pavillion Rooftop. In my opinion it was a little ‘sceney’ by 10:00. It’s a lovely spot but I think we should have gone there for sunset drinks instead.
Sunday we brunched at Poogan’s Porch and then walked in Waterfront Park and sat by the Pineapple Fountain enjoying the sunshine and views. There were a number of little kids playing in the fountain and we both realized we were really homesick for our baby girl! Luckily we scheduled to leave mid – afternoon and were home to kiss her goodnight.
In summary – GO to Charleston, book NOW for the fall or next spring. It is such a wonderful getaway. Stay at a lovely hotel that pampers you, wander without looking at a map, and eat. It was such a perfect getaway for us. Worth every penny
Apr 27th, 2007, 11:28 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you, ATtravel, for a FAB trip report. I have been to Magnolia Plantation several times, LOVE it, and my fave restaurant in Charleston is Magnolia's. Glad you had a great time, and you should do promo's for that hotel!!! 
Apr 27th, 2007, 05:52 PM
#5
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh ATtravel, I so enjoyed reading your trip report. I visited Charleston for the first time exactly two years ago. I fell in love with that beautiful city and the charming residents. And I smiled regarding your comment about having lamb at SNOB..I love lamb and I still think about the absolutely fantastic rack of lamb I had there one evening! Your "babymoon" was obviously wonderful..something ever couple needs from time to time. I wish you many more.
Trending Topics
May 1st, 2007, 07:43 AM
#12
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My wife and I are about to visit Charleston for the first time, and I was wondering about guided walking tours. There are several listed on the Internet, and I would be interested in your experience. Thoroughly enjoyed your trip report. We will be in Charleston for 1 1/2 days before a Smithsonian cruise on the Intracostal to Baltimore. I have pretty much decided on Peninsula Grill for dinner one night and either Hank's or Charleston Grill for the other, and I thinik we will try for breakfast at the courtyard of the Planters Inn. May try to make part of the Charleston Maritime Festival and either the museum or a sightseeing tour. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
May 1st, 2007, 04:24 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Old Cooper,
I did not research any guided walking tour but did see groups as we were enjoying our walks. I know I saw an advertisement for a Civil War Walking tour.
I also wanted to mention a fun idea that I would definitely do in the future. The SNOB owners own Charleston cooks - a kitchen shop next door. It's really fun to browse if you enjoy cooking of course, but what I found more interesting is that they offer cooking classes. The afternoon we left they were doing shrimp and grits and I was very bummed to miss it!
www.charlestoncooks.com
I did not research any guided walking tour but did see groups as we were enjoying our walks. I know I saw an advertisement for a Civil War Walking tour.
I also wanted to mention a fun idea that I would definitely do in the future. The SNOB owners own Charleston cooks - a kitchen shop next door. It's really fun to browse if you enjoy cooking of course, but what I found more interesting is that they offer cooking classes. The afternoon we left they were doing shrimp and grits and I was very bummed to miss it!
www.charlestoncooks.com
May 3rd, 2007, 05:37 AM
#14
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Many thanks for the response. I'm into cooking and will check out Charleston Cooks. I've found both guided and self-guided walking tours, one of which was a Civil War tour, and, if the weather is cooperative, we'll try one of each.
