2-Day Girls' Trip to Charleston

Hotels

So many gorgeous and historic places to stay, but one of the most centrally located in Charleston's historic district and considered a quintessential southern hotel, is The Charleston Place Hotel.

Tours

If you're into history, especially history dating to the colonial era, then I highly recommend taking a private guided walking tour of the city with an experienced local tour guide. Many of these guides are from multi-generation Charlestonians with family backstories and antiquated facts only people enmeshed in this city for that long can share with you. Walking on foot allows you to get up close and admire the amazing architecture and hearing about the private homes and who has owned them over the years can be fascinating.

One of our favorite tours to do each time we visit is the twilight horse-drawn carriage ghost tour. This 40-minute tour starting at dusk and going at regular intervals throughout the evening takes you around to the most haunted spots in town (and there are many). Listen to chilling stories of the past and visit the eery alleyways, graveyards, churches and hotels famous for their ghost sightings. After speaking with locals, you will soon learn that almost everyone who has lived in this city for any length of time has experienced a paranormal vision - positively spine-tingling and we are here for it!

Shopping

Charleston has some of the most gorgeous antique shops, which is definitely my preferred kind of shopping. Simply spending a few hours in the afternoon popping in and out of the shops and boutiques at Charleston place and along King St. is well worth the time for the treasures you can find.

The other shopping mecca that you simply can't miss is the Charleston City Market located right in the middle of downtown. It's here that local artisans sell their goods and wares and you can find any souvenir your heart desires. From hand woven baskets to jewelry, clothing, candy and so much more, there is a little something for everyone here.

Beaches

If you're looking for a more relaxed day by the water then the best place to dip your toes in the sand is Sullivan's Island. Just a short 25 minute drive out of town and you are at a pristine beach where no commercial development has been allowed along the shoreline keeping it quiet and serene. You simply have views, sand, ocean and sunshine to enjoy.

Breakfast

No trip to Charleston is complete without brunch at Toast! All Day. This hopping brunch spot often has a wait on the weekends but it is well worth it. Indulge in one of the best quintessential southern breakfast dishes they have to offer! Favorites dishes of ours are the "Eggs Meeting St." featuring fried crabcakes, fried green tomatoes and poached eggs with a scrumptious remoulade sauce or maybe the classic shrimp and grits is more your speed? If you care to indulge and share then the Brioche French Toast is to die for. To accompany your brunch entreé, they have delectable brunch cocktails with fresh squeezed juices to quench your thirst.

If you are looking for something quick and more on-the-go, then Callie's Hot Little Biscuits located inside the Charleston City Market is the perfect indulgence. My favorite is the sausage biscuit with cheddar cheese and chives. Delish!

Lunch

While technically a brunch, lunch, AND dinner spot, a restaurant not to be missed is Church and Union on Market St. This 105 yr old church is jaw-dropping upon entry because of its cathedral ceilings and the sheer size of the space. But perhaps what is even more astounding is the ceiling which has the entire novel, The Art of War, by Sun Tzu written in script over the entire ceiling. It's quite impressive to witness! The food is new American and delicious, overseen by Top Chef, Jamie Lynch. No matter what meal you decide to have at this phenomenal establishment, it will be a feast for the eyes and your stomach.

Dinner

There are so many fabulous places to choose from but the Restaurant at Zero George stands out as one of the most epic meals I have ever had. It's truly art in the form of food and this dining experience is definitely categorized as a splurge. Indulge in an atmosphere that combines historic charm with modern sophistication - you'll feel transported to a bygone era while experiencing the best of contemporary cuisine. This talented team of world-class chefs has curated a menu showcasing the finest and freshest ingredients, sourced from local purveyors and farmers. This is a great spot to celebrate a special anniversary, birthday (we celebrated my sister's birthday here) or milestone and you will be treated like royalty no matter the occasion.

If you're looking for that classic steakhouse, then Grill 225 inside Market Pavilion will satiate that desire impeccably. From steaks to seafood and the most impressive cocktail bar and wine list, you can cozy up in one of their curved booths and sip and dine the evening away. It's definitely one for the books and is considered a high end steak house. After dinner, head up to rooftop bar for sweeping views of the city and a bourbon nightcap.