Curator’s statement
In 2018, I did the unexpected, my wife and I decided to escape our families and travel for Thanksgiving. Look, we all work hard, we get these two extra days for holidays, so why not make a vacation out of it instead of traveling back to a boring and cold hometown. There is no written rule that you have to go home for Thanksgiving. Yes, if you want to be with your family, do that. One year of skipping Thanksgiving with your family is not a big deal. Better yet, if you absolutely want to be with your family, invite your family to your vacation destination. Warning, once you skip Thanksgiving, you’ll want to do it again. I’ve done it a couple of times and my favorite destination for Thanksgiving is Charleston, South Carolina. I live in Washington, DC, and it’s a short flight. I recommend traveling the day of Thanksgiving or a few days earlier, to avoid the crowds, then returning on Saturday or Monday, again to avoid the crowds.
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Things to do in Charleston
Thanksgiving in Charleston, South Carolina
I love Charleston because there are plenty of things to do and plenty of places to eat. The weather in November is still warm, with slight humidity, but bearable. A light jacket may be required at night, but during the day, it's beautiful. Charleston is family-friendly and has a rich history.
What to do
During the day, spend your time visiting the historic homes of Charleston such as the Aiken-Rheet House or go shopping along King St. Head down to the water and people watch.
Walking Tour
Charleston is very walkable. Take a walking tour of historic downtown, the tour guides have a wealth of knowledge of Charleston. You’ll learn about the Charleston architecture (Rainbow Row), the history of the Dock Street Theater or St Philip’s Church.
Civil War and History
If you are a Civil War buff, Charleston is the place for you. It has a rich history in regards to Charleston's role in the Civil War. There are plantations to visit if you want to learn more about the enslaved, but I felt the downtown area has a rich history also. Each of the history homes has a story in regards to the enslaved.
Eat your way through Charleston
Don't worry about Thanksgiving dinner, make a reservation at 82 Queen or Charleston Grill, they will have Thanksgiving dinner that is just as good as what grandma will prepare at home.
Other than Thanksgiving day, feel free to explore other places like Lewis Barbecue, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Husk, The Restaurant at Zero George or 167 Raw Oyster Bar.
Charleston is full of restaurants ranging from award-winning barbecue, low country cooking, great seafood and raw bars, as well as fine dining.
Christmas Decorations
Some places in Charleston will start the Christmas decorations early. The Charleston Place will start to transform for the holidays. So be on the lookout for Christmas decorations.
Friday Shopping
Head over to King St, to shop your way through Charleston. Plenty of brand-name store from casual to high fashion is available along King Street.
Day trips
Visit a plantation
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS
BOONE HALL PLANTATION
MIDDLETON PLACE PLANTATION
DRAYTON HALL
Places to eat & drink in Charleston
82 Queen
Think fried green tomatoes and fried chicken and biscuits
Charleston Grill
Classic southern French cooking
Lewis Barbecue
Texas-style smoked meats
Rodney Scott's BBQ
Whole hog BBQ - just do a search for Rodney Scott and you will see a ton of shows about him
The Restaurant at Zero George
Fine dining
167 Raw Oyster Bar
Oyster bar
Kwei Fei
Szechuan / Chinese Food
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A 50th Birthday Celebration in Vegas: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Charleston.