Charleston, South Carolina, is a city that effortlessly blends history, charm, and coastal beauty. My boyfriend and I recently took a four-day trip there, and every moment was filled with adventure, relaxation, and, of course, amazing food. Here’s a little recap of our trip and the highlights from each day!
Day 1: Road Trip & Homemade Pizza Night
We kicked off our trip with a drive down to Charleston, making a fun little shopping stop at Tanger Outlets along the way. There’s nothing like a little retail therapy to start a vacation. Once we arrived at our AirBnB, we decided to have a cozy night in and made homemade pizzas for dinner. They turned out so good! Sometimes, the best meals aren’t from a fancy restaurant but from your own hands.
Day 2: Coffee, Boardwalk Strolls & Waterfront Dining
We had a slow, relaxing morning—just the way vacation mornings should be—before heading to The Brown Fox Coffee for some much needed coffee. Charleston is filled with amazing coffee spots, and this one had a great vibe and was so cute.
Later, we made our way to Shem Creek to walk along the boardwalk on the marsh before dinner. Then, we had an early dinner at Saltwater Cowboys, a must-visit restaurant. Everything was so good, and we already know we’ll be coming back on future trips!
Day 3: Stepping Back in Time & Exploring Downtown
This was our busiest day, packed with history and sightseeing. We started with tours of two of Charleston’s famous historic homes:
• The Aiken-Rhett House: This home, originally built in 1820, is unique because it’s been preserved rather than restored. Walking through the rooms, we got a glimpse into what life was like in the 19th century, with original wallpaper, furniture, and even slave quarters still intact. The house tells a powerful story of Charleston’s past in an unfiltered, authentic way.
• The Nathaniel Russell House: In contrast, this home has been fully restored to reflect its former glory. Built in 1808, the house is known for its breathtaking free-flying staircase and intricate details that showcase the wealth of its original owner. Walking through it felt like stepping into a different era, with rooms decorated just as they would have been over 200 years ago.
After soaking in the history, we spent the rest of the day exploring Charleston’s Historic City Market and wandering through the streets of downtown. Cobblestone streets, colorful row houses, and hidden gardens—every corner of Charleston feels like a postcard. The cobblestone streets were a fav of mine.
Day 4: Beach Views & Civil War History
For our last day, we decided to soak up some beach time with a visit to Sullivan’s Island. The peaceful, less-crowded shoreline was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the salty breeze before heading to our last stop before heading home: the Hunley Submarine Museum.
The H.L. Hunley is one of the most interesting pieces of Civil War history. Before this trip, I had no idea the story of the Hunley. It was the first successful combat submarine, sinking the Union warship USS Housatonic in 1864. However, after its mission, the Hunley mysteriously disappeared until it was discovered in 1995 and later raised in 2000. Seeing the actual submarine that is housed in Charleston while research is continually being done on it and learning about its crew was such a way to end our trip.
Simplytaylor 
Leave a comment