CHARLESTON TRAVEL GUIDE & RECAP 2018

I had yet another amazing trip to Charleston a few weeks ago! Just my mom and I went this time and it was so laid back and relaxing. We tried a lot of new things, especially food. I didn't go to Starbucks ONE SINGLE TIME! I had lots of Bitty & Beau's and The Rise coffee instead.

First of all, we went the week before Memorial Day and loved it! It wasn't nearly as crowded as I've seen it before. We never had to wait for dinner and it was very easy to find a parking spot, even on the street.

I've included where we stayed, ate, and shopped with lots of pictures. Three of the spots are rooftop dining, which I highly recommend in this gorgeous city! Hope you enjoy!

Where We Stayed

Mom and I wanted to stay in Charleston vs the beach this time so I looked all over VRBO and AIRBNB. We stayed at the Joseph Aiken Mansion (found on VRBO) and it was right off East Bay Street. We were only about a 5-8 minute drive to the center of downtown. It was a great location and I loved getting the full Charleston experience in this 1820's mansion!

Food & Drinks

Bitty & Beau's Coffee Shop - Not only do they have a delicious iced coffee, but the shop is ran by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's such a sweet and heartwarming experience. No wonder their slogan is "It's more than a cup of coffee".

The Rise Coffee Bar - To be honest, this place was at the top of my list because I've seen so many bloggers going to this place, haha! For good reason though! I love their iced americanos and mom really liked their cold brew. The picture worthy decor is an added bonus! It's just a short walk off King Street. Perfect for when you're shopping all day!

The Watch rooftop - This is actually connected to the same hotel that The Rise Coffee Bar is at. I'm starting with this restaurant because it was sadly our least favorite meal! I had no clue that Charleston served average food, but that is what I got here. Mom had Katafi Roasted Chicken and wasn't very impressed. I got a Watch Burger and fries, and I've definitely had better. Especially for the price of our meals. The view and atmosphere was great, though, and I loved being on the rooftop at sunset! Their lunch menu looks much better to my tastebuds, so I'd definitely try that next time.

Hominy Grill - I've been here a few times but mom hadn't, so we had to make a stop! I usually get their huevos rancheros because it's so delish but I changed it up this time and got a biscuit w/ sausage gravy & a bowl of cheese grits. We split an appetizer of shrimp & okra beignets which were AMAZE. Mom loved her BLFGT (bacon, lettuce, fried green tomato) sandwich. Win, win, win! This place also has fun mixed drinks to sip on, because there's usually a wait!

The Charleston Crab House - Mom and I live for good crab legs so we grabbed dinner here and both got a bucket of snow crab. So so so so good! It doesn't get much better than rooftop dining and crab legs.

Jestine's Kitchen - Okay, we've definitely been here before. But there are just some places you have to go every time you're in town. They have the best southern soul food and award winning coca-cola cake!

The Rooftop Bar at Vendue - BEST MEAL OF THE TRIP! Hands down. I'm not sure why either, but mom and I agree! We split an amazing tomato & mozzarella caprese salad and grilled mahi mahi fish tacos. Mom got a margarita-like drink that included grapefruit juice & club soda, and I had a blueberry breeze which had rum and fresh mint. And IT'S ON A ROOF TOP. I seriously love rooftops.

Sea Biscuit Cafe - We went to Isle of Palms to walk the beach one day and stopped at this little mom and pop's looking cafe. I had a great crab cake sandwich with pasta salad and mom had a really good patty melt. Their breakfast menu also looks so yummy! Very budget friendly. Cash or check only at this place, though!

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - I've gotten to where I don't like to eat at chain places when I travel but I've never seen one of these! It's mediterranean food and is SO good and light! I love that we could sit at the window and people watch on King Street and I that didn't feel bloated or weighed down after we ate. The chicken roll ups are so good!