Guide to the Perfect Day(s) in Charleston

From a former local turned frequent visitor

There's truly so many places to eat, activities to do, places to stay and times to be had in Charleston - it can almost be overwhelming trying to fit everything in.

Having been a resident of the city for almost six years, I'm giving you my totally honest guide for a one to two day trip to the Holy City.

Keep in mind, I'm a huge foodie, so if you're looking for a dining-heavy guide, this one's for you.

Saturday

If you really want to start your morning off on the right foot, head to a spin class at The Works Cycle or a yoga class at The Works (located right next to each other downtown). The 45 minutes of heart-work (and a ton of sweat) will not only make you feel really good physically and mentally, but will make you feel better about indulging the next couple of hours.

Coffee and a bite are a must, so your next stop should be Babas, which has a location on both Cannon St and Meeting St. If you decide to go to a spin class, Babas on Cannon is a nice quick walk from the studio. Their Peanut Mocha is my go-to along with their Avocado Toast and any fresh pastry - I highly recommend a slice of banana bread with butter (ask for it toasted).

Another option for coffee and breakfast is The Harbinger Cafe or Harken Cafe, and have your camera handy to snap some photos - their ambiences are too cute.

Now, you should be ready to take on the beach. My personal favorite is Sullivan's Island. Grab your beach chair, towel, water and a LOT of sunscreen and get a few hours in the sun.

One of the reasons why I prefer Sullivan's is the stellar food scene (The Obstinate Daughter, The Co-Op and Sullivan's Fish Camp, to name a few), but after a long day in the sun, Home Team BBQ is my go-to. This is arguably my favorite barbecue in Charleston and it's the perfect place to watch a game. Make sure to order a Gamechanger and the BBQ Nachos.

At around this point, I'd say it's time to head back downtown (or to wherever you are staying) and get ready for a night on the town. If you're looking for pre-dinner drinks and an insane view of the city, head to the top of The Dewberry Hotel to the Citrus Club.

I always love taking home some memorabilia from places I visit, and stores like Indigo Home, Two Cumberland and Noddy (all located downtown) are some great stores to browse in for Southern-style gifts. King Street also flourishes in the shopping scene, so a stroll from Broad Street to Calhoun Street and you’re bound to find something you like.

Once you're ready for dinner, I'd recommend Italian. Charleston, believe it or not, has some killer options for Italian. You'll be more than satisfied with Melfi's, Indaco or Frannie & The Fox. If in the mood for seafood, check out Leon’s or 167 Raw.

If you want to experience some of the Charleston nightlife, I recommend a few fun cocktails and/or some live music. I love Vintage Lounge, The Belmont and Felix for cocktails, and The Cocktail Club always checks off great live music. King St is where you'll find most of the nightlife.

Sunday

Hopefully you're not too worn out from Saturday, because your first stop will be a walk along Pitt Street Bridge and the Old Village area (don't worry, food and drink coming shortly after). Once you've picked out the house you want to retire in, it's time to wrap up the walk and head to brunch.

Located in the Old Village is The Post House Inn. Yes, it actually is an inn, but the food alone is worth the visit. I love their French Toast and the Back Bar Cheeseburger.

If in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Brown Fox Coffee or Vintage Coffee Cafe, both in Mount Pleasant, for some local coffee.

Questions? Comments? Let me know if you used any tips from this guide!

Avery