Southern Charm Long Weekend in Charleston, South Carolina

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

You can’t visit Charleston without seeing one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks, the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. It’s the most photographed spot in Charleston making it an Instagram hotspot. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk overlooking the waters of Charleston Harbor and views of the Ravenel Bridge.

Rainbow Row

Don’t miss the beautiful pastel colored historic homes on East Bay Street along the Battery. Rainbow row holds 13 Antebellum homes and is one of the most recognizable areas in Charleston. It’s in walking distance from the Pineapple Fountain.

Historic Horse & Carriage Rides & Tours

Explore historic downtown Charleston on a beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride with an engaging guide. There are several wonderful carriage tour companies to choose from.

Charleston City Market

Charleston City Market has been around since 1790’s. It’s one of the oldest public markets in the U.S. Here you will find handmade crafts and jewelry from local artisans, woven sweetgrass baskets, clothing, toys, food vendors and regional souvenirs. The market is always buzzing. Be sure to stop by Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for an award winning handmade piping hot biscuit.

Shopping on King Street

King Street is known for Charleston’s trendiest restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, fashion boutiques and nightlife. You could spend an entire day walking the street, admiring the beautiful architecture and exploring the shops. Be sure to stop to eat at Millers All Day a true southern kitchen that serves breakfast and brunch all day (their cinnamon roll is sensational).

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Magnolia Planation & Gardens located on the banks of the Ashely River is home to the oldest public garden in the country and is only a 35 minute drive from Downtown Charleston. Stroll through the magnificent gardens surrounded by sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss. You will feel like you’ve been transported into a fairytale as you walk over the long white bridge surrounded by blooming flowers. There are several tours to choose from which include The Plantation House Tour, Nature Tram, Nature Boat, Slavery to Freedom Tour and The Audubon Swamp Tour.

Charleston is a serious foodie destination. There are so many incredible dining options. Be sure to book a reservation in advance as the restaurants fill up.

• Poogan’s Porch - Poogan’s Porch will capture your heart. Enjoy southern hospitality in this beautiful Victorian house that opened in 1976. It is filled with charm and character. You can dine on the beautiful southern porch or in one of the many dining rooms. Be sure to try the she-crab soup and their signature buttermilk fried chicken.

• Little Jack’s Tavern - Quaint cozy tavern. The Tavern Burger is the best burger in Charleston and be sure to get a side of the delicious garlic herb fries.

• Cru Cafe - Serving some of the best gourmet comfort food in the Lowcountry. Located on Pickney Street in an 18th-century house with a a wraparound porch. Best mac & cheese! Don’t skip dessert; their signature orange cake tastes just like a creamsicle!

• Hall’s Chophouse - Possibly the best steakhouse I’ve ever been to with the best service I’ve ever received. The staff is impeccable. We were celebrating my daughter’s birthday and from the moment we entered the restaurant we were greeted personally by the owner Billy Hall and his gracious staff and we were treated like family. My daughter said she felt like she was a celebrity, they kept bringing her complimentary mocktails and waited on us hand and foot. The Halls Chop Salad is hands down the best salad we’ve ever had. Smoked bacon, peppers, celery, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, feta cheese tossed in a green peppercorn-buttermilk dressing. For dinner, I had the filet mignon which was perfection! My daughter ordered the “Steaktini”. The presentation was beautiful. Served in a martini glass, Filet Mignon, house-whipped potatoes topped with onion rings and drizzled in a peppercorn-brandy sauce. All of the side dishes were delish! Their signature Pepper Jack Creamed Corn was out-of-this-world. We ended our wonderful evening with a slice of the most delicious 14-layer caramel cake with warm bananas foster. On our way out the door we were showered with more southern hospitality and the owner walked us to our car and made sure our experience was memorable.