Charleston SC Travel Guide from a South Carolina Native

Posted on by DeAndreaAshanelle

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Please note: This travel guide will be updated regularly as I discover new places and activities

Charleston is a charming city in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. It is rich in history, mouth-watering cuisine, and nearby beaches to enjoy. You will get to unwind, bask in the Southern hospitality, and enjoy the slower pace. If you are visiting South Carolina, I recommend spending a day or two exploring downtown Charleston and the beaches.

Best Time Visit

The best time to visit South Carolina is during Spring (March – April) or Fall (September – November). If you visit during summer be prepared for the heat. It is a fun time but its not for the faint of heart.

Where to Stay

If you desire a walkable experience, I recommend staying in downtown Charleston. It makes it easier to get around and you won’t have to worry about the stress of parking.

If you plan to drive, you can stay on the outskirts of Charleston and the hotels are less expensive. This will allow you to also explore the surrounding areas and get ot the beach easier.

Downtown Charleston

  1. Hotel Bella Grace

This is a chic hotel in Downtown Charleston near a variety of restaurants and activities. They have an onsite restaurant, Delaney House Oyster Bar, which is a great way to enjoy the Southern coastal cuisine Charleston offers.

Surrounding Charleston Area

  1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Mount Pleasant

This modern hotel is located in Mount Pleasant about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. It is located along the water and has its own dine-in restaurant to enjoy.

Activities

  1. Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is a must-visit with over 50 vendors featuring local goods and spectacular food. This is one of the oldest city markets in the country. Though this a touristy activity, I recommend you do it at least once. Enjoy strolling the booth you will discover cultural items like sweetgrass baskets by Gullah artisans and souvenirs.

  1. Charleston Farmers Market

The Charleston Farmers Market is open from April to November in Marion Square. You can kickstart your day at the farmer’s market with a latte while exploring the booths and trying different food. This is a great way to support small businesses and get souvenirs. 

  1. Gibbes Museum of Art

The Gibbes Museum is the only visual arts museum in Charleston. They feature amazing art across two floors of the museum. I really enjoyed the African American exhibit and the pieces that centered life in Charleston. Museum tickets are $20 and its recommended to purchase tickets in advance for Saturday and Sunday. In the museum, you will also find Charleston guide books with other activities and restaurants to explore.

  1. Old Slave Mart

We have to remember our past to know where we are going. Charleston was a major hub for the slave trade. The largest amount of slaves in the US came through the Charleston ports. This slave mart sheds light on a major aspect of Charleston’s history and the individuals who built Charleston. While it broaches sensitive topics and evokes numerous emotions, I highly recommend a visit. The price of admission is $8.

  1. Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a collection of colorful row houses that are perfect for a cute photoshoot or to view on a casual stroll around the neighborhood. 

  1. Walk/Bike The Battery

Walking the battery is a great way to get a view of the water and relax. You must also get a picture with the infamous Pineapple fountain.

  1. Gullah Geechee Tour

Gullah Geeche people are a subset of the slaves brought to the US. They have maintained their history and roots despite slaveowners goal to erase connection to Africa. This tour explores the history of the Gullah Geechee people and the traditions they have preserved for years. 

  1. Kayaking in Shem Creek

If you are looking for an outdoor activity, kayaking on Shem Creek is a great idea. They provide guided tours that allow you to get a change of scenery and enjoy the nearby water. 

Places to Eat 

  1. Sorelle is an Italian restaurant with a popular coffee shop in Charleston. They are located in a stunning building and each week they offer a new specialty coffee flavor. If you are looking for a trendy coffee shop, check it out.
  1. Leon is a seafood restaurant with a limited menu focusing on oysters, fish, and chicken. I recently tried their chargrilled oysters and they tastes so good. I already want some more.
  1. Fleet Landing is a seafood restaurant located in Downtown Charleston right along the pier. This restaurant was recommended by a local. They have so many options to try including hushpuppies, fish, oysters, and more.
  1. Harlow & Pearl is a barbie themed coffee shop. The coffee is delicious and the staff has amazing energy. Each week they feature a new special so you can always try something new or try an old favorite.  
  1. Odd Duck Market is a deli that serves coffee, wine, and sandwiches. They also have an assortment of gourmet groceries. I tried the breakfast wrap and the buffalo chicken wrap and both were great.
  1. Carmellas Dessert Bar is the best place for a tasty treat. I always visit here for the carrot cake. They also serve a variety of items including coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, gelato, and more. 

Beaches

You can’t visit Charleston without going to the beach. There are several beaches in the area about 20-30 minutes from downtown Charleston and they all offer different vibes. I have done my best to explain each beach so you can choose which is best for you. And if you have the time you can visit all of them.

  1. Folly Beach 

Folly Beach is a lively beach with larger crowds. The streets are lined with restaurants and affordable shops. It gives your typical vacation beach town. They have shops that include fun activities like an escape room, arcades, and more. Paid parking is relatively easy (some require you pay in cash).

  1. Center Street Coffee – The Socialite specialty latte is exquisite. It’s on the sweeter side and made me want to go back for more.. They also offer alcoholic froses, frozen mimosas, and coffee infused and mimosa infused popsicles along with pastries.
  2. Catch 23 is a delicious seafood restaurant a block from the beach. They have an extensive variety of menu options. The seafood platter offers a hearty portion size and the shrimp tastes sooooo good.
  3. The Pineapple Hut is a food truck that offers pineapple-flavored whip that are perfect for a hot sunny day. The 5 oz pineapple whip tastes just like pineapple. It is a fun treat tp have after lunch. 

2. Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island is a locals favorite with relaxed vibe and less crowds. Its great for spreading out and relaxing. On the island you will find upscale shops with stunning pieces. Please note: they are more expensive. Parking is slightly challenging and further from the beach, but worth it.

Longboard is a seafood restaurant that offers delicious sushi wraps. The sushi wraps are on the smaller side but so tasty.

I hope that you enjoy your trip and let me know if there are other places you recommend.

Asheville Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Asheville

Posted on by DeAndreaAshanelle

This year, I am exploring more of the East Coast. North Carolina has stunning views of the mountains, so I planned an overnight trip to Asheville. Asheville, NC sits along the Blue Ridge Mountains and neighbors mountain towns making it the perfect place to visit. There are so many outdoor activities to explore from hiking the mountains to viewing the stunning waterfalls.

My travel guides focus on exploring history, art, coffee shops, food all on a budget. If this resonates with you, then you will find this Asheville Travel Guide helpful.

Continue reading “Asheville Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Asheville” →

Its Okay Not To Be Perfect

Posted on by DeAndreaAshanelle

Don’t let perfectionism stop you from trying new things. Sometimes, we let the fear of not being good from the start stop us from moving forward.

I have this experience regularly.  I like things to be perfect, and I hate making mistakes. I hate it even more if other people witness my struggle. 

This happened to me recently at a pottery class I took. I walked into class excited, a glow in my eyes, ready to get to work. As we started using the wheel to mold our pottery, I realized it was harder than I thought. I kept trying but it was not working and I could feel defeat settling in. I almost gave up, but I caught myself. I have a pattern of giving up when things don’t work out perfectly the first time. I reminded myself it is okay if it does not turn out perfect and to enjoy the process. This mindset shift brought me back to the present. It allowed me to laugh at how much of a mess I was creating. 

The thing about trying something new, is you are not going to be perfect. I know we sometimes put this demand on ourselves due to childhood experiences or comparing ourselves to someone who is more experienced. The truth of the matter is we are going to have to try some things a few times before it works out. Sometimes our learning curve will be longer than others. And that is okay. Because if we never start, we will never get better. 

I am learning to release myself from this expectation of perfection. It only holds us back. 

To work through this, it requires a mindset shift and practice. 

1. We have to realize we can’t be great at everything. 

There are going to be certain things we are naturally gifted at. There will be other things we have to practice at. It’s okay to struggle a little bit. It makes the result worth it.

2. Reframe your thoughts. 

If you have thoughts, “I am never going to figure this out” and  “Its not working”, take a deep breath. It may be challenging in the moment, but try to relax and laugh through it. Remind yourself that this is just a challenging moment, but as I keep practicing, I will get better. 

3. Don’t compare yourself to others. 

Everyone was once a beginner. Just because you didn’t see the time and effort it took for your inspiration to be great in their field does not mean it does not exist. Also, if you are comparing your work to your friend or neighbor with no experience, stop that. Remember, comparison is the thief of all joy. You don’t know how their other skill sets play a role in them picking up this new skill faster. 

4. Focus on taking it one step at a time.

Don’t worry about being perfect at everything at once. Take it step by step and focus on one component at a time. As you continue to practice, those 1% improvements will compound into an amazing new skill. 

Take this advice and apply it as you try a new skill. If we get caught up in being perfect, we will miss out on so much.