Field Guide No. 2: Weekending in Charleston

Adventuring away - even for a glimpse of a weekend - could not bring me much more joy than it did this particular time. Courtesy of an excuse for anniversary celebrations and our mutual travel bug to experience Southeast cities in ways only we could, my guy and I took to the cobblestone streets for a 36-hour getaway in the charming town of Charleston, South Carolina.

 
Seaside pastels, horse-and-buggies, and oysters on deck... Charleston presents itself exactly as you might expect to experience. With an urge to experience it to its fullest, and, given the millennial instant gratification we all chase these days, I decided to take to Instagram stories and ask (mind you, en route to the city itself) for advice on what to do, eat, and see in our short time there. The consensus? We would eat our way through this city, one brunch-meets-brewery at a time, and we predicted we'd have the time of our absolute lives.

Pros to short weekending?

• Hit the tourist spots with little-to-no shame
• Eat all the chicken-n-waffles and seafood you want, with no caloric guilt
• Walk miles and miles knowing you’ll nap on the drive home

 
Cons to short weekending?

• Not experiencing Saturday morning markets and brunch and coffee-shops because you only have one Saturday morning to experience
• Not having enough time to walk and sail and bike and horse-and-buggy
• If you take to the city in the summer? Humidity.

 
Given the short amount of time we spent galloping around, I wouldn’t say I necessarily have “advice” on what to do and where to go. All I have is… well… what we did and where we went, given the recommendations of others. My most accessible way of sharing without bogging you down in the details? A photojournalistic approach  – a visual documentation of Charleston as we saw it, based on what we chose to go see.   
 
With that, I encourage you to take a scroll! I hope you like what you see.

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1 | Brunch at Poogan's Porch

Website | Instagram | Google Map
We kicked off the day walking along King Street toward Poogan's Porch. Tucked away in a historic cottage, this "classic Charleston restaurant" was as yummy as it was cozy. With a dining room set up in a living room, comfortable ambiance, and a beautiful backyard porch, Poogan's truly made us feel at home! 5 stars from me.

​What we ordered:

• Chicken & Waffles
• Low Country Omelet

2 | Iced Almond Latte break at Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery

Instagram | Google Map
​Another tucked away gem, with a cozy, brick-walled vibe, pastries, and a quaint menu of classic coffees. We (I) popped in to grab some (one) iced almond lattes on our way to Rainbow Row. Happiest decision, fo' sure. 

3 | Walking from Rainbow Row, down the Battery, and back

Though we side-stepped the opportunity to do a full-blown photoshoot amidst the pastel colored, flower-potted homes, we had to meander through Rainbow Road for the sheer sake of... um... touristing to the fullest. I'll be the first to admit that this row of vibrancy is indeed vibrant and epitomizes the city's aesthetic, but I'll also admit, experiencing the row in the summer humidity keeps you moving on your way as fast as you can get into the shade. 

The Battery is beautiful. Not as grand as the San Francisco's Embarcadero, but just as tranquil as Augusta's Riverwalk, this strip of seaside sidewalk is the perfect chance to stroll and stroll, with seagulls at your side.

4 | The millennial-est lunch of your life at Basic Kitchen 

Website | Instagram | Google Map
As the name suggests, welcome to the real life version of your curated Instagram dreams. Off King Street, Basic Kitchen offers all the garbanzo beans and green juice your soul has been searching for. Add a fresh squeezed cocktail and some extra sprigs of cilantro and you're in business​. 

What we ordered:

• Basic Bowl
• Rainbow Bowl

5 | Sweet stop at King Street Cookies

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Mmm Hmm. Yeah. A counter lined from left to right with eclectic cookie combinations and a legitimate milk bar. Gluten free double chocolate for her, toffee crunch for him. Needless to say, we thrived here and mighttt have taken a few to-go.

6 | Dinner at Oyster House

Website | Instagram | Google Map
Again, our tourist-trap gullibility hit an all time high with this one. Oyster House caught our eye on our walk back toward King Street after exploring the Charleston City Market, with its expansive menu of all the oh-so-typical seafood orders anyone may ever want. Even on a busy, warm summer Saturday night, they found us a table and speedy service, and we couldn't have been happier with our decision!

What we ordered:

• Several house oyster shooters to start
• Lowcountry Shrimp Boil
• Honey Glazed Salmon (*a winner!!​)

7 | Morning boost at Second State Coffee (previously: Black Tap Coffee)

Website | Instagram | Google Map
Be still my heart. If the average College of Charleston student ever wants to switch places with me for a day, by all means let me know so I can post up here as long as possible. White-washed and trendy with social impact vibes... Second State knows what's up when it comes to designing a corner café for us millennial Instagrammers out there. Charleston, I will be back for you soon due to this place righttt here.

What I ordered:

• Iced almond milk latte with a dash of honey and vanilla

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There we have it, folks! A weekend in Charleston, done as best as we possibly could. To all my loyal, loyal friends out there who sent me the most intensive Charleston guides an Insta DM could relay, I appreciate you more than you know. I will always hold walkable, Instagrammable cities close to my heart - Charleston tops that list for sure.

Until next time, happy wandering from my worn-out, walked-out self to yours. Cheers to experiencing life out in the field, one guide at a time!

love, chlo.