When I first knew I was going on vacation, I wanted to go to Charleston. Everyone talks about how amazing it is. I had never been. Fixing that was high on my list of things to do. With Hurricane Florence landing, my plans got thrown up in the air, and Charleston was thrown out of the non-plan. UNTIL! My flight was delayed four days. Charleston was stuck back into the non-plan because Alex and I didn’t want to spend five days in hurricane wasteland, I mean, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Charleston, why not?
Charleston is stunning. It reminded me of New Orleans. A North Carolina, smaller version of New Orleans. It’s charming with a flair of its own. I had no idea what there was to do in Charleston. I hadn’t worried about it because Charleston was no longer in the non-plan. We arrived, and had no idea what to do. Other than, it’s pretty!
Charleston is gorgeous! We weren’t there very long. Hardly a day and a half. I could have walked around forever basking in the glory. You know those photographs were the sun halos around things like buildings or treats or boats, etc. Well that’s how Charleston feels. It feels like the sun is haloing everything in cozy warmth.
Alex and I had lunch at Brown Dog Deli before walking around downtown. There was a really beautiful graveyard. I wish I could tell you where, but I can’t. We stopped by the Historic City Market in the French Quarter. It didn’t feel very historic because they were kind and air conditioned the place.
I love baked goods. I kept seeing mention of Sugar Bakeshop on the famous Cannon Street. The cupcakes are soooooooo yummy. I loved it. It’s cute. It’s tasty. There’s an adorable courtyard. The iced tea is also fabulous. They use paper straws. Saving the world one straw at a time!!!
The next and last day, we woke up, had brunch, and headed to do the one thing everyone said we had to do in Charleston. The Angel Oak. It’s a 400 year old oak tree. It’s imposing and beautiful. It’s not technically located in Charleston, but it’s worth the 15 minute drive. There is absolutely nothing else around it, so it is the destination.
After seeing the tree, Alex and I went to the Waterfront Park. It’s so pretty. There are fountains that invite you to wade. It’s the perfect thing to help relax and cool off in the southern heat. The Pineapple Fountain is super cute. Kids and grown-ups and dogs alike wade into the cool water for the perfect Instagram moment. The park overlooks the bay; aka, why it’s called waterfront. We stood and watched dolphins swim. There is something magical about dolphins in the wild. I can’t explain it. I just love it.
Charleston is a town with so much to offer. You kind of have to have an idea of what you’re doing or what you want to do. I had no idea about either. I would love to go back now that I know what there is to do.