Ahh Charleston, SC.
I am actually so emotional talking about this dang beautiful city. I have no idea why, but I am SO EMO when it comes to Charleston. It just hits me differently, man. Those streets have no business being so magnificent. It should be fully illegal for those little houses and coffee shops to coexist. There should be a whole law against the food tasting that good in restaurants that used to be homes. I MEAN COME ON.
If you’re wondering if I’m already planning my next trip, you’re right. There’s so much I haven’t done and haven’t seen. There are simply more memories I refuse not to make. If you are looking to travel to Charleston in the near future, I’ve recapped all the good eats, activities and details of our most recent trip!
STAY
We stayed at the most beautiful resort in the Isle of Palms. The Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort recently opened in March of 2021, so we were super stoked to check it out. It’s only about 30 minutes outside of Charleston which makes it the perfect location if you wanted more of an escape/beach experience but also close enough to drive into downtown at any moment.
The Wild Dunes Resort boasts some incredible views, spas, golf courses, and places to eat. When you’ve spent the day by the pool or beach, you want to be able to have a nice dinner or lunch nearby. Forget the hassle of searching for parking or long wait times and spend a few meals at the resort. We were able to try out Oyster Catcher, Coastal Provisions, Laughing Gull, and Hudson’s Market during our stay.
EATS
Oyster Catcher
After a long day of travel, it was nice knowing we didn’t have to leave the resort for an incredible dinner. Located in the bottom of the Sweetgrass Inn, Oyster Catcher serves an array of locally inspired small plates and shareable dishes. The floor to ceiling windows and lounge seating made for the perfect environment to kick back and relax. Check out their dinner menu here. Drink menu here.
Corn Puppies & Okra
Grilled 14 Oz Ribeye & Housemade Comfort Cookie
Indaco
After our boat day, we ventured down to King St for dinner at Indaco. Indaco was one of the 294729 restaurant recommendations we received and for good reason. It did NOT disappoint. Located on Charleston’s Upper King Street, Indaco (Italian for “indigo”) serves rustic Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Mark Bolchoz. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, housemade salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant’s menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. In order to get the best bang for our buck, we chose the family-style option! Top recommendation? Feast, but leave room for the Zeppole dessert. Full menu here.
so stinkin' cute i cannot believe
Left: Polpette; Right: Spicy Sopprassata
Zeppole
Coastal Provisions
Another fantastic dinner spot located within the Wild Dunes Resort. Coastal Provisions can be found tucked away in the bottom of The Boardwalk Inn. Overlooking the pool, the Isle of Palms restaurant design was inspired by Charleston’s rich sailing history. Weathered driftwood floors, curated natural materials and a colorful coastal palette create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Due to the alluring atmosphere and incredible seafood, Coastal Provisions is a hot spot. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be booked online or by calling 843.886.2200. The crab hushpuppies are a MUST. Full menu here.
Husk
For our last full day, we dove into all downtown Charleston had to offer. Starting off with brunch at Millers, lunch at Fleetwood Landing and finishing the day with dinner at Husk. Husk has three locations: Charleston, Savannah, and Nashville. For some reason we have never been to the one here in Nashville, so we were super excited to try it out in Charleston! Husk is centrally located in historic downtown Charleston and transforms the essence of Southern food. Executive Chef and Lowcountry native, Travis Grimes, reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in the South. Heads up! The menu frequently changes, so bookmark the menu to check it out before going :) Full menu here.
I pray the peanut butter chocolate pie is on the menu for you
ACTIVITIES
Rent a boat for the day from Isle of Palms Marina
You can choose either a half or whole day. We chose the half and spent the morning cruising around the low-country and the harbor. Highly recommended cruising into Shem Creek and stopping at a few of the restaurants for food and drinks! Check out their rates here.
Spend a day on King St
So many people suggested setting aside a day to "eat your way up King St" and we sure did. Start the morning off with Millers for breakfast. Shop around and walk The Battery. Stop into Fleet Landing for lunch. We highly recommend the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hushpuppies. I don't think we met a hush puppy we didn't like on this trip. Visit Rainbow Row and grab a few drinks before dinner at Bin 152.
Book a trip to the spa
Taking time to actually rest and recharge is often overlooked on vacation. I tend to be so focused on what we're doing next that I don't fully allow myself to wind down. Blocking out time in my trip for a facial ended up being just what I needed. The Spa at Sweetgrass Inn was absolutely divine. I do not use words like divine, so that's saying a lot. Self-care is super important to me and if we're being honest, I've been neglecting my own recently. This facial was truly the most relaxed I've been since like 2013.
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