T R A V E L | the Lowcountry, SC

We're heading back to the East coast after last week's venture to San Francisco! Mere, my super sweet and talented sister (in law) is tuning in this week with her favorite travel spot and some tips on where to stay, things to do, places to eat...you're definitely in for a treat! (: 

For most people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think “best travel” is some exotic, far-away location—some once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It’s a little different for me. My husband is in the Navy so we’re constantly moving, living, and visiting all over the country (and enjoying it), but when someone asks me about my favorite place to travel, my mind immediately goes to the Lowcountry in South Carolina. 

The Lowcountry—steeped in history and saturated with charm—is the land of perfect sunsets and porch swings, salt-water marshes and Southern accents, Live Oaks and lazy beach days, coastline and culinary genius, sun-kissed skin and sweetest tea.

Our family vacations, growing up, were almost all spent in and around the Lowcountry and, as *I* grew, I grew to love all the details characteristic of it. But for the purpose of this travel snapshot, I’ll narrow the information to the Charleston area…and give you the inside scoop to all my favorites.

In my mind there are two main options of where to stay for the Charleston-goer and it depends completely on your personality and the kind of get-away you’re looking for.

If you’re in the mood for a slower-paced weekend away, you would enjoy staying near the beach—Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes, or Sullivans Island—whiling away the day by lying on the beach and getting cleaned up just in time to enjoy an evening of seafood-eating and shag-dancing. 

Near the beach, you can go for sunrise jogs and sunset walks, enjoy breakfast at The Sea Biscuit Cafe, sun-bathe or throw a frisbee at the beach, sight-see while buffing up on your SC history at Fort Moultrie and grab a burger and a beer for lunch at Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island. Several places along the main street of Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island offer live music most evenings during the summer, or, for a quieter evening, you could enjoy some seafood at Long Island Cafe before going to find a breezy boardwalk or porch swing to enjoy the sunset.

If you like to be more in the middle of the action, you would enjoy staying Downtown at one of the many little inns around Market Street or borrow someone’s home for the week/weekend—on VRBO.com—and live like a native Charlestonian. 

Staying in Downtown you’ve got tons of shopping options, restaurants and rooftop bars, The Market, Waterfront Park, The Battery, Rainbow Row, and as much history and beautiful architecture as you can absorb…all within walking distance. If you happen to be there on the 2nd Sunday of the month, walk down to King Street where tons of local vendors set up tents out in the street—makes for a fun way to peruse a bunch of local flavor in one relaxing stroll.

For breakfast in Downtown Charleston, Toast. For lunch Lowcountry Bistro. For dinner, Coast Bar & Grill or Magnolias. And if you can possibly fit anymore food…then Kaminsky’s is a MUST for dessert. If there’s a line…WAIT for it! You won’t be disappointed.

Nature Adventures Outfitters is only a short drive from the beach or Downtown and offers kayak and paddleboard rentals or sunset tours on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, if you’re looking for a fun activity with built-in, but slightly less fussy sight-seeing,. And while you’re in the Mt Pleasant area, check out Page’s Okra Grill for breakfast or lunch and, for dinner, check out Triangle Char & Bar for a good casual option or Old Village Post House for a dressier option.

In short, the Lowcountry is the PERFECT retreat from busy, everyday life. And it feels like home to me.


*Be sure to check out Mere's corner of the world here!