I was so excited — my mom and I were recently going on short little adventure to Charleston, SC. She had come to see us earlier in the year, with my dad and my brother (plus his wife) and was quite taken by how cute it all is. They even left us a bag of benne wafers as a gift for looking after their pets (making me want to visit Charleston all the more). So when her best friend, mom and sister had started to put together an NYC trip, we knew this was a rare opportunity for us.
I appreciate that we did so much during our time in Charleston. Wonder is exploratory in one day too for that matter. Therefore, if you are one of those who gets a 24h layover do your best to explore Charleston SC.
A 24-Hour Itinerary in Charleston, SC
Breakfast was just when we got there so this will be a short part, the rest is for next day.
10am
City Gallery, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Waterfront Park (34 Prioleau Street), opens at 10am Tuesday through Friday and at noon on weekends. locals may be a welcome distraction. It does not take all day, in fact a really nice place to see some of the artwork of artists from around your area. Featuring local/regional and national/international artist work! When we visited, there was a park exhibit with each downstairs display covered in photos/stories pertaining to different parks in Charleston (SC).
11am
The next stop is Joe Riley Park, or Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Waterfront Park — 360 Fishburne Street One of two fountains in the park, this one stands beside a nearby playground with access to enough room for an eight-acre shade needed picnic area. You can actually walk right in the fountains but we just enjoyed looking at another famous Pineapple Fountain from all around.
Local legends of sea captains would lay pineapples at their gates upon arriving from a voyage to let the neighbors know they were back in town! Keep an eye for any pineapple-themed decoration as you visit Charleston.
This RV park also includes a fishing pier with views of Cooper River and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which is truly impressive at night all lit upgements 8+ Onlyrats Relax and take it all in on the scattered park swings.
12pm
When leaving the park, continue straight out onto East Bay Street where you’ll see Charleston City Market (188 Meeting St.) begins. It runs for four blocks and meets up at the other to Meeting Street. Among its three buildings, vendors hawk everything from phone cases to benne wafers. Well, of course they had a bag benne wafers which I grabbed for me and Pete.
Lunch
You could stop and eat something by now, but bear in mind that the Charleston City Market sold no prepared food. Sink: Get away from the market and go to Pizzeria Di Giovanni (40 N. Market Street). That alone may be reason enough to visit, if you crave the larger-than-life pizza boxes. There are pizzas by the slice and drinks for a quick bite, or you can grab an absolutely massive 28-inch pizza (above) for just $30.
There’s a local pizza joint that offers the huge Godfather, but it is not going to come close to this 28-inch.
Dessert
If you went for the slice only, split it with a friend and make room for beignets from Eli’s Table (129 Meeting Street). Of course you can sit down there to eat them but I prefer taking my beignets out and eating it on a bench outside. They generally give you 4–5 beignets per order, served with an amazing berry jelly to dip.
2pm
Here’s where you have two choices.
Option 1
I chose to roam through the nearby area, just walking and viewing some of the pretty homes as well as churches. You could easily spend hours sight seeing and taking photos. For another view, rent a bike from Holy Spokes with an app to reserve and checking out bikes by the hour. A great option of sightseeing apart form a car view.
Be sure to stop by the historic St. Philip’s Church (142 Church Street, open Monday-Friday) St. Philip’s – The original St. Philip’s was located just down the street (71 Broad Street where St Michael’s Church now stands) and had to be relocated after hurricane damage This is a beautiful site with the akro in it. A common superstition says that churches must be entered with the right foot forward to bring about luck in Galicia.
While you are out and about, be sure to check out Rainbow Row (83 East Bay Street). This is the longest row of Georgian mayor houses in the U.S., and one of Charleston’s most photographed spots, a row of 13 brightly colored homes.
Just around the corner is a visit to Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (122 East Bay Street). This historically significant site is an observance of the Revolutionary and Colonial heydays that are definitive to Charleston. The tour has an entry fee, however the tiny shop can be visited for free.
End your tour at the Old Slave Mart Museum (6 Chalmers St.), on land where African-born slaves were once sold. This museum contains many exhibits which shed light on this traumatizing era. The inside has a heavy atmosphere to reinforce the weight of the content. At the time, Charleston was not running from its past and showed it off to visitors as a parade forefront of historical importance.
Option 2
South Carolina Aquarium — Not in the mood for a leisurely walk, then pop by the South Carolina Aquarium (100 Aquarium Wharf). She was introduced to it on a previous trip by my mom and had the best time. I didn’t go this time, but it would be a great option for an afternoon.
Dinner
With so many great Restaurants in Charleston, You will be hard-pressed to select only one Dinner for your 24 hours visit. We had an unforgettable family meal at Husk (76 Queen Street). It’s hard to get a reservation, so arriving right when the restaurant opens for business means you could slot your name on the waiting list and nab one of those tables.
Or if BBQ is more your style and you can’t get in at Husk, another great option (also with a 157-year history) next door to Poogan’s: Poogan’s Porch [72 Queen Street] Just be warned—rumor has it that Poogan’s is haunted, and you might catch a glimpse of the spirit known as one “Poogan,” who belonged to a St. Amand sister or perhaps Zoe herself still wandering the halls where she lived with her sister Elizabeth!
But, for those of you who are BBQ fans my favorite is Rodney Scott’s BBQ (1011 King St). My dad recommended it, and he was right. The ribs are the stuff of dreams, even if you have never been one to gravitate towards ribes before like myself.
Bedtime
Hotels within the city of Charleston can get expensive. In an effort to save a little cash, we booked at Hyatt House Mount Pleasant-Midtown (1430 Midtown Ave) about 10 minutes out of town. By staying here we saved a lot of money on lodging, so that we could spend it in other more attractive things like food or activities.
Breakfast is included and moderated daily, complete with an omelet station (my favorite part of any hotel breakfast).
Breakfast
Botanical gardens are one of our favourite places for the sheer beauty. A city with a botanical garden or arboretum means time taken to visit it is well spent as well. Get a twofer by dining at the Peacock Cafe in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (3550 Ashley River Road). Breakfast at the cafe is served until midday, so no need to rush that morning. This is a great place for shade and where you can enjoy your meal at tables shaded by umbrellas underneath the grand oaks of Magnolia — pure bliss to begin your day.
