Ultimate weekend in Charleston

10.09.2024 - 23:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Charleston captivates visitors with its colorful architecture, cobblestone streets and rich tapestry of history spanning the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. Within a single block, visitors can wander a historic pathway, peruse a modern boutique, gawk at a centuries-old abode and enjoy seemingly endless creative culinary finds – dressed-up biscuits at Callie’s and the creamiest she crab soup at 82 Queen are personal favorites.

As a Virginia native and South Florida resident, the steeple-clad, ever-friendly “Holy City” has been a favorite destination of mine for decades. I’ve made weekends out of watching leaping dog competitions at SEWE (the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, for Charleston newbies) but, most commonly, I simply like to wander around and be ever dazzled by the most amicable locals and preserved estates that are instantly worth a “what in the world is the significance of this place?” search.

Unload your bags at your hotel and head to Second State Coffee on Beaufain Street to fuel up for the day ahead. Nestled in a heritage building, this is Charleston’s go-to coffee roaster with a simplistic vibe – natural light floods in through the large windows and black-and-white family photos are dotted around the room. Order a pour over made from top-tier beans. Once buzzed, zip over to the French Quarter and stroll through the 19th-century City Market. It’s where locals and tourists peruse local art, sample local jellies and shop for candles, jewelry and seemingly any trinket in between.

The south side of town is where you should spend your Friday afternoon, generally encompassing the French Quarter and Lower King Street. Peruse the Gibbes Museum of Art, which, in addition to rotating exhibits, has a permanent collection depicting life in the American South spanning the colonial era to the present day. A half block east, take a tour of the Thomas Elfe House, the oldest restored historical house in town, dating back to 1760. When hunger calls, Poogan’s Porch is a city-wide favorite for Southern fare and is less than a block east from the house.

Oak Steakhouse has tender cuts of steak with equally delightful seafood offerings, including an Oysters Rockefeller drizzled with bacon fat and topped with hollandaise sauce. Making a reservation is essential as it’s the place to be on weekends. Another option is Brasserie La Banque, also on Broad Street – it’s housed in a beautifully updated historic bank with meticulous French-inspired fare.

Catch a show at Dock Street Theatre, the first structure in the US built for theater. It regularly showcases classics like “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Legally Blonde.” End the evening with a nightcap at The Gin Joint and go for the