Happy Monday, my dear friends! We are back in Los Angeles after a little Easter break road trip to the Southeastern area of the U.S. I timed the trip for Red Bear’s school break so he could come along, but we had some business to attend to in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, so time for real leisure and sightseeing was limited — but still, I would say a great time was had by all! Sometimes traveling without a strict itinerary can be a lot of fun.
Today I am happy to share one of the highlights of the trip — a day in Charleston, South Carolina. I had never been there before, and didn’t know what to expect, but I loved it, and plan to return to see more, and hopefully to check in with some blogger friends that I didn’t have time to see during this quick trip.
Charleston is the oldest and second-largest city in South Carolina, and it has long been an important seaport. Red Bear loves to learn American history, and he knew before we arrived there that Charleston was the location of important battles in the American Revolution and the Civil War.
Charleston embodies the best of Southern traditions, with a rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and very mannerly people. It was obvious to me that city leaders take a lot of thought and effort to maintain Charleston’s charm and attraction for tourists and business. Enjoying a pleasant climate, Charleston is deservedly a popular tourist destination and has received a large number of accolades, including “America’s Most Friendly City” by Travel + Leisure in 2011. In 2013 and 2014 by Condé Nast Traveler recognized its friendliness, too, and Charleston was recognized as “the most polite and hospitable city in America” by Southern Living magazine. In 2016, Charleston was ranked the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure.(Data from:wikipedia ) It is obvious good things are happening in Charleston!
I think the first “must see” part of Charleston has to be the Historic District, where so much American history has played out, and the look and feel of the area and historic buildings has been carefully preserved . Thanks to my friend Ida in the Planters Inn, we were lucky to get a room there during the Spring Break busy season, and it was a terrific place to stay in the heart of the Historic District, so we could experience the sweetness of the district just by stepping out the door and walking around. We never needed to use our car until it was time to head to the airport at the end of our stay.
Planters Inn is part of the “Relais & Chateaux” international association of 530 hotels and restaurants dedicated to the “subtle art of hospitality” — which comes down to delivering a flawless experience with superior attention to the customer. That is exactly what we received during our short stay!
Planters Inn is the leader in luxury Charleston hotels. Unlike many modern hotels, Planters Inn is an artfully preserved architectural treasure located in the very heart of historic downtown. In fact, we arrived right after they had expanded many of the 64 rooms, and it was done so well and carefully, I don’t think you could tell the new from the old.
I fell in love with Planters Inn as soon as I stepped onto the property. It is a sanctuary of hushed elegance and refined Southern style with soaring ceilings, silk window dressings, dozens of working fireplaces, and beautiful four-poster beds from the Baker Historic Charleston Collection. No wonder Planters Inn was named “Best U.S. Boutique Hotel” in 2014 by Travel + Leisure magazine!
Within easy walking distance of Planters Inn are many of Charleston’s top shopping and cultural landmarks—Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, The Battery, South of Broad mansions, and the Charleston City Market. (They even had a “Night Market” right down the street while we were there.)
I was impressed by the people strolling on the streets with very lovely styles: many ladies wore their lovely ladylike dresses and skirts, while most men were in their polo shirts and boater shoes. (Yes, think J.Crew style, which is a style I really like.)
While I walked around the Historic District , I wore a striped shirt with a pair of white jeans and a straw tote bag, I got so many compliments from friendly ladies on the street, that I told my husband that we should move to Charleston! We enjoyed perfect weather while we were there, and to sum it up, I’d say Charleston is exciting and elegant.
Outfit 2: Peterson Shirt // Levi’s Jeans(old, similar here) // Sezane White Jean Jacket // Celine Sunglasses(also love this) // River Island Pink Sandals(sold out, also love these) // ASOS Straw Tote Bag
4 thoughts on “Family Vacation: A Day in Charleston SC”
Charleston is everything to love and more … such a charming place! Love the outfits along with such beautiful scenery! Just fabulous! 🙂
Oooh, this looks like a gorgeous way to spend a day. I’m definitely adding Charleston to my travel list! Planters Inn sounds lovely. I can respect the preserved architecture, and I love a good historic district.
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Charleston is everything to love and more … such a charming place! Love the outfits along with such beautiful scenery! Just fabulous! 🙂
?LA BIJOUX BELLA? | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
heard Charleston is so cute! need to visit!
http://heyprettything.com
Oooh, this looks like a gorgeous way to spend a day. I’m definitely adding Charleston to my travel list! Planters Inn sounds lovely. I can respect the preserved architecture, and I love a good historic district.
Amber – amberelb.com
你的服饰和这个城市好搭啊！
查尔斯顿从历史、文化到建筑我都好喜欢！