The charm of Charleston lives on its horse-drawn carriages, pastel-hued buildings, and centuries-old cobblestones. Yet even with all history, the city definitely is not stuck in the past.

You may be surprised to learn that present-day Charleston is an incredibly foodie-centric city!

Amidst all the Spanish moss, you’ll find countless restaurants known for their creativity and innovation. And, for those that really want to sample Southern delights, you’ll find typical South Carolina staples like barbecues, grits, and tons of seafood.

Take yourself on a walking tour along Rainbow Row (a street lined with, you guessed it — colorful buildings!), the iconic Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, and then find a place to post up for a decadent meal.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that hasn’t earned some sort of award.

As you’re planning your trip, I would highly recommend taking a look at my Charleston foodie guide and mapping out which places you’d like to dine at. Reservations are recommended for a majority of the restaurants (and for good reason — they’re uber popular!).

Want to take a step back in time while still experiencing Southern hospitality?

Book a room at 86 Cannon Historic Inn. Whether I was enjoying my morning coffee on the porch or chatting with the other guests over an afternoon glass of wine, it felt like a home away from home.

I personally spent three nights in Charleston, and while three days might not give you quite enough time to see it all, you can definitely cross a few essentials off your list!

Check out my ultimate 3-day Charleston guide to plan your itinerary!

Charleston makes for a fantastic winter weekend getaway; it’s also one of the best cities to travel alone in the USA, or a wonderful location for a mother-daughter weekend getaway in the US.

Have you been to Charleston before or are you planning a trip? Let me know in the comments below!

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