Memorial Day Trip to Charleston

My sister Charlotte attends College of Charleston, and I've been dying to visit! I finally got my chance when we planned a girls' trip to the fun city over Memorial Day Weekend in order to celebrate my Mom's 60th birthday. #SexySixtyInSC

Mom flew up from Austin, and then we were on the same flight for the second leg of the trip.

After Charlotte picked us up from the airport, we headed straight for a late lunch at Fleet Landing. The low-key restaurant sits right on the water, is a short walk away from the Battery, and is known for great seafood. (Pro Tip: I highly recommend a reservation, because even at 2:00 there was an hour-plus wait when we arrived.)

Before our trip, I did LOTS of research on restaurants, and specifically where to try the best of certain classic Charleston dishes (shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, She-crab soup, etc.). Fleet Landing came up in numerous reviews regarding the best shrimp and grits, and boy did it deliver! I still can't get over how creamy those grits were. 

We also loved the stuffed hush puppies (one of the most Instagrammed items from the restaurant for a reason).

After lunch, we burned off (some of) the calories as Charlotte gave us a walking tour of the city. We walked along the water to the Battery and then up King Street to see all the fabulous old houses. My sister was an excellent tour guide, and I was awed by the history, architecture, and beautiful scenery of the city.

After exploring the city, we checked into the Francis Marion Hotel. Even though it is an older building (opened in 1924) like pretty much everything in Charleston, it was very nice and in a great location. I only managed to take one photo of the hotel: this cool old mailbox...

After freshening up at the hotel and making a pit-stop to see Charlotte and Bru's place, we enjoyed some cocktails on the gorgeous patio at 492 King.

Then it was time for dinner at 82 Queen.

We ordered a plethora of appetizers as our meal, and everything was absolutely incredible. The best being the She-crab soup (which they served with amazing little biscuits) and roasted tomatoes with goat cheese fondue. So. So. Good.

On Sunday morning, since we clearly weren't full from the day before, we headed to brunch at Toast.

Bottomless mimosas and fried green tomato crab cake benedicts for the win!

After brunch, we explored the shops in the City Market before our carriage ride tour.

You don't get to pick your route as they rotate all the carriages through a few different areas. We got the route through the main part of downtown. I only managed to take a couple photos, but all the buildings are churches are so beautiful. 

The tour was fun, but it was soooooo unbelievably hot outside. I also think I would prefer a walking tour (assuming it was cooler outside).

After a little nap and some much-needed time soaking up some AC at the hotel, we embarked on a fabulous progressive dinner adventure.

The first stop was for appetizers and cocktails at the Bar at Husk. The bar is in a building next door to Husk, with its own patio and a different menu. And unlike the main restaurant, it's not hard to get a table. 

Since it was our appetizer course, we went with the cheese plate and freshly shaved country ham (which is served on a piece of a whiskey barrel), along with some delicious and adorable cocktails. Our food was fantastic, but after seeing their famous burger in person, I want to make a return trip as soon as possible. They also offer the biggest individual serving of fried chicken I've ever seen!

For our main course, we made the short walk to Cypress. As it turns out, it was the restaurant's last night open ever. (But its sister restaurant, Blossom, is still open next door.)

For dessert, we walked a few doors down to High Cotton. Upon the recommendation of the hostess when I called to make a reservation, we got a table in the bar area. They have live music on the weekends, and it was the perfect spot to enjoy some wine and a magically delicious (and off-menu) praline soufflé

Finally, we enjoyed some bubbles on the rooftop at Vendue.

The multi-tiered rooftop terrace is so fun, and it offers a fantastic view of the city.

There were also lots of artistic photo props in the hotel lobby, and we clearly had to partake.

After sleeping in a bit on Monday morning, we headed to Sullivan's Island to celebrate Memorial Day at the beach. 

Upon arrival, we got our beach bodies ready with lunch at The Obstinate Daughter. It was all so good!

Sullivan's Island is such a cute beach, and it would be a fun place to rent a house for a family vacation.

After a little nap back at the hotel (can I get an amen for vacation naps?!), we headed out for our last night on the town. 

First, because we clearly needed more French 75s, we went to the Gin Joint. 

Bru was able to join in on the fun.

Then we walked across the street for dinner at Magnolias. 

We ate so much incredible food over the course of the weekend, but I think this was my favorite overall meal. And the best part was clearly the friend green tomato appetizer, which comes on a bed of white cheddar and caramelized onion grits with country ham and tomato chutney. Yes, please! 

I had such a great weekend exploring the city and stuffing myself silly with fantastic southern food. And I definitely can't wait to go back...when the weather is cooler.

Thanks so much to our wonderful Charleston hosts!

In case you are interested, here is a map of our adventure: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1s2aktvICkdg-Pznxns_i9qZFrYE&usp=sharing. Also, these are the restaurants that came highly recommended from various sources that we just didn't have time to squeeze in: FIG, Hominy Grill, Poogan's Porch, Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.), Cru Cafe, Goat.Sheep.Cow (the south location is just a cheese shop, but the north location has a menu/wine bar), Bin 152, Five Loaves, and Stella's.