The Smith Family: Amber, Cliff, Camden (9), Kennedy (7), Hudson (3)
Our family of five moved from Fairfield, CT to Charleston, SC in the summer of 2023 and have settled into the slower paced life of the beautiful Lowcountry. Charleston was our retirement dream, but knowing that our kids were growing up fast, we decided to make the move early and we are so happy we did! Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Charleston offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, rich culture, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal place to raise a family. From weekend strolls along cobblestone streets, afternoons spent exploring the expansive marshlands of Old Mount Pleasant and Shem Creek and the pristine beaches like Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island, life in the Lowcountry is a dream. I am so excited to share some of our favorite places to visit, places to stay, places to eat, and even our favorite spots for a parent’s night out!
WHERE TO STAY
Downtown Charleston: Right in the heart of downtown, Hotel Bennet is the south’s grandest luxury hotel located right on King Street. With dining options, fitness/spa, rooftop pool and family activities, you will truly have the best vacation in Charleston.
Mount Pleasant: Directly on the waterfront, with the most picturesque views of the Ravenel Bridge and downtown Charleston, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is the perfect choice. With options to stay at The Beach Club or the Harbor Resort, there are plenty of amenities (including tropical pools, restaurants, a Spa) as well as a TON of activities for the kids to enjoy! They also have a water taxi that can take you directly to downtown Charleston to explore for the day!
WHERE TO EAT
Coffee: Harken Cafe or Babas on Cannon
Lunch / Dinner: Home Team BBQ (a MUST if you visit Charleston and hands down the best southern BBQ you will eat)! Frannie and the Fox, Church and Union, and Poogan’s Porch are also great spots to grab a bite to eat.
Dessert: Carmella’s Dessert Bar for the BEST carrot cake, or Tinto y Crema for the best gelato.
Downtown Charleston
WHERE TO PLAY
There are endless historic landmarks, museums, shopping and more to discover while visiting Charleston. Some of our favorite things to do is take a Historic Carriage ride with Old South Carriage Co. You can also take a great Walking Tour with Walk and Talk Charleston or try a Haunted Tour with Bulldog Tours.Be sure to also check out the South Carolina Aquarium, Pineapple Fountain, walk along to see all of the shops on King Street, or head out of downtown Charleston to explore the many plantations including Boone Hall Plantation and Magnolia Plantation.
The Citrus Club
PARENTS DAY/NIGHT OUT
Looking to indulge with a girl’s trip or a date night out? Here are some great places to enjoy a spa day or a night out on town:
Spa: The Dewberry, followed by drinks / apps on the rooftop at The Citrus Club with views for miles!
Dinner (SO many great spots): Sorelle, Bar 167, 82 Queen (you must try the She Crab Soup), Fig, Lenoir, The Select (newly opened)
Drinks: Little Palm / The Backyard, The Rooftop at the Vendue, Bourbon N’ Bubbles, or Ritual Rooftop
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
FUN TRIP
Head over to Sullivan’s Island for a day at the beach, do a little shopping on Middle Street, followed by an early dinner at Sullivan’s Fish Camp and ice cream at Republic Ice Cream.
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