While many of us are Googling how to spatchcock a turkey, some of us are in search of where our next sunny escape will be.
The South is teeming with warm-weather getaways where most travelers set their sites for Florida, the rightfully named ‘Sunshine State’.
But don’t sleep on what the rest of the South has to offer, where numerous states’ beautiful shores are just scratching the surface.
One such state boasting some of the best beaches is none other than South Carolina, and better yet, is also home to the South’s trendiest city where summer vibes never end.
Winter makes for a great time to visit as you can explore pastel streets and coastal charm and indulge in epic eats of Charleston without having to pack a coat.
Charleston: The Remedy For Your Winter Blues
Once Thanksgiving ends and your neighborhood begins to illuminate with Christmas lights and holiday cheer, you can take that as your early cue to plan your winter escape.
A majority of the U.S. will see frigid temps for a couple of months at the least, so what better time to plan a trip to one of America’s most fascinating cities?
Aesthetically pleasing, historically captivating, and nearly impossible to have a bad meal, Charleston serves as a sunny weekend getaway at the very least.
With bright blue skies and weather consistently in the 60s and 70s, you can hit up the pretty beaches, wander the postcard-worthy streets, or simply relax with a cocktail in hand at a multitude of restaurant patios.
While Charleston does have Uber, many say the best way to absorb Charleston’s sites is by foot, or perhaps an old-timey carriage ride through the Historic District.
Here you’ll find insightful museums such as Joseph Manigault House ($15 admission) and the Old Slave Mart Museum ($8 admission), America’s first African-American slave museum.
Although many opt to get around on a scenic bike ride through the blissful ocean breeze along coastal pathways.
Move Over New Orleans! Charleston Is The Ultimate Place To Feast
The South knows how to eat! Culinary icons such as New Orleans, Miami, Austin, and last but not least, Charleston showcase some of the South’s best flavors.
Charleston is on a different level, though. Love and pride aren’t found in cookbooks, but they are found on Charleston tables.
Take one of the city’s most famed restaurants, Husk, for example. The menu is constantly evolving, giving new life to southern ingredients.
Featuring a variety of unique cornbread concoctions, locally sourced seafood, and southern staples like collard greens, you know you can’t go wrong.
It is a rare type of place where Michelin star judges might as well throw their hands in the air and give stars out to every restaurant.
Charleston also has a buzzing craft beer scene with dozens of popular breweries to choose from. Heck, there are even beer cruises.
Sometimes Charleston’s timeless overshadows the beaches, but don’t forget this is a city to wine and dine with some of the best seafood in the nation.
Circle your calendar for the 41st annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival taking place February 2, 2025.
Explore Timeless Streets Virtually Crowd-Free
Charleston is a hip and happenin’ place during spring and summer, so take advantage of empty cobbled streets for the best photo-ops this time of year.
Listed on AFAR’s ‘12 Best Places to Travel in the Winter‘, Charleston’s preserved townscape and splendid weather make it stand out as one of the top spots in the U.S. to vacation.
Charleston is split up into numerous districts, but these 5 neighborhoods are absolute musts on your trip:
- French Quarter: a shrunken version of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood with historic homes, churches, and delightful shops.
- South of Broad: offers great waterfront views and Rainbow Row, a row of colorful 18th-century homes
- Harleston Village: vibrant neighborhood with trendy restaurants and old-timey inns like John Rutledge House Inn
- Folly Beach: laid-back beaches with off-the-wall bars and restaurants
- King Street: buzzing area full of nightlife, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops
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