The Ultimate Guide: Charleston South Carolina
The Perfect Long Weekend in Charleston, South Carolina
If you are looking for a long weekend getaway or planning a bachelor or bachelorette party then Charleston, South Carolina should be at the top of your list. Charleston holds such a special place in my heart. The largest and oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston is rich in history, with an abundance of eateries and bars. Drawing from my personal experience, I’ve created a list of my favorite bars, restaurants, and excursions to help elevate your travels.
Dive into the City's Nightlife
The bars on the famous King Street draw in bachelors and bachelorettes from around the U.S. Regardless of your celebration you are sure to have a fantastic time. A fan of custom cocktails, I highly recommend checking out the diverse array of cocktail and dive bars. Here are my top five recommended bars in the city.
The Royal American - A neighborhood bar and music venue, the Royal American holds the top spot as my favorite dive bar in Charleston. Settled next to the train tracks, this bar is the ideal setting for daytime relaxation and enjoying a cold beverage.
Burns Alley Tavern - Where are my Pabst Blue Ribbon drinkers? This one is for you. It’s the perfect casual, laid-back spot to unwind.
The Cocktail Club - An upscale speakeasy-style bar has an extensive cocktail list with a rooftop terrace. I’ve never found a drink I didn’t enjoy here.
The Griffon - Furnished with dollar bills covering every surface, this English-style pub is located in the historical market. With a unique atmosphere, this pub is perfect for watching sports of any kind. During my initial visit, you know I couldn’t resist adding to the decor. If you stop in see if you find my dollar bill!
A.C.’s Bar and Grill - From the outside of this bar it doesn’t look like any special, but once you walk inside it’s a different story. This bar has multiple pool tables and booths everywhere making it a great hang-out spot. I love a bar where I can find my local Pittsburgh beer, Iron City, and was pleasantly surprised to find bottles here.
Culinary Delights: Must-Try Dining Destinations
You are in the south, which means Sunday Brunch is a must. Food brings people together and here you’re sure to find mouthwatering biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, or chicken and waffles. Plenty of great restaurants range from traditional southern food to high-end steakhouses. Here are some restaurants you’ll want to include in your plans.
The Blind Tiger - The perfect place for a Sunday brunch with great food. This has a fantastic prohibition-style bar located in a courtyard. We spent over 3 hours here for a brunch.
Halls Chophouse - This is an old-school steakhouse with a piano player as soon as you walk in. The meal we had here was great and would recommend a meal while in Charleston.
Poogan’s Porch - No trip to Charleston would be complete without having a traditional Southern dinner. The ambiance here was great as this is located in a Victorian townhouse with porches and a great selection of wine.
Prohibition - Another great option for brunch. The location of Prohibition makes this a perfect starting point if you are going to be hitting multiple bars as this is located right on King Street.
Swig and Swine Barbecue - This place might be the best barbecue food I ever had. Visited this restaurant on my first trip to Charleston and I still remember it to this day. When you come here make sure you’re hungry because all food is served on trays filled to the brim.
Unforgettable Excursions for Your Itinerary
In between eating barbecue and grabbing a drink at my favorite bars, there are so many activities to do in Charleston. From historic landmarks to picturesque streets, discover the city’s distinct charm with these activities.
Tour Fort Sumter - Located in Charleston Harbor, this is where the American Civil War began. Visitors can book tours, explore the grounds, and engage in a unique opportunity to connect with history.
Cruise down the Ashley River - Book a cruise down the Ashley River. For my bachelor and bachelorettes, a booze cruise is an ideal activity. Drink refreshments and get an incredible view of Charleston from the vantage point of the boat while making memories with your besties.
Take a ghost tour - Take a tour through century-old graveyards with an expert guide as they share the city’s haunted history. Many ghosts have haunted these cobblestone streets. Immerse yourself in learning more about the city’s legends of the dark side.
Walk down Rainbow Row - Stroll the historic district and check out Victorian-era homes. Lining East Bay Street these pastel-colored Georgian-style homes will have you stopping to take your next family photos. This area covers most of the historic peninsular heart of the city containing a collection of 18th and 19th century architecture.
Visit the City Market - One of the nation’s oldest public markets and in the heart of Charleston. This is home to over 300 entrepreneurs offering a varying amount of products. The market has something for everyone offering crafts and also contains restaurants in this area.
Whether you are savoring hearty dishes or indulging in handcrafted cocktails, Charleston has something for everyone to enjoy. I know that with every bite, sip, and step you take you won’t want this trip to come to an end. Cheers to a fun and what I know will be an eventful long weekend.
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