A weekend in Charleston

It was the perfect time of year for a trip to Charleston, South Carolina.

September’s end brings with it quite a bounty – “it’s fall, y’all!” was the prevalent feeling at the Saturday farmers’ market in Marion Square – though we, northerners, were still basking in the last of the defiant summer sun.

Charleston is both expected and unexpected. Its vistas are endlessly inspiring, its history considerable.

The warmth of the sun and the people seems endless. I can’t thank all of our hosts and friends we made along the way enough for guiding us around their beautiful home.

Of course, a stroll down Rainbow Row is a must, but if you get the chance, do visit Angel Oak Park. It’s full of the kind of rare magic that’s hard to find just a few miles outside of a city.

We even managed to squeeze in a trip to Folly Beach, which is surrounded by butterflies instead of seagulls.

(it was baking hot but worth the detour to see Morris Island lighthouse!)

Built in 1876, the lighthouse was originally 1,200 feet (around 370 m) from the water’s edge. Now, following rapid shore erosion, building currents, and its participation in all of Charleston’s rich history, from the Civil War to Hurricane Hugo, you can see that the lighthouse is far out at sea.

We spent a considerable amount of our time working through our list of restaurants in Charleston.

Here are some of my favorites places to eat & drink in Charleston (and there are many!):

• Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – self-explanatory, but see above for the breakfast biscuit!
• Butcher & Bee – perfect little salads for a picnic at the beach
• Leon’s Oyster Shop – there is a reason this is on all the “Best New” lists – the freshest oysters, sumptuous fried chicken, and a beautifully designed space
• FIG  – sit at the communal table, make new friends, and have the amberjack, the crab linguine and a strong drink
• St. Alban  – a French 30’s throwback cafe with a lovely atmosphere
• Edmund’s Oast  – an impressive brewery/gastropub in N Charleston, serving inspired seasonal fare & peach (!) beer
• Husk – a classic for a reason and worth the trip for the bread & pork and honey butter alone, though you should also have the pigs’ ears and the fried rice
• Sugar Bakeshop – for those with a serious sweet tooth. I had a muscadine cupcake followed by lots of iced tea!