Embarking on our long-awaited journey to Charleston during this Thanksgiving break, we seized the opportunity to explore the city since we were en route to Virginia to bring Carabelle to spend time with her dad. Typically, I am meticulous about planning our excursions, ensuring a well-organized itinerary with activities and dining reservations neatly arranged. However, this time around, I must confess, I goofed!
Despite my slight mishap, we had received recommendations on where to stay in Charleston, and we couldn’t have chosen a better location. The Charleston Place nestled in the heart of everything, welcomed us with its grandeur and breathtaking ambiance. Personally, I was delighted by the environmentally conscious use of metal water bottles instead of plastic. Our room, however, with its two double beds, didn’t quite contribute to a restful night’s sleep.
So, what did we do in Charleston with our picky-eating tween 11-year-old? Here’s a detailed breakdown of our itinerary, sprinkled with personal notes and recommendations.
Charleston, South Carlina Itinerary
DAY 1:
Checked in at Charleston Place
DAY 2:
Breakfast at Palmetto Cafe
Our server at Palmetto Cafe was not only friendly but also highly attentive. I opted for the refreshing combination of yogurt and fruit, Carabelle indulged in a chocolate croissant, and David, in a twist of fate, chose the Blue Plate Special with egg whites, potatoes, and turkey bacon (later realizing his aversion to turkey bacon). The highlight of our meal? The irresistible house-whipped butter, especially enjoyed by David with his toast. Carabelle, in fact, ordered an extra round of toast just to savor this delectable spread.
Post-breakfast, we embarked on a leisurely exploration of the city on foot. Our itinerary included visits to Riley Waterfront Park, a dip of our feet in the Pineapple Fountain, Christmas ornament shopping at A Christmas to Remember, lunch at The Habit, a stroll along the waterfront to Rainbow Row and The Battery Park, and meandering through the alleys in the French Quarter. Afterward, we returned to our room for a quick nap before dinner.
Bra Shopping at Soma:
A lifesaver moment occurred when we realized I had forgotten to pack any bras, and Soma in the hotel lobby came to the rescue.
Ice Cream Treat at Market Street Sweets:
Choosing Market Street Sweets for its close proximity and our limited time, we indulged in sweet treats.
Dinner at High Cotton:
Following our morning server’s recommendation, we dined at High Cotton. I relished the Antarctic Salmon with roasted tomatillo sauce, heirloom tomatoes, and mashed potatoes, while my S.O. enjoyed a renowned steak from Halls Chophouse. Carabelle stuck to her favorite buttered noodles, and for dessert, we shared a delightful chocolate silk pie. The impeccable service from our server enhanced our overall experience.
DAY 3:
Breakfast at Palmetto Cafe
The next morning offered a weekend brunch at Palmetto Cafe with a limited menu. I ordered the acai bowl, David convinced the waiter to prepare his blue plate special from the previous day, and Carabelle created her breakfast masterpiece from the buffet, consisting of carbs, sugar, and macarons.
After breakfast, we embarked on a walk to the South Carolina Aquarium. Although a bit off the beaten path, it proved to be a fun destination, with highlights including a resident eagle and the joy of feeding stingrays.
Lunch Dilemma at 82 Queen:
We faced a challenge finding a suitable lunch spot and settled for brunch at 82 Queen, mistakenly thinking they served lunch. The food was decent, but not substantial enough for a meal. I ordered the tomato pie that was accompanied with a side salad, Carabelle, unable to finish her overly sweet yogurt, shared my salad and David ordered a chef salad.
Afternoon Treat and Coffee at The Black Door Cafe:
Desiring a midday treat, we visited The Black Door Cafe for apple fritters larger than our heads, saltwater taffy for Carabelle, and coffee with a chocolate chip cookie for me.
Pre-booked Carriage Ride with Palmetto Carriage Works:
The afternoon featured a pre-booked carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works, providing us with a fantastic route curated by the city of Charleston. Our driver’s humor and knowledge added to the enjoyment as we explored historic streets and buildings.
Downtime at the Hotel:
Returning to the hotel, we indulged in relaxation in the hot tub and pool.
Dinner Dilemma at Eli’s Table:
Dinner posed a dilemma, and after contemplating pizza in the room, we settled for Eli’s Table—the only available option accommodating our diverse preferences. Unfortunately, the night ended with us going to bed hungry, as the food was subpar, portions were small, and my risotto proved excessively oily and salty. They even managed to get Carabelle’s order of buttered noodles wrong, including an unwelcome addition of garlic.
DAY 4:
Breakfast Dilemma and Departure
Breakfast Dilemma at Another Broken Egg Cafe:
Attempting breakfast again at Palmetto Cafe, we hesitated due to the limited menu and hefty buffet price. Opting for Another Broken Egg Cafe across the street, we faced a wait for food. Conversations with nearby diners prompted us to abandon the wait, and we ended up back at the hotel for a quick-serve cafe experience—$50 later, we had a croissant, what we thought was a ham and cheese croissant, and two vegan chia cups with fruit. However, the chia cup was not to David’s liking, and after a sandwich mishap involving salmon instead of ham, we concluded that Charleston was perhaps signaling us to depart.
Early Checkout and Conclusion:
Checked out early, we bid Charleston farewell, wrapping up our Thanksgiving adventure filled with diverse experiences—from exploring charming corners to navigating culinary challenges. Despite the initial slip-up, the trip unfolded into a memorable escapade that we will cherish for years to come.ll portions and unsatisfactory food.