Choose Charleston

A September 2006 trip to Charleston by elusivone

Quote: After the family trip to Myrtle Beach, this was a perfect way to get some relaxing sight-seeing in before heading home.

Choose Charleston

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Overview

Quote:

If you're looking for an elegant yet casual getaway, check out Charleston. It may sound like a bit of an oxymoron but it's so true. The city is teeming with sophistication yet everyone is laid back and ready for a nice time.The restaurants are incredible (not the 'chainy' ones along Market, mind you). The weather just after Labor Day this year impeccable. And the hospitality unique to the region.Downtown is easily walkable, and I highly recommend walking as much as you can so you can see the architecture up close. The residential district is amazing—especially at night when the gaslights are burning on many homes.People are ultra-friendly and kind enough to ask you to joi...Read More

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Governor's House Inn

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Hotel | "The Governor's House Inn"

Quote:

The Governor's House Inn is the epitome of what a small inn should be: courteous, caring, helpful, and comfortable. I couldn't have asked for a better place to enjoy while visiting Charleston. I cannot imagine any place better to stay.

With 11 rooms, the Inn is small enough to make you feel at home yet large enough to allow you the freedom of privacy. Each room has a theme; unfortunately I didn't tour the empty rooms. But my room was simply perfect.

The St. Michael's Room is on the third floor and has two gabled windows: one looks out onto the St. Michael's steeple. It's decorated in warm yellow tones with dark plank flooring. The room is extremely spacious, with a wonderfully comfortable queen sized bed, wing chairs, built-in bench seat and desk, a writing desk, and a small table with a like-sized television. I had plenty of room to lay on the floor and stretch, sit, and read.

Each room has it's own bath/shower. My room had plenty of space to get ready; I think two people would be well off. Outside the bathroom is a dresser and closet. The room was in little need of space!

The house itself is decorated invitingly. It's easy to find a seat to wile away time reading or napping. The veranda is great for winding down at the end of a long day of sight-seeing.

The staff are simply your hosts trying to make you feel at home. All are sincerely accommodating, and will help you plan your day, make reservations, or bring breakfast to your room. I've never stayed anywhere I felt like more than a room number.

If you're on a diet, throw it to the wind as the breakfasts are delectable! Their brochures state a "Southern Continental Breakfast" which means a quiche, strata, or french toast casserole; each served with coffee, fresh fruit, and juice. The hosts are happy to give you their recipes, by the way. In the late afternoon they have tea and assorted pastries out. At this time the hosts set out a selection of local menus for guests to peruse and possibly make reservations at. VERY helpful! Finally, they offer 'free-pour' sherry in the parlour, which is a tasty treat at the end of the day.

Rates are worth it for what you'd get. I was able to get a great rate by calling for a reservation off-peak and within 3 weeks of arrival. Even if you can't get a discounted rate, I highly recommend trying to stay here for even a night. It's an experience in and of itself! Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Governor's House Inn
117 Broad St.
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
(800) 720-9812

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Slightly North of Broad

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Restaurant

Quote:

http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/snob/index.htmlMmmmmmmmmmm. My first meal in Charleston could NOT be beat! SNOB—as the locals call it—was recommended to me by one of the hosts of my inn, The Governor's House, and what a fabulous experience I had. As I was travelling alone, I decided not to make reservations; I was told there was a "Chef's Table" that often is available for solo diners so I took the chance. I was fortunate! Though the view at this table is interesting, you do miss out on the elegance of the rest of the restaurant, as you're facing into the kitchen. However, the table is one-sided and laden with books and magazines about the local area.I'd never had...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Slightly North of Broad
194 East Bay St.
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
(843) 723-3424

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Carolina's

Restaurant

Quote:

http://www.crewcarolina.com/For my second dinner meal, the owner of the Inn recommended Carolina's for a glass of wine and crab cakes at the bar, as I was trying to save a little money on food. Though I ended up spending just as much as I didn't want to (my fault for ordering two tapas and tipping well!), I enjoyed my visit. Since the power at the Inn had gone out, the hostess called around to restaurants for the guests to find out who had power. Once she settled on Carolina's for me she instructed the 'maitre'd' that I'd be arriving shortly.Upon arrival, I barely entered the door when I was greeted with, "care for a glass of wine and a crab cake?" which I knew ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Carolina's
10 Exchange Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
(843) 724-3800

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Middleton Place

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Attraction | "Middleton Place Plantation"

Quote:

A short drive from downtown Charleston is Middleton Place Plantation, the former home base for the Middleton family.The plantation was never a working one; instead it was kept solely for family use—anything and everything that was produced from the plantation was used by the family.There are 200 acres on one side of the road and another several thousand on the other, however your touring will be only upon the 200 acres. Still, plenty to see.As you walk amongst the lovely gardens and trails you'll see a variety of wildlife—some wren, snakes, maybe a gator, and more. You can take a 45-minute buggy tour of the grounds, tour the former residence, and visit with the artisans o...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Middleton Place
4300 Ashley River Road
Charleston, South Carolina 29414
(843) 556-6020

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Maverick Southern Kitchens: Cooking Class

Story/Tip

Quote:

http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/On my first day in Charleston I was approaching the restaurant Slightly North of Broad (SNOB to locals) when next door I saw a kitchen store with a sandwich board posted out front. Upon the board was written, "Low-Country Cooking Classes, every Wed-Sun @ 2:30pm". I thought this could be a fun way to kill some time and do something a little offbeat.On my last full day I went to "Charleston Cooks" (the name of the kitchen supply store) and enrolled in the class for the day: 90 Minutes to learn how to make BBQ Beef, Red Rice, and Banana Pudding. The course is really a demo, but so small that it's like you're in on the action. Afterwards, you get to ...Read More