Ana B's Guide To Charleston

A yearly trip with my best girlfriends is part of my self-care ritual. As busy working women and moms, it’s so easy to forget to take time for ourselves, but I find that these little getaways make me a better person overall! This year we decided on a relaxing trip to Charleston and I’m sharing our full itinerary so you can plan your own girls trip or get ideas for a bachelorette!

The Itinerary

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Where We Stayed

My friends and I love to stay in AirBnbs when we travel, not only because it’s usually more cost effective, but it allows us more freedom to all hang out. We love a slow morning where we can make or order breakfast and lounge in our pjs before getting ready to explore! In Charleston, we stayed in this beautiful AirBnb downtown that had us within walking distance to lots of things we wanted to see and do! With 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, there was plenty of space for our group to rest and get ready each day.

Let’s Talk Food

If you know me, you know I love good food and boy did Charleston deliver! Charleston has an amazing food scene that is perfect for all foodies. From fresh seafood and oysters to traditional Southern fare, it has something for everyone. Circe’s Grotto is a must stop for insanely good sandwiches, but get there early as there WILL be a line!It’s best to make reservations in advance to avoid a long wait for a table. For instance, Miller’s All Day is a fabulous spot, but if you don’t have a reservation you can expect a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour.

One of my favorite dinner spots was Mesu – a Mexican and sushi fusion spot that made my taste buds do a happy dance. You’ll love the Mexican street corn! Another spot you must get reservations at is 82 Queen, which is open for lunch, dinner, or brunch! The award winning she-crab soup did not disappoint and the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese is a MUST try.

Things To Do

A big draw to our trip was having a day of relaxation. We planned a spa day at Earthling Day Spa and loved the experience. I booked their Perfect Morning Package – a 3-in-1 package that included a full body scrub, massage, and facial. I truly felt so pampered and relaxed at the end of the 3 hour package. My face and body were glowing!

A trip for me is not complete without a walking food tour of the local gastronomy scene. You get to eat an assortment of amazing savories and sweets, while walking it off between each stop. A win-win in my book! Two of my favorite stops on the tour were A.W. Shucks Seafood Shack that had a seafood boil bursting with flavor and Republic Ice Cream that satisfied my sweet tooth with their creamy ice cream.

Did you really go to Charleston if you didn’t go tour Rainbow Row? These 13 brightly colored historical homes are some of the oldest homes still standing in Charleston and worth taking the time to see. Don’t forget to stop by the famous pineapple fountain for a few pictures before you leave!

Time To Shop!

I love going shopping on my trips and Charleston had so many options to choose from. Not to mention the shops themselves were so beautiful! A couple of my must stops are Uncommon James, Gorjana, and Dress Up Charleston. Uncommon James has a beautifully curated selection by Kristin Cavallari, of Laguna Beach and The Hills, that range for dainty necklaces perfect for layering to candles and skin care for pampering yourself while Gorjana features stunning solid gold jewelry and higher end fine jewelry with diamonds and other precious gems. I recommend purchasing their Laguna candle for a delicious coastal scent. Dress Up Charleston is a boutique filled with cute yet comfortably priced clothing with a range of boho tops and flowing floral dresses. I picked up a cute Charleston oversized sweatshirt there.