8.25.2011

Charleston Top Ten

Hello readers!  Today I bring Student Teaching Guest Post #1!  Ashton, from Soulshine is posting her Top Ten of Charleston and I couldn't be more thrilled!  I've never been to Charleston but am dying to go!

Hey y'all! My name is Ashton.  I am the girl behind Soulshine and one of the belles over at The Belles of Saturday.  I was delighted when Allie asked me to guest post for her.  I started following her blog some months ago, and I instantly had a new friend in the blogosphere.  Allie graciously guested for me when I was in the middle of my final exams last May.  I was looking forward to the opportunity to return the favor.
I live in Charleston, SC and attend law school.  I am thankful everyday that I live in such a wonderful and charming city.  I grew up only an hour south of Charleston right outside of Beaufort, SC.  The coast is my home and I swear saltwater runs through my viens.  All my life, I have been blessed by growing up in an area rich in beauty and history alike.  Many people travel each year to get a glimpse of the Lowcountry, soak up its culture, and sit on its beaches.  For those of you planning a trip or interested in learning more about this area, I present to you the Top Ten of Charleston.
These are completely my opinion and not in the official Guide Book.
{one}
Eat at as many restaurants as possible!  
There are two cities in this world that I would love to eat my way through.  They are Rome, Italy and Charleston, SC.  Husk was just named Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurant in America.  I have eaten there, and it was beyond delicious.  A trio of restaurants line East Bay that offer diverse menus with a southern flavor.  My two personal favorites are 82 Queen and Halls Chophouse.  I am hoping to try McCrady's this year during Charleston Restaurant Week.  If you can plan your trip around restaurant week, do it!  The deals are incredible and the only way I can afford to eat at all this fabulous places.
{two}
Take a scroll along the Battery.  
You will pass the famed Rainbow Row.
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Take in the panoramic view of the harbor and admire the historic homes.
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Be sure to take a little detour to the Waterfront Park to see the pineapple {the sign of hospitality}.
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{three}
Fort Sumter.  
It is where the first shot's of the Civil War were fired.  Pure historic value.
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{four}
Beaches.  
This is a no brainer.  Each of the beaches around Charleston have a different vibe.  Folly is more of the "party" beach were most the younger crowd goes.  Sullivan's is the second "party" beach with also a family atmosphere.  Isle of Palms and Kiawah are more family oriented.  Folly and Sullivan's each have a variety of restaurants on their main drag.  Check out Rita's and Taco Boy when on Folly and stop by Poe's on Sullivan's for one of their infamous burgers.  The beach season in Charleston runs from April to October.
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{five}
Boone Hall is the picturesque Southern plantation.  From the annual oyster roast in January to strawberry picking in the Spring to pumpkin picking in the Fall, Boone Hall offers it all.  The grounds are spectacular.  To take a little of Boone Hall back with you, stop by Boone Hall Farms to buy some produce grown on the plantation.
{six}
The newly renovated historic market is the quintessential Charleston tourist spot.
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After walking through the market, enjoy a happy hour cocktail atop the Market Pavilion Hotel.  For dinner, head to Hank's for some the best seafood in the city.  I, personally, advise you to stray from Hyman's - it is over-priced and over-rated.  Purely my opinion.  There are better places.
{seven}
To slow things down and for a more relaxed atmosphere, take the short drive off the peninsula and spend some time on Shem Creek.  There are several restaurants over looking the rivah with outside dining options.  My favorite is Red's Icehouse.  Not only is the food good, but the view is incredible.
I captured this sunset from my iPhone.
Shem Creek has minimal boat traffic, so it is ideal for a kayaking or paddle boarding adventure.
{eight}
The Farmer's Market is open from the second weekend in April to the third weekend in December.  It is located in Marion Square.  Get there early to avoid the line at the Charleston Crepe Company.  I recommend the nutella, banana, & nut crepe.  Delish!  Their are local artist selling a variety of items.  My favorite vender is Scarlet Poppy.  These two artist put together stunning vintage pieces.  They will also do custom pieces, if you would like to get something converted into a necklace.  I had a brooch belonging to my late grandmother converted into a necklace.
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{nine}
Be ready to drop some serious dough.  The law school is located a stone's throw from King Street.  Dangerous.  You can get into some major trouble on King Street.  It has everything from local boutiques like Copper Penny to major retailers like J.Crew.  If you can, devote an entire day here.  Your significant other can settled down at one of the several restaurants/bars for a drink and watch ESPN.
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{ten}
Why?  Well...because it is just that majestic.
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My future husband can go ahead and propose to me there.  Just sayin'.
So who is ready to come down for a visit?!
See y'all soon!

Have a great day!!