Plan My Trip: Charleston

antebellum-mansion-92307-sw.jpgOk gang, it’s time again for another round of Plan My Trip. I’m doing the drive down to Charleston, South Carolina this weekend to see family, and it’s my first time visiting the fine city.

Now, I have to admit I’ve been briefed by Andrew Nelson, our contributing writer, who wrote the Insider’s Charleston piece for the magazine a few years ago. And I’ve got some great suggestions thanks to the help of reader Currie, who submitted her I Heart My City entry for the city. (She also gave one of my favorite responses to our “What celebrity would your city be?” question: “It’d be Andie MacDowell, well-mannered and sophisticated, as well as Southern and sultry.”)

But I’m positive there’s more. Tell me, as I have a long drive ahead of me, and plenty of time to get excited.

Read More: Readers tell the editors where to go in past Plan My Trip! entries.

Photo: Bob Sacha for National Geographic Traveler

Comments

  1. David
    September 4, 2009, 12:58 pm

    I have been to Charleston once.Its really beautiful.There are lot of historical sites to see. I would suggest touring downtown and the the Battery, walking waterfront park. Near waterfront park you can see the aquarium and take a ferry boat to fort sumter where the first shots of the civil war rang out.Have a great time!Charleston South Carolina

  2. Camels & Chocolate
    September 4, 2009, 6:09 pm

    I will say where NOT to go is Hominy Grille…I’m a born-and-bred Southerner, though I have lived all over the map these past seven years, and have heard so much about the “fine institution” for much of my life. So my fiance and I were out that way visiting last month and popped in for brunch. And it was…blah. At best. Considering you’ve lived in NYC/DC, I’d say you’ve had better.
    The Peninsula Grill, however, is divine, as is Circa 1886 at the Wentworth Mansion. Also, the cupcakes at Cupcake (clever name, huh?) near the CoC campus are heavenly.
    If you have any way to get out to Morris Island (only accessible by boat), I would recommend that. And Folly Beach is one of my favorites.

  3. gleopatra
    September 5, 2009, 4:47 pm

    very nice, I love it there.
    leblogdegleopatra.blogspot.com

  4. Emily
    September 8, 2009, 5:12 am

    Just walking the grounds of Drayton Hall will make you feel like a Southern belle.
    http://www.draytonhall.org/

  5. Frank
    September 8, 2009, 9:38 am

    Make sure to have lunch at Justeen’s Kitchen but get there early! Great southern comfort food and the pecan pie is out of this world.

  6. Robert
    September 8, 2009, 4:02 pm

    For sure have breakfest at charelston place, the Kona coffee is to die for.
    For sure have dinner at Hank’s. The best in a very tough seafood town.
    Do check out both rooftop bars (One is above Market pavilion and the other is in the french quater).
    If you are out at the beach stop in at Poe’s for a beer, just a cool place.

  7. Karin
    September 10, 2009, 9:24 am

    Not Justeen’s, it’s Jestine’s! Brilliant place – agree about the pecan pie! 251 Meeting St is the address.
    If you need somewhere to stay I can certainly recommend the Indigo. Central, stylish, extremely nice staff.
    Enjoy your trip!