My 2019 Charleston Travel Diary

As I'm sure you know by now if you've been following for a while, Charleston is my favorite city. I was able to get away for a visit to the Holy City a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to share some new recommendations with you all! If you haven't been, add Charleston to your must-visit list immediately!

This trip was super relaxed and low key, but no matter the length of time I always want more days in Charleston. It's the most charming city with such a small town feel. Every time I visit I leave with this urge to pack up immediately and move. It feels like a place that you could settle into easily and be constantly busy with fun events. Obviously you didn't come here today to read a post dedicated to me convincing myself to move, right? Scroll on for photos from the week and some recommendations for your own visit to Charleston!

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I have wanted to stay at The Mills House for years and we scored a great deal on our room that couldn't be beat. I cannot say enough great things about this hotel - the staff, the accommodations - everything was perfect! Not to mention the perfect photo opportunities around the property!

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Snacks & drinks at The Mills House

Waffles at Eli's Table

The Charleston food scene cannot be beat. You could pop into just about any restaurant and get a great meal. This trip was no different than any one before - the only downside is there just isn't enough time to eat at every place on your list! Here are the spots that we hit this time:

The Barbadoes Room at The Mills House: I'm pretty sure we ate the truffle popcorn every day. It's that good!

Toast: This spot was just a short walk down the street from our hotel and didn't disappoint for a traditional southern breakfast.

Eli's Table: We did breakfast and dinner here and if it wasn't for wanting a little variety, we would've visited this spot more than twice. The mac & cheese cannot be missed at dinner and the beignets and waffles make a perfect indulgent breakfast.

Obstinate Daughter: Hands down our favorite restaurant! I've been going to the Obstinate Daughter for years on every visit to CHS and it never disappoints. It's a short drive from downtown over to Sullivan's Island.

Lost Dog Cafe: We popped over to Folly Beach one morning for sunrise (totally worth losing sleep!), and then had breakfast afterward at Lost Dog. It's such a great spot right in the heart of Folly.

Page's Okra Grill: This was my first time at Page's and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is great - we ended up eating at the bar outside because it was a surprisingly mild night in Charleston. The chicken and waffles were outstanding! I cleaned my plate.

Poogan's Porch: This CHS institution is right behind the Mills House. So, our last morning we decided to try it out. Again, zero complaints. Probably the best fired chicken I've ever eaten and the stuffed French toast was delicious.

I'm always on the lookout for great places to get drinks and treats in the middle of the day or late at night. These are a few spots that I've found around the city that I love.

Rise Coffee Bar: I stopped in here for mint iced tea.

Jeni's Ice Cream: We made a late night ice cream run - try the Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam flavor!

Ice & Pan: We stopped here just before heading out of town for one of their delicious smoothies.

Fresh lemonade at the Charleston City Market: This is always a treat on a scorching summer day - cash only!

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Dinner at Obstinate Daughter

Exploring the streets and taking photos of every window box

I love this mural inside Ice & Pan

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A trip to Charleston is never complete without a visit to Rainbow Row

Swimsuit life is the life for me

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Inside Cannonborough Collective

You're always going to hear people talk about the shopping in Charleston. It will drain your bank account! Here are my shopping recommendations:

King Street: If it's your first time visiting Charleston, you definitely don't want to miss all the shops on King Street. But do this strategically. I recommend not wasting your time on the chain stores and hitting up all the local shops and boutiques instead!

Maris Dehart: This amazing boutique is near the Pineapple Fountain and a must-visit. The prices are what you expect from a boutique, but definitely reasonable. Not to mention it's beautifully styled and the owner's mom was working the day I was there, and she was precious!

Candy Shop Vintage: One of the most unique shops in Charleston. I stopped in to admire all their gorgeous vintage pieces (hello, Chanel) and to pick up a Charleston Rice Bead bracelet and initial charm.

Cannonborough Collective: Another unique shop right down the street from Candy Shop. It's a balloon and gift shop, and if you don't go home without buying something I question your love of adorable things. They stock items from local Charleston entrepreneurs that you will not want to miss!

The Charleston City Market: A can't-miss shopping experience! The market stretches through downtown and is bursting with local artisans and shops!

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I hope you enjoyed the recap of my trip! If you ever have questions about a visit to Charleston I'm always up to chat - shoot me an email! You can also see more of the trip over on my instagram feed and my CHS '19 story highlight!

Happy Friday, friends! xo, Julie