Top 5 Things To Do in Charleston, South Carolina in the Winter
Rainbow Row, Charleston, SC
Top 5 Things To Do in Charleston, South Carolina
(Winter Edition)
If you were able to read the blog post right before this one, you’d already know that Lucas and I spent a few days driving along the east coast: from Charleston, South Carolina back home to Massachusetts!
Although our trip was a bit last minute (thanks to military time!), I was still SO excited to spend a couple days in Charleston, SC, which has been on my bucket list for quite some time! Lucas and I left the city feeling excited to come right back!
Charleston, SC is definitely known to most as a summertime destination, but the off-season can still allow for plenty of sunshine and less crowds. Besides, the definition of “cold” varies person-to-person, so the 50s in February was actually quite warm for us New Englanders! ;)
While there is plenty to do in and near Charleston where you can easily fill up an entire week, here’s how you can spend a day in Charleston, SC (including our top 5 things!) in the winter time:
1. Breakfast at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
Y.U.M. Let me say that I’m honestly still dreaming about these biscuits. Not only were they fresh and warm, but there’s also a ton of flavors to choose from! We each ordered the Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwiches — with pimento cheese! If you know, you know — and we also chose a trio sampler, which came with three assorted and smaller biscuits: cinnamon, blackberry, and sharp cheddar.
To wash it all down, we selected fresh lemonade and orange juice, but they also offered warm drinks as well. It was an amazing breakfast! So amazing that we left feeling pretty sad that we didn’t have biscuits like that in Boston… luckily… you can order them right to your door on their website here. ;)
2. Explore the Charleston City Market
We purposely chose to have breakfast at the Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit location that’s found at the Charleston City Market (they have another location on King Street!). That way, we could spend the morning wandering through the vendor stalls.
The City Market was a definite must-see when we were spending time in Charleston. It practically took up four city blocks of downtown Charleston, and was filled with wonderful vendors of all kinds - basket weaving, jewelry, apparel, jams, honey, you name it!
There were also plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and other treats along the streets surrounding the market. We ended up stopping by Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, which ended up being more than just a coffee to keep our hands warm! Every inch of their coffee shop was filled with positive energy and inclusivity. Their brand has created pathways for people with disabilities - changing the way people see other people. If you’re ever in the area (or near any Bitty & Beau’s Coffee location), be sure to stop by!
3. Snap a Photo at Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row was on my bucket list for years, so I was thrilled to finally be able to cross it off my list! I snapped my fair share of pictures, but photos do not do this place justice! If you aren’t familiar with Rainbow Row, it’s a series of 14 colorful historic row houses on East Bay Street, all painted bright pastel colors.
We were told that tourists flocked to this destination, and it was almost impossible to get pictures without other tourists in the background. If you’re looking for a time without the crowds, Sunday morning in February was apparently the most ideal time! With the exception of one other couple taking pictures, it was just us!
4. Shop + Dine on King Street
King Street wins my “Most Aesthetic Street” award so far… I mean, the palmetto trees that lined it were beautiful, and the buildings and shops were filled with SO much charm! The Design District was on Upper King, the Fashion District was in the middle, and the Antique District was on Lower King.
We spent an afternoon weaving in and out of different stores, trying our best to resist from buying all the treasures. What we could not resist though was dinner!
We wandered down an alley (just off of King Street) and found a seafood restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle of King Street called, Coast Bar & Grill. I chose a delicious plate of ceviche to start and shrimp and grits as my main course!
TIP: If you decide to visit Charleston on the weekend, advanced dinner reservations are your best friend (EVEN in the winter)!!
5. Walk Along the Beach
And last, but certainly not least… the beaches! Charleston is especially known for its coastal views and amazing sandy beaches! Beaches… in the winter? Although some winter days make for brisk wind that may deter you from the beaches (like us haha), it still might be worth a photo op, or a quick meal at a restaurant along the shore.
Some of Charleston’s most popular beaches include: Folly Beach, Sullivan Island, Isle of Palms, and many more. While you’re on your way to the shore, don’t forget to also check out the very photographed Pineapple Fountain found at Charleston Waterfront Park!
Annnd that’s a wrap!
Charleston, South Carolina has so much to offer all-year-round! “Warm weather” is relative, especially depending on where you’re traveling from. If you’re hoping for a charming Charleston weekend without the crazy bachelorette parties and crowds, the off-season just might be the ideal way to go. Hopefully this blog post inspires your next Charleston adventure (even if it’s in the winter)!
There’s still so much more to explore in Charleston beyond what I’ve listed above (and we already can’t wait to return in the warmer months!), but these 5 Things To Do will make for a fantastic day trip to Charleston, South Carolina in the winter time.
Make it an adventure worth sharing about!
'Til the next one,
Gen
