When Yankees Go South

This is our last morning in Charleston and we would happily stay another few days if we could. After a crazy trip to Minneapolis Thursday/Friday and not getting home until after 1am Saturday morning because my cab driver got lost in Brooklyn (don’t ask), we were back at the airport Saturday morning by 7am. As soon as we went through security I realized I had left my headphones and Polar watch at home. It’s hard to remember everything when your head is fuzzy and you’ve had about four hours of sleep after a stressful week.

After a 2hr flight on a small plane that didn’t seem to have adequate air conditioning, we had finally arrived in Charleston and at our hotel, Charleston Place.

We conferred and agree that the Charleston Place is the second nicest hotel we’ve stayed in together. (The first being Little Dix Bay where we spent our honeymoon) The hotel is absolutely gorgeous. We booked a package through Luxury Link and are definitely enjoying our stay on the club level. Including the breakfast each morning and wine in the afternoon and evening. This isn’t how we usually roll, but we’re definitely enjoying it!

We have done more than just hang out in the hotel though! Woody’s friend and his family were able to drive down Saturday afternoon. It was great to see them, get some insider info on the area and just catch up over dinner and breakfast the next morning.

We’ve spent a lot of time walking around the city, exploring all the little streets and ally ways and imagining what it would be like to live in these amazing houses. We love the Southern charm and the history of the area is pretty incredible. One thing I’ve noticed about this city is that the people are very fit and active. Yeah, there’s a ton of Lowcountry cooking everywhere you turn, but we’ve also seen a ton of people out walking, running, biking. At least from an outsiders perspective, it seems like this is a community that really takes advantage of the great weather, walkable community and beautiful scenery. I just love seeing so many people out and about. I wish I was able to go for a run and take advantage of it myself.

Yesterday we took a drive outside of the city to visit Middleton Place, a former rice plantation about 15 miles outside of Charleston. Apparently it has America’s oldest landscaped gardens. They were beautiful, but certainly would be quite amazing in the early spring when the azaleas bloom. It was interesting to learn about the history of the plantation, but also quite sad to think about what really went into making this place what it was and is.

After exploring the plantation, we came back to the hotel and enjoyed amazing massages at the spa here at the hotel. Aaaahhhhh! Anyone know of a ‘massage of the month club’? Cause I’d like to sign up for that!

We’ve had some good meals while we’ve been here, the two best I would say have been dinner at Fleet Landing and breakfast at Eli’s Table. Unfortunately we’re not going to make it to HUSK, which we’ve heard amazing things about. Next time!

This morning we hit up the well appointed but very cramped gym and are enjoying breakfast before heading out and exploring some of the coastline before heading to the airport and back to NYC.

If you’ve never been to Charleston, I highly recommend it!

• Did you have Monday off for the MLK holiday?
• How did you spend your weekend?
• What’s your favorite Southern city?