Tag: West Ashley Page 1 of 2

West Ashley is the area west of the Ashley River, as the name implies. While other parts of Charleston have a tendency to stereotype it and its demographics, there are some awesome neighborhoods here, the most famous being Avondale. There are some well-regarded restaurants scattered throughout the area, as well as decent hotels.

38 of the Best Hotels in Charleston, SC

By chpearson

On March 7, 2023

In Historic Charleston, Weekend Getaways in the South

Struggling to narrow down your hotel options in Charleston, SC?

We’ve sifted through dozens of hotels and narrowed it down to the best ones in Charleston. These hotels offer just the right combination of amenities and great locations to stand out from the competition.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an affordable option close to everything, we can help find you a hotel that meets your needs.

With so many lodging options, the choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This article is here to help you make a decision and feel more confident about your travels. Find what works best for your budget and preferences with our helpful guide! It offers detailed reviews of each hotel along with insider tips on making the most out of your stay in Charleston.

Check out our list now and pick one of these great hotels to enjoy some true Southern hospitality! And afterward, keep reading for more insider tips about visiting Charleston SC!

house at magnolia plantation and gardens

Why You Need to Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

By chpearson

On January 25, 2023

In Things to Do in Charleston SC, Uncategorized

Some would argue that Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, SC, is a tourist trap.

And maybe it is.

But it’s still worth a visit.

One of the oldest plantations in the country, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was founded in 1676 by Thomas and Ann Drayton. And 15 generations later, their descendants, the Drayton family, still own the plantation. This beautiful and extensive plantation was the site of many firsts in Charleston, and the country, over the centuries. As such, it should be at the top of your list when visiting Charleston, South Carolina. While the history of the plantation is fascinating, the gardens are world-renowned and worth a visit in their own right.

one of several gorgeous plantations in charleston sc

Which Charleston Plantations Do You Need to See?

By chpearson

On January 2, 2023

In Historic Charleston, Things to Do in Charleston SC, Uncategorized

It’s easy to forget there are even more activities just beyond downtown Charleston. But there are plenty of fun things to do near Charleston during your visit. A top recommendation are the beautiful plantations in Charleston, SC.

Each of the plantations in Charleston, SC, are famous in their own right, whether you easily recognize their names or not. Magnolia Plantation, Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall all merit a visit. Lump several together and you’ve got yourself a few options for day trips from Charleston, SC.

What You Need to Know About Drayton Hall

By chpearson

On January 2, 2023

In Historic Charleston, Things to Do in Charleston SC

Nationally, Drayton Hall makes people think of bedroom furniture, not Drayton Hall plantation.

But here in Charleston (and in preservationist circles), it’s different:

Drayton Hall Plantation is a beautiful and well-preserved historic site.

This eighteenth-century plantation sits 12 miles northwest of historic downtown Charleston. It overlooks the Ashley River in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

This West Ashley plantation is a perfect example of Georgian Palladian architecture. And it has the honor or being one of only three plantations near Charleston to survive both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars.

look over a map of charleston, like the metal one at waterfront park, before thinking of moving to charleston sc

Thinking of Moving to Charleston, SC? 23 Things No One Tells You

By chpearson

On July 17, 2018

In Charleston SC Community, Historic Charleston, Things to Do in Charleston SC

Are you thinking of moving to Charleston, SC?

So is everyone else, it feels like.

In fact, 28 people move to the three counties of the Charleston metro region every day.

Now that it’s on the map, it didn’t take long for Charleston to become the largest city in South Carolina, with 153,040 people as of 2023.

Plenty of articles and people (especially real estate agents) will list all kinds of fantastic qualities of the experience of moving to Charleston.

An abridged list includes:

The beaches
The history
The friendly people
The world-class food scene
The beauty of Lowcountry nature and abundance of outdoor activities
Beautiful weather (especially compared to the Northeast and Midwest)

And there’s no question these are all huge selling points for living in Charleston.

But there are a few things I, as someone who was previously thinking about moving to Charleston before picking up and settling here, would have appreciated knowing beforehand.

Top 20 Charleston Travel Tips and Tricks to Know Before You Visit

By chpearson

On April 3, 2018

In Charleston SC Community, Historic Charleston, Restaurants in Charleston SC, Things to Do in Charleston SC, Weekend Getaways in the South

charleston travel tips include visiting the hidden gem that is the angel oak on johns island of charleston sc

The Angel Oak tree is bigger than you’ll expect, and a hidden gem on Johns Island

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the best places I’ve lived. And I spent years bouncing around like a tumbleweed. As of last year, Charleston, SC, is where I have lived the longest since I lived at my parents’ full-time in high school.

Like a lot of other people that live here, I visited a couple times, loved it, and decided to move here. The steady influx of outsiders has changed the traditional delineation of Charleston society between locals and outsiders, or people “from off”.

There are still some Charleston travel tips and tricks to know before you step foot here to help you blend-in. Follow the below (and be conscientious) and you’ll avoid being one of those tourists that people here hate.

A Hipster’s Guide to Biking in Charleston, SC

By chpearson

On March 7, 2018

In Things to Do in Charleston SC, Weekend Getaways in the South

I had a tenuous relationship with bicycles for most of my life.

Fortunately, my views on biking has changed a lot in the intervening years. Today, between friends who enjoy biking in Charleston, SC, and my own experiences, I can give some insight into the cycling scene here.

24 of the Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC, with Kids

By chpearson

On December 10, 2017

In Historic Charleston, Restaurants in Charleston SC, Things to Do in Charleston SC

Can I be totally honest with you?

There is no more effective birth control in the world than traveling with kids (except babysitting).

Family-friendly vacations often don’t seem too friendly to all family members.

It’s a familiar story and it usually goes like this:

Rigid schedules
Finding places to eat with chicken nuggets
Fears of them having a melt-down in public

We’ve all been there:

This list came to be from dragging families with young children around Charleston, in fact.

But good news:

Traveling to Charleston can be pretty breezy with tykes in tow. Lucky for you there are plenty of fun things to do in Charleston, SC, with kids. Here’s a list of this writer’s favorite fun things for kids to do in Charleston, South Carolina, spoken from experience.

there are some fantastic burgers here, the hallmark of one of the best casual restaurants in charleston sc

15 of the Most Delicious Casual Restaurants in Charleston, SC

By chpearson

On October 7, 2017

In Historic Charleston, Restaurants in Charleston SC, Things to Do in Charleston SC

Reviewing restaurants get old: all mentions of hamburgers gets old, regardless of how many restaurants serve it. I prefer writing about tourist attractions and the other best things to do in Charleston, SC. But I do love to eat, and feel that I’m a fairly decent restaurant critique, just like everyone else in the world it seems. But that’s neither here nor there. I’m not sure how long this review of casual restaurants in Charleston, SC, is going to take, but hopefully it won’t feel like pulling teeth.

10 of the Best Rooftop Restaurants in Charleston, SC, by View

By chpearson

On September 26, 2017

In Historic Charleston, Restaurants in Charleston SC, Things to Do in Charleston SC, Weekend Getaways in the South

Charleston is full of so many great restaurants to suit any palate. Amongst all the different cuisines and foods available, it’s also home to a unique dining experience; rooftop restaurants.