Charleston in the spring is glory to behold. Flowers are blooming, the weather is warm, dining outdoors is heaven at night, and you get to experience the lowcountry at its best. We took a family trip the first weekend in May. It was a mixed bag of good and bad experiences, but wouldn't trade it for anything.
I first want to say something about customer service. We've been visiting Charleston for over 33 years and the majority of those visits have been wonderful, however, the start of this particular trip was a disaster. I never post negative things because that isn't what this blog is about, but sometimes it's necessary. I reserved our stay in plenty of time. We arrived and the historic district hotel informed us that there was not a room for us. They'd overbooked. They showed no desire in the beginning to help us whatsoever. I seated my mother and aunt in the lobby and proceeded to pace their outside entrance for 2 1/2 hours trying to find us a room. I watched people entering and leaving for weddings, dinner, and graduations. Clearly the hotel overbooked. They claimed to have informed the booking service I used, but the service when notified said they had not received it. The hotel staff came out periodically to check on me and gave me a couple options. I always specifically book in the historic district so we can walk easily to venues. I had 2 ladies in their 70's with me. Good thing I'm from SC and know Charleston so I found us a place to stay. Nowhere near as nice but it was a roof for 2 days. I won't say the name of the hotel but you can find them at 560 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina.
Now for the good parts of our trip. The first dinner for us is as always Hyman's Seafood on Meeting Street. Usually, it is a long wait but the restaurant will come out with hushpuppies or a treat to make it pleasant. Due to the pandemic, they are offering sidewalk tables which were fun. We got to people watch and enjoy the warm weather. Customer service is wonderful here and has never faltered in 3 decades. An owner greets your table each and every time. They visit every table. Now, that is customer service! The food is very good and I love their oyster po'boy. They also have a general store next door, and I buy gifts for family and friends there on most visits.
After our delicious dinner, we strolled through Charleston Place next door. If you haven't been, it's a gorgeous property with marble flooring, high-end stores, an amazing crystal chandelier, a grand staircase, and it's central to everything in the Market district. I stayed at the hotel during the 1990s for business and the aesthetics of it still stand the test of time.
On Saturday, we ate brunch at the famous Poogan's Porch restaurant on Queen Street. I had the best mimosas I think I've ever had. Poogan's is a 2-story 1800″s house famous for it's menu and the ghosts that haunt it. In the upstairs bathroom, a lady in centuries-old dress might appear behind you. I've been twice and have yet to see her but I remain hopeful. The restaurant's namesake is a local pooch long since gone who is said to brush against guests' legs. One day perhaps this will happen to me.
Charleston City Market was our next stop after brunch. If you go to Charleston, you have to shop the market. It was lightly busy due to the pandemic circumstances so it made it easier to shop. The vendors are fun to talk to and more than willing to answer any questions you have.
Our final destination was Sullivan's Island where we walked to the beach and shopped at Poe's Tavern. I discovered the tavern by accident on spring break 2 years ago. You know with that name I had to go in! They were jammed packed on Saturday with a fundraiser for a local election so we ran in so I could pick up a teeshirt. their known for their burgers and fish tacos. The entire venue is decorated with Poe and menu items are named after his work: Gold Bug, Black Cat, Pit and the Pendulum, etc.
It was a memorable trip for us as a trio of daughter, mom, and aunt. Had a few hiccups but gained a wonderful trip with each other.
You might enjoy our other posts about Charleston
Charleston's Restaurant Revival is Delicious and Romantic
Pounce Cat Cafe Needs your Help
Where we Stay
