Celebrating our 1 Year Anniversary

Can't believe it's been 1 year since our wedding. We thought of no better place to celebrate our anniversary than Charleston, SC. It was my first visit and Bobby's second. Charleston is a southern town like no other. They say that people who grew up in the New England/Mid Atlantic area who then move to Charleston adapt very easily to the Charleston lifestyle and I can see why. It's the only place in the South, thus far, where I thought "I could definitely live here".

The Spectator

Bobby and I used our reward points to get free flights so we decided to splurge on the hotel. The Spectator: This was one of the hotels I actually had on my bucket list (yes, never too young to have one!). It's one of the best in the world and I'm telling you, it really holds up to its reputation. The Spectator is a small boutique hotel with a very personalized atmosphere. The moment you walk in... you feel comfortable and at home. You are blown away by the classic decor. I've been fortunate to have stayed at a Four Season and Ritz Carlton... but there was something about this hotel that exceeded even that standard of excellence. Maybe it's all the little details like special in-room treats and snacks, greeting you by name, creating your signature cocktail,... All of that comes at a price that's absolutely warranted. If you feel like splurging, I highly recommend this hotel. It is worth it.

The Sights

The architecture alone, is worth a visit. I have never been to a city, in the States, that has maintained its historic presence as much as this city has. A lot of the buildings were built in the 1600s... let me state that again, 1600s!!! That's even hard to find up in Boston. The architecture is what made me fall in love with this city. I have such an appreciation for places that respect and preserve their history rather than replacing it.

Eating our way through Charleston

THE FOOD. I don't even know where to begin... when Bobby and I travel, food plays a BIG role. I plan a itinerary for our trips around the places we eat (not joking). I make reservations at the best places in town, weeks before the trip to make sure we eat where we want to and experience the best restaurants. Yes, we are foodies. That being said, the food in Charleston was out of this world.

I listed below our trip itinerary to give you all an idea of how we travel and plan our trips + it list (and linked to) all the restaurants we recommend in Charleston. This itinerary is somewhat detailed and y'all may think I'm OCD... but I like to have a plan (we don't always stick to it) and I like to be prepared. I never want to feel like I missed out on something when I travel! I highly recommend doing research before you visit a new place so that you make sure you see everything that is important to you. Also, planning it out before hand makes your trip easier. We always want to make the best of our trips and take advantage of the time we have together.

Itinerary

NOVEMBER 12:

Depart BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, MD (BWI) on Southwest Airlines at 08:40 AM
Arrive in CHARLESTON, SC (CHS) at 10:30 AM (25 Minute drive from Airport to Hotel)
ARRIVE to Hotel 1130-1230 (check in)
1:00PM Lunch @ Slightly North of Broad (3 Minute walk)
3:00PM– 5:00PM Explore Charleston City Market (2 Minute walk)
After the Market head back to the hotel (2 Minute walk), relax, get ready for the evening!
6:30PM Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Spectator Bar
7:45PM Dinner @ Hanks’s Seafood (3 Minute walk)
Explore the city at night!

NOVEMBER 13:

8:00AM Room Service Coffee & Get ready for the day (wear comfortable shoes, tons of walking)
10:00-12:00PM Explore King Street (shopping, etc. Walking about 1 Mile)
12:00PM BRUNCH @ The Darling Oyster Bar (along King Street)
2:00PM Stop off at The Spectator (drop off any shopping bags; 20 Minute walk back to hotel)
3:00PM Walk down King Street (opposite direction) to Explore The Battery
(White Point Garden; 18 min walk along the water)
5:00PM Walk back to The Spectator (rest, relax, get ready for the evening!)
7:00PM Dinner @ The Historic McCrady’s Tavern (5 Minute walk)
Explore the city at night!

NOVEMBER 14:

10:00AM Pick up Breakfast / Explore Rainbow Row (8 Minute walk)
(ARRIVE AT 11:45) 12:00PM-12:45 Charleston Distilling Co. Tasting Tour (20 Minute walk or Taxi)
Head back to Hotel to Prepare for Photos/RELAX
4:15PM Meet with Billie Jo & Jeremy @ The Spectator
415–530PM Anniversary Session
6:30PM Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Spectator Bar
8:00PM (the only time available) Dinner @ Magnolias

NOVEMBER 15:

Sleep in, pack, grab breakfast! (Up in the air)
12:15 Leave for Airport (25 Minute drive)
Depart CHARLESTON, SC (CHS) on Southwest Airlines at 2:45 PM
Arrive in BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, MD (BWI) at 4:10 PM

Capturing the Moment

I decided to hire photographers for a mini photo session of Bobby and I in Charleston. I found Billie Jo and Jeremy! They are extremely talented husband and wife team that capture the best moments. I highly recommend using them if you are in the area or they do travel as well! Here are a few from our session with them!