photos by Pale Girl Photo, taken at Zero George Street Hotel

Betty and Veronica scallop collar dress (on sale – and use code keiko10 for extra 10% off any purchase!) // Karen Walker “Starburst” sunglasses // Free People mary janes (similar // similar // super cheap version // super cheap version 2) // vintage Coach bag // theBalm Meet Matte Hughes lip color in “Committed” 

 

My friend Lauren and I recently took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina for a long weekend. Neither of us had ever been there and didn’t totally know what to expect, except for good food and pretty surroundings. Well, that’s exactly what we got! It’s such a charming place, with homes so beautiful you find yourself checking Zillow to see what it would cost to have a pastel home with a wrap around porch and flowers in your windowsill. Or maybe that’s just me? Granted, I don’t see myself moving to Charleston anytime soon, but I tend to play make believe in every town I visit. And I imagine having a beautiful, historic, pastel home in a charming town might not be so bad. But in the meantime, it is a lovely place to visit.

We stayed at Zero George Street, a boutique hotel with endless charm and history. The hotel is comprised of five residential buildings; the original carriage house and residence are circa 1804, while the other historic buildings (from the turn of the century) were picked up and moved to the property in later years. 

The porch outside our room at Zero George Street was the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee. The rooms are stocked with complimentary beverages and Nespresso machines, and they offer free wine and cheese in the evenings. Breakfast is included, and features an array of options like fresh fruit, quiche, yogurt, and biscuits from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. They offer a tasting menu (with veggie friendly options) for their restaurant dinner time, but make sure to make a reservation and leave ample time to enjoy. 

Zero George Street is so beautiful and serene, you may never want to leave, but it’s also within walking (or biking) distance from many great restaurants and shops. Some places we dined at and enjoyed: The Darling Oyster Bar (sit at the oyster bar for the best ambience!), 167 Raw (tuna burgers and lobster rolls), Magnolias (decadent brunch…pimiento cheese, crab cake and fried green tomato benedict, banana pudding stuffed french toast), Hominy Grill (Low Country cooking). Other places that were recommended (we can only eat so much!): FIG  (need reservations), Husk (I’ve eaten at their Nashville location and it’s great), The Ordinary .

Complimentary bicycles are provided for guests, and I highly recommend making use of them!  Charleston is a very bicycle friendly place, and it’s a great and relaxing way to explore. Ride your bicycle to Hominy Grill for breakfast, like we did, then take it down to Rainbow Row and ride along the water and through the gorgeous neighborhoods or to Pounce Cat Cafe and Wine Bar to play with adoptable cats! Stop by Candlefish, a cute candle shop that offers candle making classes.  Make sure to take lots of photos, because it is truly one of the most picturesque little cities.