Thanksgiving Travel: Charleston
Every year we spend Thanksgiving with our best friend who lives in Charleston, which is an amazing city and I suggest everyone spending a long weekend there and gain 15lbs. It'll be the best 15lbs you'll ever gain!
Now most years we drive the 8 or so hours to get there, but we are getting older and honestly the 8 hour hungover drive home is awful so this year we took a risk and decided to fly. I was very hesitant since Thanksgiving is known as one of the craziest travel days of the year, and was expecting the crazy lines and delays you see in the movies BUT we lucked out hard! We got a late flight, this could have been a huge reason why the crowds weren't so crazy! But enough about that shit, lets get to the food and drink!
Now if you travel to Charleston there is probably not going to be a 5k and it isn't something most people do on vacation, but this run is a tradition and is so much fun! In the spring there is a 10k bridge run with tons a food and drink along the route which I have heard is epic and a great way to get some exercise in between all the eating. I have to say Charleston knows how to put together a run cause at the end there is "free beer" ( I say that since it's included in the price of the run), this is also the only reason I actually run run the race. Beer is always a good incentive!
It starts in Marion Square and goes up King street, this is a shopper paradise! I also get a chance to see all the shops and plan the shopping route for the next day! Even if there isn't a run, if your staying down town take a morning jog downtown or even walk, there is so much to take in and it's always good to create a plan of attack if your shopping OR eating!
After the run we always hit up Meeting at Market. This sports bar is perfect to catch the football game on Thanksgiving day and their charcuterie plates are killer! They also have a great selection of local beers and amazing starters! I tried to be healthy before the big feast and went with a salad, but then the boys ordered two charcuterie plates and I had to indulge a little right!?!?! It's located in the heart of downtown and it's a seat your self establishment so get there and claim your territory cause it gets busy!
For dinner the past few years we have gone to High Cotton, located off East Bay St, a few blocks from Meeting At Market. Their bar is amazing and there is usually a jazz band playing so even if you just go for an amazing cocktail this place is a must! It is a bit pricey so if your on a budget, it maybe a drinks only stop!
I went with the Cranberry Mule and it was amazing, I totally could have drank them all night!
Their holiday menu is preset so if you go on a non-holiday evening their menu is much more extensive! I went with the Lamb , my man went with the turkey dinner cause it was Thanksgiving and all ... We also started with some oysters which in my opinion is always a good choice especially in the south on the water! They were local and delicious!
The Lamb came with this apple chutney that was amazing!
We were too full to get the dessert their, but we had picked up a pie from Saffron Grill &Bakery and it was one of the best pumpkin pies I've ever had!
The next morning I went on a run through downtown and ended up at the Battery which is along the water and is a great place to walk off all the delicious food you will no doubtlessly eat!
After my run I need my caffeine fix badly or I would soon turn into a raging psycho. So I hit up two coffee spots, cause just one cup isn't enough. I started at The Daily, they had some great local kombucha as well, it made me feel a little healthy starting my day that way !
Then I took a little trip to Kudu Coffee. I went with a chai latte and wasn't too impressed, but their croissant sandwich was amazing and their regular coffee was nice and strong! The atmosphere is nice and cozy and they have a cute patio area perfect for a relaxing coffee date!
As we drove the golf cart down King St. we spotted a Belgium waffle spot and my hubby can't pass up any opportunity for a waffle. Sadly, this could have been skipped, but you have to try new things! They weren't terrible, but not worth the calories!
If you make it out to North Charleston you should check out The Early Bird Diner! This place was just perfect for soaking up all the booze from the night before! This cozy diner had a classic breakfast, but also some southern flare dishes you should explore. I went with a simple egg breakfast with a biscuit ( YOU HAVE TO GET A BISCUIT! ) We also tried their biscuit and sausage grave, a heaver option but if your serious then dive right in! We also tried the corn cake benedict, my husband love it so clearly another good choice! Their chicken and waffles looked amazing and I would totally go with that next time!
Now if your looking for a good brewery Edmund's Oast is the place to go! Their beer selection is diverse and fun and they also make great cocktails, something I think is hard to find at a brewery. Their food is also on point, everything I've ever gotten was really good. We stuck with happy hour wings this time and the dry rub is the way to go! This is a perfect place to start a night of heavy drinking or just spend a evening going through their beer menu. It's about a 5 minute drive, if that, from down town so if your staying down town then you definitely need to uber!
As you make your way back downtown please hit up The Alley. This bowling alley/ arcade style bar restaurant is just pure joy. Whether you have kids and want a place to keep them entertained or you just want to relive your own youth this is just a cool place to go! I've never been to a place like this and we come everything time for a round of beers and some pinball. Beware you need to call a head to see how long the lane wait is cause on a Friday night it can be up to an hour since there are only about 10 or so lanes.
Our last stop before the airport was a fancier joint called The Cocktail Club off King St. This is perfect if your into mixology. A trendy vibe with good music and rooftop seating. Honestly, I remember very little aside from the sexy alcoholic library vibe of the interior, you know the kind of place that had leather seating, lots of wood and a random ladder on wheels behind the bar.
Forgot we also went to The Rarebit for some late night munchies, go with the chicken and waffles! Their drinks are good too, but I stuck with water as a hail mary to avoid the imminent hangover. Go here in the day light if you can for brunch, their food is so good!
Comment below if you like what your reading and want to see more similar posts or let me know things you'd like me to hear me review, or really, rant about! Check out my instagram izzababy9 as well!
Now most years we drive the 8 or so hours to get there, but we are getting older and honestly the 8 hour hungover drive home is awful so this year we took a risk and decided to fly. I was very hesitant since Thanksgiving is known as one of the craziest travel days of the year, and was expecting the crazy lines and delays you see in the movies BUT we lucked out hard! We got a late flight, this could have been a huge reason why the crowds weren't so crazy! But enough about that shit, lets get to the food and drink!
 |
| I had to post this cause there was literally no line at TSA and that was a first ever! |
Now if you travel to Charleston there is probably not going to be a 5k and it isn't something most people do on vacation, but this run is a tradition and is so much fun! In the spring there is a 10k bridge run with tons a food and drink along the route which I have heard is epic and a great way to get some exercise in between all the eating. I have to say Charleston knows how to put together a run cause at the end there is "free beer" ( I say that since it's included in the price of the run), this is also the only reason I actually run run the race. Beer is always a good incentive!
It starts in Marion Square and goes up King street, this is a shopper paradise! I also get a chance to see all the shops and plan the shopping route for the next day! Even if there isn't a run, if your staying down town take a morning jog downtown or even walk, there is so much to take in and it's always good to create a plan of attack if your shopping OR eating!
 |
| Marion Square |
After the run we always hit up Meeting at Market. This sports bar is perfect to catch the football game on Thanksgiving day and their charcuterie plates are killer! They also have a great selection of local beers and amazing starters! I tried to be healthy before the big feast and went with a salad, but then the boys ordered two charcuterie plates and I had to indulge a little right!?!?! It's located in the heart of downtown and it's a seat your self establishment so get there and claim your territory cause it gets busy!
 |
| I started with a Manhattan, not bad, I'd go with a local beer though! |
 |
| Their bourbon selection is also on point! |
 |
| The charcuterie plates... am I right? |
For dinner the past few years we have gone to High Cotton, located off East Bay St, a few blocks from Meeting At Market. Their bar is amazing and there is usually a jazz band playing so even if you just go for an amazing cocktail this place is a must! It is a bit pricey so if your on a budget, it maybe a drinks only stop!
I went with the Cranberry Mule and it was amazing, I totally could have drank them all night!
We were too full to get the dessert their, but we had picked up a pie from Saffron Grill &Bakery and it was one of the best pumpkin pies I've ever had!
The next morning I went on a run through downtown and ended up at the Battery which is along the water and is a great place to walk off all the delicious food you will no doubtlessly eat!
After my run I need my caffeine fix badly or I would soon turn into a raging psycho. So I hit up two coffee spots, cause just one cup isn't enough. I started at The Daily, they had some great local kombucha as well, it made me feel a little healthy starting my day that way !
Then I took a little trip to Kudu Coffee. I went with a chai latte and wasn't too impressed, but their croissant sandwich was amazing and their regular coffee was nice and strong! The atmosphere is nice and cozy and they have a cute patio area perfect for a relaxing coffee date!
As we drove the golf cart down King St. we spotted a Belgium waffle spot and my hubby can't pass up any opportunity for a waffle. Sadly, this could have been skipped, but you have to try new things! They weren't terrible, but not worth the calories!
If you make it out to North Charleston you should check out The Early Bird Diner! This place was just perfect for soaking up all the booze from the night before! This cozy diner had a classic breakfast, but also some southern flare dishes you should explore. I went with a simple egg breakfast with a biscuit ( YOU HAVE TO GET A BISCUIT! ) We also tried their biscuit and sausage grave, a heaver option but if your serious then dive right in! We also tried the corn cake benedict, my husband love it so clearly another good choice! Their chicken and waffles looked amazing and I would totally go with that next time!
Now if your looking for a good brewery Edmund's Oast is the place to go! Their beer selection is diverse and fun and they also make great cocktails, something I think is hard to find at a brewery. Their food is also on point, everything I've ever gotten was really good. We stuck with happy hour wings this time and the dry rub is the way to go! This is a perfect place to start a night of heavy drinking or just spend a evening going through their beer menu. It's about a 5 minute drive, if that, from down town so if your staying down town then you definitely need to uber!
 |
| They also had a special, any beer with a $2 Makers Mark shot, obviously I had to indulge! |
As you make your way back downtown please hit up The Alley. This bowling alley/ arcade style bar restaurant is just pure joy. Whether you have kids and want a place to keep them entertained or you just want to relive your own youth this is just a cool place to go! I've never been to a place like this and we come everything time for a round of beers and some pinball. Beware you need to call a head to see how long the lane wait is cause on a Friday night it can be up to an hour since there are only about 10 or so lanes.
Our last stop before the airport was a fancier joint called The Cocktail Club off King St. This is perfect if your into mixology. A trendy vibe with good music and rooftop seating. Honestly, I remember very little aside from the sexy alcoholic library vibe of the interior, you know the kind of place that had leather seating, lots of wood and a random ladder on wheels behind the bar.
Forgot we also went to The Rarebit for some late night munchies, go with the chicken and waffles! Their drinks are good too, but I stuck with water as a hail mary to avoid the imminent hangover. Go here in the day light if you can for brunch, their food is so good!
Comment below if you like what your reading and want to see more similar posts or let me know things you'd like me to hear me review, or really, rant about! Check out my instagram izzababy9 as well!
Comments