I recently enjoyed a fun day trip to Greensboro, NC and I’d like to share the details with you all in hopes you’ll visit Greensboro too! Greensboro is located just shy of an hour from the Triangle and it’s the third largest city in North Carolina, behind Charlotte and Raleigh. The city of Greensboro is often called the Triad with Winston Salem and High Point. Greensboro is home to several universities including North Carolina A&T, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and the well-known 23,500-seat Greensboro Coliseum, the second-largest coliseum in the US. Of course, there’s more to the city than just universities and the Coliseum! Lush green spaces, historical sites, artistic venues, and countless restaurants and shops make Greensboro a town that has something for everyone!
Greensboro NC & The Civil Rights Movement
My husband and I took a trip to the F. W. Woolworth building, located in downtown Greensboro, which is the home of the first sit-in demonstration of the Civil Rights Movement. Four A&T State University freshmen (known as the Greensboro Four) sat down at a segregated F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960 and refused to leave after being denied service. The sit-in movement soon spread to college towns throughout the South. Many of the protestors were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct, or disturbing the peace, their actions made an immediate impact, forcing Woolworths and other establishments to change their segregationist policies. It was incredibly powerful visiting the Civil Rights Museum. I highly recommend including a stop on your visit to Greensboro.
Exploring Greensboro
I’m always on the hunt for a good sandwich and I discovered an awesome sandwich shop called The Bodega, located in downtown Greensboro (right across from The Carolina Theater). As listed on their website, The Bodega is a locally owned business, that gives patrons a place to come, drink and relax indoors or out on the shaded patio. The Bodega serves beer and wine in-house daily, they offer a ton of grab-and-go snacks along with other household needs AND they offer the most incredible made-to-order sandwiches! Be sure to include The Bodega on your lunch break list!
Other Fun Spots to Visit in Greensboro
- Greensboro Science Center – The Science Center is one of Greensboro’s most-visited attractions, and it features an Aquarium, Zoological Park, and a museum.
- Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden – These gorgeous gardens cover over 7 acres and are a great spot for sightseeing and relaxation.
- Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe – Wet ‘n Wild is a fun waterpark situated just on the outskirts of Greensboro. It’s a fun experience for the entire family!
- The Carolina Theater – The Carolina Theater opened in 1927 and was the first air-conditioned commercial building in North Carolina! Now you can watch modern movies on the big screen as well as enjoy live entertainment at the theater.
Start Planning Your Trip To Greensboro, North Carolina!
Greensboro, North Carolina is a city full of history, art, nature, food, and so much more! You owe it to yourself to check it out! What is your favorite thing about Greensboro? Leave a comment and let me know!
Other North Carolina Posts You Might Like:
- Come And Take A Stroll On The Beautiful Wilmington Riverwalk
- The Most Fantastic Food Finds in Wilmington, North Carolina!
- Don’t Miss the Beautiful Sunflower Bloom at Dix Park!
- A “Sweet” All-Suite Hotel You’ll Love!
- A Lovely Day on The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- No Bull, Durham Really Does Have It All!
Vanilla Dream – A Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get the Vanilla Looks!
OQQ Yogo Ribbed Sleeveless Romper – If you’ve been following along here at AITNP, you know I love my jumpsuits (and bodysuits) from OQQ on the Amazon storefront. The seamless ribbed pieces are so comfortable and flattering for every shape! The rich vanilla tone of this particular jumpsuit is such a winner for me! Check my Panda Style Board for this jumpsuit’s long-sleeve version, which was perfect for cooler weather. I’ve got a trip planned to Boston this month and I’ve ordered the short-sleeve romper version of this jumpsuit!
Nike Air Max Dawn – I’ve been a fan of Air Max’s since the 90s. I love how versatile they are and these Air Max Dawns are no exception. This particular shade is Light Bone and it’s actually from the Big Kids selection. It’s always good to have a neutral sneaker and the little pop of black on these really help them stand out. In my Foxy Brown Style Board, I’m wearing the vanilla-toned Air Max Dawns and you really see what I mean by the black adding a pop! These are the same shoes but the additional black Nike check totally changes the look. What hasn’t changed with these shoes is their comfort. Nike Air Max’s are truly made for all-day wear.
Mint & Lily Name Necklace – Mint & Lily is an online retailer that features premium personalized jewelry and really affordable prices. I’ve purchased multiple different name necklaces in various fonts and I love them all. Be sure to visit the Mint & Lily site and I’m sure you’ll find just the right piece for your personal style!
All About The Chloe Medium Woody Tote
Chloe Medium Woody Tote – The Woody Tote is a spacious tote bag that’s great for everyday use. The Chole Woody Tote comes in a variety of sizes from mini all the way to large. Even though my bag is the medium it’s quite small. I can fit my phone, a small wallet, and maybe a small bottle of hand sanitizer, that’s it! I definitely recommend sizing up to the large if you plan to use this bag regularly.
The Woody Tote is available in so many finishes, it’s really easy to personalize it to your particular style. My bag is linen canvas with calfskin straps. Be sure to check out the leather varieties, they are so cute!
I’ve been moving towards the “quiet luxury” trend which is all about designer items without logos prominently displayed, BUT this bag gives such strong summer vibes, I just had to feature it!
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment about any of the pieces from my style boards you may have tried; it’s always fun hearing from you all!
Other Style Posts You Might Enjoy:
- A Flattering Jumpsuit You’re Guaranteed To Love!
- Longchamp Proves French Luxury Doesn’t Have To Be Overwhelmingly Expensive!
- DeMellier London Offers Affordable Luxury Handbags You’ll Love!
- I Found The Most Amazing White Bikini on Amazon!
- Meow! A Darling Leopard Print Dress You’re Sure to Love!
- Don’t You Just Love A Good Denim Look?
- A Lovely Day on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
The Perfect Day Trip From San Francisco
If you’ve been following along with my blog posts or on my social media, you’ve seen some of the adventures I’ve had in California at Napa Valley and Alcatraz; now I’m going to talk about Sausalito!
During my stay in San Francisco, my husband and I decided to take a day trip to Sausalito and it was indeed the highlight of our Cali vacation! Sausalito is just a hop & a skip from San Francisco and it is the most charming seaside community I’ve ever visited! The town is full of beautiful shops, cafes, restaurants, and great waterfront walks.
Getting to Sausalito
The lovely beach town of Sausalito is right in San Francisco’s backyard. We simply headed across the Golden Gate Bridge and boom, you’re right in the quaint small town of Sausalito! Be prepared to fall in love instantly…homes nestled into the hillside, the sounds of sea birds chirping in the air, the salty breeze blowing in, so amazing!
Starting Our Day in Sausalito!
We started our day trip from San Francisco to Sausalito with the most delicious breakfast at Kitchen Sunnyside. Kitchen Sunnyside is a small restaurant located in Mill Valley, CA which is just a short 15 minutes from Sausalito. My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast spread, with chicken & waffles for him, a turkey sausage hash for me, and berry french toast for us to share. The drinks were great too, I had a classic latte and Sidney had a chai tea latte. Be sure to check my IG for a fun reel featuring the excellent breakfast from Kitchen Sunnyside!
After breakfast, we drove straight into Sausalito and were just blown away by the beauty of this bayside town! I had fun taking silly photos that show the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, and I was fortunate enough to glimpse a sea lion swimming by in the bay!
An Afternoon in Sausalito
We spent most of the morning and early afternoon in Sausalito strolling the waterfronts, walking the marina, and visiting many of the local shops. I enjoyed selecting souvenirs from the one-of-a-kind shops that line the streets of the village.
For lunch we decided on Copita Tequileria y Comida, a modern Mexican restaurant with an incredible selection of Tequila. The tacos my husband and I shared were good but the Margaritas were the clear winners for me! If you know me you know I LOVE a good Margarita and I’d go so far to say that the Copita Margarita made with Herradura Slive Tequila, lime, agave nectar and a salted rim, is the BEST Margarita I’ve ever had, seriously. When in Sausalito, I highly recommend stopping by Copita’s for lunch or dinner. We enjoyed our meal inside, but they have a fabulous patio that right on the main drag of Sausalito.
A Sweet Ending to a Sweet Day!
A double scoop of ice cream from the Hawaiian chain, Lappert’s, was just the perfect way to end our day in Sausalito! Lappert’s Ice Cream is know for their tropical flavors and their Macadamia Nut ice cream sure did not disappoint! Taking in the scenic views of Sausalito with a delicious ice cream cone in my hand is definitely a memory I won’t soon forget.
Thanks!
Thanks for joining me for a fun day trip to Sausalito, California! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what adventures you’d like to hear more about!
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Dining in Vegas…
We all know Las Vegas as the destination for parties, drinks, gambling, and shows, but you’d really be missing out if you didn’t sample some of the brilliant food they offer! Vegas is truly a gold mine for cuisine from all over the world and I’m here for all of it! From elegant Michelin-starred meals to classic Italian fare, there is no limit to the great restaurants to choose from in this wild city, whatever your budget. Whether you need a fancy sit-down meal, a quick bite before you hit the strip, or a hearty breakfast to cure your hangover (remember, what happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas), Vegas is sure to have the delicious meal you’re looking for! I’m spotlighting Giada’s for this post, but stay tuned for later posts for more of my time in Las Vegas.
A Delicious Dinner at Giada’s!
Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian entrées with a California twist have been a favorite for years. Located inside the Cromwell Hotel, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting space with fantastic views of the strip. The atmosphere of the restaurant is upscale but still welcoming.
Our server was pleasant and gave us menu recommendations. He suggested the breadboard to start with and it was a great choice! The breadboard featured an assortment of freshly baked bread with various spreads, oils, and different types of butter. I don’t recall the names of the cocktails we ordered, but I do remember how delicious they were! For my entree, I selected Giada’s Signature Lemon Spaghetti. The dish features handmade spaghetti with shrimp, mascarpone cheese, lemon, and basil. It was EXCELLENT! I love all things lemon and the lemon flavor of this dish was just perfect. My husband chose the Rigatoni with a flavorful pork ragout and Tuscan kale, and he loved every bite!
Even though we were stuffed after such a great meal, we knew we couldn’t leave without sampling some of the gelatos we had heard so much about! We went with the Vanilla Mascarpone, Baileys Stracciatella, and Strawberry Limoncello (this one was a Sorbet). All three were simply delicious.
When in Vegas…
I would highly recommend Giada’s to anyone looking for an upscale dining experience on the Vegas Strip. Reservations are highly recommended and do be prepared to pay a $25.00 reservation fee (If you indeed keep the reservation, the $25.00 charge is deducted from your bill). Don’t be turned off by Giada’s being a “celebrity” restaurant, the food is top-notch as is the service.
Be sure to check out my social media to see more footage from Giada’s Vegas!
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For Mother’s Day this year, I went to VA to spend time with my mom. For dinner, we chose Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The meal was fantastic, I had a great time with my family, and I loved the leopard print dress I wore! I don’t have much animal print in my closet, but the look of this dress makes me want to add more!
Red Leopard – A Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get The Leopard Print Dress Looks!
H&M Leopard Dress – My last style board featured a cardigan from H&M and now I’m featuring a dress from there as well! I absolutely love the length of this dress! It hits just below the calf and I’m also a fan of the smocked bodice. It comes with detachable straps, but I like the strapless “tube top” look. The fit of the dress is just perfect for me, I really like how it flairs out just a bit. I don’t normally wear loose-fitting dresses, but this is one of my new favorites. H&M so rarely disappoints!
Aritzia Georgia Cardigan – This cardigan is the first piece I’ve purchased from Aritzia. Typically I’m J. Crew all day for my sweaters and cardigans, but this red v-neck number was so rich & vibrant, it really caught my eye. The red (the shade is called Miracle Red) is so rich & vibrant and I think it pops so well against the leopard dress.
Aldo Cerquedaflex Oxford – I purchased these cognac oxford loafers to take on my France trip last year (check my Versailles post, you’ll see me wearing them), and I’ve been wearing them ever since! These shoes are comfortable, sturdy, and durable. I did a TON of walking in France and these babies don’t have a scratch or scuff on them. I highly recommend these Aldo loafers as a neutral staple for your shoe collection.
Bag Break!
Stella McCartney Braided Shoulder Bag – Are you familiar with the Apple TV original series Surface? If not, here is a YouTube trailer of the series for you…
The show is good but the wardrobe of the main character Sophie, (played by the STUNNING Gugu Mbathah-Raw) is incredible and is truly my dream wardrobe! If money were no object, I’d own EVERY SINGLE PIECE she wears in the show! In one scene she carries a braided shoulder bag by Stella McCartney. As soon as I saw the episode, I knew THAT was the bag I wanted to carry for my France trip (as my black bag anyway). I had to settle for the small version as the larger version Sophie carries in the show was sold out everywhere. The shoulder bag is a little small but I love the look so much, I make it work! I purchased my bag from Bloomingdales but I’m linking to a resale site as the bag is no longer in production. If you can snag it, I suggest you do, it’s vegan leather and so stylish!
Thanks!
I know some folks have mixed feelings about animal print but I think with the right styling, it’s always a good idea!
Thanks for reading all about this leopard print dress and hopefully you’ll give animal print a try in your closet. Please leave a comment and let me know if you’d like to see more style boards!
Other Posts You Might Like:
- Come and Take a Stroll on The Beautiful Wilmington Riverwalk!
- DeMellier London Offers Affordable Luxury Handbags You’ll Love!
- Vanilla Tones Sure To Make You Melt!
- I Found The Most Amazing White Bikini on Amazon!
- Don’t You Just Love a Good Denim Look?
- A Flattering Jumpsuit You’re Guaranteed To Love!
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
Happy Memorial Day! I hope that whatever the holiday brings, you make some memories with the people you love. I’ll be kicking back and bouncing to all the cookout invites I received this year!
Last year I spent Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago and I was able to attend my first MLB game! I had such a blast watching the game at Wrigley Field. I enjoyed my baseball “snacks” and I went full tourist mode and wore a Cubs T-shirt and everything! While I’m not the biggest baseball fan, sitting next to my husband, and watching the game is a memory I’ll never forget.
Wrigley Field
I’m so glad my first MLB game was at Wrigley’s! Wrigley Field is the oldest National League ballpark and it has been the home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916! It’s such a historic field, I spent more time snapping photos than I did actually watching the game! Here are some fun facts about Wrigley Field I found online:
- Babe Ruth’s famous Called Shot happened at Wrigley.
- The ballpark with the last major league park to have lights installed for play after dark in 1988.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, and The Break-Up are just a few of the many movies that feature Wrigley Field.
- Harry Caray began the tradition of singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at the Cubs home games.
- The ivy that covers the outfield wall is a combination of Boston Ivy and Japanese Bittersweet, planted in 1937 by the Cubs General Manager, Bill Veeck.
- No batter has ever hit the scoreboard which has been around since 1937 and is still manually operated.
What are some of your favorite Memorial Day memories? Leave me a comment and let me know, I always love hearing from you all!
Other Posts You Might Like:
- Downtown Chicago Views You Have To See To Believe!
- Chicago Riverwalk – A Stunning Waterfront Oasis!
- Faneuil Hall, A Little Touristy, and A Lot Fun!
- My Brief Love Affair with Boston
- Making The Best Of A Rainy Day On Rainbow Row
- A Luxurious Day To Remember At Versailles Palace
- Indulge In A Taste Of France, Le Cordon Bleu
What I Wore On The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
I recently spent a sun & fun-filled day at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. While the day was bright and sunny, a crisp breeze blew in from the ocean. Luckily I was dressed for the weather! The chunky cardigan I wore was the perfect layer for the mild beach weather. I call this look Boardwalk Blue and if you like it, please keep reading and I’ll share all the details AND give you the links to all the pieces!
Boardwalk Blue – A Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get the Looks!
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Button-Fly Sky-Hi Straight Cut-off Jeans – You’ll rarely find me in jeans that aren’t by Good American, but I got these Old Navy jeans for such a steal! I got these high-waisted jeans for $7.00 during last year’s Black Friday sale! It took a while to find just the right pieces to pair with them, but for $7 bucks I didn’t mind them taking up space in my closet! The light wash and loose, comfortable fit definitely make these jeans a must-have for any closet.
H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan – I love a good cardigan and this blue H&M rib-knit is one of my favorites. I have a chunkier, Kelly Green one as well, that I’m just waiting to wear! H&M is always a good choice for staple items like sweaters and cardigans and their prices are always reasonable.
*Underneath my cardigan I am wearing a solid white bodysuit. I’m not sure what particular brand it is so I did not link it.
Marc Jacobs Leather Mini Tote Bag – The March Jacobs Tote Bags are very popular and the new leather varieties are super stylish! My large MJ Tote Bag is black canvas and because it is so roomy, I typically use it for travel. The mini leather tote in cotton is a fresh change for me and I like the nice touch it added to my Boardwalk Blue look.
Aldo Bigstrut Lug Sole Loafer – These lug sole loafers from Aldo’s are my favorites! I have them in black and brown so I’m sure you’ll see them on another style board soon. They are very comfy and despite the lug sole, they aren’t heavy or clunky. I cruised the boardwalk, Riverwalk, and downtown Wilmington in these shoes and I had no comfort issues. The color is not quite white, more like a creamy vanilla and it’s absolutely beautiful in person. I highly recommend adding these loafers to your wardrobe.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll give some of these pieces a try. Please leave a comment to let me know if you’d like to see more style boards!
Other Posts You Might Like:
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
- I Found The Most Amazing White Bikini on Amazon!
- Vanilla Tones Sure To Make You Melt!
- Don’t You Just Love A Good Denim Look?
- Meow! A Darling Leopard Print Dress You’re Sure to Love!
- A Flattering Jumpsuit You’re Guaranteed to Love!
- Come and Take A Stroll on The Beautiful Wilmington Riverwalk!
- A “Sweet” All-Suite Hotel You’ll Love!
Wilmington, NC Riverwalk
Wilmington is a coastal town located in southeastern North Carolina. Many fun things to experience in Wilmington include visiting the beach, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. For this post, I am just going to focus on the Wilmington Riverwalk!
The Riverwalk is a nearly two-mile showstopper stroll alongside the historic Cape Fear River. The pathway leads from Nunn Street to the Isabella Homes Bridge and is lined with unique shops, outdoor cafes, and markets. There are multiple hotels located very near the riverwalk, including The Hive where we enjoyed a great stay!
Strolling The Riverwalk
Well-known Wilmington landmarks like the Cotton Exchange, the USS North Carolina Battleship, and the 1914 Murchison Building are all located along the scenic Riverwalk route. In addition to these popular destinations, the Riverwalk is full of local shops, historic structures, and numerous works of art. In 2014, USA Today voted the Wilmington Riverwalk as the “Best American Riverfront” and it is certainly a well-deserved title!
The Riverwalk itself is a wooden walkway that leads right through the heart of downtown. I personally enjoyed walking the path in the early morning hours with joggers and dog walkers. The Riverwalk is equally enjoyable at night, as the path is lighted with decorative hanging street posts. There are benches and embedded stools throughout the route for visitors who want to sit down, relax, and enjoy the Wilmington breeze!
As a community boardwalk, The Riverwalk is open 24/7 with no charge to stroll along the Wilmington waterfront. With its beautiful scenery, and proximity to dining, shopping, and lodging, the Riverwalk is a must-stop for any visit to Wilmington!
Share Your Riverwalk Experience!
I’d love to hear what your favorite part of the Riverwalk at Wilmington is or if this post inspired you to visit for the first time! Please leave your comments and let me know!
Other North Carolina Posts You Might Like:
- A “Sweet” All-Suite Hotel You’ll Love!
- The Most Fantastic Food Finds in Wilmington, North Carolina!
- Don’t Miss Out On The Fun in Greensboro, NC!
- No Bull, Durham Really Does Have It All!
- Don’t Miss The Beautiful Sunflower Bloom at Dix Park!
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
- A Lovely Day On The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
A Surprise Response …
Hey guys! Recently I posted on my IG account asking where my next foodie trip should be, San Antonio or Seattle (San Antonio won BTW) and while I got plenty of responses, I got MORE questions about the denim look I was wearing in the post! I am more than happy to share all the details!
Are You Noticing a Trend?
If you haven’t already picked up on it, I’m a big fan of jumpsuits and the Good American brand. This is the second jumpsuit and the second piece from Good American I’ve posted about and be prepared for lots more! There are few things I love more than a one-piece look. They can be dressed up or down and it makes getting ready such a breeze. While I didn’t intend to do a style board on this look, so many people messaged me about the jumpsuit, I just had to put a board together with links!
Denim Look Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get the Denim Look!
Good American Fit For Success Jumpsuit – As I mentioned in my Foxy Brown Fashion Post, I am a HUGE fan of Good American & I absolutely adore this Fit For Success Jumpsuit. I’ve worn it multiple times and it’s more versatile than you might imagine. During the fall I paired it with a chunky green cardigan and some brown oxfords. For this particular photo, I went higher end and paired it with my Louboutins and my Celine bag. It really does work well with SO MANY DENIM LOOKS. The Jumpsuit is available in various washes, this is Color Blue274. The only tiny little downside to this jumpsuit is that it runs small. Good American products for me have always been true-to-size and this jumpsuit is the first item I’ve purchased that I would have sized up in. I like the fit but there is definitely not any extra room in this jumpsuit lol.
Details on the Denim Looks
Celine Classique Triomphe Bag – I purchased the Celine bag during my fall trip to Paris. My original intention was to purchase the Holy Grail of Bags (for me personally anyway), the Chanel Medium Flap. I wanted to make the purchase from the iconic 31 Rue Cambon location in Paris, but sadly it didn’t happen. With all of the tours and activities we had booked during our short time in Paris, I just couldn’t make it to the boutique before closing. Leaving Paris without a Chanel is my ONLY regret from my trip to France.
Instead of a Chanel I got the Celine Classique Triomphe Bag and at this price point I don’t want to say I settled, but it’s definitely not my “dream” bag. I do like it though, it’s sleek and stylish and I feel like it will age well.
Christian Louboutin Apostrophy Pump – What outfit doesn’t look good with a pair of red bottoms right? While the Kate & So Kate Louboutin’s are more popular, I prefer the Apostrophy Pump. It’s not too much heel, it still shows just enough toe to be sexy without trying too hard. If you’re looking to purchase a pair of red bottoms, I think Apostrophy is the perfect starting point. She is available in Black and Nude.
Aldo Cortegaca Square Sunglasses – If you follow my page, you’ll definitely catch me in these shades! I rarely leave home without a pair of large (I like my sunglasses BIG) black sunglasses and Aldo is my go-to place for shades. The prices are great as is the quality. If you’ve only limited your Aldo experience to shoe shopping, you’re missing out! Give their accessories a try, you won’t regret it!
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and THANK YOU for the comments you’ve been sending my way regarding my fashion looks. I love creating style boards and your comments help with the inspiration!
Other Posts You Might Like:
- A Flattering Jumpsuit You’re Guaranteed To Love
- I Found The Most Amazing White Bikini on Amazon!
- Vanilla Tones Sure To Make You Melt!
- DeMellier London Offers Affordable Luxury Handbags You’ll Love!
- I Love Wearing Brown, You Should Too!
- A Lovely Day on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- Meow! A Darling Leopard Jumpsuit You’re Sure to Love!
Charleston, South Carolina
Last summer I was searching for a fun but quick trip with my mom and husband. I wanted to find a destination that was an easy drive from Chapel Hill, was known for great food, and would have a slower, more relaxing pace. Charleston, South Carolina met all of the criteria; it is only a 4-hour drive from my home and its foodie reputation is well known. I probably should have checked the weather forecast before we left for SC, it rained (HEAVILY) throughout our entire stay! While the weather in Charleston was yucky, we still had a fabulous time and ate some incredible food!
Rainy Day #1
We started our first day in Charleston with breakfast at the Early Bird Diner. The Early Bird Diner is a tiny little restaurant that is very well known to locals AND it’s been featured on Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The service was prompt and friendly and we all enjoyed our meals. It was a great kick-off to our “culinary tour” of Charleston.
After a very satisfying meal, we put on our ponchos and headed to Rainbow Row.
Rainbow Row
Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Rainbow Row has been a popular destination for 3 centuries. Rainbow Row was originally built in the late 1700s as a series of 13 townhouses. Over time, the homes were used for various purposes, including as commercial and residential spaces. By the early 1900s, many of the homes were dilapidated and were in danger of being demolished. Local preservation Susan Pringle Frost stepped in to save the damaged homes. Frost purchased several of the homes, restored them, and painted them in their original pastel colors. The street became known as Rainbow Row, a nickname still used today.
Visitors to Charleston can experience the vibrant colors and storied history of Rainbow Row by taking a walk down this iconic street. We certainly enjoyed our time on Rainbow Row, rain and all!
Lunch Time is The Best Time!
After touring Rainbow Row and a few other Charleston sights, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Rodney Scott’s BBQ. Let me tell you, the BBQ was fantastic! We all enjoyed our meals and the smoked wings (and potato salad) were a real standout for me. My husband was a fan of the brisket and my mom loved the smoked turkey sandwich.
Be sure to check my Instagram to see a reel of the delicious food we enjoyed at Rodney Scott’s BBQ!
The Battery
After lunch, we took a drive over to The Battery. The Battery is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade, famous for its gorgeous antebellum homes (like the one pictured above). Fort Sumter is visible from parts of The Battery. Despite the terrible weather, the view of Charleston Harbor from the Battery was simply breathtaking.
Wrapping Up A Fun (But Wet) Day in Charleston
We finished our first day in Charleston with dinner at Hannibal’s Kitchen. Hannibal’s Kitchen isn’t the fanciest place but the food was great. I had heard that crab rice is a must-try dish in the low country and Hannibals DID NOT DISAPPOINT. The crab rice was delicious and flavorful! Because it was raining cats & dogs outside, we ordered our meals from Hannibal’s to go. Our food was served to us piping hot and we took them back to our hotel to enjoy. Hannibal’s should definitely be included on any Charleston must-eat list.
Rainy Day Activities, Part 2
We started our second day in Charleston with donuts and biscuits. We visited Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts for some freshly baked doughnuts, and then we went right across the street to Callies Hot Little Biscuit for some biscuit sandwiches and coffee.
After our morning bites, we once again put on our ponchos and headed to the Old Slave Mart Museum.
Old Slave Mart Museum, Charleston, SC
According to their website, the Old Slave Mart Museum is the first African-American slave museum. Charleston is a fitting home for the museum as at one point during slavery, 35-40% of enslaved people entered the United States through Charleston. The museum was built in 1859 and is considered the last surviving slave auction gallery in South Carolina.
Our visit to the museum was very informative but somber (as you can probably imagine). At the museum, you are able to tour actual spaces where enslaved people were held awaiting to be sold. There are some artifacts on display but not many. Since tickets were only $8.00 per person, a visit to the museum is a great value. I would not recommend the tour for children, certain aspects of the tour can be emotionally overwhelming. I personally think all adults should try and visit the Old Slave Mart Museum as a reminder of Charleston’s history and heritage (the good AND bad).
Time For Some Feel-Good Food
After our Old Slave Mart Museum tour, we headed to Johns Island for some fresh seafood, and Simply Seafood hit the spot! My family and I enjoyed fresh fried shrimp, clams, fish, oysters, and some great sides. Simply Seafood is a seafood market, so they have just about every type of fresh seafood you can imagine! They are known for their seafood boils and we’ll be sure to try one on our next trip to Charleston!
Final Thoughts
Charleston was a wonderful city to experience and explore with my family. Even though the weather was not on our side, Charleston gave us the relaxed, southern pace we were looking for and all of the food was delicious. I’ll definitely be back, but I’ll check the weather forecast first!
I hope this post has inspired your next trip to Charleston! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what’s on your Charleston agenda!
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