As part of our drive down the Eastern US this October, we planned an overnight in Charleston, South Carolina. The only thing we had pre-planned was where we would stay – the Mills House. This blog post details what we did and saw during our afternoon and early evening in mid-October. At the end of the blog I list a few tours I’d like to do the next time we’re in Charleston.
Exploring the Charleston SC Historic District
After dropping off our car and bags at the Mills House by Curio, we headed off to grab a pint at The Blind Tiger Pub. I enjoyed a Pumpkin Ale (since it was Oct) which was not only delicious but also pretty with a spiced sugar rim.
Then we took a walk around the historic district while waiting for our room. We first walked by Rainbow Row, a row of thirteen historic homes painted in bright colors.
We turned down either North or South Adgers Wharf (a cobblestone street) and missed seeing The Walled City of Charles Town, so I recommend walking a bit further than S. Adgers Wharf to check it out. (I saw it on my morning run the next day.)
We continued on to the Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the pier to get these beautiful views.
Then we walked North along the water.
It was a beautiful afternoon, so you’ll see there are many others who were enjoying the waterfront too.
But there weren’t so many people that I couldn’t take photos without them. 🙂
We ended our waterfront walk at the Pineapple Fountain a popular place for photos.
We opted for an early dinner because we wanted to eat at Magnolia’s, but I didn’t make an advanced reservation. It’s known for its southern cuisine and was recommended by a friend. We arrived at 4pm and sat at a high-top table in the bar area. The service and the food are the same – everything was delicious and the server was fun and engaging. However, if you want to sit at a regular table in their dining room, definitely make a reservation. They were completely booked that day. We ordered off their specials menu and the food not only looks beautiful it was tasty!
After dinner we made our way back to the hotel after receiving a text our room was ready.
Our Stay at the Curio Mills House in Charleston
The Mills House was my favorite place that we stayed during this east coast trip. We stayed in the Deluxe Room with a City View. It featured a place to sit where you can look over the city’s waterfront. The moonrise and sunrise was spectacular. These photos don’t really show how nice the room is, but at least its a small glimpse.
There was a neat metal water bottle left to fill up yourself at a water and ice station that is next to the elevator. I don’t know if everyone gets a water bottle like this, it could be because I belong to the Hilton Honors Club and as part of that you get two bottles of water with your stay. (I always recommend signing up for these types of programs. In this case, I booked the room a couple of months in advance and paid less then the price that is seen on this link from Expedia.)
Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art is a block away from the Mills House, and open late on Wednesday so I went to explore it. The first floor is always free to visitors, and if you want to visit the second and third floors adult admission is $12 and Senior is $10. I wasn’t charged any admission on Wednesday evening, so I’m hoping that was a free admission night – oopsies if not.
Like most museums there are both permanent and rotating exhibitions. Of the permanent collection I especially enjoyed Betwixt and Between. Sculptor Patrick Dougherty created a sculpture using twigs and branches collected in a sustainable manner by volunteers. It’s located in a glass atrium and is two floors high and very impressive.
Of the rotating exhibitions, I liked the Celebrating the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Art best. (It will be featured until January 12, 2025.) This prize has become one of the South’s most prestigious art prizes since its inaugural award in 2008, so if you can see it, I highly recommend doing so.
Things I plan to do when I visit next.
With just one afternoon and evening in Charleston, there’s a lot we didn’t get to do. Here’s a list of things that I plan on doing when I’m in Charleston again.
- Historical Tour by Horse-Drawn Carriage
- Fort Sumter Tour with Ferry Ride
- Sunset Cruise on an 1920’s Bay Steamer Replica
- Downtown Food Tour
Was only an afternoon in Charleston worth the visit?
Yep, I enjoyed the afternoon and overnight in Charleston a lot. I loved the food, the vibe and the beauty of the Historic District. I even got a 2-mile run in the next morning before we left for our next destination (Savannah, Georgia). I do feel like I didn’t get enough of an overview by not booking a tour, however I wasn’t sure of our trip timing.
Cie la vie – I’ll correct that next time.
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