From the tea to the people, everything’s just a little bit sweeter in the South. Sweet as honey, you might say.
Charleston is definitely a very romantic city, replete with historic charm, lush gardens, fabulous food, picture-perfect streets, and friendly people. It’s been named the most polite city in America, not to mention the very best city to visit.
So what better place to begin your life as a married couple… than by enjoying a Charleston honeymoon.
Where to stay
Well, this one is easy. Charleston is charming, but it’s even better when coupled with a stay at the beach. Exclusive Properties has you covered, with an extensive portfolio of spacious, luxurious homes from which to choose. You’ll have the whole place to yourself, in blissful privacy. Pick a beach house as your honeymoon home base, and just drive into Charleston whenever you want to.
You’ll wake up to expansive ocean vistas right from your king sized bed. Stretch out on private decks and balconies and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Swim in your private infinity pool, or sip champagne in the hot tub. Take long romantic strolls along the beach in the moonlight. (Be sure to keep an eye peeled for those adorable loggerhead turtles, who might be nesting.)
All our homes are fabulous, with gourmet kitchens, relaxing views, chic coastal décor, and proximity to the beach. There are all kinds of floor plans and amenities to fit your style and budget. Check out a new addition to our Luxury Collection, Modern Tides. It’s oceanfront, located on Palm Boulevard, with an expansive elevated infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic, plus plenty of decks, wet bar, outdoor TV, grilling area, elevator, the works.
Enjoy an in-house massage
While being at the beach is certainly relaxing, there’s nothing quite like having a professional massage to melt away the stress of having just been through a wedding.
Your Exclusive Properties beach house looks like a spa anyway, so why not make it fully into one, by bringing in a masseuse?
East Cooper Mobile Massage is a Lowcountry favorite; it’s run by Carl, a pro who consistently gets raving 5 star reviews from clients. ECMM and their licensed therapists are able to come to your home away from home on the Isle of Palms. They’ll bring the table(s), linens, music and oils, and couples massages are on their menu of services.
Here’s how they describe it - “Why ruin a great massage by having to drive in the heavy traffic. Wouldn't it be great to roll off the table and take a warm bath, or sit in your jacuzzi?” Contact East Cooper Mobile Massage to book a time.
Take a romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage
One of the best ways to tour around the historic peninsula of downtown Charleston is in a traditional carriage, powered by literal horse power.
There are several companies to choose from, and they all have their merits, not to mention their handsome stable of horses. Most offer guided tours on large carriages that hold a dozen or more people.
But if you’re here on your honeymoon, you’ll want to book a private carriage. Your best bet is Old South Carriage Company, located at 14 Anson Street downtown. Their motto is, “Where History Meets Hospitality.” Old South offers intimate vis-à-vis carriage tours with your own private driver/guide and horse.
And if you really want to make it “extra,” they even have special black or white vis-à-vis carriages they’ll decorate just for you -- and the driver will even don a tuxedo and top hat. They’re often chosen for weddings or receptions, but a Charleston honeymoon certainly qualifies as a worthy occasion. Read more about booking one here.
Dinner downtown…
Charleston is a gourmet destination of the highest caliber, her eating establishments regularly landing on national top ten lists. The main issue is choosing a place to go, there are so many stellar options. Here are some classics:
Hall’s Chophouse – on upper King Street. If you’re in the mood for a great steak, it’s hard to beat. The side dishes are not to be missed, as are the libations. Hall’s is definitely a special occasion kind of place, and it rarely disappoints.
FIG – An acronym for Food is Good - and it truly is, here at Chef Mike Lata’s place on Meeting Street. He’s one of Charleston’s most gifted talents.
HUSK - Chef Sean Brock made his mark here on Queen Street, taking simple southern foods and elevating them to sublime heights.
Peninsula Grill - Where Meeting Street meets the City Market, right in the center of things and has a feel of old Charleston. The 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake is the stuff of legend; The New York Times, Oprah, Bon Appétit, The Wall Street Journal and Martha Stewart all rave about it.
Downtown shopping
Okay, this is a given, and it’s easy.
King Street for chic shops (voted one of the top ten streets in America), and the City Market for local products.
Gardens & a picnic
Charleston is overflowing with gardens, both public and private. Just walk the streets of the lower peninsula and you’ll see plenty of them, behind wrought iron gates, down brick walkways, behind churches and spilling out from some of the country’s loveliest window boxes. It’s a perfect place to add to your ‘Gram.
Head to Charleston’s own gourmet market & café, Caviar & Bananas. Their original location is at 51 George Street, and they’ve added a new one at 170 Ashley Avenue. Assemble a picnic-to-go from their delicious prepared, grab-n-go and specialty goodies, including plenty of local products.
Three gardens are worth strolling through, hand in hand:
White Point Gardens - located at the very tip of the peninsula, where Meeting and King Street meet the Battery. It offers great views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. There’s a bandstand in the middle and plenty of benches to sit and canoodle.
Waterfront Park - Overlooking the Cooper River, with vistas of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge, it’s the site of Charleston’s beloved Pineapple Fountain. Plenty of places to sit and people watch.
Hampton Park - A little further up the Peninsula, this hidden gem is well known to locals. Located right next to the Citadel, terrific walking paths wind through the live oaks and azaleas, past ponds and a picturesque bridge.
A Charleston SC honeymoon really is just about as good as it gets. It’s a perfect, romantic way to launch you new lifetime together.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger