Romantic Things to Do in Charleston, SC

Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  How will you show you care?  How about spending time in Charleston, South Carolina.

Here are my top 10 romantic things to do in Charleston:

1. Take a carriage ride through Charleston with your loved one.
2. Stroll down Rainbow Row (83-107 East Bay St.) on your way to Waterfront Park.
3. Walk through the residential Historic District (area south of Broad Street) to the Battery. *Bonus points if you've read Pat Conroy's book South of Broad.  Here's a sample tour walking tour.
4. Window-shop along King Street. *King Street has developed into three distinct sections: The Upper King Street Design and Dining District; The King Street Fashion District and The Lower King Street Antiques District.
5. Be Pampered.  Ladies: Stella Nova Spa,  Simply Your Spa,  Urban Nirvana, Earthling Day Spa,  Synergy Day Spa at Bohicket Marina, Luxury Spa--Cottage Aroma Bella Men:  Gents Barberspa,  Old South Barber Spa, The Clipper Club
6. Enjoy drinks and a rooftop view overlooking Charleston:  Pavilion Bar at Market Pavilion Hotel and The Rooftop Bar at the Vendue Inn.
7. Set sail on a sunset cruise: Schooner Pride sails the Charleston harbor; The Island Breeze departs Bohicket Marina.
8. Have tea at American's Only Tea Garden- Charleston Tea Plantation.
9. Sample the goods at  Irvin-House Vineyards and Firefly Distillery located on Wadmalaw Island, SC.
10. Visit the majestic Angel Oak Tree, a love gift as part of a Marriage Settlement to Justus Angel and Martha Waight Tucker Angel.

Cupcakes are coming to a home near you!

Cupcake of Charleston (my absolute favorite cupcake bakery) is rolling out something new...literally.

This month Cupcake Mobile will begin delivering those delicious cupcakes right to your door (**Charleston and Mt. P delivery areas). Y.U.M.!

http://ping.fm/y2mPk

YUM! Charleston Breakfast/Brunch ideas

Charleston, South Carolina~The Culinary Capital of the South. 

So many restaurant choices, what's a person to do?  Make a *to-eat* list and start eatin' your way through that list!

Below is my latest breakfast/brunch list complete with must eat items and tips to make your eating more enjoyable:

Hominy Grill
(843) 937-0930
207 Rutledge Avenue
Breakfast-Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-11:30 AM;
Saturday Brunch 9:00 AM-9 PM;
Sunday Brunch 9:00 AM-3 PM
Must Eats:   The Big Nasty (biscuit with pan fried chicken breast covered in sausage gravy); Shrimp and Grits; Banana bread; Buttermilk pie.
Tip: Patio seating-perfect to enjoy Charleston's spring weather
Bonus:  Rachael Ray 's $40 a Day, Adam Richman's Man vs. Food, and Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations have all visited Hominy Grill.

High Cotton Charleston

(843) 724-3815

199 E Bay St
Sunday Brunch 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Must Eats: Crab cakes benedict; Buttermilk fried oysters; Fried chicken; Cornbread; French toast
Must Drink: High Cotton Bloody Mary
Tip: Dress up of this Sunday Jazz Brunch.  You might not feel comfortable in your every day jeans.

Poogan's Porch

(843) 577-2337

72 Queen St
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Must Eats: Fried green tomatoes; Hot biscuits served with sweet honey butter
Tip: Outdoor seating

82 Queen
(843) 723-7591
82 Queen Street
Sunday Brunch 11:00 AM-3:00 PM 
Must Eats:  Award winning she-crab soup; Here's the Menu  for your viewing pleasure.
Tip:  Outdoor seating

Joseph's Restaurant 
(843) 958-8500
129 Meeting St.
Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM-10:45 AM Monday through Saturday and from 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM on Sundays.
Must Eats: Sweet potato pancakes with toasted pecan butter

Virgina's on King
(843) 735-5800 
412 King Street
Breakfast Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-11:00 AM;
Saturday Brunch 11:00 AM-3:00 PM;
Sunday Brunch 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Must Eats: Fried green tomatoes and homemade pimento cheese.  Need I say more?

WEST ASHLEY RESTAURANTS

Glass Onion West Ashley
(843) 225-1717 
1219 Savannah Hwy
Saturday Brunch 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Must Eats:  Saturday brunch brings on the  crisp pork belly, local eggs, and fluffy buttermilk biscuits. The menu changes often to provide patrons with the freshest goods of the Lowcountry
Tip: Go early.  Popular dishes sell out quickly.


Three Little Birds Cafe and Catering West Ashley
(843) 225-3065
65 Windermere Boulevard
Tuesday - Friday 7:30 - 3:00
Saturday 9:00 - 3:00
Sunday Brunch 9:00 - 2:00
Must Eats: Sweet potato biscuit; Greek Omelet; Stuffed challah french toast (stuffed with goat cheese and strawberries) and topped with whipped cream.
Tip: This place is small and unassuming.  Keep your eyes peeled for it or you might drive right past it!



JOHNS ISLAND:

The Fat Hen
(843) 559-9090
3140 Maybank Highway
Sunday Brunch 10:00 AM-2:30 PM
Must Eats: Creme Brulee French Toast
Tip: The Fat Hen is popular with locals and visitors alike.  Come early or be prepared for a wait.


**2016 Update--Golden Cup is closed**

Golden Cup Cafe--John's Island Shopping Center
(843) 559-2727
3575 Maybank Highway
Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday Brunch
Must Eats: A quick place to get a breakfast sandwich.  View the menu.  You may want to come back for lunch.
Tip:  If you're staying out on Kiawah or Seabrook Island, this makes a good breakfast stop before heading into Charleston.

I'm starving and my mouth is watering!  How about you?

Valentine's Sweets for Your Sweetie!

Just in time for Valentine's Day Charleston Cooks! is offering a couple of great cooking classes.  

Valentine's Day Chocolates

Date: Tuesday, February 8th, 2011 @ 6:30pm
Description: Just in time for Valentine’s Day learn to make chocolates with the instruction of master chocolatier, Peter Waters of Chocolate Perfection. Each participant will take home chocolates ready to be enjoyed or given as gifts to loved ones.
Menu: Milk Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Chocolate and Coffee Crystal Hearts, Dark Chocolate Hearts in 24 kt Gold, Chambord Soaked Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache Frosting, Mint Chocolate Mousse in Chocolate Cups, White Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie Truffles
Price: $60


Valentine’s Breakfast in Bed

Date: Saturday, February 12th, 2011 @ 11:00am
Date: Sunday, February 13th, 2011 @ 11:00am
Date: Monday, February 14th, 2011 @ 11:00am
Description: Make your loved one feel special this Valentine’s day by cooking a romantic breakfast together.
Menu: Orange Marmalade and Mascarpone Stuffed Crepes with Strawberry Syrup; Brioche Eggs Benedict with Pancetta and Hollandaise; Smoked Salmon and Red Flannel Potato Hash; Country Fried Steak and Gravy on Buttermilk Biscuits; Pear and Apple Breakfast Tart with Oatmeal Walnut Crumble and Whipped Yogurt Sauce; Raspberry Champagne Cocktails
Price: $65


Visit Charleston Cooks! today to book your spot in one of their "sweetest" classes!  Your honey will thank you.