Charleston, South Carolina, offers a fantastic blend of history, charm, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for a birthday weekend with 8 girlfriends. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you celebrate:
Day 1: Arrival & Historic Charm
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Consider hotels like The Ryder or The Mills House, both offering great amenities like pools and central locations. For a luxurious option, The Dewberry is a favorite.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on a historic carriage ride through downtown Charleston to soak in the city's antebellum architecture and learn about its past. Alternatively, take a walking tour to explore the city's history, architecture, and culture on foot.
- Evening: Enjoy a celebratory dinner.
- For upscale Italian: Sorelle is highly recommended, with options for groups up to 12. Le Farfalle is another beautiful Italian restaurant with a great outdoor patio.
- For a unique experience: Church and Union, located in a renovated historic church, offers online reservations for groups up to 12.
- For a vibrant atmosphere: Frannie and The Fox at the Emeline Hotel has a gorgeous courtyard with a fireplace and serves wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes.
- Nightlife: Head to a rooftop bar for drinks with a view. The Citrus Club is a trendy option with stunning skyline views. Stars Rooftop Bar is another excellent choice for cocktails and city vistas.
Day 2: Beach, Pampering & Delicious Food
- Morning:
- Beach Time: Take a trip to Folly Beach for a relaxed, boho vibe, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the ocean. You could even do a morning yoga session on the beach.
- Plantation Visit: If you prefer a more historical and scenic morning, visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens or Middleton Place to enjoy the stunning landscapes.
- Afternoon: Indulge in some pampering with a group spa day.
- Earthling Day Spa and Simply Your Spa are both able to accommodate groups for various services like massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The Spa at Charleston Place also offers bachelorette party spa packages. SoCa Day Spa focuses on organic treatments and a tranquil environment.
- Lunch: Grab a casual lunch at a spot like Taco Boy on Folly Beach or explore the diverse food truck options often found at breweries like Edmund's Oast.
- Evening:
- Dinner:
- Seafood: The Darling Oyster Bar is known for its Bloody Marys and is a great spot for dinner. Charleston Crab House has three locations, including one on Market Street overlooking the city market and another on Shem Creek with waterfront views. Red's Icehouse on Shem Creek is another casual option for seafood and drinks.
- Southern Cuisine: Husk is a renowned Southern eatery that helped put Charleston on the culinary map.
- Casual & Fun: Home Team BBQ is a great spot for groups, offering BBQ, sandwiches, and their famous "Game Changer" frozen drink. Little Palm at The Ryder Hotel is a chic poolside restaurant perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a group.
- Night Out: Experience Charleston's lively nightlife.
- Dancing: Republic Garden & Lounge is a popular nightclub with DJs and bottle service, especially lively on Sundays. Trio is another nightclub known for electronic music, DJs, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Live Music: The Commodore is a vintage jazz club with live music and cocktails. The Royal American is a quirky spot with live music and a laid-back vibe. Henry's on the Market is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Charleston and features a restaurant, bar, and music hall.
- Craft Cocktails: The Gin Joint offers an extensive menu of craft cocktails with a speakeasy feel. The Cocktail Club on Upper King Street is another upscale lounge for craft cocktails.
Day 3: Shopping, Markets & Departure
- Morning:
- Shopping: Explore King Street, known for its boutiques and shops.
- City Market: Wander through the Historic Charleston City Market, open 365 days a year, for local crafts and goods.
- Brunch: Enjoy a delicious brunch before heading out.
- Park & Grove is a favorite for farm-to-table dishes and a great atmosphere with a patio.
- The Darling Oyster Bar is also a good option for brunch.
- Sorelle's El Mercato offers a chic Italian bistro feel with excellent lattes and breakfast options.
- Another option is to grab a classic Southern-style biscuit breakfast sandwich from Callie's Hot Little Biscuit.
- Optional Activities (if time allows):
- Boat Tour: Take a harbor tour to see the city skyline and landmarks like Fort Sumter from the water. You could even do a tiki boat tour for a fun booze cruise experience.
- Ghost Tour: If your group enjoys a thrilling experience, consider a ghost or haunted tour in the evening.
- Cooking Class: Learn to make some Lowcountry specialties with a cooking class.
- Axe Throwing or Escape Room: For a more active and unique experience, try axe throwing or an escape room.
Charleston is very walkable, especially for bar hopping and shopping. Consider booking reservations in advance for dinners, particularly for a group of 8.
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