This column is brought to you by our dear contributor, Tanya Ansaldi, a mom who’s taken her toddler on several long-haul flights from the West Coast to Italy and back and has been exploring all over the United States too.
Charleston is the epitome of Southern charm and a great place for all ages to enjoy. The historic district, which is the main part of the city that most tourists want to visit, is actually quite small and extremely walkable, so put on comfy shoes because there’s a lot to see throughout the Holy City. And make sure to bring your appetite because you will be eating your way through this foodie destination!
MORNING:
Start your day by heading over to Millers All Day for yummy breakfast dishes that, as the name suggests, are served all day. They have hearty traditional favorites, as well as incredible treats from the bakery and a solid drinks menu… after all, you’re on vacation and can have a cranberry sage mimosa if you want to! However, they don’t take reservations so if you go during the weekend, maybe opt for a cappuccino instead and make sure you get there early enough to beat the long wait (they open at 7am daily).
Afterwards you can spend the rest of your morning taking a leisurely stroll throughout the historic district. Some highlights will certainly include:
- Charleston City Market – stretching out over what would be two city blocks, this is a great spot to pick up a souvenir.
- Waterfront Park – take in the water views and stroll by the palm trees.
- Rainbow Row – this Insta-worthy row of colorful Georgian homes is a must-see.
- Chalmers Street – Charleston’s most iconic cobblestone street, and one of only eight that remain in the city.
AFTERNOON:
Next head to one of Charleston’s most iconic restaurants, Husk, for lunch. Reservations are highly recommended! The restaurant states that “if it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door,” so you are sure to find the best of upscale Southern cuisine with all ingredients being sourced solely from Southern farmers and purveyors. Don’t worry, they do have high chairs and kids are welcome, but they don’t have a kids’ menu so be sure to check there’s something for your little one before booking.
Afterwards, take a ten-minute stroll over to the Old South Carriage Company for a one-hour historical tour with a licensed guide on a horse drawn carriage. Get there at least 15 minutes prior to your booked tour time and request to sit in the front row so the kiddos can clearly see the very large horse. I found our guide to be both knowledgeable and entertaining, but tiny tots might lose interest after a while so bring something to entertain them.
Follow your tour by stretching your legs with a walk down King Street for some window shopping. Despite being over 300 years old, King Street is one of the most important, bustling streets in the city with fantastic boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, hotels and more.
EVENING:
That night, end your day with another culinary winner for locals and tourists alike, Le Farfalle. Admittedly, we were the only ones there with a minor – let alone a toddler – for dinner, but they made us feel completely welcome with both the Italian and Southern hospitality combined. While it may not seem like a “family” dinner spot, our waitress even brought a little coloring book with crayons and they do have high chairs available, so everyone can have a good time.
THE MORNING AFTER:
If you have time – and a car – head over to Sullivan’s Beach on your way to the airport. You don’t need to actually go swimming, but it’s lovely to see a different side of Charleston as you walk past the tall grass and onto the sprawling shoreline – and it makes for a great photo op. Pack some muffins and orange juice and have a breakfast picnic!
WHERE TO STAY:
The Belmond Charleston Place is a grand old luxury hotel with more than 400 rooms in the city’s downtown district. But the Belmond brand bends over backwards to families and this hotel has large rooms and a saltwater pool! Booking through Trips + Giggles will also get you continental breakfast daily for two guests, $100 food and beverage credit, an upgrade on arrival if space is available and early check-in or late check -out, also subject to availablity. Email with the dates you want to go and we’ll check the rates right away!
All photos by Tanya Ansaldi
Got questions about visiting Charleston with kids? Send them to us! Got your own tips to share about Charleston? We’d love to hear those too.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
