Why Here

July 2019, I scheduled a promotional vacation to Myrtle Beach with Hilton Grand Vacations. I chose to make this my yearly trip that I spend with my younger cousin. I've always wanted to visit Charleston, so I decided to include a visit there as well

Getting There

I flew United, ORD to MYR. After 3 nights, rented a car one way from the airport and drove to Charleston. After that trip, we flew CHS to ORD. 

We took an Uber from MYR, which took about 20 minutes to reach the beach. 

Hotel in Myrtle Beach

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

And to take a helicopter ride 

Hotel near Charleston

Our first night, we stayed at The Inn at Middleton Place. This hotel is not close to the city and is tucked away from any surrounding areas. The grounds and the minimalist architecture are beautifully appealing; however, the interior of the rooms seemed a bit outdated for my preference. 

The hotel is connected to Middleton Place- a former 110-acre plantation once owned by Henry Middleton until the Civil War. This was my first and thus far only time visiting a plantation. I must say that as a Black American, I wasn't quite sure what I would see, hear or experience on my visit here but as a lover of history I felt it was a must, in my lifetime, to at least step foot on the grounds of a former plantation. 

The entrance fee for adults was $29 for entry alone or $49 for entry plus all the tours. There is a discount if you purchase online in advance. To my surprise and a great perk for guests of the Inn, the fee is included with your stay.

The House of Middleton (the remaining structure, see below)

The rubble remains of most of the House of Middleton

Most of the house was burned by Union troops and then further leveled by a postbellum earthquake.

An antiquated "refrigerator"

The grounds

We had lunch at the restaurant on-site, where I had possibly some of the best southern food… ever! I highly recommend the catfish and grits. 

Overall my experience here was quite positive. Although we all know this was once a place of dehumanizing hate, it is not impossible to separate the hateful past from the natural and manmade beauty that has been preserved. Our slave tour guide (an old white man) did a great job-- to not hide the past by highlighting the life of slaves at the time. He also told specific yet entertaining stories of the interactions with slaves and Mr. Middleton. 

Most important, though, while admiring the authentic beauty of the now historic landmark, you (or I couldn't) miss the transcending history of slavery on this plantation that made this place marvel it is today. That was the best part that I'll carry with me forever. 

Hotel in Charleston

The Dewberry Charleston is located in the city center. Once a former government building, this now chic large boutique hotel is a very charming mix of mid-century and modern design. 

What to do in the city

Marion Square- a park across from the hotel. Check out the weekend farmer's markets her

Out on a walk, we ran into a Cat Café. If you know me, you know that this excited me probably most out of the entire trip

Charleston Homes

We learned that it's aspirational to be a "SOB." This has all to do with real estate. It means you live "South of Broad," street that is. 

We did some of our city tours via Horse Carriage and some on foot.

The Old Slave Mart Museum This museum sits at the site of what used to be an old alley that served as a slave auction. Cost is an $8 donation.

Historic Charleston City Market

Open daily 365 and at nights Friday and Saturdays. Between South and North Market Street, you will find vendors selling sweetgrass baskets, cigars, paintings, food, and other unique handmade items. The market is primarily housed in a series of covered sheds that stretch the length of about a quarter of a mile. 

The Confederate Museum right near the beginning of the City Market. I didn't go in, yet I couldn't help but photograph the obvious polarity that I saw 

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit 

Here you will find simple and decadent handmade delicious biscuits. You can check out the stand-alone store or the smaller shop inside the City Market.

Angel Oak Tree

Located about 20- 30 minutes outside of Charleston. Here you can see a possibly 500-year-old oak that is 66 ft tall, but what is more impressive is that it covers nearly 17000 sq. ft.