Charleston | A Southern Gem Worth Lingering In | 3-Day Travel Guide 🌿

Taking advantage of the Presidents' Day long weekend, I finally had the chance to spend a few days in Charleston. Once the wealthiest city in the colonies, its history is rich and complex—lush plantations intertwined with painful pasts, a brief British colonial era, and the first shot of the Revolutionary War. All of this makes Charleston uniquely captivating! Here’s my 3-day itinerary for reference: Day 1: SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Expo) 🐾 An annual wildlife exhibition held every Presidents' Day weekend—this year was its 40th edition! As an animal lover, I was thrilled by the events: sheepdog herding demonstrations, retriever showcases, raptor flight shows, and the most exciting—DockDogs professional dog jumping competition (the champion jumped 27 feet 7 inches! 🏆). There was also a mini zoo, pet/hunting gear vendors, and wildlife-themed art exhibits. Fun, food, and everything in between—highly recommended! Day 2: Historic Downtown Walk 🚶♀️ Charleston’s most beautiful and historic spots are concentrated downtown. You can explore on foot (though it’s tiring!) or opt for a horse-drawn carriage tour for a more relaxed experience. Here’s our route—every stop was picturesque: 📍 Pineapple Fountain (stunning waterfront park) 🍍 📍 Rainbow Row (colorful historic houses) 🌈 📍 The Battery (scenic seaside mansions) 🏠 📍 Nathaniel Russell House (elegant historic home open for tours) 📍 Old Slave Mart (somber but important history) 📍 Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (colonial-era dungeon) 📍 Philadelphia Alley (most charming alleyway) 📍 Historic City Market (lively market for souvenirs) 🛍️ 📍 King Street (bustling street for shopping & dining) 🍽️ Day 3: Plantations & Nature 🌳🌊 Boone Hall Plantation: One of the most famous plantations, with a breathtaking oak-lined avenue. It was featured in The Notebook and where Blake Lively got married! 💒 Take a wagon tour to explore the grounds—worth every minute. Sullivan’s Island Beach: A quiet, peaceful beach perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. 🏖️ Shem Creek Park: Walk along the boardwalks overlooking the river and wetlands. Watch fishing boats come and go at sunset—pure bliss! 🌅 #USAHiddenGems #USATravel #Charleston #SouthernCharm #TravelGuide #HistoryLovers #PlantationTours ✨