Hidden Gem of the South | Charleston

I recently discovered the charm of the American South—and Charleston is a relatively under-the-radar spot where you can experience a true vintage American small-town vibe. This historic city in South Carolina has been named "America’s Most Beautiful City" by Travel + Leisure for multiple years in a row. No exaggeration—every corner of the streets feels like a frame from a movie 🎬. We traveled from Atlanta for a 3-day, 2-night trip, which was more than enough to check off all the major attractions. ➡️ Recommended Spots 📍 Rainbow Row An incredibly Instagram-worthy street—perfect for photos! Colorful exteriors, shutters, and Southern-style balconies make it a total dream for anyone with a soft, girly side 💖. Go in the morning: fewer people and better light. Outfit tip: Wear a French vintage-style dress—you’ll get amazing shots! 📍 Historic Downtown Cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, and colonial-era buildings—every step feels like a trip back to the 19th century 🐎. Highly recommend renting a bike to wander slowly and soak up the vibe. 📍 Magnolia Plantation A historic Southern plantation with a rich history that reflects a unique chapter of America’s Southern past 🌿. In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas are in full bloom—stunningly beautiful. Admission tickets cost $20-$30; you can book online in advance. 📍 Sullivan’s Island & Folly Beach Great for watching the sunset and soaking up the sun 🌅. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, the beaches are clean and quiet—perfect for a relaxing sunset viewing. 🍽️ Food Recommendations 📍 Poogan’s Porch A restaurant converted from an old mansion, full of Southern charm. We ordered: Fried Chicken & Biscuits (with honey butter) and Shrimp & Grits—no misses here! Request a table on the balcony if you can—it has the best atmosphere. 📍 167 Raw Oyster Bar A go-to spot for oysters and seafood. The seafood is super fresh—their lobster roll comes highly recommended 🦞! Charleston is truly a place you’ll fall in love with once you visit. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of big cities, but it has the unique gentleness, vintage charm, artistry, and romance of the South. I’m already planning to visit more Southern cities next time 😊! #AtlantaDayTrips #SouthernUSCuisine #AmericanSouth #MemorialDay #USLongWeekend#CharlestonFood#CharlestonTravel#SouthernUSTravel