Episode 26 | The Low Country: Charleston & Savannah

Welcome back for another solo episode of Travel, Pray, Slay. I am fresh from vacation and my first trip of 2022. I took an adult Spring Break 10-day trip to Chicago, Charleston, and then Savannah.

Charleston and Savannah, better known as the Lowcountry, have been on my list for a while. I love the south and all things old school and vintage. Charleston and Savannah are both coastal cities. So, if you are thinking about going to the lowcountry, I wanted to share my insights on what you should do and where you should go, because I had a great time!

Show Notes:
[02:36] We started the trip in Charleston. Charleston has consistently been named one of the best cities in the south. Tourism is #1 in Charleston. Charleston is also known as the Holy City for its religious diversity and tolerance.
[03:49] Charleston is a big cornerstone of American History, Black History, and a great city with a lot to offer.
[04:22]Charleston has two main popular areas. They have a French Quarter area and the downtown Charleston area around King Street. King Street is known as a shopping and dining district.
[05:20] Charleston does not have a significant public transportation system. King Street is 100% walkable. We decided to stay at Hotel Bennett.
[07:06] Hotel Bennett is southern charm meets glam. It was voted the #1 best luxury hotel in 2021 and it is right on King Street.
[08:50] We did a horse and carriage ride tour through the Old Carriage Company. It was a tour of old-school Charleston.
[09:19 I do recommend always doing a tour on the first day that you arrive somewhere because it lays the groundwork for what the city has to offer.
[10:07] While we were in the French Quarter area we went to Magnolias. Magnolias was named one of the ten best restaurants in Charleston. The food was amazing, the service was nice, and it is right in the heart of the French Quarter.
[11:48] We walked to the Old Slave Mart and the Market. Then we went to Kaminsky’s for dessert. We walked off our dessert by walking back to King Street.
[13:27]Some of my favorite places that I dined at in Charleston were The Darling Oyster, Bourbon n Bubbles, Rodney Scott BBQ, and Prohibition. Rodney Scott BBQ was named one of the 50 new best restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine.
[15:47] North Charleston is where the majority of African Americans live. We went to Nana’s Seafood and Soul for authentic Gullah cuisine.
[16:41] You want to get Carolina BBQ, seafood, and try some authentic low country cuisine when you go to Charleston.
[17:57] One plantation that we visited is now owned and operated by Charleston County Parks was the McLeod Plantation. It was told from the enslaved point of view. It was a very sacred time and I am glad we did it.
[22:56] We also did a Gullah Geechee tour. Gullah is an English-based Creole language that evolved from slaves specifically in the South Carolina and Georgia region rooted in Africa. We went on a Gullah tour hosted by Alphonso Brown.
[26:10] Charleston is a top U.S. city for sure.
[26:44] From there we decided to go to Savannah. Savannah and Charleston are a little over two hours away from each other and Hilton Head is in the middle. We took Amtrak from Charleston to Savannah. Train is a great way to travel.
[29:12] While we were in Savannah we stayed on the riverfront. The whole riverfront has several hotels and dining. We stayed at the Marriott on the riverfront. Savannah is known for its historic architecture.
[31:46] We were able to do a private tour with a company called Underground Tours. We arrived in the evening but the next morning the first thing we did was a tour.
[34:43] A couple of bars and restaurants we went to in Savannah were Good Times Jazz, Alleycat Lounge, Husk Savannah, and The Grey.
[37:12] Husk Savannah had a very unique menu. A lot of dishes are unique to the south with a spin on them.
[38:37] The Grey was named the best restaurant in Savannah in 2020. If you don’t go anywhere else when you are in Savannah stop by The Grey. You do have to book reservations.
[40:05] Every day everywhere we went in Savannah there was music.
[41:39] Plant Riverside District is a great dining and nightlife destination.
[43:55] There were so many things that we didn’t get to do.
[45:00] Savannah is a hot destination so plan ahead, utilize resources, and book reservations. Dining there gets really crowded.

Links Mentioned on the Show From Toya:
Links Mentioned on the Show From Toya:
Gullah Tours
Underground Tours of Savannah
Black-owned Businesses to Support During Your Next Trip to Charleston, South Carolina
Southern Living
Nomad List
Trusted Housesitters
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