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Did you know Charleston’s nickname is the Holy City? While looking through the HGV Max Member portal, I found a studio available during Winter Break at Liberty Place. If you have read my blog, you know I purchased a timeshare. However, you can reserve a room on the Hilton website.
I enjoyed my 10-minute scenic walk to the Visitor Center. I thought about taking a rideshare to see the Angel Tree, but that would have cost $100 roundtrip. As I strolled through the Camden Room, I searched through several brochures and found a 2.5-hour bus tour with a stop at the Angel Tree. I called Sites & Insights Tours to add my name to the list. The clerk suggested I save $2 on the ticket by paying in cash instead of using a credit card. I returned to the Visitor Center the next day to meet Al Miller for my 1:15PM tour. Always stop by the Visitor Center for detailed information about how to experience your destination.
I learned about Gullah Geechee, Porgy & Bess, Hurricane Hugo, and the origins of We Shall Overcome. Condé Nast Traveler listed the Angel Tree as a place to visit in 2023. Although it was raining, I left the bus for an Instagram-worthy picture. The bus will also drive past Emanuel AME Church, only minutes away from Liberty Place. On June 17, 2015, a mass shooting occurred during Bible study at one of the oldest black churches in the United States. Al’s insight into the history of Charleston will touch your heart, and two people killed in the shooting were his relatives. Al ended the tour with a book signing. If you want to experience part of this tour, play the Explore Charleston reel on IG @realbondgirl.
As you walk down this stretch of trendy restaurants and hotels, there are many small businesses to support on King Street. Arrange your day to spend a few hours exploring. I stopped by SECHE, where I purchased nonalcoholic beverages for Dry January. If you like vinyl, make sure you visit Record Stop. I wanted to end my walk by dining at Virginia’s on King, but the restaurant is closed until February 1, 2023, for remodeling. If you like seafood, give Hyman’s a try. The restaurant does not accept reservations, so I sat at the bar because there was a wait. Of course, I tried the recommended whole-fried flounder with okra. I ate everything on my plate. Before I returned to Liberty Place, I stopped at A Christmas to Remember to buy my souvenir ornament. I walked 5.73 miles on my second day in Charleston.
I headed to Uncork, a wine bar and restaurant. The hostess greeted me with a smile and a warm hello. My new year started with a pledge to participate in Dry January, but the bartender created a mocktail, especially for me. She told me to select two types of meat and two kinds of cheese for my charcuterie board. Please try the onion and chive cheese. Everything was delicious, including the locally sourced bread, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and glazed nuts. Even the mocktail was well-crafted. The bartender and hostess invited me back in February to try the wines.
Explore the Holy CityAlthough I walked by the City Market, I did not stop. When I return, Meeting Street will be my first stop. There is so much to see and do in the Holy City. Even though check-out is at 10:00AM, I headed to the airport to enjoy a complimentary meal in the Priority Pass Lounge before boarding my 1:00PM flight. Visit my website for more ideas about solo travel.
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