Travel || Where to Eat and Stay In Charleston, SC

Check out my first Charleston post on what to do in the city, including free things with kids!


On our trip to Charleston, we stayed at The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel. Or the pink hotel, as Callan called it. Originally built in 1853, this hotel has been a private residence, a courthouse, a post office, dorms for Baptists Charleston Southern College and during the Civil War, headquarters of Robert E. Lee. Theodore Roosevelt also stayed in this hotel and although it’s been completely rebuilt and remodeled, they’ve done a great job showcasing the history and original antique pieces. 

It was absolutely the quintessential southern hotel, full of charm. Our regular room was a bit on the small side, but fit us 4 just fine. These dreamy porches were sold out during our weekend stay, but I would love to try that next time. 

The location was totally perfect. We walked to nearly everything. There’s a public parking garage attached to the back of the hotel that you can pay a daily rate for and we opted for that instead of valet. I don’t know about you, but with kids, I just like easy access to my car for the random things that are inevitably left in there. 

Favorite Food Spots


Hominy Grill
207 Rutledge Ave

I had read this restaurant has been on basically every Food Network show there is, including my fave Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, so we had to go. We went on a Sunday morning for brunch, got there around 9:45 am and were seated immediately. By the time we were finished, there were tons of people waiting, so get there early! 

One of their most popular dishes, the Charleston Nasty Biscuit. Man, was this delicious. A piece of fried chicken in between a fresh biscuit, all smothered in sausage gravy. I want another one right now. 

But everything wasn’t deep fried, gravy covered goodness. The boys were very happy with their more traditional breakfasts and their grits were amazing. The also sell them by the bag to take home. 

Dixie Supply Bakery and Cafe
62 State Street

This place was funny. It gets amazing reviews, so we went our first morning in Charleston. The hubs saw it attached to a gas station, with a small counter and no air conditioning and walked right out. I convinced him that we really should stay and back we went. There is a small menu right on the counter and a few specials listed on a chalkboard. I ordered peach stuffed french toast and loved every bite. The hubs and boys ordered classic type breakfasts of eggs, sausage and toast and were happy with them, but nothing special. The prices are good and it seems their changing specials are the way to go. Next time, I’ll be trying the shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles. 


Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen Street

This restaurant was right across the street from our hotel, in an old house. We sat outside on the patio and it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever eaten. To start, homemade biscuits.

Next time we’re in town, I will go back for their chicken fingers that our boys ate. Hands down the best fried chicken I’ve ever put in my mouth. (Sorry, Granny)  

I heard great things about Magnolia’s, but we couldn’t get a reservation the whole weekend we were there. It was hard to get any dinner reservations, actually, so you’ll want to plan ahead in booking your dinners. The first night we got there, we ate at Charleston Crab House, right across from the Rainbow Market. It seemed like a fun atmosphere, with a large bar, but was pretty basic, fried food. For our kids who had been great travelers the previous 4 hours, it worked out just fine, though. 

Carmella’s
198 East Bay Street