Hellobee Boards

We love Charleston. Second to Justine’s kitchen. Low country children’s museum is awesome and great to escape the heat, quick drive to isle of palms for the beach and beach shops. Walking or biking around is awesome but it’s going to be hot and humid so be prepared for that.

@jhd: I think where you choose to stay depends on what kind of trip you're looking to have. We've gone twice and both times we were guests of someone else who had VRBO'd places at Kiawah. We liked that we could drive into Charleston for the day and then get away from the city to something that was a slower beach town-vibe. But if you're going to be in Charleston every single day that drive would get old, so again, just based on what you're planning to do. Staying downtown is great for the convenience but comes with the price tag. You could also look into staying across the bridge in Mount Pleasant or maybe Folly Beach, which is a pretty popular (but crowded) area.

@jhd: so we usually stay in Charleston for 2 nights and then do a beach rental in Isle of Palms for the week. If you’re planning on a city vacation (as opposed to a beach vaca) I would look for a hotel in the Historic District. I’ve stayed at the Renaissance (nice w/ kids bc they have suites, but expensive) and the Courtyard Marriott and someplace else that is escaping me. There are tons of hotels in the historic district so I would peruse what works with your budget and for your family. I probably wouldn’t airbnb in actual Charleston unless you’re familiar with the area. Like any city, some parts are safer/more desirable that others and at least for me, that’s hard to navigate with Airbnb, etc

I’m here now with our almost 2 year old and 4.5 year old! We are staying in a VRBO in Cannonborough - it’s a little loud but white noise helps and we can walk to everything. Previously we have stayed in Folly with our 1 year old and we liked that too. So far we’ve done the aquarium and lots of walking around and exploring. For restaurants in Charleston proper so far this trip we’ve liked Leon’s, Five Loaves, and little Jack’s tavern. We’re also planning on going to Edmunds Oast. Will report back with more!

Loooove Charleston!
We lived in NC for a long while pre-kids and went all the time, actually got engaged and then married there (on Folly in fact).
Driving in/out from Folly, we love to stop at Bowen’s Island—(this is a restaurant) best time to do this is sunset. It’s a very casual place—the restaurant burned down about 7 or 8 years ago and they rebuilt—it is a huge lofted screened porch kind of place—overlooking the intercoastal, hence the great views—and is off the touristy path. Good oysters. Great views. Very casual fun atmosphere. We also like Taco Mac on the Folly main strip.
In Charleston I love Poogans Porch (had my rehearsal dinner there—gulp 8 years ago!) and 82 Queen. But honestly everything is fantastic down there. So so many good restaurants.
We also like the aquarium with our kids (took them most recently in June—they were almost 4 and 2.5 years old). It’s small but well done and easily filled a full morning. The rest of the time w our kids down there is mostly spent doing outsdoorsy things, beach, pool, boats. (My in-laws now live in Seabrook.)

Have fun!!