Charleston, South Carolina

Where do I begin with Charleston. If you have ever been you know just how dreamy and awe inspiring it's cobblestone streets, ancient oak trees, and pastels are. I moved to Charleston spring of 2014 and it was a great move. Charleston is basically a college student's playground, home to College of Charleston and The Citadel. My days were filled with long walks along The Battery, warm cups of lavender lattes, and way to many credit card bills from J. Crew. It was a dream that I hope to move back to after I finish my time in Providence. 

Stay

I will always recommend either the Embassy Suites Charleston or Courtyard Marriott Charleston. Both are located in the center of King Street and on Marion Square Park; beautiful, fun, safe areas right in the heart of the action. Both of these hotels offer great amenities and are well worth the price! There are also many boutique hotels in Charleston, but I have never stayed in them, I'm sure they are beautiful though! 

Do

Do visit the College of Charleston!! The Cistern is one of the most iconic Charleston buildings and you can usually find artists, musicians, and many locals lounging on the lawn in front. The campus is drop dead gorgeous. 

Can't Miss 

The Battery

Angel Oak Tree

Sullivan's Island (my favorite beach)

Shopping on King Street

2nd Sundays (on King Street)

Farmer's Market (Saturday morning in Marion Square)

Eat

Kaminsky's Deserts 

Hominy Grill (Brunch)

5 Loaves Cafe

Husk

Kudu Coffee

French Chocolate Cafe 

Savannah, Georgia

Writing this post has been harder than the others because Savannah holds such a big place in my heart and narrowing my love for it down to a few words and places is nearly impossible. The first time I stepped into this eccentric city I knew I wanted to be apart of it, some way, some how. From the Spanish Moss to the Pecan Pie to the buzzing art scene what is not to love? And as the fashion industry reverts back to its southern roots if you are at all into fashion this is the place to be. Savannah is a special place, it will make you feel at home in a heartbeat - even if you are an outsider with no real art experience like me. Moving to Savannah was the greatest decision I have ever made, if you are ever in need of finding yourself I highly suggest pretending to be an art student for a couple of weeks and moving down there. 

Stay

Like Charleston, I lived in Savannah, but I would highly recommend the Savannah Hilton Desoto. This is where I stayed when I visited and is beautiful, relatively budget friendly, and has a great room service menu. It is right in the heart of the historic district of Savannah and a short walk from the SCAD Admissions building. Like I also said with Charleston, there are many beautiful boutique hotels, but they are more pricy (but also more beautiful!!) and I have never stayed there.

Do

Tour the art galleries. Even if you aren't into the art scene, do it. The SCAD Galleries are great - especially the renewed SCAD Museum of Art, but my all time favorite is the Telfair Jepson Museum. There are many hip galleries that host different events too, so ask your hotel concierge or even just check local Savannah Facebook events!

Can't Miss

Forsyth Park

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - beautiful!!!

Telfair Jepson Center for the Arts

Bonaventur Cemetery - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Skidway Island State Park- little bit of a drive, but worth it

Wormsloe Historic Plantation

Eat

Soho South Cafe - so good, so cool

Foxy Loxy - See the art kids in their natural habitat 

Leopold's Ice Cream - coconut ice cream

Paris Market - best iced coffee in Sav

Collins Quarter - best brunch + street side coffee bar

Parker's Market- Gas Station? Go. Best fried chicken and treats. 

Back in the Day Bakery - "I need a good insta + breakfast..."