When a ­dear friend of mine told me she was having her wedding in South Carolina, I exclaimed to her, “how nice!”  To myself I was wondering why? Whats the connection?  Having now been there, I now completely understand.  Charleston is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina filled with cobble stone streets, picturesque and colonial architecture and some damn good food.  See below for a few recommendations on where to stay, eat, sweat, and dance.  And if you’re looking for a wedding destination, Legare Waring House should definitely be on your list.

Legare Waring House.  This is precisely the reason my dear friend decided to have her wedding in Charleston.  The Legare Waring house is part of the Charles Towne Landing historic site and simply put: it’s magical.  The historic grounds are vast and perfectly decorated with Spanish moss pretty much filling the air with romanticism, kisses and love.

Stay:

King Charles Inn is a great option to lay your head for a variety of reasons: the location is fabulous (reducing the need to take Ubers), friendly and attentive staff, pool and celebrates happy hour every day.

Eats & Drinks:

Our wedding activities kicked off at Prohibition.  Prohibition lived up to its name, rich in dark wood, and adorned with whiskey barrels you definitely get the 1920’s vibe as soon as you walk in.  But don’t let the décor shift your impression, they’ve got an incredible menu of cocktails regardless of your poison.  Try the Bacon Maple Old Fashioned complete with bacon candy or the Dartery for a refreshing libation.

Came to Star restaurant on Meeting street (which we would come to realize would be the only street that mattered in the city) for a quick bite and it didn’t disappoint.  It’s a huge restaurant (i.e. no wait) with delicious eats –  crab cakes, ahi tuna salad, kale salad, and bacon cheddar tater tots are a must.

For the only fried chicken you need to consider, look no further than Leon’s.  Make a reservation.  Get the fried chicken sandwich, Siam salad, and shrimp roll.  That’s all.

You’ll feel the southern hospitality everywhere, specifically in taxi’s and Ubers as drivers seem to want to know your entire life story and then some, but Halls Chophouse takes the cake for really experiencing it at their Sunday Gospel Brunch.  As soon as you walk in your greeted with a warm hello and a sincere thank you for being there.  Best of luck selecting your entree; the menu is full of mouthwatering options to make you ponder and wonder for a minute. Luckily everything on the menu is divine and recommend getting the French toast for the table.  But the best part: a gospel group goes around the whole restaurant singing the equivalent of your Sunday best. You’re welcome.

Sweat:

Need a workout to burn off the fried goodness?  Revolution is Charleston’s version of Soul Cycle (at a lower price, obvs).  The beat based cycling class will leave you feeling like an accomplished and sweaty champ.