Wandering Charleston + Our Delicious Stay at Zero George
Charleston is resplendent with pastel clapboard houses, opulent mansions, vibrant multi-hued flowerboxes, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and endless city views with stately bridges rising above the water way.
Charleston is just as charming as I’ve always imagined it would be. A family wedding in North Carolina created an easy excuse for a roadtrip to to South Carolina to explore this bucket list destination.
Charleston is resplendent with pastel clapboard houses, opulent mansions, vibrant multi-hued flowerboxes, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and endless city views with stately bridges rising above the water way.
The dining options are distinctly southern with a fresh twist. Influences of French, Gullah, Cajun flavors, among others, create a unique food scene. Charm oozes from the historic district mansions as you explore the cobblestone streets in a horse drawn carriage….Clip clop….Clip clop…Or whizing through the streets in a rickshaw. We did both!
Chic boutiques, luxurious hotels, sunny cafes and view-worthy roof top terraces round out the scene in Charleston. The gated porches make you want to settle in with a frosty mint julep on a warm afternoon and a great read.
Our carriage ride with Charleston’s favorite, Charlie.
Our stay at Zero George was everything we hoped it would be. This cluster of 5 historic homes has been transformed to a luxury boutique hotel that retains the true southern charm of the area. We were welcomed with chilled wine and a delicious charcuterie platter.
Suite Tour at Zero George
“Zero Restaurant + Bar will change the way you think about hotel restaurants. This tucked-away gem serves up some of Charleston’s biggest flavors and most dazzling dishes from undoubtedly the tiniest professional kitchen around. But don’t take our word for it: Condé Nast named Zero George one of the Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World. Chef Vinson Petrillo is a master with seasonal local ingredients, elevating dining to a sublime art of delicious sophistication.”
Where to Stay: Zero George (Contact us to book)
Where to Dine: Zero Restaurant + Bar (reservations in advance required), Halls Chophouse, Swig & Swine (local, unpretentious and fun)
Rooftop Lounge + Dining: Market Pavilion Bar (fabulous views and rooftop pool!), Eleve cool decor and hip, artsy vibe, and The Watch-Rooftop Kitchen
Historic Horse-drawn Carriage Ride - Book here
San Diego Getaway (Mixing Work & Play!)
The first time I visited San Diego, as a teenager, I felt like I had arrived in a tropical paradise. The waters were shimmery and foliage was lush with palm trees waving in the soft breezes. I hadn’t been to San Diego in years, so when a professional conference Scott and I were planning to attend was scheduled in town, we jumped at the chance. The Bahia Resort, the first beachfront hotel built on Mission Bay, has a mid-century modern vibe with a Mediterranean twist. Interiors have been updated over the years and, thankfully, they have left the retro exterior in the original form.
The first time I visited San Diego, as a teenager, I felt like I had arrived in a tropical paradise. The waters were shimmery and foliage was lush with palm trees waving in the soft breezes. I hadn't been to San Diego in years, so when a professional conference Scott and I were planning to attend was scheduled in town, we jumped at the chance. The Bahia Resort, the first beachfront hotel built on Mission Bay, has a mid-century modern vibe with a mediterranean twist. Interiors have been updated over the years and, thankfully, they have left the retro exterior in the original form.
I enjoyed strolling around the property with my camera. I've always found this style of architecture intriguing. This design seems to offer more privacy and a unique perspective to these retro spaces. It's especially cool when the view is a beachfront.
Our suite was nicely equipped with a kitchen, dining table, separate bedroom area (with luxury linens) and that beachfront patio.
This is definitely a good way to decompress after a day of trainings on how to handle trauma in schools (follow-up note: I returned to work the following Monday morning to 2 full days of grief counseling at a local High School here. Unfortunately the timing on this training was perfect.
My sister, Dorie, and her guy, Michael, joined us in San Diego for a couple of evenings. They took us to one of their favorite spots, James' Place in La Jolla, for sushi. Our evening with famed sushi chef "Big Mike" as our sushi whisperer was an unforgettable foodie experience, just as they promised. Our thanks Big Mike!
Another day of meetings, with a break beach-side....this is the life!
Time for a beach side happy hour at the suite...
and toasting to the pleasant combination of work and play in San Diego with my guy.
For our last night in San Diego we dined at the famed Croce's Park West, with live music, and ended the evening with a walk and poolside lounge at the stylish Hilton Bayfront.
When the sistas get together there is endless fun...at least we think so!
Love this view!
Healthy, active lifestyle options, like beach cruiser biking on the beach path and watersports, abound in San Diego. I've always wanted to try SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) which is super popular on Mission Bay. Though I didn't have time to try it on this trip, it's definitely on my list for our tropical getaway this summer. #splash ;)
A few fun photos I snapped on Instagram.
San Diego is notoriously photogenic.
The Bahia Resort has a sister property, the Catamaran, just across the bay. The Bahia Belle is a Mississippi style sternwheeler that cruises between the two resorts offering music, cocktails and dancing. It's free for guests staying at the resort. If you are looking for a beachy getaway in California, for couples or for families, I highly recommend Bahia Resort. To book this getaway Bahia Resort Hotel and for other recommendations in San Diego contact me.
Are you making travel plans for summer yet?
What's next on your travel bucket list?
