7.25.2014

#CHS

There's no doubt about it, my little hometown has become the ultimate trendy place to visit. Sitting atop some prestigious "best of" lists, it seems that Charleston has amassed more popularity and national exposure in the last five years than it has in its 300ish year history.

It's clear that the city is aesthetically gorgeous and on a warm (non-humid) sunny day you could swear she was showing off on purpose. The sleepy, quiet "Holy City" I knew as a kid will always hold a special place in my heart, but this new era has given a second chance to my birthplace and I'm excited to be a part of the "new" Charleston.

This week I've been in Charleston house sitting for my aunt and it has been so wonderful to be able to take my time and explore new (to me) places and to show the city to Emily who stayed with me for a few days. It was such fun having girl time in my favorite southern city - fingers crossed we'll be back here more permanently come January ;) - here are some of the best parts of our visit!

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1 || We spent seven hours downtown on Monday. The hours flew by as we shopped, explored, and snacked our way across town. We took our time walking through the picturesque neighborhoods south of Broad taking a ridiculous amount of pictures along the way (#doitforthegram). 

Some favorite stops included a healthy/yummy lunch at Freshii on King,  an afternoon jolt of cold brew coffee (holy caffeine!) at Black Tap Coffee, and an afternoon recharge (literally - our phones were on 5%) with smoothies at Whisk on Meeting. 

Charleston

2 || Lunch at The Park Cafe on Tuesday with a sweet fellow blogger Annie Reeves! You've probably seen her amazing photos on Instagram (if not you must go follow her asap) girlfriend has the best eye for capturing the ample beauty this place has to offer. The conversation was great and lunch did not disappoint - I had a delicious kale salad and hummus plate, but all of their options sounded so fresh and scrumptious. Good food + perfectly curated branding/decor puts this new Charleston spot on the top of my favorites list.

Charleston

3 || Tuesday evening Em and I headed back downtown for a blogger meet-up at The Vendue Rooftop held by Heather of Sweet Tea Jubilee. I love getting to meet people I interact with online - it makes you realize that blogs are extensions of real people that choose to share their creative side with the world. Spending a few hours in the surprisingly non-humid late July weather talking life and blog stuff with like-minded women was a definite treat. The views (and drinks!) at the rooftop are not to be missed - put this on your Charleston to-do list if you've never been! 

Charleston

3 || Emily was planning to leave Wednesday afternoon but when we saw that there was another blogger get-together Wednesday night we knew she had to stay so we could attend! Two of my favorite Charleston bloggers Natalie and Caycee hosted a picture-perfect event at Eclectic in Mount Pleasant. It was a treat to be able to meet so many women I've looked up to for ages and make new acquaintances as well.

Safe to say Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love is my new hero and one of the most genuinely kind people I've ever met. She encouraged Emily and I to jump in headfirst and move to Charleston, and after chatting with her I felt inspired and ready to tackle the world. Talent + a good soul is a combination you don't come across nearly often enough, and I can only hope to be half as successful and just plain nice as she is as I continue into adulthood!

Charleston

Safe to say I wanted to take home everything in the shop and was making constant mental notes of things I want to incorporate into my next (Charleston) apartment! The bright pops of color combined with natural textures and mixed patterns created a definite eclectic vibe that was as cozy and welcoming as it was chic and cutting edge. I left the event inspired in so many ways and am so happy we were able to attend!

Charleston

Charleston, you treated me well once again. The historic beauty of the city combined with all of the new, innovative businesses (restaurants, PR firms, digital publishing agencies, oh my!) that have taken up residence lately have created the perfect marriage of old and new. I feel like I'm graduating college just as Charleston is graduating into this new, fresh era and I really want to move (back) there as soon as my internship at Disney is over.

For now, I'll settle for quick trips down the coast to this pretty city and continue to daydream about my life as a twenty-something Charleston girl. Hope y'all have a joy-filled weekend! xo

-Lanie W.

6 comments:

  1. Loved meeting you last week! So glad you enjoyed your time here - hope you will be back soon! xo

    Annie Reeves

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    1. Loved meeting you as well! I will definitely be back asap! :)

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  2. Um this is one the sweetest things to see - thank you :) I had such a fun time chatting with you and Emily. So glad y'all came by the event. xoxxo

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    1. You're so welcome - I meant every word! It was lovely to meet you!! xo

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  3. I as so sad that we did,'t get to chat :( You are the just the most precious thing ever!!

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    1. You're too sweet, thank you so much :) I seriously adore your blog! We'll have to make a point to catch up at next blogger meet-up! xo

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