Weekend Update: Charleston

Hello and happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a great weekend and a chance to enjoy the impeccable weather.  I spent the weekend in Charleston on a ladies vacay with two of my best friends, Magen and Megan. 

The trip was everything I hoped for.  We enjoyed amazing meals, afternoon cocktails, perfect weather for exploring the streets, and of course made time for a bit of shopping. 

There's nothing better than traveling with Magen.  She's super organized and always knows the best hotels and restaurants.  She even brought party favors!  Magen knows i'm really cranky if I don't have my morning caffeine or a late night snack.  She came prepared with these adorable totes, filled with all of our favorite things (Coke, Dove Chocolates, Gatorade and Munchies!). 

As soon as we arrived, we headed to High Cotton for cocktails.  I had a cocktail with honey and fig infused vodka - I would highly recommend it! We also had a great cheese plate. 

For dinner, we went to Stars (I had to go back after a great experience last time I was in Charleston).  I had the lobster and grits - how great is this presentation?

Afterwords, we hit up Republic, which was a really awesome bar.  Outside there was a really fun band, and inside it was more of a clubby experience.  Best of both worlds!  I would recommend getting there a bit early (before 10).  By the time we left it was one in one out! 

Saturday we headed to King Street for some shopping!  I loved the Savannah Bee Company.  They have a huge selection of honey and you can taste them as well.  I picked up a jar of cheese honey - can't wait to use it! 

I like to buy local cookbooks when I travel as well.  After some serious thought, I went with Callie's Biscuits and Southern Traditions.  The recipes look phenomenal (homemade oatmeal cream pies anyone?).  I can't wait to try a few. 

Saturday night we headed to Fig for dinner. If you're a foodie, this should definitely be on your list when you visit Charleston.  Thankfully Magen knew how in demand it was - we made our reservations a month in advance and still had only a few slots to choose from.  That's what happens when the chef is a James Beard winner and also happened to cater Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' wedding I guess?

Fig absolutely lived up to the hype.  I ordered the Riccotta Gnocchi with Beef Bolognese and it was on another level.  They were like little cloud puffs in a decadent sauce! 

All in all I'd say it was a pretty fabulous trip.  Now back to work, here we go!