Roman Food Tour - An Immersive Experience

My husband and I were giddy with excitement planning our 15 year anniversary trip to Italy.  Our first stop was Rome.  Of course many things come to mind when you think of The Eternal City...The Colosseum, The Vatican, The Sistine Chapel...but to a couple of foodies, you dream of sampling all the authentic Italian mainstays. So before we booked tours to all the magnificent ancient ruins (and we definitely took in all the sights during our stay!), our first priority was finding the best food tour in Rome, and I think we found exactly that!

Al Geardino del Gatto e la Volpe

The key to finding the best tours of course is research, research research!  I found and booked a tour that takes you into the heart of the Prati neighborhood, a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy districts.  It was important to us to eat where the locals eat to get an authentic experience.  The Roman Food Tour (http://foodtourrome.com/) and Raluca, our guide were spectacular and exceeded all expectations.  Not only was Raluca super knowledgeable, but she was so personable, it was like we had been friends for years!  We loved getting to know our fellow food and wine tasters throughout the night as well.

Being on a highly rated food and wine tour, I expected great food and wasn't disappointed at all!  From freshly filled and dipped cannoli to prosciutto and fresh cheeses to the best pizza I've ever had in my life to homemade gnocchi and ravioli to the creamiest gelato I've ever tasted.  On top of that, some fantastic local wines.  I'm so glad we got the real Italian experience instead of the typical tourist fare. We even got a recipe for the gnocchi to bring back home and try and it was wonderful....brought us right back to that spectacular night!

So, the food and wine exceeded expectations by far, but what I found surprising was just how much I learned on our 4 hour evening out.  Not only about the food, but so much about local culture and customs.  I am SO glad we booked this tour for the first full night of our stay.  We learned how to order a cup of coffee at the "bar" properly (hint: don't just order a cup of coffee!). We learned how to spot authentic gelato vs the chemical and air-filled stuff they try to pass off to tourists who are more than happy to shell out their Euros on the fake stuff.  Helpful tip: The gelato shouldn't look like a big mound of neon colored stuff in the case. We learned to pass on the cannoli unless they fill it to order. But mostly, we took away the love and care the Italians bring to their food.  It's an expression of love to cook for someone or to share a wonderful meal.  We left with a huge appreciation of the food, the culture and the people.  The food and wine tour was definitely a top highlight of our trip and we will be booking a food tour at the beginning of each new destination we visit!

International Travel Newbies - 6 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go!

I've been lucky enough to experience much of the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  This November, my husband and I will be taking our first venture into Europe to celebrate our anniversary (a big one, 15!!).  So, while researching and preparing for my own trip, I thought I'd write a few tips out to other international travel newbies before you head there yourself!

 

Documentation:
 

Of course, stating the obvious that a passport is needed when traveling into and out of Europe. But, you will need to check yours before you leave to make sure it will still be valid at least 3 months after your ticketed date of return, and some countries even require 6 months. You can check out the US Department of State's Travel Website (https://www.state.gov/travel/) for specific requirements for the places you plan to visit. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time if you need to renew so you don't have to swallow the fee to expedite.  It's also a good idea to photocopy your passport info, driver's license and print out a hard copy of your itinerary and confirmation numbers to have on hand just in case. 

Currency:
 

After you have all documentation in order, the next most important thing to research is currency.  In most of Western Europe, the Euro is the official currency.  Rates of exchange fluctuate frequently, so be sure to check close to your trip for the most up to date info.  With added fees, it's expensive to exchange your money at the airport once you arrive at your destination.  Most banks will do this for you before you leave.  Many businesses will also take major credit cards, but be sure to get a card with no foreign transaction fees.  There are also ATMs in most cities tourists frequent, but it's always good to have cash on hand when you arrive. 
 

Transportation: 
 

Okay, so you have arrived at your destination and have cash on hand.  Now you need to know how to get around town.  There will be lots of options available such as rental cars, taxi services, and public transportation.  What you choose will have a lot to do with how centrally located you are to a big city.  A lot of times, urban areas will have bus or metro passes that can be purchased for several days.  This is the most economical way to get around.  If you choose a taxi, make sure it is an official taxi service and that they have the meter running so you know how much you will be charged.  Remember, some taxis will only accept cash, so keep plenty of cash on hand.  Tipping in not generally expected, but people usually round up to make it easier to pay.  Also, add a bit for each bag if you have one with you.
 

Language:
 

Many people will speak English as a second language in major tourist cities.  However, it's always a great idea (and polite) to learn a few helpful phrases for the places you're going.  It can also be helpful to download a translation app such as Google Translate, an app that will translate 103 languages, in case a need arises.

 

Cultural Customs:
 

It's important to do your research on customs and traditions for your particular destination. Some things to research include tipping practices, dress codes at different venues, and of utmost importance, use of bathroom facilities.  Remember, you are a visitor in another country, you can't always expect people to accommodate your preferences.
 

Itinerary:

 

Once you've figured out all the basics of getting to your destination and making your way around town, it's time to take a moment to make some plans.  Personally, I love to make a list of "must-sees", make a few dining reservations, then make a list of things we can do if we have time or need something to do.  If going to museums or historical sites, check into buying semi-private tour tickets in advance so you can skip the long lines and get a more personal look at the attractions.  Be sure to make reservations to popular restaurants in plenty of time, and think about making them for lunch instead of dinner to cut down on cost.  Experiences like cooking classes or food tours (see a common food theme here??), you should buy tickets to in advance. But also be sure to save some time to just wander around and take it all in. After all, those moments can often be the most memorable.  

Did I leave anything important out?  Please leave a comment and let me know any of your tips for the international travel novice.  Bon Voyage!  

Multigenerational Vacations

Growing up, I was the typical teenager that dreamed of getting out on my own someday, away from my parents' curfew and rules.  It only took me about a month or two of being out on my own to realize just how much I did appreciate them and all they had done for me my entire life.  As we both get older, I grasp just how precious time with them is.  That is why our family has started incorporating multigenerational vacations into our travel plans.

There are so many benefits to taking trips with grandparents.  So many Americans get limited amounts of vacation days.  Spending time with the kids and your parents at the same time without using extra vacation days is such a smart use of time off.  It's also such a nice way to incorporate memories for everyone.  Family vacations are some of the best memories I have growing up, and they will stick with me forever.  Having a larger party can mean sharing the cost of a rental property and oftentimes, this means you can get more bang for your buck.  This summer, we rented a large cabin in the mountains and it was more economical than one fancy hotel room per night. Another benefit is that the grandparents can take the kids off to do something special, while you can do something more adventurous with your spouse.  Or check out a city on foot without little legs trying to keep up and finish with a fancy meal at a place with no kid's menus.  

Some top vacation ideas to please young and young at heart:

Theme parks:  The grandparents can experience the magic of places like Disney through their grandchildren's eyes. And there are enough adults around to switch off when the adults want to go on the thrill rides.

Cruises: Cruises have something for everyone.  Most have kids' clubs when the adults need a little break.  They have activities like Bingo and swimming, and of course everyone can agree on eating as a fun activity to do together.  

Mountain escape:  Renting a cabin in the mountains can be such a nice, relaxing time to reconnect as a family.  Bring some card games, board games, s'mores and plenty to cook out and sit back and enjoy the view and the quality time.

City life:  Exploring a new city can be so exciting.  Many places have a plethora of activities centered around kids, like museums, aquariums and parks.  And when the kids need a rest, the parents can head out for a night on the town knowing they are in good hands with the grandparents.

Beach: The beach is one of the most popular places to take a multigenerational trip.  Who doesn't like to sit on a beach chair and have a tropical drink while the kids play for hours in the sand?  An all-inclusive resort will make the trip easy as all meals and drinks are provided, so no figuring out where to go or how to divide up the check.

Multigenerational vacations continue to grow year over year as people realize the benefits for everybody involved.  Where would you like to go as a big, extended family?
 

Solar Eclipse Happenings ~ Columbia, SC

Monday, August 21, 2017 at 2:41 pm will be the time to get your nerd on and witness the first total solar eclipse since 1979. Columbia, SC (the state's capital city) will be a prime spot to take in all the action as it is directly in the path of totality and will have one of the longest periods of total darkness in the country at just under 3 minutes. So grab some specialty viewing glasses (http://amzn.to/2uKmblj), and and head on over to join fellow astrology enthusiasts (or those that just like a good party) to witness this epic event.  Here's a short list of things to do during your stay:
 

ECLIPSE EVENTS
The South Carolina State Museum (http://scmuseum.org/) is a hub for all things eclipse.  With an observatory, antique telescope collection and world-class planetarium, the museum has plenty to see and do leading up to the big event.

For an updated list of all the viewing parties and events in the days before the eclipse, check out (http://totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com/events/)

THINGS TO DO AROUND TOWN
 

The Capital City has so much to offer for visitors of all interests.  For nature lovers, there is an abundance of hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and boat rentals for exploring beautiful Lake Murray.  For culture & art fans, there's a plethora of museums and galleries downtown. Animal lovers will not be disappointed with a visit to the gorgeous Riverbanks Zoo.  The Zoo will also be hosting a viewing party on the big day.
 

Gorgeous Lake Murray

FOR THE FOOD LOVER
Columbia has an emerging food scene, with breweries and farm-to-table restaurants cropping up at every turn. Some of the city's must-try food destinations are Saluda's, Bourbon, Motor Suppy Company Bistro, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Blue Marlin, Colas & The Oak Table, which is featuring an eclipse day tasting menu.

 

Make your plans now to travel to Columbia to be at the center of astrology fun for the Solar Eclipse of 2017. You know your inner nerd wants to experience this!

Family Fun in Asheville, NC

We just returned home from a great family vacation in Asheville, NC.  Born and raised in the South, I thought I knew what to expect with this bustling North Carolina city, but the beauty and diverse culture really blew my expectations away.  Unlike some of it's Southern counterparts like Charleston and Savannah, Asheville has an edgier, more elclectic vibe.  The people aren't unfriendly by any means, but they are much more "you do you, I'll do me" than other Southern cities I know well.  I really enjoyed the laid back vibe of the city.

 

Because we were going with a large family, and because we are huge mountain fans, we rented a cabin just outside the city in Black Mountain.  I loved doing this as it really provided two vacations in one...a quiet mountain retreat as well as easy access to city life when the cabin fever set in.  The best of both worlds in my opinion, and much more economical when traveling with a large group.  The whole family enjoyed sitting out on the deck overlooking the beautiful mountains all around us, all while keeping an eye out for bears (which we disappointingly never saw!). 

THINGS TO DO:
There are so many activities in and around Asheville for the whole family to enjoy.  We spent a day at Chimney Rock State Park (http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/) where we hiked up the mountain to enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountain views I've ever seen.  We had a picnic under the covered tables and also treated the kids to ice cream after their tiny legs had done all that climbing.  There's also a rock wall and animal encounter for the little ones.  It felt great to unplug and enjoy nature together.

For some indoor kid friendly activities, there is the Asheville Pinball Museum (http://ashevillepinball.com/) where the whole family can view and play over 75 different games.  If you're looking for a break from the heat, there's also Asheville's Fun Depot (http://ashevillesfundepot.com/) with go carts, laser tag, mini golf, bowling and more.
 

Especially attractive during the blazing summer months, the Gray Line Trolley Tours offer a "Hop On Hop Off" option which is a great way for families to explore the city. Instead of little legs keeping up for miles and miles, the trolley will take you around to some key tourist attractions including the heart of downtown.  You will get some history and a breezy ride along the way (cheesy trolley tour guide jokes included for free!). http://graylineasheville.com/
 

FOOD:
Local food is always the most researched part of our trip.  A few days is only enough time to scratch the surface of this emerging heavy-hitter in the food world.  Along with the laid back vibe, Asheville is extremely kid and pet friendly.  This lends itself to many restaurants with sophisticated menus, but with a more casual vibe.  There are a ton of outdoor patios that have a mix of kid friendly fare and delicious menus with craft cocktails and brews for the adults.  The Tupelo Honey Cafe (https://tupelohoneycafe.com/location/downtown-asheville/) was great for brunch on the patio. The kids enjoyed banana pancakes while the adults enjoyed shrimp & grits, mimosas and golden tomato Bloody Marys.  If you find yourself able to sneak away for a date night (thanks grandparents!), enjoy a night downtown at Local Provisions (http://www.localprovisionsasheville.com/) or Curate (http://heirloomhg.com/curate/) and end the night at Wicked Weed Brewery (https://wickedweedbrewing.com/).

Our family really enjoyed the laid back, eclectic vibe of the city as well as the peacefullness of the gorgeous mountains and waterfalls all around us.  I highly recommend checking out this gem of a city when you get an opportunity! For more information on this vibrant city, check out https://www.exploreasheville.com/

Remy - Disney Dream Dining Experience to Remember

I've written about my family's love for Disney Cruises.  We've gone on the Disney Dream every year for the last 3 years, so it's no surprise that I've become the "go-to" person for advice for first time Disney cruisers.  I recently wrote another blog post here https://themoreplaces.com/travel/2017/4/15/disney-dream with detailed advice but wanted to write more specifically about the adult-only special dining experience at Remy.

 

I've been asked several times if one meal can actually be worth as much (or more!) as some people pay for groceries for a month. I always answer that you have to decide for yourself how much value you place on food and the dining experience as a whole.  I don't place a high value on things like clothes, shoes, handbags, etc for instance.  But when it comes to fine dining and travel, I'm suddenly screaming "take my money now!" 
 

If you do some research, you will find the stated cost for the meal is $95 per person.  Go ahead and multiply that number by 3-4 and you will have what you will actually spend, more if adding in the wine pairings.  Now it may be possible to stick with the $95 per person budget if you are very careful with your selections.  But if you have a husband like mine who is a little (ahem, a lot!) of an impulsive diner when surrounded by amazing food, you will have a harder time sticking to this budget.  
 

The menu was crafted by French Michelin 3-star Chef Arnaud Lallement and Chef Schott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World. Each chef offers their own tasting menus--an American version and a French version.  So naturally, we get one of each and share so we can have the full tasting experience.  
 

The menu is seasonal and changes often, but I will say that after 3 years and 30 something courses, I've never had anything disappointing. So the answer to the question "is it worth it" really depends on your priorities.  If you place a high value on top quality ingredients, innovative dishes, wonderful service and fabulous views and atmosphere, you will not be disappointed with this experience.  Should you try it, it will no doubt be a top contender for best meal of your life!

Stephanie is a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel.  For all your planning needs for your own Disney Cruise, visit https://www.facebook.com/stephanieadventurewithmagic/

New Orleans - The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more perfect spot for a girlfriend getaway than New Orleans, Louisiana.  Centrally located, affordable, brimming with history and culture, and amazing food at every turn, NOLA is a great choice to meet up with your best girlfriends for some relaxation and fun.  It's impossible to see and do everything this incredible city has to offer in one weekend, but here are a few of my must-dos on your first visit:
 

Tours
 

From food & cocktail tours, to visiting historical mansions in the Garden District, to haunted ghost tours, there is something for everyone's interests.  Whichever one (or two!) you choose, just make sure you wear comfy shoes since you'll be doing a lot of walking!  Touring with an expert can be the best way to get a view of the city from a true insider.  They can often give really good recommendations for other places to visit too as they are very familiar with the area in general.  

Local Cuisine
 

Sampling all the local cuisine is the best way to experience a new city in my opinion, and New Orleans has some of the best food in the country!  Everyone will tell you to make a stop by Cafe du Monde for the beignets and they are right.  This place is an institution for a reason.  Warm and delicious bundles of dough with powdered sugar on top...yes please!

Brunch is a must with the girls, and NOLA has an abundance of great spots.  The Court of Two Sisters has a lovely Sunday Jazz Brunch with outside dining in a gorgeous courtyard.  Brennan's is another famous spot with fabulous creole creations.

You could go fancy dinner every night you're there, or go with a mix of moderate and high end, which is what we chose to do.  The bacon oyster sandwich at Cochon is literally the best sandwich I've ever tasted in my life.  I still dream about that deliciousness. For a nice dinner out, we chose award winning Restaurant R'evolution and were treated with the royal treatment, aka the chef's table.  What a neat experience being able to see the behind the scenes inter-workings of the kitchen.  
 

Nightlife
 

When the sun goes down, New Orleans seems to come alive with a palpable energy unique to this Southern city.  A great way to start your night is to head over to the Carousel Bar & Lounge inside the Hotel Monteleone. It's a great atmosphere and has a yummy bar bites menu to go with a nice cocktail...be sure to try the blue crab & crawfish beignets! After a more refined start, head out to the famous Pat O'Briens Piano Bar.  In nicer weather, I prefer to sit out on the patio and enjoy people watching.  Finally, a girl's trip wouldn't be complete without a little dancing.  The Maison is a great spot to dance the night away with your friends.
 

Relaxation
 

There's nothing better than being able to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit on a vacation.  Splurging on a spa treatment at the Ritz Carlton will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to face the real world when you head home from your vacation.  The best kind of therapy is retail therapy, so head on over to the Magazine Street to do a little shopping at some cute, unique boutiques.  
 

I hope you have a great time exploring this vibrant city!

Top 5 Family Summer Activities in Atlanta

Atlanta is near and dear to my heart.  I was born and raised there and it will always be "home" no matter how many places we move to or where we currently live.  Atlanta is an epicenter of fun.  If I wanted to, I could name a fun family activity for every single day of the summer.  But that would be exhausting to read, so I'll leave you with my top 5 must sees if you're visiting Atlanta or if you live there and want ideas on how to entertain your kids over the summer.

No 5: Six Flags Over Georgia
 

Just the thought of Six Flags brings great childhood memories flooding back to me.  The Scream Machine was my first roller coaster ride when my dad lifted up my ponytail to meet the height requirement when I was an inch too short (this was before lawsuits were rampant, probably won't work these days!).  With rides for all ages, a water park to keep you cool, shows and lots of dining options, a day at Six Flags will definitely be one to remember!  Daily tickets start at $46.99 (https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia)
 

NO 4: Atlanta Braves Game
 

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, an Atlanta Braves game is entertaining for everyone of all ages.  They have a brand new home this year, SunTrust Park, that looks amazing.  I can't wait to go and check it out with my family this summer.  The stadium features restaurants, party deck, club level seats, and Hope and Will's Sandlot.  This is a huge kids' area that has lots of kid-friendly activities and games, including a zip-line! Check the website because some nights, they even have a fireworks show after the game! Family Value Packs start at $75.  (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ballpark/suntrust-park/) 
 

No 3: Stone Mountain Park
 

Located just outside Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park boasts 3,200 acres of natural beauty to explore.  There are numerous rides and attractions for all ages including a petting zoo, Swiss cable car ride, miniature golf course, scenic train ride, ropes courses, 4-D movies and more!  Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and find a spot at one of the many covered pavilions.  After all the exploring, end your day with the world's largest light show with a fireworks finale.  I have so many great memories of attending the laser show with friends and family growing up, it's a fantastic experience.  There are options for lodging at the park, so you can make a whole weekend out of it! Visit the website for complete information. (http://www.stonemountainpark.com/) 
 

No 2: Zoo Atlanta
 

One of my favorite childhood pictures is at Zoo Atlanta where my parents would take me to see my favorite animal, the famous around Atlanta gorilla, Willie B. I spent many summer days walking around in awe at all the wildlife and beautiful animals. These days, the zoo is packed with rides and attractions, cool closeup animal experiences, playgrounds and special events.  Day tickets start at $16.99 for children, $22.99 for adults for advanced purchase.  Get more information at https://zooatlanta.org/  

No 1: Georgia Aquarium
 

By far one of Atlanta's best family attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.  It houses tens of thousands fish and sea life.  The aquarium is divided into exhibit areas, each with different themes.  In addition to exhibits, it features a 4-D show, "behind the seas" tours, and numerous animal encounters. Make sure to get there early, as it gets busy throughout the day. Tickets start at $30.95.  Check the website for more details.  http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Tybee Island - Georgia's Hidden Gem

Tybee Island, GA - Perfectly Serene Girlfriend Getaway

When you're lucky enough to have a group of girlfriends that have been there to witness each other's first loves, heartbreaks, weddings, illnesses, birth of children and everything in between, you really should celebrate that special bond with a girlfriend getaway every once in a while. And when you're all tired mamas just looking for a little serenity, a peaceful place to unwind for a few days becomes the top priority. Tybee Island fits that bill. The Southern Georgia coastal town is quite the hidden gem. Located just 20 minutes from Savannah, GA, Tybee Island (also known as Savannah's Beach) has a small town feel. A place to come as you are, no pretentiousness in sight. 
 

There's an abundance of affordable beach rentals here, which makes it easy on all budgets. We found a great place with a nice ocean view so we could sit out for hours and hours on the porch talking and catching up while enjoying the ocean breeze. The beach was clean and quiet and we enjoyed sitting by the water soaking up the south Georgia sunshine every day.

If you're looking to get out and experience a bit of nightlife, there are several great places to dine overlooking the water. AJ's Dockside (http://ajsdocksidetybee.com/) is a great place to sit outside and sip a cocktail while catching a gorgeous sunset. Fannie's on the Beach (http://fanniesonthebeach.com/) is another great place to eat while overlooking the ocean. The food is good and the people watching is even better. If you're in the mood for ice cream (isn't ice cream a beach requirement??), stop by the Sugar Shack (http://www.tybeesugarshack.com/) to get your sweet fix.
 

I'm very blessed to have a great group of girlfriends that love to get together and enjoy a little break from the frenzied life of a mom. There's plenty to see and do besides eat and lounge, but honestly that's exactly what we were going for with this trip! If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful place to get a little replenishment of the soul, check out Tybee Island and to find out more about the local attractions and things to do, visit (http://visittybee.com/).

5 Essential Experiences for Foodies in Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC is a beautiful city brimming with rich history and stunning architecture. From Georgian homes to colorful pastel row homes that show the city's influence from Barbados, there is no shortage of beauty everywhere you look. In the last few years, Charleston has been making a name for itself as a top food destination for travelers looking to sample elevated Southern dishes.  A weekend is only enough time to scratch the surface of discovering all the culinary wonders that lie within the Holy City, so some strategy has to be involved. Here are my 5 essential ways to experience Charleston - food lover style.     

Culinary Tour:

We dove right in to the food scene as soon as we arrived through a food tour of Upper King Street presented by https://charlestonculinarytours.com/.  I was pleasantly surprised by the historical and cultural knowledge of our tour guide and equally surprised by the portions at each place we visited.  Definitely arrive on an empty stomach!  We toured 4 places and had several small dishes at each restaurant. The stops included calamari and flatbread pizza at HoM http://www.homcharleston.com/ then we moved on to steamed mussels and frites with fried brussle sprouts at Rue De Jean http://www.holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean-charleston/ .  We then made our way to Smoke BBQ http://smokebbq.kitchen/ for a tasting plate full of goodies like a smoked chicken wing, red-skinned potato salad, coleslaw and a Cuban sandwich.  The final stop on the tour included a delicious scoop of ice cream from Jeni's Ice Cream (the Brown Butter Almond Brittle is to die for!)  https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-king-street/

Shopping:

While Charleston has an abundance of antiques and fine art galleries, the food related shops got our attention.  Up and down King Street, you'll find unique shops featuring local ingredients.  Charleston Mix specializes in Bloody Mary mixes, Food for the Southern Soul sells grits and BBQ sauces, Low Country Olive Oil features delicious oils and vinegars, and The Spice and Tea Exchange (http://www.spiceandtea.com/) has a variety of spices for dips, rubs, oils and gifts.  There's something for every food lover with the variety of shops downtown.
 

Rooftop Bars:

The city has it's share of rooftop bars with amazing views.  Afternoon cocktails and appetizers are especially pleasant during the fall and spring.  Our 2 favorites were the Market Pavillion (http://marketpavilion.com/) for it's gorgeous views of the harbor and it's magnificent infinity pool that gets turned into a dance floor at night with the help of plexiglass and The Rooftop at The Vendu (http://www.thevendue.com/dining/the-rooftop/) which is known as Charleston's Art Hotel.  Everything is beautifully decorated and the views of the city at night are spectacular.  
 

Brunch:

There are too many great brunch spots in Charleston, and too little time on a weekend to experience them all, so I'll post my favorite two. The first is Cafè Framboise (http://cafeframboise.com/) a French cafe with everything from quiche to sandwiches to sweet and savory crepes.  Oh and their macarons are almost too pretty to eat. Our other must go to brunch spot is the Hominy Grill (http://hominygrill.com/). There are no reservations, but there is a place to grab a mimosa or bloody Mary while waiting on a table, so the wait goes by pretty fast. They're known for their shrimp and grits and they were great, but if you're into biscuits and fried chicken, do yourself a favor and order the Charleston Nasty Biscuit.  It.is.amazing!!
  

Chef's Tasting at McCrady's:

There are some food experiences that will be permanently etched into your happy memories, and I can promise you this is one of them. James Beard award-winning chef Sean Brock creates not only a meal, but an experience in this 22 seat space in downtown Charleston restaurant McCrady's (http://mccradysrestaurant.com/).  It's a 14 course tasting menu that begins as soon as you sit down with food hidden within the tabletop flower decor.  The wine pairings enhance the experience.  I loved the relaxed vibe mixed with the elaborate, creative bites.  Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable not only about food, but with Charleston's history and current happenings.  We were blown away with the entire experience top to bottom.