Are y'all in need of a getaway to a charming seaside-city lined with sabal palms and colorful timeless architecture, where you won’t need a winter coat and you’re sure to receive a kind smile from a stranger walking past you on the street?
If you are craving the warmth of southern weather and hospitality, we know just the place for you to explore with Fido this fall. Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston is arguably one of the greatest small cities in the USA. A foodie college town with a heap of fantastic restaurants and collegiate rivals, The Citadel and College of Charleston, smack in the center. Charleston is a happening place, steeped in colonial history with a youthful spirit.
And lucky for y’all, is the perfect time of year to visit! The sweltering heat of summer has passed, and you will get to enjoy the sunshine and moderate temperatures day and night through the holidays. Yes sir and ma’am… sandals and a t-shirt in autumn. It’s no wonder America’s favorite funnyman and golf-fanatic, Bill Murray, lives there!
Image courtesy of College of Charleston
Where to Stay with Your Pup
When visiting Charleston, we highly recommend staying at one of the beautiful historic hotels in town. At any of our picks, you will have a full southern hospitality experience. From the trés art-forward Vendue to the luxurious Wentworth Mansion. You cannot go wrong with these accommodations in Charleston.
Image courtesy of John Rutledge House Inn
Where to Eat & Drink with Your Pup
Charleston’s southern warmth makes for many great outdoor dining options with your travel companion! Nearly every restaurant has a patio. Whether you’re in the mood to shuck oysters on the halfshell or taste the mouth-watering fine dining of the South, Charleston has flavor-packed foodie-favorites the whole pack will salivate over.
Poogan's Porch Chicken & Waffles - Image courtesy of Stag & Hen
Poogan’s Porch - southern brunch and dinner
Circa 1886 Restaurant - fine dining
Bay Street Biergarten - beer & food
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer - coffee & craft beer
Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop - fried chicken & oysters
Queen Street Grocery - known for crêpes & pressed sandwiches
Brown Dog Deli - popular deli spot
Things to Do with Your Pup
Charleston is a slow-paced-slow-walking city, perfect for a long-weekend vacay with your pup! With delightful architecture, many lovely dog-friendly beaches, parks and fenced dog runs, Charleston is a great place to leisurely stroll with your travel buddy. Many of the shops on King Street are pet-friendly, and you can even take a water taxi or horse-drawn carriage ride with Fido! Just make sure you can trust your pup to be well-behaved before booking and getting on board.
Image courtesy of Palmetto Carriage Works
Take a stroll down Rainbow Row
Travel by Charleston Water Taxi
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour with Palmetto Carriage Works
Run Free at Hampton Park Dog Run
Let loose at East Bay Dog Park
Things to Do Without Your Pup
Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, named for King Charles II, Charleston’s history dates back to colonial times. It is nicknamed the “Holy City” because it was originally a safe haven for people from varying religions that left Europe in hopes of practicing their religious beliefs freely.
And yet, the Holy City also has quite a sinful past... with pirates, war, slavery and bloodshed said to be still haunting its grounds to this day. Perhaps that’s why Charleston is considered one of the most haunted cities in America... Halloween is a great time to visit for the lovers of ghosts and ghouls.
While in Charleston, it’s a must to get a dose of the triumphant and tragic local history. Whether you visit one of Charleston’s sprawling plantations or go on a haunted ghost tour, you won’t want to miss learning about the history and hidden secrets of this storied city.
And once you have filled-up on Charleston history we highly recommend taking advantage of the beautiful waters and beaches Charleston has to offer. Thanks to the pup-lovers at Dogstar Dog Running and Pet Care, your dog will be well cared-for while you traverse into the Charleston waters and stories from the days of old.
Image courtesy of Magnolia Plantation
Shop at Charleston City Market
Play with Tidal Wave Water Sports
Services for Your Pup
Sometimes Fido needs a little relief and pampering… and you may need some time to experience the sights on your own. We have all the bases covered for your pup’s particular needs and emergencies while staying in Charleston.
Image courtesy of Dogstar Dog Running
Charleston International Airport Animal Relief Areas - Here’s where to take your pup to relieve herself while inside the Charleston Airport
Dogstar Dog Running and Pet Care - Walks, Runs, and Doggy Day Care
Woof Gang Bakery Charleston - Bakery, Pet Supplies and Grooming
Charleston Veterinary Referral Center - 24/7 365 Pet Urgent Care
Rainbow Row - Image courtesy of Lonely Planet
At Roverlund, we believe the most memorable trips happen when you bring your best friend along for the ride, and Charleston is a people-and-dog-friendly place whose history is just as colorful as its architecture. This autumn is a fantastic time to visit this spooky seaside spot, and the Holy City is pure beauty with something everyone in your pack will enjoy!
So load up your Out-of-Office Carry-All and zip your pooch in their matching Out-of-Office Pet Carrier, and fly down to the deep south for an autumn vacay you and the pack will be daydreaming about for years to come!
P.S. Remember to tag @roverlund in your photos from the Holy City!
