Solo Destination: Charleston, SC – Part one.
Have you ever wanted to just pack up and visit one of your favorite locations, alone? Just spend some quality “me” time? This was the thought process that became one of the best solo destinations yet! Traveling alone can be a lot of fun, but without a budget or planning it can get expensive, quick. There are several blogs out there who show you the ‘best’ places to stay and the ‘best’ activities in and around Charleston, SC; however I’m going to share my Charleston.
The lowcountry and this city has a permanent place in my heart, due in part to the fact my parents loved to take road trips and this was a yearly destination. Long story short, adult life can be stressful and it took me many years to return to Charleston, alone. As with most things in life, money was an issue – so this vacation was also a personal challenge to stay on track.
There are many wonderful, luxurious hotels, B&B and condos to rent in the area and I would love to review such (hint, hint) however I chose a very reasonable and convenient place to rest my head.
KOA Mount Pleasant
My camping list:
- Coleman popup tent buy here
- Queen size air mattress buy here
- Battery powered fan buy here
- Camping light on sale!
- Camping chair buy here
- Solar phone charger buy here
*Note: with it being hotter than Hades, most nights I slept with just a sheet (usually right before dawn). Call me a pansy if you want for the fan but it rained two nights so it came in handy when I couldn’t open the screen!
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by this campground. Not only was the sites well organized/roomy, it was absolutely beautiful. The lake was full of fish (catch and release only), there were playgrounds for the kids, a nice in ground pool, and my personal favorite; air conditioning bathroom/showers! Ice was $1.50/8 oz or $3/16 oz which was handy considering I hauled refrigerated snacks – cheaper than eating at a restaurant when you need a pick me up.
Pitt Street Bridge, Mount Pleasant
After setting up camp I drove a few miles to the heart of Mount Pleasant, where I had to keep up the family tradition of visiting Pitt Street Bridge. This wooden pier, which extends towards Cove Inlet, was built in 1898 as a trolley bridge allowing passage to and from Sullivan’s Island.
Photo credit: Above – Joe’s Retirement Blog
Photo credit: Below – Me…a sad, overcast day.
It is a wonderful stop. Peaceful, marsh/cove on all sides…and some amazing fishing from what I’ve heard. Every time I visit, I remember why I come back.
Isle of Palm
The following day (after the rain subsided) I packed up my beach bag/extra cooler and headed for Isle Of Palm beach, which is 4 miles from the campground and has easy public beach access. It was overcast most of the afternoon, so I did not heed my own advice about using sunscreen no matter the condition. 6 hours later, as the sun shined bright I knew it was time to go. Mika = lobsterfied. Overall, I was pleased with the beach at Isle of Palm, as a solo beach-goer no one got too close, even in the ocean. I felt as though I was in my own little bubble.
Folly Beach
Two days later I visited Folly Beach, though I only spent 2 hours there – seeing as I was already sun burned. It’s a 30 minute drive from the campground but I honestly preferred this beach. It was a beautiful, hot, sunny day and people were super friendly – no bubble here! Beach access was closer, police drove the beach, the Folly Beach Pier was full of smiling faces. It was definitely a good day.
That’s all for this installment. Check back next time for Part 2 – photo heavy/history heavy historic Charleston!
Read my previous post on the perfect tunes!
Where are your favorite destinations? Any city have a soft spot in your heart? I’d love to know!
