This past week was my spring break, which, as a teacher, is glorious and precious time. Needing to both get away and relax, I headed to the coast of South Carolina with H. After a sunny 9-hour drive from Nashville, we arrived in Pawleys Island, where his family has been vacationing for years. I am sharing the highlights from each day of our trip, to inspire how you might spend your days if ever in this dreamy part of the country:
Monday: Bike ride and beach walk
On our first full day, we biked to the beach in the morning, took off our shoes, and went for a walk. Biking and walking are perfect first activities in a new place since doing so allows you to really see and explore. As we biked, I admired the palm trees and Spanish moss – and felt a bit spooked by the alligators sunbathing in nearby creeks. But that first walk on the beach was sublime – the feeling of seeing the ocean, of burying toes in sand after months of inland living.
In the afternoon, we simply lounged in the sun on the porch, and concluded our day with a low-key takeout dinner in the company of his family.
Tuesday: Day trip to Charleston
The following morning, we got up and drove an easy 1.5 hours to the charming, colorful town of Charleston. We started our visit with turkey and avocado sandwiches at the cozy Cru Café. From there, we wandered through the market and got lost in the streets of the French Quarter.
After gazing at the bright, pastel Rainbow Row, we meandered to the waterfront and admired the lovely paths, trees, and flowers.
We strolled along The Battery and made our way to King Street, where we stopped for a chai tea latte at Miller’s All Day, a pretty place to relax with beachy, retro vibes and a full menu in addition to coffee.
From there, we headed to the car and drove back to Pawleys in the late afternoon. We loved exploring Charleston for the day at a leisurely pace and were pleased by the town’s walkability. I can’t wait to return to Charleston some day to experience more!
Wednesday: Explore the town
Wednesday was a little chilly and rainy. We decided it would be a good day to see some sights in town. We started the morning at the magnificent Brookgreen Gardens. I stood especially in awe of the Live Oak Allée, seen above. Everything was so lush and dreamy.
After, we headed for the darling Hammock Shops Village and met up with H’s fam for a delicious lunch at bisQit. Then we popped in some of the little shops. This was such a lovely, quaint place to spend an afternoon!
Thursday: Bookstore and beach
We woke up this day to clouds and headed to the nearby Fresh Market for some groceries for the next two days. I couldn’t resist going next door to visit Litchfield Books, a small independent bookstore, at the recommendation of H’s mom. I always love visiting local bookstores, and this one had a very knowledgable staff who picked out two reads they knew I’d love. One was Where the Crawdads Sing, which instantly hooked me! I’m still reading and loving it.
Upon returning, we had lunch on the sunny deck. H made us guacamole, and we munched on sandwiches and watermelon from the grocery. We headed down to the beach in the afternoon to read and relax! I had picked up this adorable day dress in Charleston, and it made the perfect swimsuit cover-up.
Friday: Full beach day
Our last day was the warmest, prettiest day, and we spent every second of it in the sun! We reserved this day for total relaxation. We read, sat, and walked as we listened to the calm ocean waves.
I got to laze in my new swimsuit (now on sale!) and loved every minute spent in the sand.
Our last night, we had a delicious salmon dinner with H’s family and then grabbed ice cream at Gilbert’s.
We had the best week over my spring break, and I loved seeing the coast of South Carolina for the first time! Have you spent time in this area? What are your favorite things to do?
Happy vacation season!
