We got up early, as we typically do, to explore Charleston. There’s something so peaceful about taking in a city before it’s fully awake.  We strolled into the South of Broad neighborhood after reading that there is quite a bit of historical architecture there.  There were SO many beautiful homes!  

We noticed that because of the age of the city many of these beautiful homes were very close together, as was typical in pre-Civil War towns.  Many of the homes had beautiful open porches which doubled as entryways.  Many of these verandas had curtains softly blowing in the morning breeze in these indoor-outdoor spaces. The visual reminded me that when you live in such a temperate climate you can have dedicated outdoor living space that can be utilized year round. 

We then headed back to hotel for our scheduled brunch.  We ended up eating in the courtyard of the hotel which was perfect because the girl’s (what we call our dogs as a pair) were able to join us!  The brunch was fabulous and included in the hotel stay.  The night before you simply select from the menu what you’d like the next morning, what time you’d like it, and where you’d like to eat; the courtyard, the dining room, or your private room, and then you hang the menu on the doorknob outside your room!  In the morning viola! 

After a brunch we headed off with our four legged girls to take in more of Charleston.  We strolled to a shop that was recommended by Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam and I found the most beautiful rose perfume.  This shop imports almost every item from France or Italy, and it feels like a piece of Europe was picked up and dropped into the heart of Charleston.  
We then discovered Byrd’s Cookies, and what a discovery it was.  

It’s no secret that I love a good treat, but my standards for “good” are high.  This cookie did not disappoint, and it comes in the perfect size bag for gifting!
Next we visited the market in the middle of Charleston, but it’s not dog friendly, so if traveling with pups, know this before visiting!
We rounded off the day with a lovely stroll through the park right off Broad St. and just a moments walk from the hotel.  This park was lovely, with large overgrown trees and a great deal of history to share.

  Charleston has been on my list for a long time. It’s southern charm and tasteful elegance have appealed to me from the time I first heard about it, but it’s taken me a while to make my way to this colorful city by the sea!

I typically recommend not staying in a chain hotel when visiting a smaller city like Charleston, because chances are good you will get a more local infused and therefore authentic experience.  

This was most definitely the case with our stay at the John Rutledge House Inn. You arrive to a stately pre-Civil War home, and we happened to arrive at dusk. This made the entire experience all the more picturesque.  

To begin with you enter the front door by walking up a grand double sided iron staircase into what was once a private home.  A private home where George Washington once visited!  Because this is a small hotel, it allows the owner the luxury of choosing unique decor for each room. Our pet friendly room can be summed up as quintessential southern charm.  The blue hues were tranquil and the view of the courtyard had us feeling like locals in the southern gem of a city!     

We ventured out for a light dinner of seafood, because when this close to the sea, why not?! After sampling some Oysters we tried the shrimp ceviche and the tuna tartar. Both were just as delicious as we hope they would be. We then discover and indulged in the low-country special of she-crab soup!  Which is a crab bisque with some added spices and a quick pour of some sherry to top it off!  Apparently she-crab is popular in many restaurants, but as we ate at Amen Street, I can give a strong recommendation for their food and service.   

We then walked back to the hotel, which I loved.  I love a city that feels safe enough to walk in the evening, and that was my feeling of Charleston. It’s also a lovely way to take in the city and experience the nightlife. It’s usually a very different experience than in the bustling broad daylight of a Monday morning.

Orlando is a favorite city for me.  I love the warm heat, it reminds me of all the years I spent growing up in Las Vegas.  But I also have such fond memories of visiting my maternal grandparents in southern Florida, that Florida just has a special place in my heart.  I also love getting the good instagram shot!  So here are some of my favorite spots in central Florida for getting the best ‘gram photos and places I always try to visit when I’m in town! 
    

Glass Knife  

This is an art deco dream in Winter Park, Florida.  Also the perfect spot for multiple instagrams, with the pink wall, photogenic bench, and interior full of pink, gold, and black dream.  Order the cinnamon roll and thank me later.

Winter Park

        Just go for a stroll.  There’s beautiful little spots all through this community.  But, look for the arched hallway with a fountain at the end.  It’s a hidden little section of shops and restaurants and feels like a combination of Harry Potter hidden alleys AND a town in the Tuscan Valley of Italy. All the charm of a small town in Florida just a short drive from Orlando!

    Frontera Cucina     

        This restaurant is in Disney Springs and is often very busy, so either make a reservation or go during off hours: 2-5pm.  Order the queso fundido and the mango guac.  Both are our favorite dishes and in our opinion trump the entrees! Disney Springs has multiple great instagram spots, but our favorite is the deck behind Sprinkles because it has such a pretty view of the river and the greenery! Also check out the Co-op in Disney Springs for unique Disney souvenirs, art, and window shopping!

    Disneyworld 

        The secret to getting the best Disneyworld photos is to be in the park when it’s not crowded!  “But how Stevie?!” The secret is in the breakfast reservation.  Make a reservation for the Crystal Palace for 8am and then you can get some great castle photos before the park is the least bit crowded! 

Songwriting is all about a good story.  My story, your story, our stories as a culture, and the stories that make us who we are as individuals.  Storytelling is a way of life.