Today is my husband’s 30th birthday.
I didn’t want to get him a “regular” gift for such a big milestone birthday (even though he really does want an iPhone!), so I did something that I’ve never done before.
I planned a trip without his input.
I know. Totally difficult for someone like me, who can be indecisive to a fault, especially when it comes to something that has so many options (like, um, TRAVEL). There were so many times during the process when I wanted to turn to Michael and say, “What should we do?? Flight A or Flight B?!” Or “What do you think of this price for hotel? Yea or nay?” But in the spirit of pulling off a good surprise–which I *love* to do–I did not say a single word.
I’m sure you want to know where I chose to take my birthday boy husband, don’t you? This is also going to be our first trip with our little Nora. It will actually be a much better “first trip” to help ease us in to traveling with a baby, rather than jumping right in and immediately taking her all of the way to the other side of the country.
We are going to Charleston, South Carolina.
And so, now that Michael knows, it is OK for all of you to know, which means… I can ask, like I always do, for RECOMMENDATIONS! Wheeee!
Charleston restaurants, landmarks, activities, etc. If you’ve done it and liked it, we want to hear about it, please!
And, of course, I can’t end a birthday post without officially saying…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL! xoxo
17 Responses to Surprise 30
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About
I'm Heather. I'm 33 and have been married to Michael for seven years. Together, we have two beautiful little girls we love more than anything, and a miniature dachshund who drives us crazy. I'm a full-time working mom who has very little time for my own "stuff" these days, like home improvement, cooking/baking, cake decorating, and photography. Despite the team not making the playoffs since 1999, I'm STILL a Buffalo Bills fan, which I think speaks to my loyalty AND sense of humor. I can't wait to pick up the pace with travel again some day... you know, when we're done being ruled by tiny fists. Welcome to my blog.
You are such a better wife than me. Sunday was my husband’s 30th and all I got him was a bottle of cologne. I wanted to take a trip but I had to work the day before AND I was sick. Lame. I also forgot to blog about his birthday so I fail all the way around.
Have fun on your trip! I have never been to S.C. but have heard it is so beautiful!
have a great trip! i could never pull off a suprise!
Go to the market, wander around King Street boutiques for shopping, go to Rainbow Row and look at the beautiful homes, visit a plantation, High Cotton is a great brunch restaurant, take a rickshaw ride, go to Cupcake on King Street, aquarium is fantastic, have a blast! Charleston is great. :)
I love Charleston! It’s one of my favorite places. You definitely should go to the market, and my absolute favorite place is Boone Hall Plantation. It’s such a beautiful place and several movies have been filmed there.
Happy Birthday to Michael! What a great gift Heather!
Charleston is a gorgeous city! My fiance studied architecture there for a semester last year and I made as many trips down there as possible… not only to see him but to see the city! :) My favorite thing to do was just walk around the city and look at all the beautiful, historic houses! I’m telling you, if I ever get the chance to live there… I’m taking it in a heartbeat! Have a great time and what an amazing present! :)
I’ve only been to Charleston a few times, but I LOVE it there!
You should definitely go eat at Coast. It’s beyond delicious! It’s in an ally and a little hard to find, but it’s definitely worth it! I highly, highly recommend getting the crab dip appetizer if you go!!
http://www.coastbarandgrill.com/
You should also go see the 1,500 year old Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island!
I could give you all my recommendations again, but I’ll spare you the dissertation. I hope that when you go the weather is great and the trip is fantastic! I look forward to the trip updates after you’ve seen all the sites and eaten all the food! :)
Happy Birthday Michael!
And great job Heather. That is a wonderful surprise. I’d have a hard time doing that too, I’m so indecisive.
Sorry I haven’t been there so I don’t have recs
Yay for Charleston!! Go to Jestines Kitchen for southern comfort food (and Oprah has been there) and for desserts go to Kaminskys (even if just to look at the display case full of scrumptious desserts! :)
Go down King st, the market, take a picture by the pineapple fountain and don’t forget Folly Beach!
I’m from SC and go to Charleston all the time.
Jestine’s Kitchen is amazing, Magnolia’s (more upscale – I was there when Oprah was eating there), Hymen’s (tons of famous people – it is a must).
You MUST check out the Seewee Restaurant on Hwy 17 in Awendaw. It’s a place the locals go, and it very scary looking from the outside. But, go in and try the she-crab soup. yummy! best local place around. You can also visit the Charleston Tea Plantation which is America’s only still operating tea plantation. Have fun! We love Charleston. DH also recommends trying shrimp and grits, and the local oysters. I am jealous even though Charleston is so close…
I grew up in Atlanta, so I’ve visited Charleston a few times.. it’s a beautiful city! I would recommend Magnolias for Sunday brunch, and EVO Pizza for lunch/dinner. EVO is big on local farmers and seasonal ingredients, and they have delicious food :)Also I believe you guys are fans of good beer? Try the Charleston Beer Exchange – it has some great and rare beers.
OHMYGOSH! I LOVE Charleston and have been there twice (working on the 3rd trip now- YAY!). I’m assuming you are staying in a hotel close to Market Street (kind of the main drag, if you will).OK, so the following things are all super awesome- The open air market that is on Market St (near the Charleston Candy Company, The Charleston Candy company (They have like a 100 yr old taffy machine that they still use!). Dolphin Beach is a little bit of a drive (I think about 20 min from town), but they have lots of little beachy giftshops, surf shops and HELLO one of the best beaches in the area, its really wide and gradual, there is a little deli mixed in amongst the shops called Dolphin Deli, go there and get burgers you will not be disappointed. Seriously any resturants in Charleston are GOOD. My recommendations are The Queen Anns Revenge on Daniels Island (largest private collection of pirate artifacts!), its a tasty steakhouse/ nice dinner place, and if I remember correctly they have an ‘early bird special’ that is all the same entrees (etc.) but at a discount. Both times i’ve been there I’ve stayed at the Embassey Suites (old Citadel building), even if you arent staying there, walk down the street and walk around in the massive front lawn of the hotel- its gorgeous. The building is a giant pink building- you can’t miss it. Another thing that is super cool, but might be hard with the little one, is the nighttime walking tour of the old Charleston City jailhouse. It’s given by MadDog tours and their shop can be found in the building thats near the open air market that is a walkway amongst lots of tiny shops, it has a roof (sorry i forget the name of the building). The jail is really spooky. They also give lots of other walking tours of the city too, graveyard tours, historical hotel tours (etc.). Have fun and take pictures so we can all travel vicariously through you!
I love Charleston, I’ve been 3 times!! Good choice – my brother just brought his wife there for her 30th bday. Two restaurants I’d definitely recommend are Magnolia and Poogan’s Porch (which is a really cozy fun place, with the best biscuits ever). I’d also definitely recommend a graveyard tour, and I liked the carriage ride, even if it’s a bit cheesy. I just loved walking around all of the parks and downtown area, and if you like B&B’s there are so many cute ones to choose from that are downtown and close to everything.
oh and definitely agree – Kaminsky’s for dessert – yum!
oooh WHEN are you going? definitely going ot be stalking the comments bc we’re headed there in March!!!!!