Charleston Chaos: Sticky Fingers & Southern Secrets
okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. 3672778 and 1170320545 - don’t ask. it’s a thing. i landed in Charleston yesterday and honestly? it’s a sensory overload. the humidity is clinging to me like a second skin, and it’s…there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 16.72 feels like 15.78, temp min 16.04, pressure 1017, humidity 51, sea level 1017, ground level 762. it’s a weird mix of pastel houses and crumbling brick, and the air smells like fried everything.
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb - seriously, it’s basically a glorified closet - but the location is killer. right across from Rainbow Row, which is, like, the only reason i’m not actively weeping. i spent the afternoon wandering around, mostly just trying to avoid eye contact with everyone. it’s a lot of people-watching, you know?
First stop, *Husk. Heard that someone told me the shrimp and grits are legendary, but also that the wait is brutal. I snagged a table at 3:30, which felt like a victory. it was…fine. good, but not life-changing. i’m pretty sure i’ve had better grits in a gas station. check out their website for reservations: https://www.huskcharleston.com/.
Then, i stumbled upon this little hole-in-the-wall called Poogan’s Porch. I heard that they serve up some seriously creepy Southern comfort food - supposedly haunted. i didn’t see any ghosts, but the fried green tomatoes were pretty damn good.
Spent the evening just wandering the French Quarter. it’s a maze of cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards. i found this amazing antique shop - seriously, it was overflowing with stuff. i almost bought a porcelain doll, but i resisted. mostly.
Speaking of shops, if you get bored, Savannah is just a short drive away. Seriously, it’s a vibe. I’m trying to capture it all with my camera, but honestly, it’s exhausting. My gear list looks like this:
Camera (obviously)
Extra batteries (essential)
Memory cards (don’t be a dummy)
Notebook & pen (for capturing fleeting thoughts)
Sunglasses (because the sun is brutal)
Hat (for sun protection and general coolness)
Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking a lot)
Hand sanitizer (because, you know…Charleston)
I also grabbed a coffee at Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer*. They make a mean cold brew.
Okay, serious note: don’t trust the guy selling seashell necklaces on King Street. He’s a hustler. I’m not kidding. I overheard gossip that he’ll try to convince you that they’re “ancient artifacts.” They’re not.
I’m heading out to explore Waterfront Park now. It’s supposed to be beautiful at sunset. I’m hoping to find a decent spot to people-watch and maybe even snag a few more photos. I need to check out Yelp for some late-night eats: https://www.yelp.com/map?cat=11343&limit=20&geo_هران=Charleston%2C+SC.
Seriously, this city is a mess. A beautiful, sticky, delicious mess. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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