by Stella Lancaster | adventures
Hi friends! I know we have all had a whirlwind year and the holidays are shortly upon us. I have done a lot of traveling this year — and have been out of town almost every weekend since June. Whew! So before gearing up for the holiday season, I made time for a much needed STAYCATION!
Conde Nast
We are so blessed live Charleston, South Carolina. The Holy City has been busy snapping up international travel & destination awards:
Best City in the World 2012 – Conde Nast
Top City in the USA 2013 – Conde Nast
Ravenel Bridge
In 2012 Burton and I traveled cross country for 9 months with our spunky dog Luna. We fell in love with many cities, but were content to return to the Carolinas and call Charleston HOME. I enjoy living in a city where we can bike or walk everywhere. And where foreign languages tickle my ears as I walk through our cobblestoned roads. And the food? It’s ah-mazing!!
Downtown Charleston at CofC
Here is a run down of an ideal weekend staycation in Charleston:
FRIDAY
- wake up leisurely late as I don’t work on Fridays 🙂
- bike over to Taco Boy to meet friends on the patio for fried avocados and mango margaritas
- drop by Earthling Day Spa for an afternoon massage
- hop back on my bike and cruise Waterfront Park to The Battery
- circle back around for a sunset dinner at Fleet Landing
- cocktails at Rarebit (Moscow Mule) or Belmont Lounge (Manhattan)
- pop in for show at Redux before biking home
- bourbon nightcaps on the porch with friends
SATURDAY
- brisk walk to Kudu for a to-go coffee
- sip my coffee as I wander around the corner to Marion Square for the Farmers Market
- place an order for crepes, while picking out fresh flowers for the week from Johns Island farmers
- pet ALL the dogs, adore all the children
- enjoy a picnic blanket with friends while we eat, laugh, and people watch
- light lunch of cucumber soup at Gaulart & Maliclet known by locals as “Fast & French”
- rooftop cocktails at Cocktail Lounge
- oysters for dinner at The Ordinary
SUNDAY
- beat the noon brunch rush at Hominy Grill, chocolate pudding as my appetizer
- drive over the Ravenel Bridge with the windows rolled down, out to Station 28.5 on Sullivan’s Island
- enjoy my bare feet in the sand, before heading to Poe’s Tavern for a bloody mary on the porch
- sunset bike ride to Salty Mikes at the marina, looping back downtown to race through the ghost ridden cobblestone alleys
- place a to-go order for for pad thai from Basil, enjoy it on my porch with my boo 🙂
MONDAY – back to reality!! 🙂
Waterfront Park Fountain
Need more ideas? Click here to read what Freunden von Freunden loves about Charleston. Daily Candy raves here.
Planning a visit?? Please get in touch, and please come visit!! I have tons of suggestions — from romantic to quirky to adventurous. And … I would love to meet YOU!!
XOXO
-Stella
by Stella Lancaster | adventures
Hello friends! Two weeks ago we were housesitting in Asheville for a well-traveled couple and their two spunky cats: Thai Foo & Rosebud. The crisp Fall air and changing leaf colors left us refreshed and inspired. We hope that you all can squeeze in a quick trip yourselves before the busy holidays are upon us.
Mini Cooper Adventures
If you have the chance to go to Asheville for a day or weekend trip, NOW is the time. Recent political uproar may have put a slight damper on some outdoor activities, but the Blue Ridge Parkway is still open. You just have to bring your own TP!!
Asheville, North Carolina
Whether Asheville is a romantic getaway or fun for the whole family, here is a quick rundown on things we enjoyed in Asheville:
GET OUTDOORS
– Blue Ridge Parkway is kicking off it’s symphony of magical colors
– Eliada Corn Maze – 12 acres of spooky fun
– Waterfalls abound – most are a quick day hike
– Apple picking – just in time for the upcoming holidays
LOCAL SHOPPING:
– Mast General Store – an Asheville classic, enjoy barrels of candy and local wares
– Minx Boutique – curated collection of fun; pick out your favorites online before you go
– Frock – save room in your suitcase; perfect for date night
– Custom Boutique – I snagged a pair of locally made silver earrings; great for gifts
EATS:
– Tupelo Honey Cafe – enjoy a leisurely breakfast turned brunch while people watching
– White Duck Taco Shop – new spot in town with a fab patio; order one of each!
– The Admiral – reservations for a romantic dinner
DRINKS:
– Thirsty Monk – pumpkin brew flights
– Breweries abound – rent a bike and explore them all
– Double D’s Cafe – pumpkin lattes in a doubledecker London bus
Pumpkin Beer Flight – Thirsty Monk
Moment of truth: never have I missed a cat so much! Thai Foo the fluffy kitty moonlights as a masseuse. Yep, that’s right. I woke up Tuesday morning at the crack of dawn to kitty paws working their magic up and down my back.
Asheville, North Carolina
We loved our mountain retreat, but my mermaid tail was starting to twitch! So it’s back to Charleston for THREE full weeks = staycation (post is now up here). What is your favorite haunt in Charleston?
XOXO
– Stella
by Stella Lancaster | adventures, featured guests
Hi there friends! I just returned from a whirlwind week on the West Coast. Happy & home, my husband and I are preparing for a week in Asheville, North Carolina to relax in the mountains, watch the leaves turn vibrant colors, and take in all the fresh air.
Last week I flew to LAX, excited to reconnect with old friends in Redondo Beach, celebrate the marriage of two dear friends who eloped on their trip in San Luis Obispo, and to catch up with my rockstar sister, Alexandra. This was my first solo trip since we married this past April. I was excited; Burton was a bit worried.
In preparation for my flight, Burton and I talked safety. In October of 2010 we were robbed at gunpoint in Charlotte, NC. It happened on an early Thursday evening as we walked to our car in a yuppy, safe part of town known as Dilworth. These two career criminals were practiced professionals — both had just gotten out of jail for armed robbery. They were going for jewelry, wedding rings, purses, etc. Fortunately a rookie cop caught our 911 call and the description of their getaway car and partial license number. He nailed them. My sassy mouth landed me a black eye that night, so we have taken precautions in our every day life to be more aware of our surroundings and to avert becoming a repeat victim.
Fortunately paranoia does not paralyze our life. We lead a very gypset life and travel frequently. However Burton was nervous about my request to travel solo and bounce around the West Coast. So my travel partners on this trip were a mini can of mace & safety whistle.
Cautious along the way, I cherished every moment with my friends, family, and furry friends. I certainly made time to pet, squeeze and kiss all the dogs that crossed my path in memory of Luna. Here’s looking at you, Brock!!
Got travel or safety tips?
XOXO
-Stella
