Girls weekend in Charleston

Each summer, 2 of my close college girlfriends and I try to get together for a fun weekend.  Last year, we all headed down to Bluffton, SC.  This summer, as we compared schedules and lives, it wasn't looking too good for our annual tradition...

But then, already into July, L and I realized that we were going to be almost overlapping on business trips in Charleston...I could stay a couple of days and she could arrive a few days early!  So...the emails started flying, and we discovered that CC would be in town (between European jaunts, might I add), and would be able to meet us!

So, albeit a bit last minute and abbreviated, girls weekend would continue in 2012!

We started the weekend Saturday afternoon with a couple of hours on Foley Beach before heading to downtown Charleston.  That evening, we started our tour of downtown at the Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar.  CC did an expert job stalking the tables along the edge, and we ended up with a perfect view.  Our cute clutches were too small for a phone and a camera, so iPhone photos is what we've got :)

After our drinks on the roof, we walked the couple of blocks to Cypress for our dinner reservation. Cypress is arguably one of the best restaurants in town, connected to Magnolia's and Blossom.  H and I had drinks there on our last trip to Charleston so I was dying to eat there.  And it lived up to the hype!  We all enjoyed some wine and prosecco, toasting to our friendship and where life is taking us all as we all turn 30 this summer.  

Dinner was delicious - CC and I both had a delicious salad (with bacon jam, yum!) while L had the lobster bisque.  We shared a few appetizers, including the sweet and sour meatballs and a cheese plate...and of course had dessert!  

After dinner, we hit the town and bar hopped our way around the market!  We were on the hunt for single boys for CC, of course.  With no luck, we turned in for the night.

Sunday morning we ventured across the bridge to West Ashley for brunch at Triangle Char and Bar.  We met up with a good high school friend, her awesome husband and adorable baby girl.  I haven't seen P much since high school since she went to school and now lives in South Carolina, so it was a nice treat to spend some time with them!  And Ellie is even cuter in person than she looks :)

After brunch, we did what most girls do during girls weekends - shopping!  We walked all around King Street, in and out of our favorite stores and beautiful boutiques.  And of course, we managed to track down a Mexican restaurant for margaritas, chips, cheese dip, and huge beers - $4 happy hour special :)

Mom's going to be so proud!

Then we did a little sight seeing down around the water and all of the gorgeous Charleston homes.

That evening, we headed out to another great dinner at Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar...but not before a little photo shoot around the fountains!

The restaurant is right on East Bay Street, in the middle of everything.  It had been packed every time we'd been by it, so we thought we'd give it a shot.  Fried Calamari, fish tacos, scallops and the fresh catch is what we all ordered, and everything was delicious.  

CC grabbed some gelato and we headed up to another upstairs bar, The Rooftop Bar above The Venue Inn.  Not as swanky as the first one, especially on a Sunday night, but still a lovely evening to be outside.

A day and a half wasn't nearly enough time, but Monday morning I headed to the airport super early for a flight to San Antonio and another business trip.  A day and a half was certainly better than nothing, and it's always so great to see these girls!

Can we do it again sooner rather than later?!  See you in October!