Blog - Carolinas For Boomers

48 Hours in Charleston

With beautiful beaches, fabulous golf courses, and a rich sense of history, Charleston offers up something to appeal to just about everyone. Actually, there are so many exciting things to do here that planning a quick trip to the area can actually be quite overwhelming.

If you have to squeeze as much Charleston as possible into a quick 48-hour visit, here is a starting point that will introduce you to the broad range of experiences available in the Carolina Lowcountry.

Day One – She Crab Soup & Horse-Drawn Carriages

Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, 82 Queen is one of the most popular high-end dinner options in town. They are best known for their She Crab Soup, which makes a perfect introduction to dining in Charleston upon your arrival.

Following a quick lunch at 82 Queen, head over to the Old South Carriage Co. to continue your introduction to Charleston. This horse-drawn carriage tour will highlight all of the most famous parts of the city and provide you with a general sense of direction.

After spending the afternoon riding around town in a horse-drawn carriage, it only makes sense to have dinner in an old stable, but Circa 1886 isn’t just any old horse stable.

This former stable in the Wentworth Mansion’s garden is actually one of the most impressive fine dining locations in all of the Carolinas, and Executive Chef Mark Collins has created an inspiring menu of high-end Lowcountry cuisine.

After dinner, you can spend your first night in town at Stars Rooftop & Grill Room, which has been voted the best rooftop bar in Charleston. The downstairs restaurant is also excellent, but it is all about that craft cocktail nightcap on the roof for this visit.

Day Two – Plantations, Museums, and Husk

On your first full day in Charleston, you will already have a basic overview of the city and some delicious meals under your belt, so it’s time to dig a little deeper into the heart of the south.

Our first stop today will be one of the many preserved plantations surrounding the area. Take your pick between Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, or McCleod Plantation Historic Site and spend the morning learning about the rich history of the area.

For lunch, we’re heading to Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters. This is a classic southern lunch spot that specializes in fried chicken, oysters, salads, and beer. You’re going to be tempted to order the fried oyster sandwich, but don’t overlook the Char-Grilled Oysters, which are one of the best bites in the city.

The Gibbes Art Museum is our afternoon destination, and here you will learn about the history of the artists of the Lowcountry and how that history connects to the thriving art community that exists here today.

(Choose Your Own Adventure Option: If art museums aren’t your thing, this is also a great time to hit the links at one of the many local golf courses, spend some time exploring the downtown shopping, or relaxing at the beach!)

If you have seen the Netflix series, The Mind of a Chef, then you already know that a visit to Sean Brock’s Husk is an absolute must when you are in Charleston. This will be one of the best locally-sourced fine-dining experiences of your life no matter what you choose to order. Enjoy!

Following your meal, head over to The Cocktail Club to have your mind blown all over again by the incredible bartending skills on display at this craft cocktail bar.

Day Three – Hominy Grill & The Notebook

At this point in the trip, you have already had more than enough delicious food, but we aren’t quite done yet.

Hominy Grill on Rutledge Ave is our first stop today for one of the best brunches in Charleston. They have different menus depending on the day and time you visit, but you can always get the two dishes they are best known for: Shrimp & Grits and the Charleston Nasty Biscuit. We recommend both.

Before you head out of town, make one last stop in Mount Pleasant for a casual stroll down historic Pitt Street.

Here you will find the Old Village Post House, which was famously featured in The Notebook. Take some time and enjoy a scoop of ice cream here, just like Allie and Noah did.

Where to Stay in Charleston

There are dozens of lodging options to choose from all over Charleston, but the one that stands out most for many visitors is Wild Dunes. This stunning resort is located right on the beach and offers enough amenities to keep you busy for days without ever even making it out to the rest of the city.

If you are looking for alternative options, The Restoration is a very trendy option that is located right in the heart of downtown Charleston. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, 86 Cannon is a historic home that will really give you the feeling of staying in the old south.

No matter where you stay or what you do, 48 hours is just barely enough to scratch the surface of all that Charleston has to offer. But with this guide in hand, you are sure to enjoy your first visit and can expect to book many more after that.

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Retirement Spotlight: Columbia, SC

Gervais Street Bridge in Columbia, South Carolina

Because it is the capital of South Carolina, and also the state’s second largest city, Columbia is not necessarily off the beaten path. However, it is also not one of the first locations that come to mind for many boomers exploring retirement destinations in the Carolinas. But many local residents will strongly argue that it should be.

With a deep sense of history, a happening arts and culture scene, small town boutique shopping destinations, and a wide range of culinary options, Columbia brings big city amenities to the table in a small city package.

Columbia History

Like many of the cities in South Carolina, Columbia has a rich history that dates all the way back to Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. Because of its strategic location at the fall line of the Santee River system, and its eventual connection to Charleston through the Santee Canal, Columbia was one of the most prosperous cities in the South.

The city was completely destroyed by fire while being occupied by General Sherman’s Union Army near the end of the Civil War. Following the war, Columbia quickly became one of the focuses of the reconstruction effort, which is when many of its most iconic buildings were built.

Columbia took on a new role as a hotspot for the Civil Rights Movement during the early 1900s, and the community has continued to reinvent itself as it has evolved and grown ever since.

Columbia Lifestyle

South Carolina is known for representing a laid-back approach to living, and Columbia is a perfect destination if that lifestyle appeals to you. You will regularly find residents here strolling through all of the parks surrounding the city and the green spaces downtown, particularly at Riverfront Park.

Lake Murray

Enjoying the outdoors is also popular here, and Lake Murray is one of the most beautiful spots you will find anywhere. Another favorite outdoor place is the merge point of the Saluda and Broad Rivers, which come together to create the Congaree River.

Columbia Culture

Because it is such a large city, Columbia has plenty to offer in terms of arts and culture. There is a thriving theater community, which revolves around the 100-year-old Town Theatre. But that is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are also regular performances at the Columbia Marionette Theater, the Columbia Children’s Theatre, and Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College.

Columbia is also a popular destination for art lovers, who enjoy spending the day at the Columbia Museum of Art. And you can consistently find exciting art on display at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Columbia Shopping

While it might be considered a large city, there are pockets of Columbia that will make shoppers feel like they are shopping in a quaint little town. Spending a day exploring the boutique storefronts of Five Points or Devine Street will take you past high-end consignment stores, exotic grocery stores, and antique dealers.

If mall shopping is more your speed, then heading to either the Columbiana Centre or the Village at Sandhill is the perfect option to find those name-brand stores you know and love.

Columbia Dining

Because of its size, Columbia offers a wide range of dining options that can accommodate just about any type of appetite.

Southern BBQ is one of the most popular local attractions, and you are always going to leave full after a meal at Southern Belly BBQ, Midwood Smokehouse, or The Pot Smoker BBQ.

If something a little more upscale is what you are after, Bourbon is the place to be for delicious Cajun and Creole food, while Goat’s is known for creative twists on American classics. Another popular cocktail bar that will blow your mind with incredible food is Motor Supply Company Bistro on Gervais Street.

Nearby Communities

Less than an hour away from the heart of downtown Columbia is Woodside, in Aiken SC.

Part of the Southern Living Inspired Communities program, Woodside offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where social events and club amenities are never in short supply – and new neighbors become old friends in a matter of minutes.

With more than 60 member-created clubs and social groups, The Reserve Club is the social hub of the community and assures you will be connected with friends who share your interests. Live your life like you’re on vacation! With a new resort pool, thriving racquet program, miles of walking trails, award-winning golf courses and much more, you never have to worry about living your life on a schedule again.

You can request more information here.

Columbia offers just about everything you could want out of a major American city, but it also won’t overwhelm you with all of the hustle and bustle that you will find in a larger city. Instead, you can kick back and enjoy your retirement years here in style.

Southern Living Raves About Woodside

For nearly 50 years, Southern Living has served as the leading inspiration for the region, featuring the best ideas and emphasizing the positive aspects about life in the South.

In addition to Woodside being named one of only 14 Southern Living Inspired Communities, Aiken, SC recently took home the magazine’s “South’s Best Small Town” award for 2018!

In Southern Living Magazine’s annual “South’s Best” issue, Aiken took home not one, but four accolades!

• “South’s Best Small Town,” an honor awarded to Beaufort, SC in 2017
• “South’s Friendliest Town
• Second “South’s Best Food Town”
• Second “South’s Best Hotel” awarded to The Willcox, whose far-reaching reputation was built on its atmosphere, impeccable service and excellent cuisine

Here’s what Southern Living recently shared about Woodside:

“The secret’s out: we love Aiken. Voted this year’s Best Small Town, this historic South Carolina gem is more than just an equestrian’s paradise. It’s a place filled with culture, tradition, and plenty of Southern hospitality and charm to go around. In fact, after just one visit, you might find yourself ready to pack your bags and relocate; if that’s the case, then you’ve got to check out Woodside, one of our very own Southern Living Inspired Communities.”

Just ten minutes from downtown, Woodside is the perfect place to call home for those who want to be just steps away from everything that exciting Aiken has to offer, yet still be able to retreat to true community living.

Just beyond the entrance of Woodside, you can find just about everything that lends itself to a blissful, Southern lifestyle. Woodside’s developer was dead-set on keeping the natural, lush beauty of the area a focal point, and because of that, the community is home to 15 miles of nature trails, ponds for fishing and kayaking, and plenty of open space for soaking up the Southern sun.

Additionally, Woodside boasts four golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and a swimming pool that promises endless outdoor fun for all ages. And, although Aiken’s food scene is not one to be missed, there are also eight dining options within the community to keep your tastebuds happy.

Southern Living editors (and readers, too!) can’t say enough good things about life in Aiken, and Woodside is the perfect complement to this Southern treasure.

Whether you’re looking for a community of friendly faces, a unique and thriving culture, a delicious culinary destination, or you’re just looking for something new, Aiken’s got it. Even better, Woodside gives you a community within the town to call home.”

You can request more information about Woodside here.

Retirement Spotlight: Lake Norman

Unlike many of the areas profiled in our retirement spotlights, Lake Norman is not a town or a city.

Instead, it is an area comprised of a few different towns surrounding a massive lake in North Carolina. It’s also a way of life that is perfect for anyone who appreciates a perfect combination of relaxing scenery, exciting amenities, and all four seasons of the year.

Located just about 20 miles north of the booming Charlotte area, Lake Norman is a much calmer version of North Carolina that ends up being an excellent fit for many Boomers considering the Carolinas.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at what this fun region has to offer.

Lake Norman History

Lake Norman was created over a five year period from 1959 to 1964 during the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam. With 520 miles of shoreline and more than 50 square miles of surface area, it is the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina.

Because of its close proximity to Charlotte and the simultaneous construction of I-77, the Lake Norman area was instantly popular among North Carolina residents who were looking for a peaceful place to live that still offered access to the big city and the major highway.

Lake Norman Lifestyle

As you might have guessed, the lifestyle in Lake Norman almost completely revolves around enjoying the lake. For many residents, this means keeping some type of boat at one of the many local marinas.

You will find residents participating in a wide range of water activities including wakeboarding, tubing, sailing, fishing, rowing, and even cruising in small paddleboats.

Of course, like any lake, Lake Norman is a haven for fishermen. Not a day goes by that you won’t find anglers baiting their hooks, and there are always plenty of kayaks and canoes exploring the large shoreline as well.

And, with so much of the area surrounded by woods, camping and hiking have become natural extensions of the lake that are extremely popular with residents.

Lake Norman Shopping

Each of the small towns surrounding the lake offers a slightly different twist on unique local shopping that features all different kinds of boutique clothing stores, antique dealers, and a wide range of other shopping excitement.

In addition to exploring each of the small towns, there is also plenty of retail therapy to be had at Birkdale Villages, which is a popular open-air shopping destination in Huntersville. Here you will find a fun combination of locally owned stores and popular name brand choices.

Lake Norman Dining

Each community in the Lake Norman area has its own local favorites when it comes to dining, but pretty much everyone can agree that one of the best local spots for grabbing a casual meal on the water is the Midway Boathouse Grill. They’re probably best known for their breakfast options, but don’t sleep on that Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich!

One thing you probably wouldn’t expect to find this far out of Charlotte is a great ramen noodle restaurant, but Ramen Soul in Mooresville offers Lake Norman restaurants exactly that. We recommend the Ginger and Garlic Miso with Spicy Chicken and a Ghost Chili Butter Bomb. Yum!

And lake life wouldn’t be complete without a rustic cabin-style steakhouse, so plan on heading to Lineberger’s Steakhouse to satisfy your steak fix on a regular basis. On top of having great steaks, they also have one of the most amazing salad bars you will find anywhere.

Lake Norman Communities

Trilogy® Lake Norman is so close to so much, yet feels like a secluded getaway destination.

With so many ways to relax, be pampered or get active, owners here will be able to enjoy a Club offering world-class resort amenities and service. Inspiring architecture define the Club, which offer a fitness center, terrific dining, special interest clubs such as an art and culinary studio, enriching classes, exciting travel opportunities. This exclusive community also features an extensive trail system weaving throughout the whole community, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, and sport and game rooms.

Trilogy® Lake Norman combines thoughtfully designed floor plans with quality construction, energy-saving innovations, and architectural inspiration in all of our homes. New Homes start from the high $200’s.

You can request more information here.

If a calm and quiet life along the lake just outside of Charlotte is something that sounds appealing to you, there simply isn’t a better place to live that lifestyle than Lake Norman. Of course, it also helps that the area is filled with many of the amenities you don’t want to sacrifice either!

Retirement Spotlight: Blowing Rock, NC

Views from Blowing Rock of the North Carolina mountains

Located about two hours north of Charlotte, Blowing Rock offers a fresh-air, mountain experience that is unlike anything you will find in a major city. Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge,” this is the type of place that allows residents and visitors to appreciate the natural beauty that exists all around them.

Blowing Rock is a small town packed with gorgeous views, eclectic shopping, and a wide range of great dining experiences. That combination has also made it a popular retirement destination for Boomers looking to enjoy a more permanent mountain getaway.

Blowing Rock History

Originally home to the Cherokee and Catawba Native American Tribes, the town of Blowing Rock first came to prominence during the Civil War. The mountains of North Carolina were a treacherous place to be at that time, and many of the local men fighting in the war sent their families to live in Blowing Rock, where they would be safe from the violence.

Following the war, many of those soldiers reunited with their families in Blowing Rock and either lived there permanently or continued to visit to enjoy the crisp mountain air during the summer months. The town’s reputation as a tourist destination has been growing ever since, and today people come from all over the south to enjoy the natural beauty they find here.

Blowing Rock Lifestyle

The lifestyle you will find in Blowing Rock revolves around getting outdoors and enjoying the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here you will find almost endless options for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and enjoying some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in all of the Carolinas.

Blowing Rock attraction in North Carolina

Known as “North Carolina’s First Tourist Attraction,” The Blowing Rock is the most popular place for enjoying the beautiful outdoors, but Memorial Park, Julian Price Park, and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park all offer attractive ways to explore the rolling hills as well.

Children who visit Blowing Rock always enjoy a trip on the Tweetsie Railroad or a trip to Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine.

Blowing Rock Culture

The lifestyle in Blowing Rock is focused on the outdoors, but the beauty of those scenic vistas tends to attract people who are also interested in a wide range of culture. Over the years, that has lead to a surprising number of successful art galleries popping up all over town.

In addition to local artists, there is also a thriving scene for the performing arts that revolves around the nearby Barter Theatre. And you haven’t really experienced Blowing Rock until you have listened to a performance by the High Country Jazz Society.

Blowing Rock Shopping

Like any mountain community tourist attraction, Blowing Rock features a downtown district that is packed full of shops and boutique stores offering a wide range of shopping experiences. Antiques and home furnishings are popular items here, and you can also find some interesting apparel and jewelry shops as well.

In addition to quaint little mountain town shops, Blowing Rock is also home to some first-class outlet shopping thanks to the Shops at Martin House, Southmarke, and Tanger Outlets at Blowing Rock.

Blowing Rock Dining

Because it is such a popular tourist destination, Blowing Rock is home to some of the most outstanding restaurants you will find anywhere in North Carolina. One of the most popular stops for locals and visitors is The New Public House & Hotel, which offers American cuisine for lunch and dinner menus, as well as one of the best brunches in town.

Blowing Rock Brewing Co. (via Facebook)

Craft beer enthusiasts love frequenting Blowing Rock Brewing, which started as a local brewery and has since grown into a popular local restaurant and inn. The IPAs and seasonal ales will always take center stage here, but don’t sleep on just how good the Grilled Bison Burger is here either!

There are also plenty of fine dining options available around Blowing Rock, and Gideon Ridge Inn is one of our favorites. This adorable bed and breakfast features one of the best high-end restaurants in town, and their menu changes daily, so there is always a new experience waiting for you.

Blowing Rock Area Developments

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Lenoir and Blowing Rock, The Coves Mountain River Club is a spectacular master-planned and gated community. Vacationing families and active retirees have found Western North Carolina to be ideal for thriving cultural locales, year-round enjoyable climate and a multitude of recreational opportunities.

Far from being a resort community or weekend getaway, The Coves is loaded with built-out amenities designed for 365 days of activities and events. Active adults can take advantage of the beautiful natural environment while enjoying a full social calendar of gatherings with other like-minded residents. Walk along gentle mountain paths, challenge yourself with a high-country hike or Kayak 5 miles of the Johns River without ever leaving the community. Spend a morning in the garden and then attend a community barbecue or concert that evening. Rejuvenate yourself in our state of the art fitness center. While away a winter afternoon in our library, or spend lazy summer days on horseback. With such a wide array of homesites to choose from, it’s easy to pick your perfect getaway.

You can request more information here.

Between the stunning natural scenery, the thriving cultural scene, the excellent shopping, and the world-class dining options, Blowing Rock is a small town that offers a little bit of everything that Boomers are looking for in a mountain community. The only thing missing is you!