“Teach near a beach.”

That’s what I would say when anyone asked about my post-college plans. As a Pennsylvanian who had braved 22 long years of blistering winters, icy rain, purple fingers and frostbit toes, I was ready to trade my parka for palm trees and say goodbye to the cold forever. Maybe it was from one too many Nicholas Sparks films set in a southern coastal town, or a viral Pinterest picture with a sherbet sky and sparkling sea, or maybe it was the whisper in my heart that can only be described as fate, but I was resolute that Charleston, South Carolina was the answer to my teach-near-a-beach dream, and it became the escape and fixation that I clung all hope to.

In a post college graduation whirlwind, two of my fellow classmates and I secured teaching jobs outside of Charleston, South Carolina in a matter of weeks, moved into our new 3-bed, 2-bath apartment in a matter of days (only 5 minutes away from the beach! I was beside myself), and were scrambling to set up our classrooms by the end of the summer. I was ecstatic. There I was, a carefree 22-year-old living outside of Pennsylvania for the first time, embracing the sand and sun and the future with a heart overflowing with a hope and curiosity that felt especially ripe fresh out of college. The world was shiny and new in a way I’d never experienced before and I felt invincible. Or at least I did for 5 days. By the end of my first week, I received the classic breakup phone call from my long distance boyfriend, went from hopeful to heartbrokenly blind sighted in a matter of minutes, began my new breakup diet consisting of fried donuts washed down with a fresh wave of my own tears, and very quickly realized I was a far cry from my parents house in Pennsylvania. Oh, and I was also stressed out of my mind from my new job.

A few months later, one of my roommate’s best friend’s, a fellow Penn State graduate who I somehow hadn’t met during my time in college, moved from Pennsylvania to Charleston and into our apartment complex. I soon discovered that she, too, was experiencing her personal journey with heartbreak, having just gotten out of a 5-year relationship. I later learned that my roommate was also dealing with the aftermath of her recent breakup, tangled with the disappointments and frustrations from a confusing boy she had been talking to. There we were, three heartbroken girls, with a literal sea of possibilities before us, trying our very best to navigate our first job, new friendships, a brand new city and state, and soon, a worldwide pandemic.

Eventually, the three of us developed an inseparable bond. Through pasta dinners, wine nights, movie marathons, and kitchen dance parties, we healed one another without even knowing, and helped each other feel whole again. I always say the ocean heals all wounds, and although it’s true, I know with certainty that my beautiful best friends also healed me.

Two years later, I decided to leave the classroom and move back to Pennsylvania to figure out my next job. My friends were my two hardest goodbyes.

Charleston, South Carolina is a magical place that has my heart forever. It fulfilled my dream of teaching near a beach, introduced me to two of the very best people I know, and healed my in a way that only a southern sunset and sweet tea can.

For the hopeful twentysomething preparing to visit one of my most favorite places, here is a detailed list of my favorite spots and local secrets that will always hold a special place in my heart. Pictures coming soon!

Shopping

• Uptown Cheapskate
  • My all-time favorite store. Amazing thrift store with gently used clothing from
    higher-end name brands. The one in Mt. Pleasant has the best finds.
• Mount Pleasant Town Center
  • Great shopping! You’ll find stores like Bath and Body Works, Belk, Barnes and Noble, Francescas, Lululemon, Loft, and so on. One of my favorite shops is Versona.
  • Hustle Smoothie Bar is a great place for a healthy smoothie or healthy snack. I
    love their avocado toast!
• Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market (at Fort Moultrie Middle School)
  • Tuesdays from 3:30-7:00 from April-September

Restaurants (Mount Pleasant) – A few of my favorites!

• Shem Creek
  • Saltwater Cowboys is known for its nachos (I also love their Coconut Cake).
  • Red’s is more known for its rooftop deck.
  • Tavern and Table is known for its nicer sit-down dining.
  • Water’s Edge is on the other side of the creek, and so is kayak rentals.
• Page’s Okra Grill
  • I would go here for breakfast. I highly recommend the Pimento Homefries.
• Post House Inn
  • AMAZING breakfast and dinner. The show “The Outer Banks” on Netflix had scenes filmed on this street!
• Shelter
  • A dog-friendly bar and restaurant across from Shem Creek. I hear they also have a nice brunch!
• Nico
  • Yummy, fancier seafood restaurants across from Shelter and next to Shem.
• Vicious Biscuit
  • Has delicious southern biscuits. The line is usually crazy so get there early!
• Vintage Coffee
  • Small coffee shop where you can order breakfast and sit outside – very crowded
    on weekends.
• Brown Fox Coffee
  • Very small coffee shop – I always liked going to this one!
• Mozzo Deli
  • This was right across the street from my apartment and has the best deli foods
    and sandwiches. I LOVED the Pimento Burger. It closes early (I think around 1
    pm) and is more of a morning/early afternoon spot. It is normally very crowded
    on weekends.

Restaurants (Sullivan’s Island) – Some of my favorites!

• Obstinate Daughter
  • Known for its Southern-Italian food.
  • “The Bearded Cat” is attached and has delicious ice cream!
• Poe’s Tavern
  • A great place to grab a burger and fries.
• Co-Op
  • Great place to grab a Froze or a snack to bring to the beach. I love their Veggie
    Sammie. I miss it everyday.

Restaurants (Downtown Charleston) – There are so many, but here are a few of my favorites!

• Rarebit
  • Known for their Moscow Mules.
  • The Praline French Toast is amazing.
• 5 Church
  • Amazing breakfast spot inside of an old church
• Carmella’s Dessert Bar
  • An adorable dessert and drink bar that sells yummy pastries and small cakes.
• High Cotton
  • Very fancy and upscale. A scene from “The Notebook” was filmed here.
  • The Lobster Mac and Cheese was one of the best foods I have ever had
• 82 Queen
  • A very scenic dinner spot. The outside dining is very beautiful. This was the last dinner I had with my friends before I left Charleston.

Beaches

• Sullivan’s Island Beach (closest to Mt. Pleasant)
  • A small beach geared more toward locals (this was the beach that was 5 minutes away from my apartment).
  • In the summers I would park at Sullivan’s Island Elementary (beautiful school)
    and would take the path to the beach.
  • You CANNOT drink on beach! You will get fined! I watched it happen! Brutal!
• Isle of Palms
  • Parking may seem crazy at first, but keep driving down the streets. We usually
    parked at 49th on the side of the road.
  • Local secret – 49th street is where I’ve found conch shells during low tide!
  • The Wind Jammer is a popular, divey beach bar.
• Folly Beach
  • On the other side of Charleston…haven’t gone here as much. The vibe is more
    hipster and commercialized.