Field Notes: Charleston, SC - A Southern City Worth Saying “Yes” To
There are trips you plan for months, and then there are trips that happen because life suddenly tells you: go now. This was exactly one of those unexpected adventures.
My daughter Kiersten recently graduated from Johnson & Wales University and accepted an exciting position at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With a July move approaching quickly, I needed to make a short scouting trip to the Charleston area to help her get oriented, look at apartments, and experience the coastal place she’d soon call home.
Originally, I booked a commercial airline ticket into Charleston. But like travel often reminds us, plans change quickly. After multiple airline delays, my flight was eventually pushed more than ten hours late, meaning it wouldn’t have departed until nearly 2:00 AM—if at all. With a tight timeline, only 2 days, and a trip that suddenly mattered even more, the best option became obvious: it was time to fly myself.
As I continue working through my IFR training and building experience with real-world flying decisions, this became the perfect opportunity to utilize my private pilot license in a practical, impactful way. Sometimes aviation is about convenience. Other times, it’s about freedom and adaptability. This trip was beautifully both.
Flying a Private Plane into Charleston Executive Airport (KJZI)
The flight into Charleston Executive Airport (KJZI) was VFR (Visual Flight Rules), though the conditions definitely demanded my full attention. A weather front was steadily pushing west to east into South Carolina, bringing stronger winds and the possibility of deteriorating conditions later in the day. In aviation, timing and decisions always matter.
Fortunately, I was able to make the approximatley 3 hour flight and tie down in the Charleston area before the weather became an issue. Flying into the Lowcountry offered incredible scenery from the cockpit—marshlands, winding waterways, barrier islands, and that unmistakable coastal texture that makes this region feel entirely unique from the rest of the East Coast.
One of the major underrated advantages of utilizing KJZI is its close proximity to downtown Charleston. After landing, grabbing an Uber ride into the historic district was quick, simple, and surprisingly affordable—roughly forty dollars to get directly into the heart of the city. For any private pilot looking to explore the area, it feels like the perfect gateway airport for Charleston.
Is Charleston Worth Visiting? First Impressions of the Lowcountry
I had never been to Charleston before this trip. Oddly enough, it had been on my travel bucket list for years—one of those places that always seemed to get pushed down the road by work, hectic schedules, or a vague promise of "someday."
Our other travel posts often talk about the importance of not waiting endlessly for the perfect opportunity. Charleston became another powerful reminder of that philosophy: say yes and figure it out later. Because sometimes, the places that leave the biggest impression on your soul are the ones you almost didn’t visit.
The History of Charleston’s Historic Preservation District
Few American cities preserve their heritage the way Charleston does. Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly became one of the most important and wealthiest port cities in colonial America. Its architecture, culture, and economic importance shaped the South during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Through prosperity, war, hurricanes, earthquakes, and economic decline, the city accumulated layers of history that still feel visible on every corner today.
What makes Charleston especially remarkable is that it became one of America’s earliest leaders in historic preservation. Long before preservation became mainstream nationally, Charleston residents recognized the vital importance of protecting the city’s architectural identity.
In 1931, the city established what is widely considered the first historic preservation district in the United States—a groundbreaking move that prevented large portions of downtown from being demolished or modernized beyond recognition. Walking through Charleston today feels like stepping directly into a living historical document, complete with gas lanterns, intricate iron gates, hidden courtyards, soaring church steeples, cobblestone streets, and massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss. It somehow feels elegant without feeling artificial.
Rainbow Row & The Art of Preservation
One of the clearest examples of Charleston’s preservation success is Rainbow Row, the famous row of pastel-colored historic homes along East Bay Street. While it has become one of Charleston’s most defining travel images, it almost disappeared entirely. By the early 1900s, many of these buildings had deteriorated significantly. Historic preservation efforts successfully restored the Georgian style structures and introduced the iconic, Caribbean-inspired colors that make the street famous today.
Standing there in person, it’s easy to understand why this neighborhood became symbolic of Charleston’s revival. It’s beautiful, yes—but it also represents a city collectively deciding its history was worth saving.
Nearby, we also visited the famous Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. In Charleston culture, the pineapple traditionally symbolizes deep hospitality, and few places embody that welcoming spirit more than the city itself. This balances on a famous Charleston tradition:
when sea captains returned safely home, they would place a pineapple outside the house signaling: “Visitors are welcome”. The fountain was built as part of the redevelopment of Waterfront Park and officially opened in 1990, shortly after Hurricane Hugo devastated Charleston in 1989.
The park transformed what had become:
- neglected industrial waterfront
- old shipping areas
- abandoned warehouse property
into one of America’s great urban waterfront parks.
Along the waterfront, people relaxed near the harbor while others cooled off near the fountains and docks. The entire area had an easygoing energy that perfectly blended tourism, local culture, and coastal living.
Where to Stay: A Charming Historic French Quarter Hotel
For our trip, we stayed in Charleston’s historic French Quarter district, which is easily one of the city’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods. We booked a room at Church Street Inn, and the property itself was remarkable. It was a beautifully restored historic building featuring towering ceilings, warm Southern architectural details, and an interior courtyard that immediately slowed the pace of our busy day. It felt refined without trying too hard.
While Kiersten organized her materials and prepared for her upcoming day, I spent some time working remotely from the courtyard, simply absorbing the atmosphere around us. Charleston has a distinct, gentle rhythm that actively encourages you to slow down and breathe.
The Best Food in Charleston: Dinners at Magnolias & Breakfast at Harken Cafe
Charleston’s legendary food scene absolutely deserves its world-class reputation. Our dinner at Magnolias immediately showed us why the city has become one of America’s premier culinary destinations. Their famous Southern cuisine masterfully blends Lowcountry traditions with elevated presentation and hospitality. The homemade pimento cheese on Charleston flatbread was outstanding, while their signature BBQ smoked pork chop with Mac and cheese and cornbread delivered exactly the kind of comforting Southern meal you hope to find when visiting South Carolina.
One of the best parts of traveling for us is studying hospitality concepts, café workflows, menu design, and guest experience ideas that can inspire our own business, The Steel Penny, our scratch kitchen pizza, cafe, and craft sandwich restaurant back in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Every café, restaurant, bakery, and cocktail bar we visit essentially becomes market research.
That creative inspiration continued the next morning at Harken Cafe. Breakfast there was exceptional. We tried their signature breakfast sandwich served on a fresh, flaky biscuit alongside perfectly crafted cappuccinos, lattes, and one of their famous chocolate chip cookies—the “Best Friend” cookie, which has developed a massive local following of its own.
As a restaurant owner, I immediately began mentally analyzing the operational details of the experience:
- The seamless flow of service
- Strategic menu simplicity and product quality
- Visual pastry display and packaging branding
- Breakfast sandwich execution and coffee program integration
Travel has a funny way of becoming incredibly fun continuing education.
Running Through History & Exploring King Street
One of the personal highlights of the trip was an early morning run through downtown Charleston. There’s something truly special about exploring historic cities before they fully wake up. The streets were completely quiet, church bells echoed through the foggy morning air, and nearly every block carried a historical marker explaining what once stood there.
I’m a complete sucker for those signs. Reading about the historic fires, trade routes, architecture, preservation battles, and evolving culture of Charleston made the city feel even more alive. It’s one thing to visit somewhere; it’s another to truly understand how it became what it is today.
Later in the trip, we spent time walking along King Street, one of the city’s most energetic commercial corridors. King Street beautifully blends historic architecture with modern restaurants, retail, cocktail bars, art galleries, and newer developments in a way that somehow still feels architecturally cohesive.
Charleston is clearly growing quickly. Construction cranes, apartment projects, and new mixed-use developments seem to appear everywhere. Yet, unlike many rapidly growing mid-sized cities, Charleston still feels deeply connected to its original character and identity. You can easily understand why so many young professionals are moving here. It offers a rare lifestyle balance of coastal beauty, a strong food culture, high walkability, history, and genuine warmth. For someone starting a career right after college, it feels like a hidden gem that the rest of the country is rapidly discovering.
Visiting Kiawah Island Golf Resort & The Ocean Course
A major part of our itinerary revolved around learning more about Kiawah Island and the premier resort community where Kiersten will be working. Kiawah has become internationally recognized for luxury hospitality and championship golf, particularly through the famed Ocean Course. The iconic course has hosted multiple PGA Championships and is highly anticipated to host the PGA Championship once again in 2031.
The striking combination of coastal dunes, intense ocean winds, untouched marshlands, and immaculate course conditions has made Kiawah one of the most respected golf destinations in America. But beyond the golf legacy, the area reflects something larger about the South Carolina Lowcountry lifestyle—a seamless blend of nature preservation, world-class hospitality, and understated luxury.
Before returning to the airport to fly home, we grabbed one last meal at the Michelin star rated Malagón, a Spanish tapas restaurant just off King Street. Truly, a top-notch restaurant tucked away on Spring Street. The jamón and other tapas were superb. The energy spilling out onto the sidewalks, the packed bar area, and the eclectic mix of locals and visitors perfectly captured Charleston’s modern atmosphere. It felt social, welcoming, and alive without ever feeling chaotic—not a bad way to close out a whirlwind trip.
Why Charleston Stays With You
Some cities temporarily impress you, while others stay with you long after you leave. Charleston feels like the latter. It’s historic without becoming frozen in time, sophisticated without losing its signature Southern warmth, and highly tourist-friendly without feeling manufactured. Most importantly, it feels entirely authentic.
For myself, this trip became about much more than helping my daughter prepare for her next big chapter after college. It became a beautiful reminder that unexpected disruptions often lead to the best experiences—whether that’s a canceled airline flight turning into a personal private flying adventure, or finally visiting a historic coastal city you should have explored years ago.
Charleston reminded us exactly why travel matters. It's not just to see new places, but to truly experience them.
Now I can’t wait to go back!
Charleston Travel & Pilot FAQ
How far is Charleston Executive Airport (KJZI) from downtown Charleston?
Charleston Executive Airport (KJZI) is located approximately 11 miles from the historic district. For private pilots, it is a highly convenient gateway, requiring a quick 20-to-25-minute rideshare or taxi into the heart of downtown Charleston.
What are the best places to eat in the historic French Quarter of Charleston?
For an upscale, definitive Lowcountry dinner, Magnolias is highly recommended for its famous jambalaya and signature Southern pork chops. For breakfast, specialty coffee, and pastries, Harken Cafe is a local favorite known for its fresh breakfast biscuits and "Best Friend" chocolate chip cookie.
When will the PGA Championship return to the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island?
The historic Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, famous for its coastal dunes and challenging Atlantic winds, is scheduled to host the PGA Championship next in 2031.
Further Reading
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