East Cost
Tour
May 2023
We were planning a Southern East Coast trip and, between my parents and me, decided on four must-see spots along the coast to explore over eight days. Starting with the northernmost location, we began our journey in Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston
We booked a brief stay at the stunning Hotel Bennett, renowned as the South’s grandest luxury hotel—and it truly lives up to its reputation. The first floor exudes Southern style and elegance, with custom furnishings, intricate artwork, and gorgeous floral arrangements greeting you upon arrival.
Situated right on King Street, the hotel’s location made it easy for us to step out and explore the area’s shops, restaurants, and scenic views.
Leon's was the first restaurant on our list. Between the three of us, we ordered the Chicken Sandwich, a 2-piece fried chicken, and the Fry-Up—a platter of fried catfish, shrimp, and clam strips. Every bite was delicious, and that cucumber salad on the side was Chef’s kiss.
The next day, we rented bikes from the hotel and set out to explore the charming neighborhoods and hidden alleyways.
Halls Chophouse was another spot on our must-try list, so we made a reservation and came ready for the delicious dishes we had in mind.
My dad and I shared the Filet Mignon with sides of loaded mashed potatoes and mac 'n cheese. The meal was incredible and almost impossible to finish.
Savannah
I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA, so a quick stop to revisit my old stomping grounds was a must as we made our way toward Jekyll Island.
There were plenty of spots I loved to eat at in Savannah, but my absolute favorite was Zunzi’s. They opened in 2005, just four years before I first tried them while I was at SCAD. The menu is a unique fusion of the founders' South African, Swiss, Italian, and Dutch roots. Their sandwiches and Zunzi’s tea were always my go-to favorites.
Jeykll Island
Our next stay was at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, which dates back to 1888. Setting foot on the property felt like stepping back into the Gilded Age. When we arrived, the atmosphere was calm and quiet, with only a few other guests, so we practically had the amenities to ourselves.
Walking through the resort, the age of the building was unmistakable—the wooden floors creaked with each step. Yet, the furnishings created a cozy, comfortable space, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail.
Amelia Island
Our final stay was at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Initially, the sprawling 1,350-acre property felt a bit overwhelming, but as we familiarized ourselves with the area, it became much easier to navigate. Our room offered an ocean view, but we spent most of our time strolling around the property, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the activities at the pool. The pool also provided convenient access to the beach if we wanted to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
