SPRINGTIME IN CHARLESTON

Spring is in the air! Along with the smell of flowers and the chirping robins, comes the need to escape, relax, and just enjoy the weather. Try springtime in Charleston - the city is blossoming with outdoor markets, patio dining, jazz on the porch, and romantic city strolls. The most charming city in the South, you can find the best cuisine, beautiful resorts, great golf, and even fall in love (if not with someone, definitely with the city.)

For accomodations that are charming, elegant, and make you feel like Southern royalty, stay at The Belvidere Club and Resort www.belvidereclub.com located on Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant overlooking Charleston Harbor. Just a short 5 minute drive across the Ravenel Bridge from downtown, the service is impeccable at The Belvidere. Enjoy your very own two bedroom cottage with breakfast brought to you every morning in a woven basket, in suite welcome with wine and cheese, state of the art cookware, large screened porched with hammock, breathtaking sunsets, Frette robes and pool. You can even reserve retro Schwinn bikes to ride around the harbor. Don't forget world renowned Patriots Point Links is a 18-hole championship golf course right beside Belvidere Club.

Take a day to just enjoy your accomodations by lounging on the hammock on your screened porch or laying by the pool. Open a copy of Pat Conroy's Beach Music to really get into the spirit of this old South town.

A must read: Pat Conroy's Beach Music

Charleston row houses with side entrance doors stack the streets of downtown. While large Antebellum mansions line The Battery. Even the doors on these homes are elegant.

Charleston's stylish East Bay Street and King Street are two must walks. From the great boutiques to the dessert shops to finding a cozy cafe to grab brunch, put on some comfy shoes because you will want to walk every step to take in this vibrant city.

Here are some suggestions for dining:
1. High Cotton serves the best Sunday brunch. Try the Lobster and Shrimp crepe or Eggs Benedict Charleston style with a biscuit topped with a fried green tomato and lump crab meat on top with a spicy Bloody Marys while listening to the three piece jazz band.
2. For great seafood in a casual environment, The East Bay Crab Shack, is a must located on, you guessed it East Bay.
3. For drinks on the patio visit the Roof Top Bar at the Vendue. This outdoor scene is easy, breezy, and popping with a great crowd.

4. For one of the best meals of your life, The Peninsula Grill is internationally ranked for its cuisine. The four-star menu includes the New Zealand rack of lamb, grilled venison chops, and wild mushroom grits with oysters. There is also a separate but equal menu of lighter fare at the Champagne Bar. The absolute must try is their 7 Layer Coconut Cake - it is to die for! Every bite is sensual and packed with the decadent coconut filling and cake that smells like suntan lotion. The best thing is if you do not finish it they recommend you box it up and take it with you because it will soak up the flavor and be even better the next day!

The Peninsula Grill's famed 7 layer Coconut Cake is a must and if fall in love with it and crave more you can always order it online at coconutcakes.com, however it will cost you $100 a cake! Visit www.peninsulagrill.com.

Experience Charleston's beauty and charm while touring in a private carriage. Private carriages are available for one hour private historic tours or special events by reservation only. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at local hotels and restaurants allows you to design your own itinerary. Visit www.cpcc.com.

Although King Street is known for its shopping, don't miss checking out Gwynn's in Mount Pleasant. This boutique has been featured in Southern Living Magazine as one of the top places to shop and rightly so with an incredible selection of men's apparel from Jhane Barnes, Martin Dingmn and Zanella and women's apparel from Catherine Malandrino, Pink Tartan, and Edun. Gwynn's is a small upscale department store carrying furniture, fine gifts, cosmetics and more. Visit www.gwynns.com for information and directions.

This store is located less than five minutes from Belvidere Club and all guests receive a complimentary coupon.

After touring charming Charleston on foot, indulging in decadent cuisine, and doing a little Southern shopping, it is time to retreat back to your elegant cottage and take in the sunset. Why not pop open a bottle of Moet White Star, relax on your screened porch, and take advantage of the gorgeous kitchen by throwing on a Low Country Boil. Remember to hang the shell on your door, so you and your guests need not worry about being disturbed.