A trip to downtown Charleston can leave you aesthetically overwhelmed- int the best sense. To step back in time and absorb Charleston's history and culture, walk the residential streets in the historic South of Broad district. These colorful homes complete with beautiful ironwork, long side porches with swirling fans, and perfectly manicured flower boxes comprise the original Charleston peninsula neighborhood. I used to live near here and went on many walks and runs before discovering that some of the most darling streets and special pieces of Charleston history are tucked back in alleyways that are easily overlooked on the first (and second and third) pass. This walking tour guide provides step-by- step instructions on how to find and explore 7 hidden alleyways in downtown Charleston- plus tips on the best places to park, and see out AC or refreshments if you're doing it on a hot Charleston summer day.

A Few of my Favorite Fall Things - Paris Edition I love Paris year round, but autumn in Paris packs a little extra magic. It is, in my opinion, the best time to visit and was always my favorite time of year while living in Paris. Thinning crowds, glowing sunsets, changing leaves along the boulevards, the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and the excuse to spend hours reading in cozy corners of French cafés... need I say more? Save this for the next time you are visiting Paris September - November as a starting point for how to soak up the best of autumn in Paris.

Where should I go for good French pastries in Charleston? As a Charlestonian who used to call Paris home, I get asked this question a lot. And while nothing hits like the first croissant fresh off a plane in Paris, there are some really great local, authentic options when it comes to French cafes and bakeries in Charleston. This is probably a combined result of Charleston and France’s shared history and the fact the Holy City is now a top foodie destination. Charleston’s French influence dates back to the late 1600s and early 1700s when a large group of French Huguenots fled France and settled in this area. This French influence is still apparent in the city of Charleston’s historic architecture, and there is still a beautifully preserved French Quarter downtown (featured in my hidden alley walking tour), which is where the majority of the best French cafes are located in Charleston. This is my curated list of the 5 best spots to enjoy authentic French pastries and soak up some authentic French ambiance while visiting downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

It’s no secret that Charleston has become a foodie’s paradise, especially when it comes to fresh seafood and southern fare. Having Celiac or a Gluten Intolerance shouldn't be a problem here- you just have to know where to go! This list of Charleston favorites will help you get the most of the Holy City’s food scene while staying gluten-free.

Paris is a city filled with a rich history and culture, and one of the best ways to experience this is through its museums. While the Louvre is undoubtedly one of the most famous museums in the world, Paris has so many other fascinating museums that are often overlooked. After taking countless visitors to the Louvre while living in Paris, I began compiling my list of the best lesser-known museums in Paris that are definitely worth exploring. These are the fan favorites!

I used to live in Paris, so when I return, I pick where I stay based on what I'm hoping to see and do. Paris is magically a massive city that remains largely walkable, and strolling the City of Light is not only an easy way to get around, but most Parisians' favorite past time. Wander (flâner) amidst the Haussmannian architecture, picnic in the gardens, get lost in the Louvre, sip coffee or wine on a terrasse, fill up on crêpes and vintage books, watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle– this magical city is meant to be shared. These are some of the best central hotel options in Paris that will allow you to explore the city by foot.

Charleston remains a top travel destination (Travel + Leisure just ranked it as the "Best City in the U.S. to visit" for its 11th consecutive year), but that also means the options of where to stay in this southern foodie town continue to grow. Take it from a local who lived and works downtown - there are plenty of options and they all are not created equal. You want historic charm paired with modern amenities, and bonus points for walkability so you can enjoy those cobblestone streets and and an excuse for a nightcap. These local hotel recommendations have all those things and each offer their own unique flair. The list is roughly ordered from most to least expensive, but may vary by season and availability.

There are so many ways to fill a perfect summer day in Charleston- even those of us who live here have a hard time fitting it all in! This list is a compilation of some of my favorite local pastimes and summer treats - all perfect ways to round out that travel itinerary while planning a last-minute summer trip to Charleston or thinking of one for the future. Also, we’ll use the term "summer" flexibly here- Charleston’s warm weather means most of these activities can be enjoyed throughout the year ;)

The man, the myth, the legend. American actor Bill Murray is arguably Charleston’s biggest local celebrity. That’s right, Bill moved to Charleston a while back and continues to pop up at local events and invest in new Charleston ventures. For this reason, a Bill Murray run-in is kind of seen as a right of passage to becoming a true Charleston local. For many, it takes years for this to happen, but with a stroke of luck and sprinkling of strategy, you might be able to find him much sooner! Here are the best Charleston places to frequent if you want to up your odds of a Bill Murray sighting.

Here are my top six English-friendly bookstores in Paris that could easily become a literary walking tour, or simply a great reference when you find your plans being thwarted by yet another rainy Parisian day.

Visiting Paris, looking for old world French charm, yet somehow ending up at another tourist trap? Save this list, mark these restaurants, and rest assured you will soak up some of ✨Old Paris✨ when you visit each.

Schedule a 30, 60, or 90 minute call to pick my brain on all things Charleston, personalize your travel itinerary, and/or cover logistical details that only a local would know.

Schedule a 30, 60, or 90 minute call to pick my brain on all things Paris, personalize your travel itinerary, and/or cover logistical details that only a local would know.

Ain’t no sunset like a Lowcountry sunset, especially in the fall. The perfect combo of salty sea breeze, lapping waves, and pink streaked skies will have you all up in your feelings. Here are 8 different spots that will take you all over the city as you chase those magnificent hues- a great break between all the great food and drink you are undoubtedly consuming.