Weekend Wanderer: Vancouver, B.C. to Charleston, South Carolina

Born in Taiwan and currently living in Vancouver, Sophia Hsin takes her worldly experiences and weaves them into her amazing photography. Covering everything from scenic adventures to her beloved Hedgehog, Amelia, it’s no wonder she was Alaska’s choice for this Weekend Wanderer trip. She just returned from an Instagram takeover in Charleston, South Carolina as part of Alaska Airlines’ Weekend Wanderer series. For more Weekend Wanderer posts, make sure you’re following Alaska Airlines on Instagram. 

I just returned from an amazing weekend with my dad in Charleston, a colorful gem of a city in South Carolina.

My dad and I spent our weekend exploring historical sites, trying out all kinds of amazing dishes and cruising around the historical areas on our bikes. My favorite part of this trip will definitely be the warm and welcoming Southern hospitality we experienced while visiting the city. Everyone has been super friendly and helpful and that is always a wonderful thing to experience while travelling.

A few of my favorite places to check out:

  1. Rainbow Row: This is definitely a tourist spot but how can you miss out on the rows upon rows of colorful buildings. Each with a history of its own. Take a carriage ride around town and listen to the experienced guides tell you all about the most historical town in the South.
  2. Battery Park: If you’re crazy about sunsets and the ocean like me this is a must-see. You can load up your camera with snaps of sailboats and the photogenic ocean view. I also spotted at least three dolphins.
  3. Food! My weekend in Charleston was approximately 50 percent touring and 50 percent eating. A few local favorites: The Darling Oyster Bar, Harold’s Cabin (I didn’t get to try this one due to time constraints, but they have splendid presentation and beautiful food. I will have to go back), Jeni’s King Street for ice cream and Xiao Bao Biscuit.
  4. Isle of Palms: We spent a few hours walking along the sandy beach and driving around the backwater marshes filled with cranes and wildlife. A relaxing and very clean, very beautiful area. Beware of the rumored crocodiles that cruise around the roads!

My dad and I had a wonderful family holiday and hope to inspire others to travel. Experiencing a new city together created memories that will last a very long time.

Travel has made me super thankful for many things. I never thought I would be able to visit all these places and meet all kinds of amazing people. Super stoked to partner with @AlaskaAir as their #weekendwanderer and explore Charleston with papa Hsin . Travel suggestions are welcome!
Travel has made me super thankful for many things. I never thought I would be able to visit all these places and meet all kinds of amazing people. Super stoked to partner with @AlaskaAir as their #weekendwanderer and explore Charleston with papa Hsin. Travel suggestions are welcome!
Hello Seattle Photo by @sophiahsin. On our way to Charleston. Follow along on my adventure to explore a new city in the next few days!
Hello Seattle Photo by @sophiahsin. On our way to Charleston. Follow along on my adventure to explore a new city in the next few days!
I woke up in Charleston Spent the morning exploring and biking around this gem of a city. Checking out fusion and southern cuisine this afternoon so stay tuned for photos!
I woke up in Charleston Spent the morning exploring and biking around this gem of a city. Checking out fusion and southern cuisine this afternoon so stay tuned for photos!
The world is my oyster. Today we adventured, we biked and learned about southern cuisine and historical architecture in Charleston. Everyone has been very lovely and we are excited to explore more of this city tomorrow. Recommendations are welcome!
The world is my oyster. Today we adventured, we biked and learned about southern cuisine and historical architecture in Charleston. Everyone has been very lovely and we are excited to explore more of this city tomorrow. Recommendations are welcome!
Taking in the sunset over Charleston. The more I travel, the more I realize that the journey is always more important than the destination. I've caught my share of stomach bugs and had more funny things happen during a trip to count buts it's in the number of connections you make, the memories that last and the joy of sharing the journey with others. Today was spent exploring, taking photos for tourists and having hilarious conversations with Uber drivers(story in profile). Heading back to Vancouver tomorrow with a full memory card and more stories to tell. Here is to more travels and adventure.
Taking in the sunset over Charleston. The more I travel, the more I realize that the journey is always more important than the destination. I’ve caught my share of stomach bugs and had more funny things happen during a trip to count buts it’s in the number of connections you make, the memories that last and the joy of sharing the journey with others. Today was spent exploring, taking photos for tourists and having hilarious conversations with Uber drivers(story in profile). Heading back to Vancouver tomorrow with a full memory card and more stories to tell. Here is to more travels and adventure.
Catching the light in Battery Park, Charleston. Hope everyone's having a great weekend!
Catching the light in Battery Park, Charleston. Hope everyone’s having a great weekend!
Shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, palm of hearts salad, fresh salsa and the most delicious plantain chips I've tried. A great Mexican meal from @theamericanomp. Loving Charleston and all the great food it has to offer. Also learned that one of my favourite movies Forrest Gump was filmed around here. How awesome is that! #IFlyAlaska
Shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, palm of hearts salad, fresh salsa and the most delicious plantain chips I’ve tried. A great Mexican meal from @theamericanomp. Loving Charleston and all the great food it has to offer. Also learned that one of my favourite movies Forrest Gump was filmed around here. How awesome is that! #IFlyAlaska
Good morning from Charleston. Enjoying the serene view and wildlife from Waterfront Park. Off to explore a few more locations before flying home!
Good morning from Charleston. Enjoying the serene view and wildlife from Waterfront Park. Off to explore a few more locations before flying home!
Last day in Charleston. We stopped for lunch at @xiaobaobiscuit. Loving the mix of east and western cuisine and highly recommend the Japanese okonomiyaki, curry and black chicken rice. Grab a ginger beer while you are here too!
Last day in Charleston. We stopped for lunch at @xiaobaobiscuit. Loving the mix of east and western cuisine and highly recommend the Japanese okonomiyaki, curry and black chicken rice. Grab a ginger beer while you are here too!
My weekend in Charleston was filled with colourful architecture, amazing food, ocean views and great southern hospitality. Thank you @AlaskaAir for this wonderful adventure. This is your weekend wanderer @sophiahsin signing off Thanks for following along and feel free to reach out with any travel questions!
My weekend in Charleston was filled with colourful architecture, amazing food, ocean views and great southern hospitality. Thank you @AlaskaAir for this wonderful adventure. This is your weekend wanderer @sophiahsin signing off Thanks for following along and feel free to reach out with any travel questions!