Charming Charleston: Exploring the South’s Most Beautiful City Alone

Charming Charleston: Exploring the South’s Most Beautiful City Alone

From Busy Gallivanting by Leslie Maclang

November 4, 2025 · 52 min · Season 3 · Episode 62

About this episode

Leslie shares her experiences from a solo trip to Charleston, exploring its charm and reflecting on the nature of travel and self-discovery.

In this episode of Busy Gallivanting , I’m sharing stories from my solo trip to Charleston, South Carolina — a city that completely surprised me. What started as a spontaneous getaway turned into an unexpected connection to the South: from wandering through pastel-lined streets and exploring centuries-old architecture to savoring the café and boutique culture that gives Charleston its quiet charm. Somewhere between reflection and curiosity, I found myself on a self-guided The Notebook tour, tracing scenes from the film without even meaning to — and realizing how travel often mirrors where we are in life. This trip became less about checking off sights and more about slowing down, listening, and being present in a place that felt both new and nostalgic. 🎙️ Plus: thoughts on embracing unplanned moments, solo travel as self-discovery, and finding beauty in cities that make you feel something. ✨ Featured in this episode: • Charleston’s historic architecture — where time and texture tell stories Charleston Trolley Tour for the best way to get your bearings and receive admission to the Charleston Museum or a historic mansion Joseph Manigault Home Magnolia Plantation • Café and…

People in this episode

Host: Leslie Maclang

Topics covered

  • solo travel
  • Charleston
  • self-discovery
  • mindful travel
  • Southern hospitality
  • spontaneity

Keywords

  • Charleston
  • solo travel
  • The Notebook
  • Southern hospitality
  • mindful travel
  • café culture
  • boutique shopping

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: True Lucia, My Sister's Clothing, Baba's Café, Bad Bunnies Café, Harbinger Cafe

Books & works: The Notebook

Places: Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Museum, Joseph Manigault Home, Magnolia Plantation

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