Dear Charleston,

It's Valentine’s day (duh), and this year I really have something to celebrate. You. I still can't believe it took me nearly 30 years to make you my home.

You and I had toyed with the idea of becoming an item now and then. From family vacations, to airport layovers, to the most basic of bachelorette parties. And each time I always left a piece of my heart with you, wondering when our next connection would be.

Fast forward to a year ago, after three years spent in the big apple, sharing a $4,600 apartment, with no heat or A/C, this southerner was wondering when her boots would bring her back to her roots. That is when you and I decided to pull the trigger and make it Facebook official.

I think it's safe to say we're pretty close. In the almost year I have been exploring you daily, I've learned a lot.

You go by many a name- Chucktown, The Holy City, the Lowcountry, Charles Towne…
It does not matter what time of day, or day of the week, the Crosstown will always make you huff in your car
No matter how many breweries there are (20+), we always wish there were more 🍻
Literally, everyone has their own story about "what Charleston used to be like"
No one will ever name their child Hugo, Matthew, or Irma 🌊
You are not a true Charlestonian if you do not own something made of sweetgrass
We’re the #1 seller of 12 oz PBR cans– in the world 🌎
Every restaurant with Lowcountry cuisine claims to have the best shrimp and grits in the city 🦐
Everyone has a tide chart app on their phone + knows that King is King 👑
If you don’t enjoy an oyster roast, you can shuck off
Some say Savannah is our sister-city... (they must be referring to the ugly step-sister)
No, we do not “do the Charleston” at every party
We do have the most beautiful gardens and historic plantations in the south 🌹
There are actually some people who enjoy the smell of pluff mud 👃
You will never know what you'll experience until you try

Everyone has their own Charleston "love" stories and I'd love to hear yours.

Drop us a note, post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We'll share them if you let us, because who doesn't need more love in their lives?

Pass it on today, Charleston.

P.S.
Since it's Valentine's Day, I have to give the CHStoday team some ❤️.
Ryan J. for your passion; Ryan H. for your commitment; Jen for your wit; Kalene for your light. And to our intern Justine for sticking with us in all the crazy.

– Nicole, Engagement Editor