I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Charleston has got to be God's greatest gift to the south. I'm actually not originally from here, but I couldn't imagine being any where else now. It's such a proud moment when I'm out of town and someone asks me where I live. Living in Charleston is truly like being on vacation every day. Even though I've only called this charming city my home for a little under three years, I've picked up on a few things that I believe anyone who is visiting should probably know.

1. 'Chain restaurant' is considered a bad word. Seriously. Do you even realize how many great restaurants we have? You name your favorite kind of food, and I'll name at least 10 places that will blow your mind. I haven't even scratched the surface when it comes to trying all that Charleston has to offer, but I plan on continuing to try.

2. Looking cute is awesome, but leave the heels at home. Have you tried to walk downtown in heels? I have two words for you- cobblestone kills. We have some of the most beautiful alleys and walkways, but they are mostly cobblestone. There's nothing like a twisted ankle in front of everyone on East Bay (totally not speaking from experience). You learn quickly to either break out the flats or carry a pair of flip flops in your purse and change shoes.

3. Not all shrimp and grits are created equal. This is what we're famous for, but don't expect to go to two restaurants and get the same shrimp and grits. There are so many different styles and recipes. Maybe if you ask nicely, i'll tell you some of my favorites.

4. None of us have ever seen Southern Charm. The first question people ask me when I tell them I live in Charleston is, "Oh my word, do you, like, watch Southern Charm all the time?!". Uh, no. I don't even know what channel it comes on, and I'm pretty sure no one here does either.

5. No one has a honey dripping, mint julep drinking accent. In fact, most people aren't even from here. Chances are you're going to run into someone from Ohio or New York before you meet someone who was born and raised here. People here usually find my small-town North Carolina accent fascinating.

6. Everyone has their own kind of beach. Luckily, Charleston has plenty to offer! Everyone has a different personality, and we've pretty much got a beach to satisfy anyone. If you like crowds and more of the "touristy" feel, Isle of Palms or Folly Beach is your jam. If you're a more laid back person and want to relax, Sullivan's Island, Edisto, or Kiawah are your best bet.

7. We find a reason to celebrate anything and everything all the time. Oyster Festival, Azalea Festival, Sweet Tea Festival, Greek Festival, Wine and Food Festivals, and the list could go on. We will always find a reason to get together, eat some amazing food, and have an incredible time.

8. You have to choose between Carolina and Clemson. If you're wearing a Gamecocks shirt in the grocery store, be prepared to get stopped 43 times with either a "Go Cocks!" or some derogatory statement about how you'll die a lonely death if you're not a Clemson fan (I really only exaggerated a bit there).

9. Brunch is a way of life. Period. There's not many restaurants in Charleston that won't feature a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday until 3 pm. If you haven't had the Charleston Nasty Biscuit and a mimosa at Hominy Grill, you're really missing out.

10. We come together as a city. When tragedy hits, we link arms and defend our wonderful home. We love each other, stand with each other, and pull each other up off the ground. We may all come from different backgrounds, different states, or even different countries, but we know what unites us all.

So, there you have it. These are just a few details you should know if you're making a weekend trip to our city or even if you're thinking of making Charleston your home. There's a reason we are growing in numbers day by day.

You might know us as Chucktown, The Holy City, The Palmetto City, or home of the sweetgrass basket, but it's just plain 'ole home to me.