Charleston, South Carolina
As the wife of a Carolina native, I consider myself an honorary Southerner. Plus, I love fried chicken and biscuits, so it's a win win for everyone. Even during those humid Summer months, Charleston takes the cake as one of my favorite cities. Here's why...
WHERE TO STAY
There are no shortage of charming inns in Charleston, but for my money the best bet is Zero George. Located at Zero George Street (see what they did there...), it's walking distance to great shops, restaurants and The Battery, but I'd suggest borrowing one of their mint green cruiser bikes. Help yourself to homemade biscuits in the courtyard in the morning and leave plenty of time for sitting on the porch, glass of wine firmly in hand.
Planter's Inn was built in 1844 as a dry goods store and has an excellent location in the heart of the Historic District. The service here is above and beyond. Don't miss their wine & cheese hour every Friday at 5pm. Rumor has it some of the rooms are haunted.
The Restoration on King has a great location right near all the King Street shops and larger loft style rooms with exposed brick and galley kitchens. Downstairs, The Rise Coffee Shop brews Toby's Estate and The Port Mercantile sells a beautifully curated selection of Southern gifts.
The Dewberry is a a mid-century modern dream with a slick new refresh and smartly dressed public spaces. The lobby bar is fit for the likes of Don Draper and the on-site restaurant Henrietta's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hotel Bennett is a new property located right on the main drag of King Street. You’ll be walking distance from great shops and restaurants and there’s a rooftop pool for staying cool during the Summer months.
Charleston Place is a larger property with a spa and indoor pool. The experience isn't terribly unique, but the location is central.
Charleston has no shortage of boutique hotels; The Ryder, Emeline and The Spectator are all well designed budget friendly options.
(With my trusty Away bag at the always charming Zero George Hotel)
WHERE TO EAT
Charleston is coming into it's own as a food city with young chefs doing new and exciting things. Husk remains a CHS institution for traditional Southern classics (hello, shrimp and grits). It's a tough table to get, so you’ll need to arrive early and be prepared to wait. Tip: During cooler months, request a table outside on the porch for a truly Southern vibe.
Melfi’s has the feel of a buzzy, big city restaurant with some of the best Italian food in the South. Their Roman style pizzas are truly to die for.
167 Raw has developed a cult following and with good reason; the seafood here is super fresh with a wide range of raw bar offerings and incredible cocktails.
Leon's Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop is a former garage churning out chargrilled oysters, hot fried chicken and above all, the inimitable Siam Salad, a delicious mix of Napa cabbage, avocado and peanuts. The perfect spot for a quick, affordable lunch.
The Ordinary is anything but. Located inside an old bank, they offer an impressive selection of raw bar items, but the showstopper is the oyster slider, a fried oyster atop a buttery, homemade parker house roll.
Indaco has a great happy hour if you’re in the mood for a more laidback meal. I like to sit at the bar, but the patio is great too!
The Darling Oyster Bar is a bright and cheerful space. Tip: Try a frozen paloma to beat the heat.
Edmund’s Oast is a great spot for a casual bite to eat. They have a huge menu of beers (check out their bottle shop next door…a beer lover’s dream!), fun cocktails and wine. Grab a table outside and enjoy some fresh air.
Basic Kitchen is a great way to balance out all the indulgent Southern food. The food is clean and simple, but doesn’t skimp on the flavor. Tip: Don’t miss the Cauli wings!
The Citrus Club, the rooftop bar of The Dewberry hotel, is a great spot to grab a cocktail while the sun goes down. It’s designed with the IG set in mind and the menu leans Tiki, which means grammable’ drinks with beautiful garnishes are in store.
On the veranda at Zero George.
WHAT TO DO
Charleston is a walkable city, but renting a bike is a great way to get around. Ride over to The Battery for beautiful views of the water.
You’ll need to keep your energy up. For a great coffee, check out Harken Cafe or Harbinger.
For shopping, King Street has it all. Check out Hampden, M.Dumas & Sons and The Finicky Filly. The Canonborough Collective is a co-op shop of sorts selling a variety of wares by locals, like handmade tassel earrings and shift dresses. The Cigar Factory is a new development project housing several shops, including Fritz Porter, a design and antique showroom with a curated selection of treasures.
The Preservation movement is alive and well in Charleston. Stroll through the historic district to see some of America's oldest buildings and make a stop at Rainbow Row. If you visit during the Spring, check out the Festival of Houses & Gardens for a rare opportunity to tour these historic private homes.
The Charleston City Market is a good place to stock up on souvenirs and sweetgrass baskets. Caviar & Bananas has everything you need for a picnic of local goodies.
Nearby Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island are great day trip options.
GOOD TO KNOW...
Charleston is an easy jumping off point for exploring the Low Country area. Rent a car and head towards Pawley's Island. There are beautiful beaches, tasty BBQ and affordable beach house rentals.
T W Graham & Co in McClellanville makes a great stop along the way. Try the fried shrimp. Save room for pie.
Hog Heaven BBQ on Highway 17 in Pawley's Island doesn't look like much, but they do a mean pulled pork sandwich loaded with tangy homemade vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Otherwise, Sullivan's Island is a short distance from Charleston proper and has beautiful sandy beaches. Don't miss lunch or dinner at The Obstinate Daughter, one of the best meals we had.
Sleeping in, in my forever favorite pajamas.
Add some Southern charm to your wardrobe with these pieces...