Table of Contents
I grew up in Charleston, S.C. When I was a kid, Pat Conroy hadn’t written a book about south of the Broad (the historic residential neighborhood located on the point of the peninsula), and New Yorkers didn’t really know where it was. (I remember when I first moved up north, people would ask where I was from, and I would respond, “Charleston, S.C. Have you been? It’s the best!” They would then reply, “Charlotte, N.C.?”). It hadn’t yet to be been named “Best Small City in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler or “The World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure”. It’s grown by leaps and bounds since I was young. There are James Beard chefs, Boeing and BMW have built big production plants, and new hotels and restaurants are popping up all over town. It’s even become the number two wedding destination in the United States—only behind Las Vegas.
Charleston is also home to a bevy of tastemakers who can frequently be seen at the city’s hot spots and in your Instagram feed. So, drawing from my own experience and calling upon a few of the most in-the-know influencers for their input, we’ve put together a guide for where to stay, what to do, where to shop, and most importantly, what to eat. We hope you enjoy it!
WHERE TO EAT:
Coffee / Sweets
Drinks with Friends
Brunch / Lunch / Dinner
THINGS TO DO:
Shopping
Interiors / Antiques / Arts / Gifts
Makers / Craftsmen
Sites and Sounds
WHERE TO STAY
86 Cannon
Located in a fully restored, three-story Charleston single house, 86 Cannon is a luxury boutique inn located on Cannon Street, as its name would suggest. With chic interiors—Betsy Berry did the decor—it’s worth dropping by to check out that if nothing more. As Julia Berolzheimer can attest: “The charm at 86 Cannon can’t be beat.”
The Battery Carriage House Inn
Built in 1843, the house looks out onto Charleston Harbor, so you can walk right out your door and take in incredible water views or explore streets lined with historic homes south of Broad.
Formerly called Charleston Place, The Belmond is located right in the heart of downtown. Spanning the width of a city block, with King Street on one side and East Bay on the other, you can’t get any more conveniently located than this. Check out lunch at The Palmetto Cafe—the she crab soup shouldn’t be missed!
The Dewberry
The luxury hotel is situated across from Marion Square Park. Designed by Workstead, the space offers a bit of modernity in the midst of the historic district and has a popular bar for post-work drinks and get-togethers. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about The Dewberry,” Jillian Eversole says. “I love every aspect of my stays there, including the perfect mid-century design aesthetic, the comfortable rooms, the divine food and drink options, the impeccable service, and the spa. You can find me nestled in here in the Living Room bar with friends and family A LOT.”
Guesthouse
A more elevated alternative to an Airbnb with high-end accommodations located in the heart of the Lowcountry. “They have absolutely beautiful homes,” Grace Atwood says. “This is a great spot to stay if you are doing a longer trip and want to be able to cook, or if you’re traveling with your family or a large group.” We also love it for hosting a bachelorette weekend or wedding party.
Hotel Emeline
“A record player in every room; a delicious restaurant and coffee shop in the lobby; an impossibly chic design . . . if you stay at Hotel Emeline you may never want to leave!” Megan Pinckney says. Nestled in Charleston’s historic district, the building dates back to 1852—and the hotel is steeped in nostalgia, from the vintage decor to the vinyl record collection of 500 and counting.
Jasmine House Inn
Affiliated with the Indigo Inn across the street, The Jasmine Inn is just around the corner from all of the shops on King Street, but a bit of an unknown gem. The decor is decidedly shabby chic, but the rooms are spacious, with canopy beds and beautiful fireplaces. The rates are also downright cheap and a light breakfast is included. If you’re looking for a room with a kitchen, ask for the penthouse.
Market Pavilion
Check out the Pavilion Bar on the roof for great views of the city. (P.S. This is where most of our out-of-town guests stayed when I got married.)
Planters Inn
With beautifully decorated rooms, this Relais & Chateaux property is nothing but luxury and probably the swankiest hotel in town. Be sure to make a reservation at the in-house Peninsula Grill.
This boutique hotel, featuring a coffee bar, spa, Assouline library, rooftop bar, and retail boutique, is where all of the A-listers stayed during Lexus Charleston Fashion Week.
This upscale boutique hotel has butler service and a 1920s-inspired lounge and bar.
Set amidst a private landscaped courtyard, this boutique hotel is really five restored historic residential buildings. With accommodations featuring contemporary décor and furnishings, it’s a spot frequented by bloggers. Just ask Jillian and Grace: “This is one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at,” Jillian says. “It’s a little slice of heaven nestled away on George Street (hence its name). Known for its distinct personality, charming rooms, delicious food, and impeccable service, it’s simply divine.” Grace adds: “My new favorite thing is The Caviar and Champagne Bar.” Situated on the piazza overlooking the gardens, the decadent culinary experience is the latest on a long list of reasons to love Zero George.
WHERE TO EAT
COFFEE / SWEETS:
Babas
Everyone swears by the coffee beans at Babas, which has not one but two locations. Venita Aspen likes to stop by “Babas on Cannon Street for in-and-out” service and “Babas on Meeting Street for VIBEZZZZ.” There’s yummy bites at both; Grace suggests the ham-and-butter sandwich, avo toast, and deviled eggs.
A favorite spot amongst locals for grabbing a cup of coffee (and Instagramming said coffee). The lavender latte is a must-not-miss.
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
Think the movie Chocolat with Johnny Depp. It’s like that, but in the South, not France. These luxury artisanal chocolatiers also have a collection of hand-painted chocolates, macaroons, and fine chocolate truffles that make for great gifts. They ship too!
With Stumptown coffee, cold-pressed juice, and breakfast sandwiches, The Daily has everything one could want in the A.M.
There’s often a short line, but it moves quickly and the wait is worth it. Try their peanut butter and jelly sundae.
Off Track Ice Cream
You can also satisfy your sweet tooth at Off Track Ice Cream, where you’ll find traditional and vegan options in classic and inventive flavors made from scratch. On the vegan side of the menu, Venita highly recommends the cold-brew honeycomb.
The Rise Coffee Shop at The Restoration Hotel
Newly opened after the renovation of The Restoration. This is an obvious morning go-to if that’s where you’re staying.
Opened by a couple who moved to Charleston from New York City (they actually live in the house attached to the bakery), this sweet bakeshop is a fun stop for a treat.
DRINKS WITH FRIENDS:
Classic black & white films are projected on the wall of this chic bar offering creative cocktails. The perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink on date night or for an evening out with friends.
Citrus Club
“When the sun goes down, you can find me at Citrus Club for tropical cocktails and the best rooftop views in the city,” Jillian says. Perched on top of the Dewberry, the mid-century spot is the highest public viewpoint in Charleston. While the indoor lounge is ultra-chic, the outdoor terrace is its calling card and offers a 360-degree steepled skyline and sea-skimming view.
The Commodore
According to Jillian, this vintage jazz club that started as “Touch of Class” in the ’80s has “the best late-night drinking and dancing in town.” With green velvet barstools, craft cocktails, and a disco ball–lit dance floor, plus live music five nights a week, it’s a swanky spot to go all out.
Cozy, intimate bar and eatery serving cocktails and eclectic small plates in a 1920s-inspired setting. The bartenders really take time crafting their artisanal cocktails. If you don’t know exactly what you want, you have the option to pick a few adjectives off of their menu and the bartender will make you something custom.
BRUNCH / LUNCH / DINNER
This place is tiny and is bit off the beaten path. Located on upper East Bay Street, it’s across the street from the Harris Teeter grocery store. They have one of the best lobster rolls in the city though, so it’s worth going out of your way and waiting for a table (if need be). Or, make like Jillian and wait at Bin 152, the rustic-cool wine bar located at the other end of the block. “If my husband and I are seeking a casual night out, then we never tire of putting our names in at 167 Raw before popping down the street to indulge in wine and cheese at Bin 152,” Jillian says. “We never skip on the margaritas at 167 Raw either!”
Basic Kitchen
“Healthy but delicious,” is how Grace sums up her favorite lunch spot. “I like to sit outside on the back patio. There is so much fried food in Charleston, and that’s great but sometimes you just want a salad or something healthy. This is where you go for that.”
Burbage’s Self-Serve Grocery
Over 65-year-old family-owned no fuss neighborhood grocery store on Broad Street. Grab and go items include delicious homemade BBQ sandwiches and fresh soups.
Butcher & Bee
Located on Morrison Drive, this hip restaurant delivers an eclectic and ever-changing menu made with local ingredients.
Restaurant and event venue in Charleston’s up-and-coming Cannonborough / Elliotborough neighborhood. Check it out for brunch.
A fine dining restaurant and a great cocktail spot with nightly live jazz.
Chez Nous
“When my husband and I are celebrating a special occasion, we don’t think there is anywhere better in town than Chez Nous,” Jillian says. “The French menu changes daily, so the food is always a surprise, but the most delicious surprise in the city. The atmosphere is romantic and magical with the perfect warm glow.”
Chubby Fish
Take it from Grace and get to the Chubby Fish early, between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., to put your name down at this popular sustainable seafood restaurant, which is first come first serve. “Grab a beer at the bar around the corner and be prepared for one of the best meals of your life,” she says. While the menu changes daily, it never disappoints. “The caviar sammie is beyond, the steak tartare is heaven (it’s prepared nori style, so you eat it like a little sushi style wrap), and I love the bluefin tataki!”
Located on King Street, this very chic oyster bar is perfect for drinks and dinner.
Edmund’s Oast
Hip, loft-like spot offering New American fare, beer brewed on-site, and craft cocktails—plus a patio.
FIG
With its elevated take on southern classics, many think this restaurant serves up the best meal in town. And it’s often worth just sliding in at the bar even if you can’t get a reservation.
Gourmet specialty cheese shop on Church Street in Charleston’s historic south of Broad neighborhood featuring artisanal cheeses and wines, plus a daily sandwich that regulars call-in to order ahead as it always sells out in hours. There’s also a second location of Goat. Sheep. Cow. on Meeting Street that immediately transports you to Europe. The selection of cheese and wines can’t be beat. Follow them on Instagram and suddenly you’re immediately hungry.
The Grocery
This neighborhood spot is known for its fresh menu packed with seasonal ingredients available from local and regional farmers and fishermen.
Restaurant in a Victorian-era home on Queen Street owned by well-known award-winning Chef Sean Brock. This well-known spot specializing in southern cuisine with a twist has been featured in Vogue and on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. There is also a location in Nashville. Savannah, G.A. and Greenville, S.C. will be getting their own soon too.
In an old car garage. We love their oysters, but they also have the best fried chicken and soft serve ice cream. Spend an afternoon eating good food and sitting outside on their patio.
Pitmaster John Lewis brings his signature Texas barbecue to Charleston, S.C., with Lewis Barbecue in the city’s emerging Upper Peninsula. Before moving to the Holy City, John lived in Austin, T.X., where he oversaw the award-winning BBQ program at La Barbecue and helped open Franklin Barbecue, establishing himself as one of the best in the business.
Magnolias
“Charleston is filled with contemporary cuisine, but experiencing traditional Southern food is still a must,” Megan says. “Magnolias is one of the OG’s of fine dining in town, and it will forever be one of my faves. Request one of the few tables by the window and be sure not to miss their Down South egg rolls!”
Located in the Cigar Factory, Mercantile and Mash is a gourmet food market and whiskey bar. You will find many locals having meetings and working here.
Minero
Also, owned by well-known, award-winning chef Sean Brock, this casual Mexican restaurant located on East Bay Street is a great spot for a fun dinner before a night out at the bars.
Located on the beautiful Sullivan’s Island, The Obstinate Daughter is worth leaving the peninsula for. With great wood oven pizzas, it’s the perfect spot for dinner after a walk on the beach. Stop by Beard Cat’s Sweet Shop downstairs for an after-dinner treat!
This beautiful upscale seafood restaurant on King Street is in an old bank. The kitchen is in the bank vault, and the raw bar is a great perch from which to take it all in. As Venita says: “For dinner you have to go to The Ordinary; it’s a non-negotiable.”
Peninsula Grill
A fine dining, special occasion restaurant inside the Planters Inn known for its famous coconut cake dessert. Also great for a drink at their “Champagne Bar” and special occasions. “During the holidays, my husband and I enjoy a date night out every year here,” Jillian says. “It’s one of our favorite Charleston traditions!”
The Post House
This coastal tavern and inn on Mount Pleasant is also a restaurant and bar with seasonal fare and classic cocktails in a setting that feels like a home away from home. “I like everything on the menu, and I always run into a friend,” Chassity Evans says. The outdoor patio is perfect for alfresco dining has made it a popular choice for wedding receptions. Better yet, host your wedding party in the seven cozy hotel rooms upstairs, each with a unique interior design aesthetic.
Scarecrow
Located in an old train depot off King Street, Scarecrow features an open area to watch the chefs prepare your dinner by an oversized wood-fired grill.
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits
This is the rooftop restaurant and bar at The Restoration. The best place on the peninsula to have a drink and watch the sunset.
Xia Bao Biscuit
Located on the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Spring Street, Xia Bao Biscuit is a local favorite. Serving up Asian Soul food, family style, the menu features dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam and is inspired by “kick-ass grandmothers everywhere,” which we love!
THINGS TO DO
SHOPPING:
Beau & Ro
“Beau & Ro is a shopping highlight in Charleston!” Jillian says. “The line, designed by Charleston local Sara Rossi, is a collection of women’s clothing, handbags, and accessories that is showcased in their flagship store, which also carries a highly curated selection of other contemporary brands.” Grace agrees: “I absolutely love Beau & Ro for dresses. Rossi has a great collection of private-label dresses (the Annika is so good!) but also stocks some of my favorite brands, like Mille, Ophelia & Indigo, Farm Rio, Nicola Bathie, and more.”
Billy Reid
Well-known for women’s and men’s clothing with an emphasis on American manufacturing and high-quality construction, this former CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner and southerner fittingly has a Charleston outpost on lower King Street.
The 100-year old family jewelry store located on Charleston’s historic King Street or as the ladies at Croghan’s like to hashtag it on their fun-loving Instagram account #308wonderfulkingstreet is well-known around town for its estate pieces, sterling silver gifts, and charming, upbeat atmosphere. As Jillian says: “The shop and the family who runs it are truly crown jewels of the city themselves!” They have a wide selection ranging from graduation and debutante presents to Christmas ornaments, diamonds, and custom creations. Be sure to check out the Goldbug Collection, designed by “Mini” Mariana Hay. The design of the bold, gold jewelry is based on the South Carolina cockroach or “palmetto bug,” as they’re called by Charlestonians, and the unique collection has been embraced by locals and tourists alike.
Designs by Helen
“Steep in African and African-American history, sweetgrass baskets tell a story of strength, sacrifice, and tradition in an artful way,” Megan says. “You’ll find basket weavers and their works throughout the Lowcountry, but if you’re looking for a unique piece to invest in, Designs by Helen, located in the open-air Charleston City Market, has a collection worthy of display for years to come.”
“Hampden Clothing has the best curation of designer and contemporary fashion,” Julia says. “I can never leave empty-handed.” This womenswear boutique features designers like Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney, Tibi, Rag & Bone, and Self-Portrait. The store celebrated fifteen years in business (a major feat in the current retail landscape), and is owned and operated by fellow Vanderbilt alum, Stacy Smallwood, who’s super nice. She and her team are always happy to pull looks for an upcoming event or giving styling advice, so be sure to say “hi” when you drop in.
Ibu is located on the second floor of a house on lower King Street. Go up the narrow staircase, and you’ll find a boutique that provides women in over 30 countries around the world the ability to grow into economic self-sufficiency through their art. Started in the Spring of 2015, the store prides itself in being bearers of both the textile tradition and social change. It features a wide range of handmade fashion and home accessories.
Well-curated men’s shop for the modern southern gent.
JAMES
This 1,400 square footwear and accessories store adjacent to Hampden Clothing is the most recent addition to Stacy’s King Street presence. The brand roster includes high-end names like Rag & Bone, Rupert Sanderson, Loeffler Randall, and more.
LAKE Pajamas
It’s the “pajamas superstar” of Charleston, Jillian says. With its flagship store is on King Street, LAKE Pajamas is famous for its supersoft Pima cotton sleepwear for the whole family. Check out the loungewear assortment to stay cozy around the clock.
Founder Morgan Henzlik runs a showroom that specializes in appointment-only styling services at 123 King Street. She has a wide range of emerging designers in stock, like Behno, Dodo Bar Or, TY-LR, and Atea Oceanie and only carries a few pieces of each item, so customers are are sure to get something special. Shop online or via Instagram @morgankyleeboutique. For an appointment, call Morgan at 404.307.4668.
Neema Gallery
“The unique gallery downtown exclusively features original art and jewelry by Southern African-American artists,” Megan says. “It’s definitely worth a stop-in, and you might find the perfect piece to remind you of your trip to Charleston!”
RTW Charleston
Women’s specialty shop that carries designer clothing and is iconic to King Street. You’ll find many of OTM’s favorite labels while perusing the racks—and the accessory offering is just as swoon-worthy with the likes of Manolo Blahnik and Marlo Laz.
Shirtini
Located on lower King Street, Shirtini offers up a curated collection of menswear-inspired Oxford-style shirts made for women. The quality is great, and the fit is fantastic. They run long, and if you can swing it, it’s worth stocking up on one or two to wear over leggings.
Tijon
“Tijon is an upscale fragrance lab that allows you to create your own signature scent.” Megan says. “This is fun to do with a group of friends, as you’d be surprised by how much more you’ll understand someone’s personality after you smell their custom scent. And t’s the perfect daytime activity for a bachelorette party!”
Under The Almond Trees
“This is an incredible baby and kids destination,” Berolzheimer says. With a newly renovated store on King Street, consider this a one-stop shop for all of your little one’s needs, from practical car seats and strollers to precious clothing, toys, and more. Should you need a baby shower gift, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can always help with finding the perfect present.
This eclectic shop featuring fashion, accessories, and gifts has been around forever and is definitely worth a stop if you’re looking for something unique. I especially love the quilt featuring the South Carolina coastline that’s typically on display in the front window.
INTERIORS / ANTIQUES / ART / GIFTS
For breezy, island-chic decor, Jillian heads to “interiors jewel Amanda Lindroth,” An Over The Moon–customer favorite, the block-print linens and rattan-wrapped glassware are ideal for warm-weather entertaining. The Charleston location instantly transports you to the Bahamas, where Lindroth is based, from the draped ceiling to the palm fronds and wicker everything.
The best-smelling gift and scent shop in Charleston. Candlefish has a candle library of 100 handmade fragrances. As Grace says: “They have more candles in one place than I’ve seen in my life.” They also offer BYOB candle-making classes.
Fieldshop
Fieldshop is a retail concept brought to you by Garden & Gun. Located inside The Dewberry Hotel, there’s an assortment of the finest sporting centric brands from around the world coupled with seasonal apparel, barware, jewelry, entertaining items, and florals all curated with the tastes of the magazine in mind.
Flowershop is a retail florist and floral design studio located downtown at 125 1/2 Spring Street (downstairs from Proud Mary). Owner Lily Peterson specializes in beautiful, unique wedding bouquets.
Concepted by designer Sarah Hamlin-Hastings, Fritz Porter is an antique center representing 15 different dealers with styles ranging from flea market chic to museum quality classics located inside the Cigar Factory. With everything from original pieces by contemporary artists to fabric and a furniture showroom as well as one-of-a-kind gifts, this is a must-visit for anyone who loves interiors.
Curated home decor, unique gifts, bridal gifts, wedding registry, tabletop and linens shop on Line Street.
MAKERS / CRAFTSMEN
Handcrafted bowties made locally out of turkey feathers. Seen on many southern gentlemen at weddings and special events. Bill Murray wore his Brackish bowtie to the 2014 Oscars.
A unique collection of handcrafted goods produced on a small scale within the local communities and a curated collection of American made goods for the home. Recently launched their own collection of glassware, The Shelter collection, designed in South Carolina and produced in North Carolina, this is the only line of glassware manufactured exclusively in the South. The collection is designed to be passed down in your family, looking as beautiful on your table today as it will on the tables of generations to come.
J. Stark
Erik Holmberg is the owner and founder of J. Stark, a Charleston-based luxury dry goods label comprised of a variety of handcrafted tote bags, clutches, zip-up pouches, and leather wallets.
Founder of Sisal & Tow, Becca Barnet specializes in illustration, taxidermy, sculpture, and museum fabrication.
SITES AND SOUNDS:
Charleston has many wonderful historic houses throughout the city that you can tour. The Aiken Rhett House is special because it remained in the hands of family descendants for 142 years until it was sold to The Charleston Museum and opened as a museum house in 1975. Historic Charleston Foundation purchased the house in 1995. Elizabeth Street—where the house is located—is gorgeous.
The Battery & White Point Gardens
The southern tip of Charleston’s peninsula was originally known as Oyster Point and later White Point because of the piles of sun-bleached oyster shells found at the edge of the water. This area of town is perfect for an afternoon walk and great for dream home hunting as it’s where the majority of Charleston’s grandest historic homes are located.
The Charleston Music Hall is a Holy City staple. Located in the Upper King Street Area of Downtown Charleston and home to the city’s ever-growing, eclectic, local music and theater scene.
Historic Dock Street Theatre was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. Today, Charleston Stage, which became the resident professional theatre at the Dock Street Theatre in 1978, produces over 100 performances each season.
The Gibbes Museum of Art is recognized among the oldest arts organizations in the United States, opening in 1905. Home to over 10,000 works that tell the story of American art, the museum recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation that restored the building to its original grandeur and transformed the look and feel of the space where these pieces of art are displayed. In addition to having the largest collection of miniatures in the United States, the museum presents an innovative series of six to eight special exhibitions per year.
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
Located in Downtown Charleston near High Battery, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, 51 Meeting Street, is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. Historic Charleston Foundation purchased the National Historic Landmark in 1955, and the house served as the Foundation’s headquarters for 37 years. Today, the interiors are restored to their original 1808 grandeur and surrounded by formal gardens.
Sullivan’s Island
Just a 20-minute car ride from the peninsula is one of Charleston’s most gorgeous beaches. It’s worth the ride out there to get some sun and enjoy lunch at one of many great restaurants Sullivan’s island has to offer (like family favorite Poe’s). Afterward, Jillian recommends a leisurely stroll along the shore. “I can’t think of a better place to ground myself and recharge my batteries than with a walk on Sullivan’s Island.”
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