2022 Guide to Charleston, S.C.
The Pineapple Fountain is a focal point of the Charleston Waterfront Park
Charleston, South Carolina is one of America’s most charming small towns; rich in history and culture and overflowing with culinary options for even the most cultured of palates. An easy two-and-a-half-hour flight from Dallas, Charleston is a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of Dallas. The city is a captivating combination of old-world history and charm paired with all the modern amenities, world-class chefs, and cultural attractions you need to create a memorable vacation.
I worked with Experience Charleston on this hosted trip. The itinerary they sent me started with, “In the Lowcountry, history is not relegated to a plaque on a landmark. Instead, it is a sense of place—a connection to the past—that lives in the hearts of locals, is apparent in regional traditions, graces the facades of homes, punctuates the vernacular and seasons the food. While the Charleston area is indeed a veritable living museum, it is also a bustling epicenter of culture, invigorating outdoor activity and sumptuous dining that welcomes close to seven million visitors annually.” And folks, let me tell you, they did not oversell the experience…
WHERE TO STAY
The Vendue, a boutique hotel in downtown Charleston, is the only historic property (dating back to the 1780s) dedicated to the arts, with 300 original pieces installed throughout the hotel. Two dining experiences are offered on site including Revival and The Rooftop.
The Spectator Hotel will transport you back in time to the Roaring ‘20s. With a blend of Southern charm, flapper flair, and socialite elegance, the ambience will leave you captivated. Situated between the French Quarter and Charleston City Market neighborhood, The Spectator Hotel’s three-story building offers 41 guest rooms along with a personalized butler service, valet parking, complimentary bicycle usage, and hotel bar featuring golden twenties era inspired spirits.
Located in the heart of the historic French Quarter, The Loutrel is a 50-room luxury boutique hotel. With offerings such as The Veranda Lounge, a private club room for guests and a picturesque rooftop with city views, guests are welcome to check in for an escape. The botanical inspiration lends itself to curated decorations, a unique Charleston picnic experience as well as an exclusive history and garden tour led by The Loutrel’s private guide. Opened September 2021.
The Restoration offers two distinct ways to stay in the Holy City. Choose an authentic boutique experience in adjoining rooms or spacious Hotel Suites, or recreate cherished home traditions in the comfort of the one and two bedroom suites in The Residences. Previously the Restoration on King, this historic hotel property in Charleston offers a variety of chef-driven culinary experiences, city views, a private rooftop pool, and community spaces throughout the property.
When describing Hotel Emeline, Condé Nast Traveler said, “(It’s) spacious foyer feels more like hip living room than lobby, with a boisterous Motown soundtrack. Walk up the center steps to check-in where you are handed a strong punch cocktail (or house lemonade if you wish). Hotel Emeline sits just north of the historic open-air market. Despite this being a heavily touristed area, Emeline feels private, particularly the higher floors and the “masonette” bi-level townhouse-style rooms opening onto the inner courtyard.” The property is owned by the same group that owns our own Adolphus Hotel, so that should give you a sense of the high standards you can expect.
Stroll along King Street to shop local boutiques and national brands
WHAT TO DO
One of the best ways to discover the history of Charleston is to take a guided tour. There are many options depending on your interests. My favorite is the Classic Charleston History and Historic Gossip Tour from Walk and Talk Tours. History and historic gossip unfolds as you dive into the stories of Charleston’s past and present inhabitants and the architectural fabric of the historic district. If you are lucky, you’ll have Tyler Wright aka The Lid Lady as your guide. Not only is Tyler knowledgeable, but she has a fantastic way of storytelling the istry to reel you in and captivate your imagination.
Looking for something a bit more unique? I dare you to participate in a haunted Ghost and Dungeon Tour by Bulldog Tours. Learn the haunted truth about one of the oldest cities in America and hear chilling stories of Charleston ghosts, haunted houses, and Lowcountry superstitions.
If you love being on the water, set sail on the Fort Sumter tour boat via Spiritline Cruises where you’ll learn about Charleston’s rich maritime history while underway to the island garrison that played a pivotal role in the Civil War’s opening bombardment on April 12, 1861. If you’re lucky you might spot dolphins along the journey!
WHERE TO SHOP
For some retail therapy stroll over to the Charleston City Market, one of the nation’s oldest public markets. The sprawling four-block retail venue, which dates to 1804, currently houses more than 140 permanent merchants, and a corridor of locally owned micro-boutiques.
Recently named one of the nation’s top 10 shopping streets by U.S. News and World Report, King Street’s shops range from nationally known luxury brands to chic and one-of-a-kind wares. Lower King is an esteemed antiques district while Upper King is a thriving contemporary design district.
Not only is the food at Leon’s Oyster Shop amazing, but it serves up a very Instagrammable moment
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
After all of this exploring, you will have worked up an appetite and need to quench your thirst! I recommend Frannie and The Fox nestled inside the Hotel Emeline. It’s a charming place that features a wood burning concept of shareable dishes, including items such as the Taleggio pizza with burnt honey and black pepper as well as fully spirited cocktails.
Housed in a refurbished garage, Leon’s Oyster Shop provides a laid-back, casual atmosphere and an exciting menu full of Lowcountry favorites. Try the Chargrilled Oysters with parsley and parmesan and the The Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Halls Chophouse serves the best cuts in Charleston – from Grass Fed Filet Mignon to Dry-Aged Tomahawk Rib Eye. Slip into the bar for a Lucid Peach cocktail or stop in for Gospel Sunday Brunch to enjoy live music and a steak omelet.
Inspired by Mexico's vibrant and diverse cuisine, Maya is a regional Mexican eatery located in Charleston's lively upper King Street district and a very Instagrammable patio.
If you love a quirky dive bar, visit The Griffon for great burgers and fish & chips. You can leave your mark by stapling a dollar bill to the walls. Southern Living magazine (my BIBLE) named it one of their Best Bars in the South. ‘Nuff said.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ runs an all-wood operation that cooks between eight and 10 whole hogs per night to create pit-roasted pork, chicken and turkey. His signature Hemingway-based whole hog barbecue is loved by locals and visitors alike. Scott is an acclaimed pitmaster and 2018 James Beard Foundation award winner for Best Chef Southeast.
RAW 167 Oyster Bar is a New England style Oyster Bar in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, SC. The menu highlights the outstanding seafood mecca that is the East Coast, spanning from New Brunswick, Canada to our local waters here in Charleston and beyond.
Saltwater Cowboys provides stunning harbor views and a great menu of Lowcountry cuisine
One of Charleston’s newest restaurants, Little Palm is located in the heart of the Ryder Hotel. Bring your swimsuit and stay for the afternoon! It offers a breezy poolside cafe and cocktail bar with a lively, spirited environment offering fresh, vibrant cocktails and seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes. Open for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks. PRO TIP: Order a frozen GREEN LIGHT cocktail made with Sauvignon Blanc, Pear Brandy, Honeydew Melon, Chareau Aloe Vera. Add a Float of White Rum, Jalepeño Tequila, Pastis for just a few dollars more.
If you need some after-dinner excitement and good people watching, head to King Street where the owners of nightlife spot The Republic Garden & Lounge have opened a new bar called Bourbon N’ Bubbles. The establishment boasts a cosmopolitan interior complete with marble countertops, velvet banquettes and bronze fixtures. The beverage menu includes exclusive liquor and champagne names such as Buffalo Trace, Schramsberg, Taittinger and smaller specialized brands.
My absolute favorite spot to spend an afternoon is actually a short drive across the Mt. Pleasant Pier bridge at the Waterfront at Shem Creek where the shrimping scenes from the movie Forest Gump were filmed. There you will find fantastic restaurants and bars such as Saltwater Cowboys, Tavern & Table, and Red’s Ice House with gorgeous waterfront views of the Charleston harbor and surrounding marshes.
Visit EXPLORE CHARLESTON to start planning your trip to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina!
NOTE: Many company descriptions in this article were provided to me by Experience Charleston or content was taken from the brand’s website in an effort to provide accurate descriptions. This trip was hosted in most part by Experience Charleston. While I did receive compensation for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in a sponsored post or product review? Contact me for rates and details.