Now that I have the Megan Molten Blog up and running, I’m finally putting together my Charleston Guide! I’ve had this saved in my notes on my phone for years because I get asked this ALL THE TIME! Everybody loves Charleston and loves visiting. I mean… can you blame them? It’s my favorite city in the entire world! I’m so fortunate to call this place home. I love being on the water, eating, drinking, listening to live music and shopping; there is truly no better place to be for all of it! If you are looking for a few places around Charleston to try, here are my favorites for now. Since this city is ever changing, we will keep this list updated as new places pop up. I hope you will try them out and love this city as much as I do!

Where to Stay:

The Dewberry

This hotel is where my husband and I hosted our wedding reception. It is such a special place to us! You walk in and immediately feel like you stepped back in time. A lot of people say it feels very similar to the “Mad Men” era and I fully agree! From my personal experiences, I can tell you the service and attention to detail is impeccable. They make everyone feel so special and welcome. Also, be sure to check out their exclusive rooftop bar, The Citrus Club, which has the best views in town!

Zero George

This is the most adorable little boutique hotel you will ever see. My sister and her husband always stay here when they come to visit. It’s very small and quaint, which makes you feel like you stepped back in time and are staying as a guest at an old Charleston estate in the middle of downtown. It’s so accessible and close to everything. Not to mention, the staff is so friendly and accommodating!

What to Do:

Rent Bikes

We love renting bikes from Holy City Spokes and peddling across the peninsula. Head down to The Battery and South of Broad to see all the sites and the most spectacular homes. Such a fun way to see the city!

Tour a Plantation

Our three favorites are Magnolia, Middleton, and Boone Hall Plantations. They are all equally as beautiful and special in their own unique ways. Each is only a short drive from downtown and definitely worth the trip to learn about the historic Lowcountry.

Walk South of Broad

I love to stroll down all the little streets below Broad Street, with Tradd and Water being my two favorites. You can circle around and walk along the water, going through White Point Gardens. Eventually you’ll hit Rainbow Row, which is a colorful historic collection of homes not to miss!

The Galliard Center

This is one of our favorite places to go and hear incredible music in a stunning venue, usually by The Charleston Symphony Orchestra or other groups coming through town.

Day trip to Kiawah Island

This is one of my favorite excursions! Going from downtown to Kiawah is the most beautiful drive with huge oak trees lining the road the entire way. Be sure and stop at The Angel Oak tree on your way and see the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi. It is truly breathtaking. Once you get to Kiawah, stop at Freshfields Village for a bite and some shopping, then head to The Sanctuary Hotel for a drink on the lawn or lunch by the pool. Stop by Beachcomber park and take a walk to see one of the most pristine beaches in Charleston lined with gorgeous homes. Finally, drive out to the 18th hole at The Ocean Course for a drink and take in the most amazing breeze and views!

Shem Creek

Head over to Mount Pleasant and check out this fun little spot for dining, fishing, paddling, and so much more. Whatever you want to do, it’s probably here! We like going to Tavern and Table for drinks or brunch as well as sit on the water watching the boats go by and the dolphins swim. There’s also a park here where you can take the kiddos.

Arthur Ravenel Bridge

I love to walk/run this incredible cable bridge over the Cooper River, as it’s the only true hill in Charleston. Once you get to the top you see the most beautiful views of the city!

Theatre 99

This is a fun spot to catch a funny improvised comedy show!

Downtown Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm in Marion Square, I love going to this market and checking out all the local makers and artisans, while picking up fresh produce from local growers. There’s always lots of food trucks, entertainment and jump castles for the kids.

Get on the Water

Charleston Sailing Adventures offer different water tours of Charleston. The city is so fun to explore and it’s even more beautiful from the water!

Art and Antiques

Broad Street, Queen Street, and Church Street are all lined with art galleries and antique stores. It is always a treat to wander and treasure hunt for the best art!

Sullivan’s Island

This is my favorite beach in Charleston and a must-stop on any visit. Head out to the beach and check out Middle Street Market or The Co-Op to grab some snacks. Be sure to stop at Poe’s after for a Burger or Home Team for some BBQ nachos. This is a weekly occurrence for us around here 🙂

Tap Rooms

Charleston is becoming quite the craft beer town. You have Revelry, Fatty’s, Edmund’s Oast, Palmetto and Cooper River Brewery, just to name a few! All are fun spots to have a tasting downtown.

Charleston Music Hall

Such a fun, small venue to hear live shows! We have heard so many artists here in this little theater as well as seen many great movie screenings. There’s usually something fun happening here just about every weekend and covers many different tastes in genres!

Worship and Praise:

Church Tours
Charleston is known as the The Holy City for many reasons, one being the numerous steeples painting the skyline. There are a few dozens of churches downtown representing a wide range of different faiths. Many churches welcome visitors to tour their historic beauty and to learn more about their significant place in the city throughout the years.

Church Service

St. Stephen’s Episcopal is our sweet little church in downtown Charleston where we got married. It’s over 200 years old and has a small congregation and beautiful music. We love the inclusiveness it extends and message it provides. We enjoy it so much and welcome you to visit!

My Comprehensive Lists of Favorites:

For the Kiddos

• Charleston Aquarium
• Children’s Museum
• The Alley
• Riverdogs Baseball Game
• Sullivan’s Island Beach
• Farmers Market on Saturdays
• Pedi Cab Rides (my nieces love this)
• Waterfront Park

Shopping / Treat Yourself

• Hampden/James-designer heaven for clothing and shoes
• Half Moon Outfitters-brother in law’s outdoor store for the whole fam
• Beckett-feminine finds for the girly girl who loves to shop
• Finnicky Filley-best jewelry and bags for the fashionista
• Celadon-one of our featured sites! favorite home store with the best global imports
• Croghans-all the jewels including my go to gold bug earrings
• Mac and Murphy-cutest paper goods, they made our wedding invitations too!
• Pink Chicken-where I buy all the cutest clothes for my nieces
• II Brunettes-trendiest boutique in town with the best prices
• Gwynns-one stop shop for clothing, cosmetics, shoes and home decor
• The Shops at Charleston Place-pop into Elysium Salon while you’re at it
• Mylkbar-fun, fresh, non-toxic nail salon owned by one of my best friends!

Eating (including my orders):

Breakfast Bites and Coffee:

• Callies- order the cheese and chive biscuit
• Glaze- must try the raspberry donut
• Daps- the breakfast plate
• The Daily- cold pressed juice
• Second State Coffee- honey latte

Brunch:

• Halls- crab cake benedict
• Husk- chicken and waffles

Lunch:

• Leon’s- baked oysters and fried chicken
• Cru Cafe- Chinese chicken salad
• 167 Raw- lobster roll
• Home Team BBQ- pulled pork nachos
• Poes- fish tacos or gold bug burger
• Lewis BBQ- brisket
• Butcher and Bee- whipped feta

Dinner:

• FIG- tomato tarte, pate, ricotta gnocchi
• The Ordinary- peel and eat shrimp, oyster sliders
• The Obstinate Daughter- brussel sprouts, oysters, holy diver pizza
• The Darling- raw oysters
• Little Jacks- crudite and burger
• Indaco- burrata, mushroom pizza
• Chez Nous- changes daily!
• Oak Steakhouse- beef tenderloin
• Edmund’s Oast- charcuterie plate, salt chicken
• Melfi’s- Ceasar salad, linquine
• Renzo- Ceasar salad, johnny tsunami pizza
• Minero- queso fundido, tacos

For Happy Hour:

• Zero George- cutest patio
• The Citrus Club- best with frozen drinks
• Market Pavillion- rooftop with a pool
• The Watch- best rooftop for sunset
• Goat Sheep Cow North- best spot for wine and charcuterie plates

Cocktails:

• Rarebit- the moscow mule
• Cocktail Club- the double standard
• Husk Bar- the punch
• The Thoroughbred Club- the dirty martini

Dessert:

• Jennis- goat cheese ice cream with red cherries
• Peninsula Grill- award-winning coconut cake
• Sugar- grapefruit cupcakes

Events

• Charleston Food and Wine Festival
• Southeastern Wildlife Expo
• Tour of Homes and Gardens
• Spoleto Festival
• Cooper River Bridge Run
• Friday Night Art Walks
• Volvo Car Open

Those are all of my go-to’s around town! Now, I am curious what are some of your favorite spots in Charleston or, if you have never been, what are a few places you are eager to try? Drop a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram and let me know. Keep checking back for more blog posts coming soon!
xx,
Megan