All of my must-try places to check out if you are lucky enough to be in the holy city for a little...
For those of y'all that have been following me for a while, you may have seen my Charleston guide from a couple of years back. If you live here or have made a trip to Charleston you know that things are ever-changing. There is always a new restaurant, hotel, or shop to visit! I am constantly adding to my notes on my phone every time I try a new place because I get asked where to go ALL THE TIME! I’m so excited to share with y'all my updated Charleston Guide! I am beyond fortunate to call my favorite city in the world home. I love being on the water, eating, drinking, listening to live music, and shopping; there is truly always something to do. If you are looking for a few places around Charleston to try, here is a great place to start. I hope you will try them out and love this city as much as I do!
Image Details: Pictured at Zero George, Dress, Bag, Shoes
WHERE TO STAY:
The Dewberry
This hotel is where Hugh 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. Hugh and I love to have a date night there whenever we have a chance. 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. I highly recommend the Caviar tasting if you have a chance to go!
Caviar tasting, and my favorite- oysters at Zero George to celebrate our anniversary!
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 Garden
Our three favorites are Magnolia, Middleton, and Boone Hall Gardens. 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. Fun fact some of the Notebook was filmed at Boone Hall!
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 more. Whatever you want to do, it’s probably here! We love to take the girls to The Wreck. It's a little off the beaten path but they have the best fried seafood and views!
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!
Sullivan’s Island
This is my favorite beach in Charleston and a must-stop on any visit. The island is filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful homes. We love to escape for the day anytime we have a chance!
My last day trip to Sullivan's! Hugh and I got to spend the day laying on the beach, shopping around, and grabbed lunch. Outfit details linked here.
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 Hugh and I 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!
FOOD, SHOPPING, AND THINGS TO DO WITH THE KIDS:
For the Kids
Charleston Aquarium
Children’s Museum
The Alley
Riverdog's Baseball Game
Sullivan’s Island Beach
Farmers Market on Saturdays
Pedi Cab Rides
Waterfront Park
Shopping
Hampden/James-designer heaven for clothing and shoes
Half Moon Outfitters-brother in law's outdoor store for the whole family
Beckett-feminine finds for the girly girl who loves to shop
Croghans-all the jewels including my go to gold bug earrings
Pink Chicken-where I buy all the cutest clothes for my girls
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
Megan Molten Shop- of course it is a must see! We are open 10-4 PM M-F and every 2nd SAT 10-2 PM
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
Baba's on Cannon- avocado toast
The Harbinger- also has a great honey latte
Harken Cafe- morning pastries
Brunch:
Hall's- the gospel brunch is so much fun
Husk- chicken and waffles
Miller's All Day- everything, hard to pick one thing!
Park & Grove- sticky buns, brunch burger
5 Church- fried chicken sandwich
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
Felix- great drinks and French food
Community Table- the cobb salad
Basic Kitchen- market fish tacos
Stella's- the best greek food
Berkley's- the wedge salad
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, linguine
Renzo- Ceasar salad, johnny tsunami pizza
Tierra al Mar- tacos, the trio app.
The Shelmore- arugula teaser, gnocchi
Sullivan's Fish Camp- everything is great!
Nico- raw and grilled oysters
Frannie + the Fox- Taleggio pizza, meatballs
Post House Inn- also great for brunch, I love the burger
Delaney Oyster House- oysters with caviar
Tempest- spring ravioli
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
Bin 152- fun wine bar on lower king
Cocktails:
Hotel Bennett- the pink champagne room
Cocktail Club- the double standard
Husk Bar- the punch
The Thoroughbred Club- the dirty martini
Co-Op- frose on Sullivan's
Rollin's Bar- any of the wine
Dessert:
Jeni's- goat cheese ice cream with red cherries
Off Track- another great ice cream spot downtown, strawberry is my favorite
Peninsula Grill- award-winning coconut cake
Sugar- grapefruit cupcakes
The Honey Hive- key lime panda cotta
Carmella's- any of the cupcakes, they also have fun dessert cocktails
Chez Nous, Sugar cupcakes, St. Stephen's church, and the Megan Molten shop.
As you can see, I wasn't kidding when I said my list was extensive. You will never leave Charleston hungry. I hope you get to try some of my favorites and be sure to please share yours with me! I am always adding to the list.
xx,
Megan
Comments