Charleston City Guide
Last year, in late summer, Baldy and I decided to plan a trip to Charleston, South Carolina for our 30th anniversary which was on October 26, 2021. The day we were supposed to leave, I woke up so sick with a stomach bug that I couldn’t travel. I was so disappointed but we rescheduled for April 2022 and made it a trip for our Anniversary and my birthday. We had such an amazing time but didn’t stay quite long enough to see and do all the things we wanted to see and do. Of course…that means we are planning a trip to go back this year in October!
We stayed at the The Spectator Hotel and it was absolutely lovely and very centrally located. Every meal we ate was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip! Here are some recommendations…some are things we actually did (or ate) and others are things on the list for next time! Charleston is a city you’ll never get tired of visiting!
Where to Stay
The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place Hotel was built in 1986 and designed to complement Charleston’s historic architecture. The hotel was built as part of a larger vision to revitalize Charleston and it breathed new life into the city. “Together with its restaurants, cocktail lounge, spa, and retail shops, The Charleston Place created jobs and won the hearts of locals, vacationers, corporate travelers, meeting planners, and wedding planners alike.”
Charleston Place is located in downtown and offers amenities such a spa and salon, business center, rooftop pool and several restaurants and bars. We stopped in for a refreshing glass of wine in the late afternoon after a day of shopping…the people watching was amazing and it was just what we needed on a hot afternoon.
The Charleston Place is a great place to stay year round if you’re an animal lover, Charleston Place is pet friendly!
The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry is a mid-century landmark designed by John Dewberry. The former federal building still has it’s Sixties Southern Charm, with a mix of marble, dark wood and brass but has been updated with John Dewberry’s “southern reimagined vision”! The hotel is in the heart of Charleston, near the water, and has become a haven for foodies and hipsters because of the decor as well as the fabulous comfort food and craft cocktails. The Citrus Club at the Dewberry is the highest rooftop bar in Charleston and is just as famous for the cocktails as it is for the view.
The Spectator Hotel
Inspired by 1920’s glam, The Spectator Hotel is a boutique hotel located by City Market and the historic French Quarter and is a great place to stay in Charleston. The Speakeasy Bar is definitely the highlight of the hotel and offers a unique Prohibition style experience, serving cocktails to sip while listening to jazz music. The hotel offers in room gourmet breakfast, however, they don’t have room service or a restaurant.
We stayed at the Spectator and the location is very centralized to many attractions in Charleston. Our room was spacious and beautiful and we walked everywhere.
Where To Eat
Maison
Maison is an authentic French bistro on King Street in Charleston. Chef Vandy Vanderwarker (former chef at The Ordinary) crafts delicious French food made with local ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find familiar favorites such as Steak Frites and Escargot, as well as seasonal specials . Maison has an impressive wine list as well as craft cocktails. If you like to dine well…Maison should be on your list!
Peninsula Grill
The Peninsula Grill is a restaurant well loved by both locals and guests because of the delicious food and stunning setting. This Four-Diamond and Four-Star restaurant is hidden amidst a lush moonlit garden in the very heart of the Historic District. A spectacular setting, fresh and delicious cuisine, fantastic service, an award-winning wine list, a famous signature dessert, and a “bit of enchantment” will make you fall in love with this restaurant. You’ll wind through a courtyard to a candle lit Champagne bar offering rare and popular vintages and on to a dining room whose coveted interiors are frequently chronicled by Architectural Digest, Veranda, and House Beautiful. The fresh oysters and 12 Layer Coconut Cake are two menu items not to be missed. I highly recommend this restaurant!
The Famous Six Layer Coconut Cake
Do not go to Charleston without eating a piece of this cake…you can also order a whole cake and have it shipped to your door!
Virginia’s On King
Virginia’s On King is a Charleston classic for traditional Southern breakfast, dinner and even private events. The restaurant is known for Southern dishes such as pimento cheese, fried okra, shrimp and grits and collard greens. The owner’s believe “that food and family are the threads that bind the traditions of the South”.
“Virginia’s on King is a sophisticated Restaurant blending traditional kitchen comforts with familiar regional dishes. Prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor, the menu incorporates local ingredients and family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Low Country style. Charleston style and home cooked aromas inspire the ambiance of this local favorite. At the heart of Virginia’s, you will find gracious Southern hospitality and comfort foods that make you feel right at home.”
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
I’ve been buying Callie’s Biscuits for years and they are so completely delicious! I’ve served them for everything from Christmas dinner to a baby shower and everyone loves them!
We didn’t make it to Callie’s when we were visiting Charleston, but it’s on the list for our next visit. We really needed another day to get it all done and we ate the whole time we were there!
If you’re looking for a yummy breakfast with fast service and goodies to take home, Callies Hot Little Biscuit is the place for you! There are two locations in Charleston, one on Upper King Street and one in City Market.
.Carrie Morey founded her handmade biscuit business in 2005 because she wanted everyone to be able to experience her mother’s recipe for tender buttery biscuits. Over 15 years later, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is going strong and recognized as an iconic Southern brand. Carrie and her small team of bakers are keeping the tradition of Southern biscuit making alive.
You’ll want to keep some Callie’s Biscuits in your freezer!
Husk
Husk is a delicious place to eat in Charleston with more locations in Nashville, TN and Savannah, GA. The restaurant specializes in sustainable and locally caught seafood and the menu changes frequently. I’ve finally eaten at all the locations and loved them all! The Husk in Charleston offers casual dinning with a bar and outdoor patio. We got very lucky and had a beautiful table right on the front porch of the restaurant which is an historic home that has been renovated for the restaurant. Our meal was amazing and the wine superb. “Husk reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in the South.”
Where to Brunch
Basic Kitchen
THE GOAL OF BASIC KITCHEN IS SIMPLE - Use seasonal, local produce and the best ingredients to create food that’s nourishing and delicious, giving you tons of energy to pursue the things you love.
Basic Kitchen was highly recommended by a friend who always knows the best places to eat so Baldy and I made it a point to eat lunch there! It was one of our favorite meals because the food was delicious, we had a cute little table outside with a fan (it was a hot day), the drinks were amazing (I had a beet margarita) and we sat for a long time and had a great conversation!
“Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, Basic Kitchen is housed in a historic building with floor to ceiling windows and a covered courtyard filled with plants and herbs used by the kitchen. Guests can enjoy a rotating daily menu featuring simple, seasonal and delightful dishes.” ~ I highly recommend this restaurant for a wonderful, casual lunch!
Basic Kitchen Charleston South Carolina
Butcher & Bee
“Honest to goodness eats” is Butcher & Bee’s motto because they partner with local farms, fishermen, and ranchers to provide fresh flavorful dishes. Butcher & Bee offers a seasonal menu with an emphasis on local in-season items. The mouthwatering selection makes it hard to decide what to eat and the cocktail menu is just as impressive. They also offer a variety of freshly baked bread and pastries in the bakery. Butcher & Bee was nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurant award for 2022.
Virginia’s On King
This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Low Country Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes. Virginia’s on King is a Charleston classic for traditional southern breakfast, brunch, dinner and private events! You’ll love the traditional with a twist southern dishes such as pimento cheese, fried okra, and shrimp and grits with mash potatoes and collards on the side. The owners believe, “that food and family are the threads that bind the traditions of the South." The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old Southern family recipes,
Shopping In Charleston
Hampden Boutique
Hampden Boutique Charleston
Hampden is a luxury boutique in Charleston that carries tops designers such as Zimmerman, Ulla Johnson, and Mara Hoffman. The boutique sells a variety of clothes and accessories with a selection of shoes and handbags for a complete shopping experiences in the city. The storefront also offers a selection for brides and a wedding guest edition. Hampen is well worth a visit on your next Charleston trip! Somehow, I missed this boutique, but you can believe it’s on my list for our next trip!
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier is must for boutique shopping in Charleston and has been recognized as one of the top ten chocolatiers in North America. Some of the decadent gourmet flavors on the truffle menu consist of cappuccino cheesecake, peach pecan (very Southern), and vanilla bean. Options on the chocolate bar menu include milk chocolate peanut butter, white chocolate coconut, and dark chocolate blueberry; something for everyone! Not only do they offer a wide selection of unique chocolate, they also sell homemade macaroons, fresh coffee, and french pastries making Christophe perfect for an indulgent breakfast!
Shops at Charleston Place
This high end shopping mall is located in a convenient spot near Kings Street and The Charleston Place Hotel. The shopping center has many luxury brand shops to chose from including Louis Vuitton and Gucci! Since it was my birthday, Baldy surprised me by buying me a fabulous tote from Louis Vuitton!
The Shops at Charleston Place also has a variety of dining options such as a four star restaurant and casual outdoor dining.
Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square
The Charleston Farmer’s Market at Marion Square is a wonderful market and great shopping experience open from April through November. You find fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and exceptional food and beverages. If you are in Charleston over the weekend, be sure to check it out and support local businesses!