Charly's Charleston Itinerary
If you know anything about me, you know I'm absolutely in love with Charleston, South Carolina. It is truly one of my favorite places I've ever been. My husband and I went to Charleston and Palmetto Bluff for the first time on our honeymoon due to our Napa trip getting canceled last minute from wildfires. It was love at first site. I've never been somewhere with such charm, beauty and history. Also, Charleston has no shortage of amazing restaurants and hotels. Two of my most favorite things. I've put together my ideal Charleston itinerary. If you are thinking about making a trip to Charleston (I don't know why you're waiting), book your air fare now, sit back, relax, and follow the itinerary below! Prepare for a complete love affair!
STAY
The Dewberry - My absolute favorite place to stay in Charleston. An old Federal building right next to King Street that has been restored to a modern southern swanky hotel. The rooms are charming and bright with white marbled bathrooms and plush white bedding (to die for). The Dewberry also has the cutest downstairs bar named The Library that's perfect for ending your evening with a nightcap and live piano music. They also have the Garden and Gun Field Shop in the lobby that is full of special treasures you won't find anywhere else. Ask for Billy!
86 Cannon - An old 1860's beautiful southern home that has been renovated into a modern bed and breakfast. This isn't your typical bed and breakfast though. There are only 6 rooms, but every room is absolutely adorable. From unique wallpaper to marbled bathrooms and old fireplaces, you are sure to have major design inspo. The interior designer is the same designer who worked on Hotel San Jose and Hotel Saint Cecilia. Your stay includes a delicious breakfast spread and complimentary wine and cheese every night from 5:00 - 6:00. Great location and the owners are really sweet.
The Restoration - Super cute boutique hotel on King Street. You receive complimentary breakfast everyday delivered to your door in a picnic basket. They also offer complimentary wine during their happy hour in the library. If you are looking to be right on King Street and near all the shopping, this would be a great option. They also have The Rise coffee shop and The Mercantile retail store that are located right under the hotel. Both are a must if you are in the area, even if you aren't a hotel guest.
SNACK/DRINK
The Darling Oyster Bar - SO CUTE. It's a must. MUST. It's right on King Street and perfect for daytime drinks or lunch. They open at 4:00 so I suggest going right when they open and grabbing oysters and rose to hold you over before a late dinner.
The Ordinary - Swanky and fun! Located right across the street from Darling Oyster Bar. Delicious food and drinks and the atmosphere is really cool and swanky.
Leon's Oyster Shop - DELICIOUS. The food is really to die for. The atmosphere is more casual and laid back so it's perfect for lunch or a mid afternoon snack. Not in the best location but super close to everything.
Fleet Landing - You won't find this place on any food blogs or websites but I think it is a must for grabbing a drink and splitting some fish and chips! It's right on the water (BEAUTIFUL) and totally underrated. Casual but cool.
Goat Sheep Cow - The cutest hole in the wall wine and cheese shop! Perfect for grabbing for picnic in the Battery.
BRUNCH/LUNCH
Hominy Grill - You won't regret it! This place has been around for a while and super popular. It's known to draw in tourists but that's for a reason! The food is southern comfort deliciousness (I'm salivating just thinking about it). I would strongly recommend going EARLY and be prepared to wait in line with a mimosa in hand.
Husk - TO DIE. MUST GO. Located in a old beautiful house downtown. I literally went to the Husk in Nashville by myself the other weekend before a bachelorette party because it's SO GOOD. The shrimp and grits are amazing and the burger is outstanding.
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit - SO cute and yummy!! Located on King Street in a tiny little shop. Perfect for an early morning casual biscuit breakfast with coffee while walking King Street and window shopping.
DINNER
La Farfalle - MUST. MUST. MUST!! SO good. Italian food restaurant that is drool worthy. Their whipped rosemary focaccia bread is literally TO-DIE-FOR. The atmosphere and vibe is so nice. There's also a really great outside area if you wish to dine outdoors if the weather is nice.
The Grocery - Really delicious farm to table restaurant! The Chef has won a James Beard Award. It's kind of under the radar but food is outstanding and the menu is really diverse.
SPOTS TO SEE
The Battery
Rainbow Row
Waterfront Park
Pineapple Fountain
South of Broad
Rhett House
King Street
If you are making a trip for a three day weekend, I would suggest the itinerary below!
Day 1
Fly in early!! I would recommend staying at The Dewberry. Drop your stuff off and walk straight to The Darling Oyster Bar on King Street. After you've eaten a late lunch and you've had a couple sparkling rosés, walk down the cobble stone streets of King Street for lots of shopping and things to see! Go back to The Dewberry, get ready, and grab a drink and appetizer downstairs in the Library. Go to dinner at La Farfalle. After dinner, stroll around King Street for some lust worthy window shopping. End your night back at the Library for some hot tea or hot toddy.
Day 2
Wake up, throw on some walking shoes, and walk down to Callie's Hot Little Biscuit for some southern biscuits (you won't regret it). After you've had a bite and a to go coffee, stroll back towards The Dewberry and walk around the Marion Square. After you've showered and put together your perfect Charleston southern look, take an uber to Husk. Have a lazy long lunch and then walk towards Sheap Cow Goat to grab some cheese and wine for a picnic! Then walk to Rainbow Row (to take a cute Instagram pic of course) then on to Waterfront Park and end at The Battery for a picnic in the park right on the water. Grab an uber back to The Dewberry (you might need a nap). Get ready and head to The Grocery or The Ordinary for dinner. After dinner, take an uber to Vendue Inn for drinks on the rooftop.
Day 3
Wake up, pack your bags, and head to 86 Cannon. Check in for one or two nights and walk right down the street for a hearty brunch at Hominy Grill. After brunch, take a tour! There are plenty of tours and museums in Charleston that are worth checking out. After your tour, head to Fleet Landing for a drink and snack on the water. Walk around Waterfront Park and view the historic Pineapple Fountain. Take an uber back to 86 Cannon and enjoy relaxing on the porch with their complimentary cheese and wine happy hour. Get ready for dinner and head to FIG. After dinner, head back to King Street and bar hop. Start at The Belmont and bounce around from there.
Day 4
Enjoy your complimentary breakfast at 86 Cannon, pack up and head home (reluctantly of course).
Wanting to do some shopping in Charleston? Shop my favorites below!
xx,
CKS