Every day we get messages asking us the best things to do, places to stay and of course, where to eat and drink in Charleston. It was very hard to narrow our list down to these select places but all of these places are our personal favorites and we think y’all will love them just as much as we do. Keep in mind there are 1 million other places in Charleston to eat, drink, stay & play but these are our most visited places as locals! Thanks for checking it out & hope you LOVE Charleston as much as we do!

WHERE TO STAY

+Zero George

If you are looking for pure southern charm, this is your place. This boutique hotel is an inviting mix of elegance, comfort and luxury.

+The Restoration

Location, location, location! If you are wanting to be in the heart of downtown, walking distance from just about everything, this is your spot. Chic, modern, and absolutely gorgeous.

+The Dewberry 

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston on Meeting Street. This mid-size boutique hotel has picturesque views of Marion Square and the streets of Downtown Charleston. Wake up and have breakfast at their restaurant, Henrietta’s,  which is open not only for breakfast but lunch and dinner as well.

+The Beach Club Charleston (Mount Pleasant)

The Beach Club offers the best waterfront views of the harbor and bridge. Located in Mount Pleasant, just minutes from downtown!

+Wild Dunes Resort (Isle of Palms)

Looking to stay on the beach? Wild Dunes has everything fun under the sun for you! We love this oceanfront resort and all of the amenities that come with your stay! Loaded with restaurants and fun activities, you will never be bored.

+AIRBNB

We are huge fans of Airbnb, and you cannot beat the charming and eclectic houses there are to choose from. One of our favorites, located in a prime downtown neighborhood:

Southern Shangri-La Airbnb: Check out our mini staycation HERE!!

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Breakfast & Coffee:

+The Rise Coffee Bar

Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston. Perfect spot for a pick-me up drink and little treat. Gorgeous interior and perfect people watching windows.

+Callies Hot Little Biscuit 

Get there early, because minutes after they open there is a line out the door. I guess this is how you know they are to-die for biscuits. Selections vary from savory country ham biscuits to sweet blueberry or cinnamon biscuits. You will not be disappointed!

+DAPS Breakfast & Imbibe 

This is a newer spot in town and we are all for it. Located in the Westside neighborhood of downtown Charleston, this place is a fresh and unique spot to grab a snack or sit down to breakfast all day.

+The Daily 

The neighborhood marketplace that provides everything from local coffee, smoothies/juices, breakfast, pastries and bread and a variety of yummy grab ‘n go options.

+Millers All Day (Lunch & Dinner) 

Their tagline says it all, “Our restaurant is fueled by an enduring belief that the best days start -or end- with a great breakfast and a great cocktail.” The chicken biscuit is the bomb, especially paired with an extra icy Vanilla Latte. You’re welcome.

+The Harbinger 

Unique, eclectic and warm is how we describe this space. All of their delicious food is made from scratch every day and provides an awesome variety of plant-based and gluten-free options. They have curated a one of kind space where locals and visitors come to grab a delicious breakfast or lunch to fuel their day. Don’t forget to check out their outdoor seating on their back patio!

+Vintage Coffee Cafe (Mount Pleasant) 

An old mount pleasant home converted into a cozy neighborhood cafe. We love this spot especially for their backyard and porch space where families and friends can gather and play while eating and drinking delicious food & drinks.

+Brown Fox Coffee 

What once was a mobile coffee truck is now turned into a sweet walk-up cafe in Old Village, Mount Pleasant. We love their coffee so much, Carol had it at her wedding. It’s a must-go if exploring Mount Pleasant or Shem creek area.

+The Park Cafe

This has to be hands down one of our favorite breakfast spots. Light and airy space with some of the most delicious avocado toast of all time. Pair it with a fresh half cut grapefruit for a fueled breakfast to start your morning.

+Paiges Okra Grill(Mount Pleasant):

Locals Tip: Best Bloody Mary’s in town. Paige’s is known for their shrimp and grits, and our personal favorite the chicken and waffles. If you are hungry and want some good southern breakfast dishes, this is the spot.

Lunch & Dinner:

+Basic Kitchen

“Cleaner fuel, longer adventures.” They provide seasonal, local produce to create plates that are healthy and nourishing for your soul. If anything, stop in to grab a fresh pressed juice & enjoy their aesthetically pleasing interior.

+Xiao Bao Biscuit 

Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday, this old-converted gas station is all about powerful flavor and fun vibes. Each dish is an eclectic take on southeast Asian traditional meals and served with some funky but delicious cocktails. Our recommendation, try the cabbage pancake. You will not be disappointed.

+Leon’s Oyster Shop 

No matter what local you ask they will all point you in the direction of Leon’s. Lunch or dinner, this place gives you amazing fresh seafood, or the best fried chicken you will ever have.

+Lewis BBQ 

Best BBQ in Charleston(in our opinion). Carol goes here at least once a week to get her fix of brisket and corn puddin’. Awesome atmosphere, food and drinks.

+167 Raw 

First come first serve, come early to snag a spot in this small and cozy seafood eatery. Serving up insane lobster rolls, oysters on the half shell, and tasty beer & wine.

+The Obstinate Daughter (Sullivans Island)  

This is our favorite restaurant on Sullivan’s Island. The perfect nautical setting by the beach offering delicious seafood, pasta, and wood-fired pizzas.

+Coastal Crust (Mount Pleasant) 

Tucked right behind Vintage Cafe, this place offers a rustic outdoor setting, campfire smells while cooking up amazing pizzas and salads.

+Butcher & Bee 

They focus on fresh, local ingredients with a stylish and hip setting. Anything you order will be delicious, but whatever you do, make sure to grab a side of their homemade ketchup! It may possibly be the best sauce in town!

+Goat, Sheep, Cow 

Looking for a romantic date night spot, or even a girls night out, this European-style wine and cheese bar is the spot to go. Providing a variety of artisans cheese, wine and carefully crafted Charcuterie boards.

+Edmunds Oast 

Wide open kitchen, long bar top, and an amazing shaded patio. Grab a seat at the Chef’s table to watch all the behind- the-scene action in the kitchen. The best part of this spot is the beer selection, which includes their own brews along with a variety of the top local beers in Charleston. They have over 40 beers on tap!!! Local’s tip: THEIR HAPPY HOUR IS AWESOME!!

Sweets:

+Jeni’s Ice Cream

Jeni’s is not your average ice cream shop, they take their ice cream to another level with their unique & creative flavors and homemade waffle cones. Our personal favorites: Gooey butter cake & bramble berry crisp.

+Sugar Bake Shop

Located on Canon Street, nestled into a cute neighboorhood, is this sweet little bakeshop whipping up amazing cookies, cupcakes & desserts. Our personal favorite: the gingersnap cookie!

+Brown’s Court Bakery

A charming two level bakery, known for supplying many local restaurants with their baked goods & bread. Stop by to grab a coffee and our favorite ham & cheese croissant before hitting up King Street just a block away.

WHERE TO GO OUT 

There is no shortage of places to go to experience Charleson’s nightlife. Check out some of our favorites from hole-in-the-wall bars, to dance clubs and more.

+Warehouse

+Stars Rooftop

+The Belmont

+Closed for Business 

+Cocktail Club

+The Royal American

+Commodore

+Recovery Room Tavern (Dive bar)

+Prohibition

+Trio, Republic, or Deco for the Club Scene

WHAT TO DO 

Whenever someone visits we always say the best way to see the city is to walk or bike. Below are some of our top site-seeing areas to do so.

A local’s Tip: Holy Spoke Bike Rentals is an affordable & convenient way to get around the city & do some exploring!

Colonial Lake

The Battery

Rainbow Row

King Street 

Arthur Ravenel Bridge  

+Beach    

Who doesn’t love a beach day? We suggest making a trip to either Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island or Folly beach for some fun in the sun. If you are looking for some surf we suggest heading to The Washout on Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms. There are also so many fun restaurants and places to check out on each beach! Guides for each of these are in the works.

+Candle Making Workshop at Candle Fish 

Whether you need a date night or just a fun activity to do with friends, this candle making class is the perfect activity. Check their website for dates and times.

+The Alley  (Sports bar meets 8 lane bowling alley with old-school arcades)

Perfect for a rainy day or even to take a break from a hot & humid summer day! EAT, DRINK, & BOWL! Local’s Tip: get the loaded tots! They also have $4 burgers on Thursdays!!

+Paddle Board/ Kayak on Shem Creek

Get out on the water & enjoy some time outside by renting a paddleboard or kayak on Shem Creek. Super fun activity to do with a group of people as well. If you are lucky, you might just run into some dolphins on your adventure.

+Shop   

Who doesn’t love to do a little shopping during their vacation? Here are some of our favorite local boutiques to shop at:

Shop Luna, Style Exchange, The Skinny Dip, Beckett boutique, Parrot Surf Shop 

II Brunettes 

Maris DeHart

+Visit the Local Brewery’s

Spend a day checking out Charleston’s growing brewery district! A few of our personal favorites are:

Revelry Brewing & The Hold, Holy City Brewing, Charles Towne Fermentory, Edmunds Oast Brewing Co, Westbrook Brewing. 

Another option is to take a personal guided tour to check out a couple different brewery’s. Click to book a tour: Charleston Brews Crews

+Guided Fishing Tour 

Get out on the water and enjoy an in-shore light tackle and/or fly fishing trip in Charleston’s backcountry. Captain Johnny Crislip at Tolers Cove Marina will be your guide! Contact: capt.johnnycrislip@gmail.com

LOCALS TIP: If you are wanting to learn the history of Charleston, the CHF Heritage Passport is a great option for your time here. See below for more details.

CHF Heritage Passport: You will receive access to all nine locations for an entire month, including; Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture, Charleston Library Society, The Charleston Museum, Drayton Hall, Gibbes Museum of Art, Historic Charleston Foundation, Middleton Place Plantation, Preservation Society of Charleston and SC Historical Society.

+Farmers Market (Saturday’s in Marion Square)  

April 14-Nov. 24th 2018,  Saturday 8am-2pm

Head to the farmers market to experiences all things local. Right in the heart of downtown Charleston, in Marion Square, this farmers market provides local artists, food, produce, live music and much more.

THE END!

Holy CITY… we know that was A LOT to take in! We hope this guide helps you navigate this beautiful city a little easier. Once again, this was a condensed list of some of our favorites in Charleston! If we added every place we love, you would be reading our blog for days! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions about this city or our blog post! Thanks for reading!!

Cheers,

K&C