Southern Charmed: The Charleston Travel Guide
This May, our campaign took us to the vibrant city of Charleston, South Carolina, and though we’ve been part of the community there for more than 20 years, we instantly fell in love with it all over again.
Set against its charming streets, we captured our May collection designed for endless adventure. And adventure we did, from the cobblestoned French Quarter to the beautiful coastline, taking in everything from the vibrant culinary scene to the vibrant colors of Rainbow Row. (Of course, we stopped by the local J.McLaughlin on King Street, too.)
Below, discover where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and of course, what to wear in our Charleston travel guide.
Where to Stay in Charleston
The city’s many hotels marry Southern elegance with Lowcountry warmth, offering stays steeped in history and charm.
- The Pinch Hotel: A boutique luxury hotel in downtown Charleston, combining contemporary design with Southern flair.
- The Charleston Place: Located in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, a landmark hotel with incredible restaurants and terrace views.
- The Dewberry: A mid-century masterpiece, where Southern hospitality meets refined modernism in a former federal building turned luxe retreat.
- Post House Inn: A charming coastal inn and restaurant located in The Old Village of Mount Pleasant.
What to Do in Charleston
Whether you love exploring museums, taking in nature, indulging in top-tier cuisine, or basking on the beach, Charleston has something for every type of traveler.
- Snap photos at Rainbow Row, a series of colorful, historic homes dating back to the 18th century.
- Visit the nearby French Quarter, featuring art galleries, quaint cafes, and architectural gems.
- Founded in 1905, The Gibbes Museum of Art describes itself as a “southern museum with a global perspective,” featuring a permanent collection alongside rotating exhibits.
- Sullivan’s Island has a cozy main street with restaurants, local boutiques, and ice-cream shops. Its quaint beaches are some of the best, with breathtaking sunset views.
- The Battery is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of historic mansions along the water.
Where to Eat
Charleston's food scene is a major draw for visitors, known for its Lowcountry cuisine and innovative chefs.
- goat.sheep.cow is a cheese shop offering a curated selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, perfect for grabbing some light bites for a picnic in Hampton Park.
- Husk, from renowned southern chef Sean Brock, offers a refined take on Southern classics with locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes that highlight his upbringing in Appalachia.
- One of Charleston’s buzziest restaurants, Lowland serves up contemporary dishes in a modern setting in The Pinch Hotel.
- Leon’s Oyster Shop is a former autobody shop converted to a restaurant serving easygoing southern classics. Think fried chicken sandwiches, oysters, and frozen gin and tonics.
- Located on Sullivan’s Island, Sullivan’s Seafood & Bar is a long-standing beachside diner, recently updated by Charleston-based design firm Basic Projects (owners of the nearby Post House Inn).
- Sorelle serves Southern Italian cuisine made using local southern ingredients. Don’t forget to pick up gelato from the adjoining grab-and-go Mercato on the way out.
What to Pack and Wear
For vacations in Charleston, pack with an eye toward ease, with lightweight linens and cottons that go from city to sand. Days begin with walks along the water and end with cocktails at dusk, so favor pieces that transition effortlessly between adventures. For her, think flowing dresses, woven sandals, and wicker bags. For him, pack linen polos, tailored trousers, and loafers to keep things polished but never fussy
Outfits For Her
Where to Shop
Charleston offers a blend of boutique stores, historic markets, antique stores, and luxury retailers for one of our personal favorite activities: a full day of shopping.
- Estelle Colored Glass features luxurious glassware, from cake stands to martini glasses, all crafted in Poland at a workshop with over 100 years of experience
- A true neighborhood treasure, Blue Bicycle Books brims with new, used, and rare books—perfect for collectors and readers of all types.
- A Charleston institution, George C Birlant & Co. Antiques offers one of the Southeast’s largest collections of 18th- and 19th-century English antiques. Steps from historic King Street, it’s a trove of heirloom silver and fine furniture.
Visit Us
We’ve proudly been part of the vibrant Charleston community for over 20 years. In addition to King Street, we’ve expanded in the charming coastal communities of Mount Pleasant and Kiawah—each store reflecting the spirit of the local community. Come say hello.
