Charleston has felt like a second home lately with the amount I’ve been there for both work and fun! One of the most frequent messages I receive are from people planning Charleston trips and looking for places to go and things to do while there. I’ve been wanting to do this round-up for awhile, and figured this is the perfect time to share some of my favorite spots!
To Eat
This is such a cozy, intimate spot that would be the perfect place for date night. The food and atmosphere make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
Melfi’s is a clubby classic Italian restaurant with really delicious authentic food. Even though it may feel like a white tablecloth kind of place from the photos, the atmosphere is comfortable and I love ordering their pizza- it’s so good!
Fried Chicken and Oysters- could there be a better combo? Leon’s also serves a crisp rose on tap making for the most fun dining experience.
167 Raw has both an oyster bar and sushi bar serving up the most fresh, delicious fish and seafood offerings.
Another great seafood option is Chubby Fish. Everything they serve is local and they feature the best seasonal ingredients Charleston has to offer.
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, this is the spot to go! They also boast one of the most gorgeous outdoor dining views in town.
Malagon serves up both large and small portions of their incredible Spanish tapas, along with offering really unique Spanish wines, beer and cheeses. I was so impressed and will definitely be back next time I visit.
I’m not sure which I love more- the food or the atmosphere of 5Church. You feel immersed in the culture of Charleston while dining here, making for a super unique experience.
To Stay
This hotel is located in such an immaculately restored building, and their attention to detail makes for a very comfortable stay. They even have complimentary bicycles to tour the city!
The Ryder has all of the boho beach vibes without leaving the garden charm of Charleston. It’s in such an ideal location, too.
This mid-century modern spot is such a vibrant place to stay in the city. I loved the full Dewberry experience, including their spa services and the skyline views from the rooftop terrace.
This hotel is quintessential Charleston. The decor, architecture, customer service experience and location all completely immerse you in the city.
I also want to mention that there are so many amazing vacation rental homes in Charleston! If you are looking for something with a full kitchen or if hotels aren’t your thing, Charleston is a city where I’ve never been disappointed staying at a rental. Airbnb or Vrbo are my go-to’s!
To Do
For Pre-Dinner Meet Ups
There are so many places to go and grab a quick appetizer or drink before a dinner reservation or evening out. If you’re feeling fancy, I really enjoyed Cocktail Club and The Gin Joint. If you’d like something a little more casual but still really fun, The Watch at the Restoration Hotel is a great spot, and the bar at Little Palm may be the most aesthetically pleasing place in the entire city (probably because it’s pink!).
For Coffee
Make sure to stop by Kudu, Second State Coffee or Browns Court Bakery for some of the most delicious coffee in Charleston. Enough said!
For Dessert
Yes, dessert needed its own category. This is solely to tell you that you cannot leave Charleston without going to Kaminsky’s and getting the raspberry cobbler. Trust me!
For Activities
I’m always one to go to a city and immediately find their beach and both Folly Beach and Sullivans Island are gorgeous. Folly definitely has a more laid back, family atmosphere of the two if that is what you are looking for. If you’re interested in taking in the sites, I definitely recommend a walking tour in the residential section “South of Broad” (literally meaning south of Broad Street) to see some really beautiful homes and architecture. Also, you’ll never go wrong checking out the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens!
I’ll be sure to keep updating this as I discover more of the city, because every time I go I find new hidden gems to fall in love with. What are your favorite places to go in Charleston?
Nastia
