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Charleston has been right in your face everywhere you go, whether its social media, magazines, etc. The Holy City has been on the rise in popularity with tourist from all over the world. Charleston is filled with so many little restaurants, shops, and galleries that even some of the locals haven’t seen it all. So, here is your weekend guide to Charleston- a guide for both vacationers and staycationers:
All Things Food:
You can spend a month eating at a different place every meal in Charleston and you would only scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. The Holy City is has set high standards when it comes to food (and let’s be honest, we all love some good food).
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: 476 ½ King Street
Do yourself a favor and grab a homemade biscuit from here to begin your day. I promise you won’t regret it!
- Persimmon Cafe: 226 Calhoun Street
Although it is located in a laundromat (yes, a laundromat), this little sandwich shop is a great place to grab a bite to eat.
- Brown Dog Deli: 40 Broad Street
Fido-friendly spot with great salads & sandwiches.
- Sugar Bakeshop: 59 ½ Cannon Street
Adorable little bakeshop with delicious cupcakes and sweet in a fun area of town.
- Breizh Pan Crepes: 39 George Street
Delicious crepe spot that offers both savory and sweet options.
- 167 Raw: 289 East Bay Street
Looking for an unreal seafood menu? Trendy decor? Affordable seafood? You’ve hit the jackpot at 167 Raw.
- Xiao Bao Biscuit: 224 Rutledge Avenue
An incredible option if you are looking for some Asian Soul Food Fusion. Their most famous dish is Okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese cabbage pancake that you can add candied pork, bacon, or an egg to.
- Fuel: 211 Rutledge Street
Located in an old gas station in a trendy part of town, this little spot has a variety of Caribbean style food that keeps people coming back for more
- 5Church: 32 N Market Street
The interior is really something to stop in and marvel at. The restaurant is located in an old church and the entire manuscript of “Art of War,” is written in white on the ceiling. It is absolutely incredible to see! The food menu looks just as appetizing as the drinks, too!
- Husk: 76 Queen Street
If you can only pick one place to eat in Charleston, let it be Husk. DO NOT SKIP THIS PLACE! The hype is very real for all the right reasons. The food here, which is all sourced locally, is un-freaking-believable. I didn’t care much for shrimp and grits until I came here and actually tasted real shrimp and grits.
- Chez Nous: 6 Payne Court
This adorable French spot, which is tucked away in a hidden alley, is a well-kept secret amongst the locals. The trendy restaurant has a different menu every single day and posts the daily options on their Instagram page every morning.
- The Ordinary: 544 King Street
There is nothing ordinary about this restaurant and its menu. If you’re looking for a good seafood dinner in Charleston, this is your spot!
- Halls Chophouse: 434 King Street
There’s a lot of debate as to where you can truly find the best steak in Charleston, but Halls Chophouse just might come out on top… They have a Gospel Brunch on Sunday, and the service here is said to be incredible.
Drinks, Drinks, Drinks:
- Prohibition: 547 King Street — Great spot for music and also has a tasty food menu.
- The Cocktail Club: 479 King Street — Pseudo-speakeasy right along King Street.
- Closed for Business: 453 King Street — Beer and bar food are the specialties here.
- Minero: 153B E Bay Street — Great for spicy margaritas and tacos with the girls.
- Bar at Husk: 74 Queen Street — Husk is a must-eat place just as Bar at Husk is a must-drink place.
A Good Night of Rest:
- Belmond Charleston Place: 205 Meeting Street, $$$
The Belmond Charleston Place is the ultimate place where sophisticated luxury meets Southern charm. It was my preferred hotel in Charleston because of the gorgeous hotel amenities and its prime, central location.
- Zero George Street: 0 George Street, $$$
If you’re looking for a great hotel for a girl’s weekend, Zero George Street might be your place. This charming and refined boutique hotel, which is set in 5 historic, restored homes, is sure to make you never want to leave. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, breakfast every day, and even wine/cheese receptions. They also have loaner bikes available for their guests to use to bike around the downtown area. Too cute!
- King Charles Inn: 237 Meeting Street, $$
This wonderful inn is perfectly located right in the heart of downtown, making it perfect walking distance to get anywhere you need. They also have a lovely rooftop pool and terrace, making it a great place to cool off in the hot summer months.
How to Fill Your Free Time:
- Sign up for a Candle Making Class at Candlefish. You’ll instantly fall in love with the store when you walk in, so it’s cool to be able to take a class where you can actually make your own product to take home (Take a day trip to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island
- Rent a bike for the day from a place like The Bicycle Shoppe or Affordabike Bicycle Shop.
- Go Shopping! There are so many adorable and local boutiques placed all around the city of Charleston and finding them is half the fun!
- Visit Charleston’s Historic Houses. Since Charleston is so old, you can surely bet that you’ll get your fair dose of history lessons in your trip if you visit the historic houses/museums around the city.
- Walk along Rainbow Row and the Waterfront Park, which are probably the two most photographed locations in all of Charleston.
- Take a historic walking tour or carriage tour of downtown Charleston.
- Explore Upper King Street, which is becoming the new hip and trendy area with lots of new restaurants and shops opening up.