Location: Charleston, South Carolina | Photography: Garrett Price
Outfit details:
Top: Alice & Olivia | Skirt: Alice & Olivia | Shoes: Chanel (similar, Athena Alexander – $43) | Bag: Ted Baker (similar, Henri Bendel) | Sunnies: Ray Ban | Bracelets: David Yurman
A rich history, a hip style scene, and a charming genteel spirit make Charleston one of the most irresistible cities, in my opinion. I’m fortunate to live within a few hours of the colorful city, and during a recent trip on behalf of Southeast Toyota (read about it, here), I thought it would be the perfect time to expand and share my ever growing (but brief) list of my current favorite places in Charleston since so many of you ask! I did a review back in 2014 (here) and while those places still rank high on my list, I’m uncovering new favorites with each visit.
STAY
Belmond’s Charleston Place, tucked away in the heart of historical down town, this property is convenient for anyone needing to get around the city. A symbol of a true Southern hospitality, the 400-room property boasts a spa and an infinity-edge, saltwater indoor/outdoor swimming pool (the glass roof retracts), but what keeps guests coming back is the excellent quality of Charleston Place’s customer service.
Zero George, is an inviting boutique hotel that is among a collection of five restored historic residences and carriage houses overlooking a magical private courtyard. There’s even a cooking school! The property is beyond charming and their rooms are decorated in different themes – we’ve stayed in the “French romantic” style, with a trellis printed headboard, mirrored dressers, marble bathroom, and pink gingham chairs after my own heart.
SHOP
Hampden, offers a thoughtful mix of contemporary designers like Loeffler Randall and Proenza Schouler, as well as Worthwhile for its eclectic, avant garde selection.
Finicky Filly, has a great selection of unique find. What makes the shopping in Charleston so unique is our abundance of boutiques, like Finicky Filly.
EAT
The Daily, makes the most incredibly avocado toast. If you’re ever in the city I highly recommend you pay this little local dive a visit.
Black Tap Coffee, is home of the most amazing lavender lattes! Run, don’t walk.
Sugar Bakeshop, a neighborhood bakeshop, that offers handmade treats just like your grandma used to make.
The Ordinary, offers the freshest oysters in the city. It’s one of those places you can simply wander into after a long day of roaming the streets of Charleston.
Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B), is a classy place to share a bottle of wine with someone special. The food is incredible, and the atmosphere is incredibly romantic in the evening.
MUST SEE/ DO
Rainbow Row, is lined with pastel homes that have become a staple of Charleston’s architecture.
Candlefish, a unique candle experience that is located on Wentworth Street. If you’re feeling up to it, I encourage you take a “Candle Making” class.
Thank you for reading today’s post, and let me know if you plan on visiting the city soon, or if any of your favorites made the list!
xx,
Taylor-Rae