Charleston
Rainbow Row
Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses in the French Quarter. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, lies across the water. Here is our guide to Charleston, South Carolina.
STAY
BELMOND CHARLESTON PLACE Located in the French Quarter downtown, this grand hotel opens into an expansive marble-floor lobby with a double staircase split by a gleaming chandelier. A spa, rooftop, and heated indoor/outdoor saltwater pool are included as well. 205 Meeting St; charlestonplace.com
WENTWORTH MANSION The 126-year-old property includes a sublime spa set in the former stables and the Circa 1886 restaurant is located in the former carriage house overlooking the garden. Most of the rooms come with fireplaces and porches, and the rooftop cupola offers incredible city views. 149 Wentworth St; wentworthmansion.com
ZERO GEORGE Aptly named for its address, 0 George Street, is comprised of five restored historic homes surrounding a quiet, quaint courtyard, including an original 1804 carriage house-turned-lobby. Right Side, 0 George St; zerogeorge.com
PLANTERS INN Located near Charleston's City Market, our favorite part about this hotel in a restored 1884 building with gardens by landscape architect Sheila Wertimer, is the 12-layer coconut cake offered at the Peninsula Grill. 112 N Market St; plantersinn.com
THE MILLS HOUSE In the historic district area, the Mills House has been open since 1853 with an outdoor pool and open courtyard. 115 Meeting St; hilton.com
THE RESTORATION The Restoration is comprised of five buildings (one of which dates back to 1822) that served as row houses, a vinyl record shop, a department store, a telegraph office, and a restaurant in past lives. Today, the boutique hotel offers guests coffee from Toby's Estate and complimentary bikes to explore the city on. We especially love the Assouline library in the lounge. 75 Wentworth St; therestorationhotel.com
MARKET PAVILION The best part about this landmark hotel in the downtown historic district is the rooftop bar and pool with scenic views. 225 E Bay St; marketpavilion.com
THE DEWBERRY A new large, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Formerly a federal building, The Dewberry’s exterior is a combination of vintage marble and a complementary lime-washed brick. The interiors are reminiscent of a Mad Men set with Marble floors, wood-paneled walls, brass details, and low-slung furniture. 334 Meeting St; thedewberrycharleston.com
THE SPECTATOR South of Charleston's historic market, this boutique hotel channels 1920s glamour with a contemporary twist: a gently cascading waterfall wall, a hand-painted bird mural, a stuffed white peacock, and amethyst-colored drapes. Don’t miss the hotel bar! 67 State St; thespectatorhotel.com
HOTEL EMELINE A chic boutique hotel located on a tree-lined street downtown with a cafe and restaurant, a lush courtyard to enjoy a cocktail, and the earth-toned rooms include special touches like a record player and albums. 181 Church St; hotelemeline.com
86 CANNON
Located in a fully restored, three-story Charleston single house, 86 Cannon is a luxury boutique inn located on Cannon Street, as its name would suggest. With chic interiors—Betsy Berry did the decor—it’s worth dropping by to check out that if nothing more. 86 Cannon St; 86cannon.com
THE BATTERY CARRIAGE HOUSE
Built in 1843, the house looks out onto Charleston Harbor, so you can walk right out your door and take in incredible water views or explore streets lined with historic homes south of Broad. 20 S Battery St; 20southbattery.com
JASMINE HOUSE INN
Affiliated with the Indigo Inn across the street, The Jasmine Inn is just around the corner from all of the shops on King Street. The decor is decidedly shabby chic, but the rooms are spacious, with canopy beds and beautiful fireplaces. 64 Hasell St; jasminehousecharleston.com
HOTEL BENNETT Charleston keeps its buildings low and its historic church steeples high, which meant that owner Michael Bennett had to fight all the way to the State Supreme Court for permission to build his lofty, nine-story hotel. Therefore, the view from its rooftop bar and pool is unmatched. The lower levels of this grand hotel are worth leisurely exploration, from the sprawling second-floor ballroom lounge to Camellias, the stylish, pink Champagne bar tucked off the breezy marble lobby. The sunny corner bakery La Pâtisserie has has fresh pastries, strong coffee, and stacks of newspapers. The hotel spills directly onto Marion Square, a public park known for its weekend farmers market. 404 King St; hotelbennett.com
FRENCH QUARTER INN An ivy-covered brick pathway off Church Street leads you into the French Quarter Inn where a champagne greeting awaits. 166 Church St; fqicharleston.com
THE RYDER HOTEL Inspired by Jack Kerouac’s semifictional character Japhy Ryder, this Charleston hotel welcomes you with a craft cocktail, muddled to order at check-in. At the indoor/outdoor poolside venue, Little Palm, the sounds of cocktail shakers and Motown plays. 237 Meeting St; theryderhotel.com
THE LOUTREL Located just south of City Market, this boutique hotel looks and feels stylishly contemporary, and it consistently aims to bring the outside in: Calamondin-orange topiaries flank the lobby, delicate cherry-blossom branches spike the floral arrangements seasonally, and living orchids accent every room. Rooms are crisp, minimal, and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and double-paneled privacy sheers. The rooftop terrace overlooks the French Quarter. 61 State St; theloutrel.com
THE VENDUE Don’t let the historic façade fool you, this boutique “art hotel” has a full-time docent and rotating exhibits. 19 Vendue Range; thevendue.com
JOHN RUTTLEDGE HOUSE Once a grand private mansion where drafts of the Constitution were written, spreads 18th-century charm across 19 rooms, with sherry served on the piazza and breakfast in the courtyard. 116 Broad St; johnrutledgehouseinn.com
GUESTHOUSE A more elevated alternative to an Airbnb with high-end accommodations located in the heart of the Lowcountry. 46 Spring St Unit D, guesthousecharleston.com
DINE
HUSK Chef Sean Brock’s Husk restaurant arguably put Charleston dining on the culinary map. The restaurant is set in an 1893 Queen Anne house and the bar next door is the second-best option if you can’t manage a reservation. 76 Queen St; huskrestaurant.com
CHURCH AND UNION Located inside a former church, complete with the original stained glass windows, and a soaring arched ceiling covered with the entire text of The Art of War. 32B N Market St; churchandunioncharleston.com
POOGAN’S PORCH Named after a dog who stayed at this Victorian home-turned-restaurant after his owners moved away, Poogan's Porch is a Charleston institution, one with a 1500-bottle wine cellar and famous fried chicken. 72 Queen St; poogansporch.com
LEON’S OYSTER SHOP Located in a converted auto body shop with an outdoor patio by Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz, serving up oysters and fried chicken. 698 King St; leonsoystershop.com
LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN The owners of Leon's Oyster Shop opened the retro restaurant featuring dim lights, green and white checkered tablecloths, vintage photos of Frank Sinatra, and a “Kennel Club” gin martini. 710 King St; littlejackstavern.com
CHEZ NOUS
A petite cafe with a menu that changes daily. 6 Payne Ct; cheznouschs.com
MARINA VARIETY
Open since 1963 and serving fresh seafood on the marina ever since. 9 Lockwood Dr; varietystorerestaurant.com
XIAO BAO BISCUIT A tiny cafe serving Asian comfort food. 224 Rutledge Ave; xiaobaobiscuit.com
BASIC KITCHEN Kate and Ben Towill, the married duo behind creative design/development company Basic Projects and lauded restaurants The Fat Radish in New York and The Ferry Boat Inn in Anguilla serves local food and wild-caught fish. 82 Wentworth St; basickitchen.com
39 RUE DE JEAN A charming French restaurant in a two-story brick warehouse, built in 1880 as a space for the Charleston Manufacturing Company to store their finished products. Plats du jour range from bouillabaisse and duck confit to Creole-style shrimp. 39 John St; holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean
THE ORDINARY The chef behind Fig is also responsible for this Southern oyster bar and seafood hall concept on King Street housed in a historic bank building. 544 King St; eattheordinary.com
FIG Chef Mike Lata. also behind The Ordinary, works with local farmers, growers, and purveyors, which is reflected in the seasonal dinner menu. 232 Meeting St; eatatfig.com
CANNON GREEN The high-ceilinged central room opens up to a patio lined with twinkle lights and palm trees. Right Side, 103 Spring St; cannongreencharleston.com
HALL’S CHOPHOUSE As the name implies, come here for the best steak in the city. 434 King St; hallschophouse.com
167 RAW We had 167 Raw for the first time in Nantucket at their original location, thanks to Jesse Laz, but Owner Jesse Sandole opened a second location of the sushi and oyster bar right here in Charleston. Try the fish tacos and lobster roll with a side of guacamole and homemade chips. 193 King St; 167raw.com
PENINSULA GRILL An elegant restaurang within the Planter’s Inn. It's a white tablecloth restaurant with a romantic, candle and lantern-lit courtyard attached. The dinner menu is seasonal and largely Southern, with a world-famous 12-layer coconut cake for dessert— don’t miss it! 112 N Market St; peninsulagrill.com
BUTCHER & BEE A bit outside of Charleston in a barn-like building that’s covered with aluminum siding and a patio. The menu is comprised of local, ethically sourced ingredients including kale slaw, kohlrabi with yogurt, field peas, and bacon-wrapped dates. They also host cooking classes and pop-up dinners. 1085 Morrison Dr; butcherandbee.com
LITTLE JACKS TAVERN A tavern with dim lights; green and white checkered tablecloths; old-time photos of Frank Sinatra, boxing matches, and racing horses. Try the crudité with avocado mousse, the old-school gin “Kennel Club” martini, and the Tavern Burger (American cheese, sunchoke relish, sesame bun). 710 King St; littlejackstavern.com
OAK STEAKHOUSE This restaurant resides inside a mid-1800s bank building with bright white exteriors, three levels of ornate arched windows, 20-foot ceilings, and 150-year-old pine floors. Preserved to perfection, and quintessentially Charleston. 17 Broad St; oaksteakhouserestaurant.com
BOWEN’S ISLAND A waterfront oyster counter, serving up fresh fish within graffiti-covered walls. 1870 Bowens Island Rd; bowensisland.com
THE WRECK OF THE RICHARD AND CHARLENE For more casual Lowcountry fare, venture beyond the peninsula to Wreck on Mount Pleasant’s Shem Creek for off-the-docks Lowcountry-style fried seafood. 106 Haddrell St, Mt Pleasant; wreckrc.com
RODNEY SCOTT’S Celebrated counter-serve joint for Lowcountry-style slow-smoked pulled pork BBQ, chicken & ribs. 1011 King St; rodneyscottsbbq.com
THE PALMETTO CAFE Within the Belmond Charleston Place in the heart of downtown. Order the she crab soup! 205 Meeting St; charlestonplace.com
BURBAGE'S GROCERY
A 65-year-old family-owned neighborhood grocery store on Broad Street. Grab-and-go items include delicious homemade BBQ sandwiches and fresh soups. 157 Broad St
BABAS
Order a coffee and try the ham-and-butter sandwich, avocdo toast, and deviled eggs. 11 Cannon St; babasoncannon.com
CHRISTOPHE ARTISAN CHOCOLATIER
These luxury artisanal chocolatiers also have a collection of hand-painted chocolates, macaroons, and fine chocolate truffles that make for great gifts. 90 Society St; christophechocolatier.com
JENIS SPLENDID ICE CREAM Delicious homemade ice cream, you’ll spot it by the line wrapped around the block. 501-A King St, jenis.com
OFF TRACK ICE CREAM
An ice cream parlour with traditional and vegan options in classic and inventive flavors made from scratch. Try the cold-brew honeycomb. 6 Beaufain St; offtrackicecream.com
THE RISE A coffeeshop within The Restoration Hotel. 77 Wentworth St; therestorationhotel.com
SUGAR BAKESHOP Opened by a couple who moved to Charleston from New York City, this sweet bakeshop is a fun stop for a treat. 59 1/2 Cannon St; sugarbakeshopchs.com
CHUBBY FISH
A popular sustainable seafood restaurant. While the menu changes daily, it never disappoints. Order the caviar sandwich, steak tartare, and bluefin tataki. 252 Coming St; chubbyfishcharleston.com
THE DARLING OYSTER BAR Located on King Street, this very chic oyster bar is perfect for drinks and dinner. 513 King St; thedarling.com
THE GROCERY
This neighborhood spot is known for its fresh menu packed with seasonal ingredients available from local and regional farmers and fishermen. 4 Cannon St; thegrocerycharleston.com
LEWIS BARBECUE Pitmaster John Lewis brings his signature Texas barbecue to Charleston in the city’s emerging Upper Peninsula. Before moving to the Holy City, John lived in Austin where he oversaw the award-winning BBQ program at La Barbecue and helped open Franklin Barbecue, establishing himself as one of the best in the business. 464 N Nassau St; lewisbarbecue.com
MERCANTILE AND MASH Located in the Cigar Factory, Mercantile and Mash is a gourmet food market and whiskey bar. 701 E Bay St; mercandmash.com
MINERO
Owned by well-known, award-winning chef Sean Brock, this casual Mexican restaurant located on East Bay Street is a great spot for a fun dinner before a night out at the bars. 3140 Maybank Hwy; minerojohnsisland.com
THE OBSTINATE DAUGHTER Located on the beautiful Sullivan’s Island, The Obstinate Daughter is worth leaving the peninsula for. With great wood oven pizzas, it’s the perfect spot for dinner after a walk on the beach. Stop by Beard Cat’s Sweet Shop downstairs for an after-dinner treat! 2063 Middle St; theobstinatedaughter.com
POST HOUSE
This coastal tavern and inn on Mount Pleasant is also a restaurant and bar with seasonal fare and classic cocktails in a setting that feels like a home away from home. The outdoor patio is perfect for alfresco dining. 101 Pitt St, Mt Pleasant; theposthouseinn.com
THE WATCH ROOFTOP
This is the rooftop restaurant and bar at The Restoration. The best place on the peninsula to have a drink and watch the sunset. 75 Wentworth St; thewatchcharleston.com
PARK & GROVE A breakfast restaurtn with a white interior, and seasonally inspired menu. Order the oyster mushroom toast with chervil and a “veggie mess” of scrambled eggs, tomato, white cheddar, and avocado. 730 Rutledge Ave; parkandgrovechs.com
DRINK
THE DAILY A bit north of the Upper King's Design District, but still on King Street, The Daily is run by the folks behind the restaurant Butcher & Bee. The coffee here is by fan-favorite Stumptown, and The Daily also serves cold-pressed juice, egg sandwiches, bakery goods and bread, plus wine and beer. 652 B King St; shopthedaily.com
PAVILION BAR For a small city, Charleston has a really solid collection of rooftop bars. This one sits at the top of Market Pavilion Hotel, and overlooks Market Street and historic Charleston with a view stretching to Cooper River. The pool here adds a slightly trendy vibe, and there's actually a pretty extensive food menu (apps, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches), making it a particularly nice spot for an afternoon drink (and bite, if you're hungry). It's also a great sunset place, and you could come here for cocktails before dinner at 5Church, which is conveniently located across the street. 225 E Bay St; marketpavilion.com/pavilionbar
THE COCKTAIL CLUB Perched above The Macintosh restaurant on King Street in an 1881 building. There is also a rooftop terrace and garden, which is where the fresh garnishes come from. 479 King St; thecocktailclubcharleston.com
THE GIN JOINT Despite the name, we recommend the bartender’s choice as far as cocktails go. Bar bites include pickled shrimp, clams and chorizo, ricotta-stuffed meatballs, pork buns with mustard green kimchi, and a selection of cheeses and dessert plates. 182 E Bay St #2169; theginjoint.com
ÉLEVE The rooftop bar and restaurant of the Grand Bohemian Hotel with surrounding views. 55 Wentworth St; elevecharleston.com
THE ROOFTOP AT THE VENDUE Of all the rooftop bars in Charleston, Vendue probably has the best view. They also serve lunch and dinner, and have live music every Sunday. 19 Vendue Range; rooftopcharleston.com
BIN 152 Opened by a husband and wife duo, this intimate wine bar was made for lingering over long conversations and a few glasses. 152 King St; bin152.com
THE BELMONT Upper King Street is known for its bars, but The Belmont is one of the more sophisticated ones. A long, narrow space with a cozy couch, intimate booths, and a bar. 511 King St; thebelmontcharleston.com
EDMUND’S OAST Hip spot offering New American fare, beer brewed on-site and craft cocktails, plus a patio. 1081 Morrison Dr; edmundsoast.com
STEMS AND SKINS A natural wine bar worth the trek to North Charleston. 1070 E Montague Ave # B; stemsandskins.com
THE GRIFFON A dive bar meets English pub with fish 'n' chips, burger, craft beer, with walls covered in signed dollars.. 18 Vendue Range; griffoncharleston.com
KUDU COFFEE & CRAFT BEER A popular cafe offering specialty coffees, local beer and wine, plus outdoor seating in a courtyard. 4 Vanderhorst St
SECOND STATE COFFEE Minimalist-chic coffee bar. 70.5 Beaufain St; secondstatecoffee.com
CITRUS CLUB
Head to The Dewberry Hotel for tropical cocktails and the best rooftop views in the city. The mid-century spot is the highest public viewpoint in Charleston. 334 Meeting St 8th floor; thedewberrycharleston.com
THE COMMODORE
A vintage jazz club with late-night dancing in town.” Green velvet barstools, craft cocktails, and a disco ball–lit dance floor, plus live music five nights a week. 504 Meeting St Suite C; thecommodorechs.com
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
DRAYTON HALL Born on Magnolia Plantation, John Drayton was a member of a prominent colonial family in South Carolina. He purchased Drayton Hall plantation in 1738, in the days when South Carolina (along with the rest of the country) was still a colony of Great Britain. In fact, the building is famous among scholars of architecture as the first fully executed example of the symmetrical, European Palladian style in America. Since then, the home has played an important role in practically every one of the region's historic events, from the Revolution to the Civil War to Reconstruction, making it an ideal—and stunningly beautiful—place to learn about South Carolina’s unique history. Today, the 350-acre property and painstakingly-restored house are open to the public, hosting tours of the house and lectures. 3380 Ashley River Rd; draytonhall.org
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION These are the oldest public gardens in the United States, founded in 1676 and open to the public since the 1870s. Filled with camellias and azaleas, and furnished with family heirlooms, and open for tours. If there’s one must-do, though, it’s the property’s award-winning “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, which explores Gullah culture in South Carolina from slavery through segregation all the way to the Civil Rights movement. 3550 Ashley River Rd; magnoliaplantation.com
KIAWAH Kiawah Sea Island is 45 minutes away with a private beach and golf resort. kiawahresort.com
FORT SUMTER When the first battle of the Civil War broke out, the people of Charleston watched from their rooftops— the 4am cannon fire looked almost like a fireworks show. The ruins of the fort (which is now a National Park) can only be accessed by water via Fort Sumter Tours or a private boat. Keep an eye out for dolphins on the way. nps.gov/fosu
HALSEY INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART The College of Charleston’s Halsey Institute is one of the city’s only institutions exclusively devoted to contemporary art along with student retrospectives and artist in residence programs. 161 Calhoun St; halsey.cofc.edu
MIDDLETON PLACE Arthur Middleton, who owned the plantation during the American Revolution, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the home almost didn't survive the Civil War when it was burned by Union Troops. Middleton Place along the banks of the Ashley River offers tours of the gardens and home, as well as a stable and barn filled with heritage breed animals like sheep, water buffalo, goats, chickens, pigs, and cows. There is also a garden, which was restored in the early 1900s, and still boasts three original camellias that were brought to the house as a gift from a French botanist back in the 1800s. The property also hosts guests in a lovely inn on the property. 4300 Ashley River Rd; middletonplace.org
GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART The 100-year old building is the only Beaux-Arts building in Charleston. It offers a first floor with a library, shop, and programming, a second-floor showing more than 10,000 works from the private collection, and a third-floor showcasing contemporary artwork and visiting exhibitions. 135 Meeting St; gibbesmuseum.org
SAILING Rent a sailboat for a sunset sail around the Charleston Harbor. charlestonsailingadventures.com
RAINBOW ROW A row of pastel-hued Georgian rowhouses near Ravenel Waterfront Park. 83-107 E Bay St; rainbowrowcharlestonsc.com
BOONE HALL A historic property and plantation in Mount Pleasant on the National Register of Historic Places. It has continually produced agricultural crops for over 320 years and the 1936 Colonial Revival-style dwelling has an allée of southern live oak trees from 1743 leading up to it. You might recognize it from films including The Notebook. 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant; boonehallplantation.com
CALHOUN WILLIAMS MANSION A Gilded Age Italianate Mansion circa 1876 chock-full of antiques. 16 Meeting St; calhounmansion.net
NATHANIEL RUSSEL HOUSE An ornate, circa 1808 home known for its "free-flying" 3-story spiral staircase, recognized as one of America's most important Neoclassical houses, and a designated National Historic Landmark. 51 Meeting St; historiccharleston.org/house-museums/nathaniel-russell-house/
FIREFLY DISTILLERY Located about 30 minutes away on Wadmalaw Island. Sample Lowcountry spirits and get a taste of rural sea island beauty. 4201 Spruill Ave; fireflydistillery.com
AIKEN RHETT HOUSE Charleston has many wonderful historic houses throughout the city that you can tour. The Aiken Rhett House is special because it remained in the hands of family descendants for 142 years until it was sold to The Charleston Museum and opened as a museum house in 1975. Historic Charleston Foundation purchased the house in 1995. 48 Elizabeth St; historiccharleston.org/house-museums/aiken-rhett-house/
THE BATTERY & WHITE POINT GARDENS
The southern tip of Charleston’s peninsula was originally known as Oyster Point and later White Point because of the piles of sun-bleached oyster shells found at the edge of the water. This area of town is perfect for an afternoon walk and great for dream home hunting as it’s where the majority of Charleston’s grandest historic homes are located. 2 Murray Blvd
CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL The Charleston Music Hall is a Holy City staple. Located in the Upper King Street Area of Downtown Charleston and home to the city’s ever-growing, eclectic, local music and theater scene. 37 John St; charlestonmusichall.com
DOCK STREET THEATRE Historic Dock Street Theatre was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. Today, Charleston Stage, which became the resident professional theatre at the Dock Street Theatre in 1978, produces over 100 performances each season. 135 Church St; charlestonstage.com
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND
Just a 20-minute car ride from the peninsula is one of Charleston’s most gorgeous beaches. It’s worth the ride out there to get some sun and enjoy lunch at one of many great restaurants Sullivan’s island has to offer (like family favorite Poe’s). sullivansisland.sc.gov
SHOP
CROGHAN’S JEWEL BOX Occupying the same King Street storefront for over 100 years, Croghan’s is one of the oldest fine jewelry stores, offering an array of antique jewelry, silverware, and crystal. The estate engagement ring offering is particularly impressive (and fun to try on). 308 King St; croghansjewelbox.com
BILLY REID A Southern designer with traditionally preppy designs (pastels, seersucker, khaki and linen) and a shop divided into a men’s and women’s section. 150 King St; billyreid.com
CHARLESTON FARMER’S MARKET Hosted in Marion Square on Summer Saturdays until December when it converts into a holiday market. Taste local peaches, muscadine grapes, and okra, and pick up some boiled peanuts to snack on whilst strolling. 329 Meeting St; charlestonfarmersmarket.com
WORTHWHILE
Unique brands alongside mainstays like Rick Owens and Proenza Schouler are featured at this boutique on King Street. 12 Magazine St; shopworthwhile.com
FRITZ PORTER
Located in a converted cigar factory, this fabric, furniture, and decor showroom is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind pieces. 701 E Bay St #106; fritzporter.com
HAMPDEN CLOTHING CO A fashion-forward boutique showcasing 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carven, Ulla Johnson, and Stella McCartney as well as a bar and accessory shop next door called James. 314 King St; hampdenclothing.com
FINNICKY FILLY A 30+ year-old boutique carrying contemporary apparel, jewelry & handbags. 303 King St; thefinickyfilly.com
BLUE BICYCLE BOOKS A beloved independent neighborhood bookstore with new and pre-loved books spanning all genres including a section devoted to the city of Charleston itself. 420 King St; bluebicyclebooks.com
GEORGE C. BIRLANT ANTIQUES Taking up the ground floor of the historic Enston Building, this decades-old showroom is home to a vast collection of antique and vintage furniture, home décor, lighting, crystal, and silver—sourced from estate sales all over the world. 191 King St; birlantantiquescharleston.com
RTW A boutique dedicated to showcasing the work of female artisans from around the world. 186 King St; rtwcharleston.com
CORRIGAN GALLERY A contemporary art gallery showcasing emerging artists. 38 Queen St; corrigangallery.com
ALEXANDRA DESIGNS An antique store specializing in Swedish, French, and European antiques. 156 King St; alexandrafrenchantiques.com
THE GEORGE GALLERY Contemporary art offerings in a fabulous old storefront on Bogard Street. 54 Broad St; georgegalleryart.com
GOAT SHEEP COW A gourmet specialty shop on Church Street in Charleston’s historic South of Broad neighborhood featuring artisanal cheeses and wines, plus a daily sandwich, There is also a second location of on Meeting Street that immediately transports you to Europe. 106 church street;goatsheepcow.com
BEAU & RO
Designed by Charleston local Sara Rossi, the boutique offers a collection of women’s clothing, handbags, and accessories that is showcased in their flagship store, which also carries a highly curated selection of other contemporary brands. 171 King St; beauandro.com
DESIGNS BY HELEN
Located in the open-air Charleston City Market with a collection of sweegrass handwoven baskets. thecharlestoncitymarket.com
IBU MOVEMENT Ibu is located on the second floor of a house on lower King Street. Go up the narrow staircase, and you’ll find a boutique that provides women in over 30 countries around the world the ability to grow into economic self-sufficiency through their art. 83 King St 2nd floor; ibumovement.com
LAKE PAJAMAS
LAKE Pajamas is famous for its super soft Pima cotton sleepwear for the whole family. Check out the loungewear assortment to stay cozy around the clock. 153 King St; lakepajamas.com
NEEMA GALLERY
The unique gallery downtown exclusively features original art and jewelry by Southern African-American artists. 3 Broad St Suite 100
SHIRTINI
Located on lower King Street, Shirtini offers up a curated collection of menswear-inspired Oxford-style shirts made for women. The quality is great, and the fit is fantastic. They run long, and if you can swing it, it’s worth stocking up on one or two to wear over leggings. 192 King St; shirtini.com
TIJON
An upscale fragrance lab that allows you to create your own signature scent. 344 King St; charleston.tijon.com
UNDER THE ALMOND TREES
A baby and kids boutique on King Street. 190 King St; underthealmondtrees.com
AMANDA LINDROTH A decor store with block-print linens and rattan-wrapped glassware ideal for warm-weather entertaining. The Charleston location instantly transports you to the Bahamas, where Lindroth is based, from the draped ceiling to the palm fronds and wicker everything. 445 King St; amandalindroth.com
CANDLEFISH The best-smelling gift and scent shop in Charleston. Candlefish has a candle library of 100 handmade fragrances. 270 King St; candlefish.com
FIELDSHOP
Fieldshop is a retail concept brought to you by Garden & Gun. Located inside The Dewberry Hotel, there’s an assortment of the finest sporting centric brands from around the world coupled with seasonal apparel, barware, jewelry, entertaining items, and florals all curated with the tastes of the magazine in mind. 334 Meeting St; ggfieldshop.com
FLOWERSHOP Flowershop is a retail florist and floral design studio located downtown specializing in beautiful, unique wedding bouquets. flowershopchs.com
BRACKISH BOWTIES Handcrafted bowties made locally out of turkey feathers. Seen on many southern gentlemen at weddings and special events. Bill Murray wore his Brackish bowtie to the 2014 Oscars. 1852 Wallace School Rd; brackish.com
J. STARK
Erik Holmberg is the owner and founder of J. Stark, a Charleston-based luxury dry goods label comprised of a variety of handcrafted tote bags, clutches, zip-up pouches, and leather wallets. 489 King St Suite 100; starkmade.com
ANN LONG FINE ART A gallery opened in 1997 and specializing in classical realist work by contemporary artists. annlongfineart.com