I have strong Southern roots, and whether it be through music, film, or food, I can quickly be emotionally transported home. I can't help but reminisce of walks down East Bay Street, with friends and family, with that familiar smell in the air from the riverside on a humid mid-summer evening.

I couldn't be more excited to share our guide to our favorite Lowcountry destination, Charleston, South Carolina. It isn't easy, however, to convey my love for Charleston in mere words. It's bigger than that because it's a deep love and a sense of home and connection. It's one of our most beloved cities in the US!

Our trips to Charleston have evolved through the years, and we created incredible memories with friends and family. Both Chanel and I had annual summer holidays, held milestone birthday celebrations at Folly Beach, and nearly held our wedding there before dodging the craze in favor of a private marriage. However, we traveled from Asheville to Charleston following our wedding for a weekend mini-moon before our official honeymoon!

Charleston is far from an undiscovered discovery, so there are many opinions and recommendations out there, like some other hot spots we've covered. This classic charming city has more to offer than you could ever accomplish on the weekend or even week. This, however, is how WE throw down in Charleston! Whether you are into food, drinks, history, golf, or beaches, Charleston is a top pick!

Charleston, South Carolina

A Guide to Our Favorite Lowcountry Destination

Some History from Charleston

Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town in honor of King Charles II. The history of Charleston is plentiful, and it's a history that locals carefully preserve. While there are so many amazing things to be proud of in Charleston, there are also painful times of American history deeply rooted here as well.

In the city's early history, it was a major slave trading port. In 1619 the first ships carrying slaves arrived at the ports of Virginia. Not long after, planters and their slaves from the English Caribbean colony of Barbados arrived and established Charles Town in 1670, named for King Charles I. An estimated 100,000 slaves came from West Africa were sold to the 13 colonies. The city quickly became a thriving settlement.

In 1718, Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, blockaded the port of Charleston for a week. The infamous pirate seized ships and took prisoners. He later released everyone after receiving his ransom, a chest of medicine. Decades later, in 1780, British forces captured Charles Town, only to withdraw two years later. In 1783, Charles Town's name then changed to Charleston.

Today, Charleston is one of the United State's most popular tourist destinations for its rich history, incredible food, and proximity to the coast.

Where To Stay

Emeline Hotel

181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

Emeline was recently featured in Architectural Digest as well as Travel and Leisure's 2021 It List. It's clear why Emeline has received so much attention since its opening. Our beautifully decorated Traveler's Suite featured a cozy king-sized bed, a spacious bathroom, as well as a living area for entertaining or relaxing after the voyage.

The beauty of Emeline is all in the details. With each new hotel we visit, the bed's quality becomes more and more paramount. We love a night of great sleep! In addition to an incredible bed, small details like a turntable with a few vinyl albums, a cozy living room with warm colors, and beautiful pillows make for a unique and memorable stay.

Inside the hotel, you'll find an excellent restaurant, Frannie & The Fox, and one of the cities best coffee shops, Clerks Coffee Company. That's just the beginning! The hotel itself features 212 all-king bed guest rooms, 128 of which are luxurious suites! There are 16 double king rooms available as well! If you're visiting for business or holding an event, Emeline is one of the best options as they have 13,000 sq ft of event space and multiple private occasion spaces.

Visit The Emeline Website

What To Do and See

While there's no shortage of things to see and do in Charleston, there are a few things that you must not forget!

Fresh Seafood

Food is a massive part of the lure and charm in Charleston! The restaurant scene is incredibly vibrant, and the key feature is the fresh seafood! Fantastic options are available to you, ranging from decadent She-Crab Soup to the famed Shrimp and Grits! Raw oysters are available throughout the city! These aren't exactly common in landlocked Switzerland, so these are all dishes we dream of when dreaming of Charleston!

Visit the Charleston City Market

From 1807, "Centre Market" rented stands for twenty-five cents each for a week. By 1841, the Market Hall was completed, and it recently had a massive renovation in 2011. Initially, the Market was built as a meat market and for farmers to come to sell their vegetables. Many misunderstand this marketplace as a location where slaves were sold. However, this isn't the case. There was a time when it was referred to as the Slaves' because slaves were allowed to go and sell their creations for their benefit.

Waterfront Park

This eight-acre park along the Cooper River is a beautiful addition to your stroll through Charleston or for a morning jog. Head southeast down East Bay Street, towards the Battery. There is a large pineapple fountain in this park that you've undoubtedly seen in person or when researching Charleston!

White Point Garden

The elder of the gardens, White Point Garden, sits at the tip of the peninsula. This large park is full of pathways, memorials, a recently restored bandstand, and towering trees. White Point Garden is a favorite for morning joggers, picnics, and your daily stroll around the city.

The Beaches and Neighboring Towns

Pieces of our hearts remain at Folly Beach for many reasons, but depending on what sort of beach-goer you are, there's an option here!

Best for Families: Isle of Palms
Best for Surfers and Bohemians: Folly Beach
Best with A Bit of It All: Sullivan’s Island
Best Escape: Shores by Morris Island
Best for Golf: Kiawah Island

Visit A Plantation

If it’s your first trip to Charleston, you may consider visiting one of the historic plantations.

Where To Eat

A considerable portion of the culture in Charleston is displayed through the food scene. It has always had a rich culinary history. After Johnson & Wales University opened its campus there in 1984, later to consolidate to Charlotte, it produced numerous amazing chefs. They transformed the restaurant industry into what it is today.

We have our favorites, a list of places we want to try in the future, and we always look forward to seeing what new hot spots open each year as Charleston continues to grow. Here are a few favorites!

167 RAW

193 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

Always my first stop, 167's flawless execution of fresh seafood in a vibrant and fun setting is one of my all-time favs. They offer incredibly fresh seafood, excellent drinks, and recently voted top 10 tacos by Travel and Leisure Magazine. I can't argue with the assessment either! The fish and shrimp tacos are incredible! A few must-try dishes include oysters (obviously), the Lobster Roll, Pastrami'd Swordfish Sandwich, Scallop Po’Boy, and their Ceviche!

Halls Chophouse

434 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

Hall Chophouse, one of the most exceptional steakhouses in the US, resides on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina! We fell in love with Halls when they opened in 2009 and immediately found them to be the best example of a perfect combination of a family restaurant, hospitality, and high-quality dining. Get a reservation early if you want incredible wine, steaks, seafood, salads, and desserts! Another plus... they offer brunch!

The Ordinary

544 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

Once a bank from the 1920s, The Ordinary has a unique and entertaining feel! You instantly know it's special when walking through the front doors. The restaurant opened in 2012 from the brilliant minds behind FIG. There's a bit of a French brasserie vibe in the air blended with a beautiful southern presentation. The Ordinary is another solid choice for oysters and other various fresh options. Other can't miss dishes include Stone Crabs, Oyster Sliders, Lowcountry Fish Fry, and whatever the daily specials are. They are always excellent!

Leon’s Oyster Shop

698 King St, Charleston SC | Website

Leon's Oyster Shop is a fun and affordable establishment in an old garage in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Leon's serves up fantastic food and has a welcoming indoor and outdoor dining setup. Whether you want Champagne and Oysters, or cheap beer and Fried Chicken, here's your spot! The menu has plenty of options from Shrimp or Oyster Rolls, Catfish or Mahi Sandwiches, 'The Chicken Sandwich,' Char-Grilled Oysters, Grilled Whole Fish. My selection each time, Leon's Fish Fry, is incredible!!!

HUSK

76 Queen St, Charleston, SC | Website

World-renowned chef Sean Brock set out to open the minds in the culinary world and show the heritage of Lowcountry cooking. The result of his dream led to the opening of Husk in 2010. If you haven't seen his Netflix feature on Chefs Table, it's a must-watch episode! His effort in reviving the various beans and corns from the region is nothing short of praiseworthy. We frequent Husk for brunch on the weekends and always love the fresh daily menus. On this past visit, we enjoyed a humble yet elevated version of Country Fried Steak. It was flawless and paired perfectly with the Husk Bloody Mary!

If you couldn't get a reservation, try to pop into the Bar instead! Same address, same ownership, completely separate though from the Husk Restaurant scene. Cold beer, fresh expertly crafted cocktails, or a pour from their fantastic bourbon selection, paired with Husk's famous burger or fried chicken?

Delaney Oyster House

115 Calhoun St, Charleston, St | Website

Seafood lovers rejoice; there is another delicious dining option near Marion Square. While there are numerous seafood restaurants in Charleston, the masterminds at NDG, Neighborhood Dining Group, have conceived one of Charleston's best at Delaney Oyster House. In this modest Charleston Row Home, the rooms are full of satisfied diners, enjoying fantastic options. What to try? Sample and share the Fresh Oysters, Spicy Snapper Ceviche, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Marky's Hackleback Caviar, Cheddar Bay Hushpuppies, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Roasted Oysters, and several unique entrees.

The Darling Oyster Bar

513 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

Another 'can't miss' oyster spot is The Darling Oyster Bar! They have an excellent selection of fresh oysters, an incredible staff, and such a lovely and inviting restaurant! I recommend making reservations because it's no secret that it's a fantastic restaurant! The House Smoked Salmon Dip, Crab Cakes, Baked Oysters, and honestly, every sandwich and entree are just incredible!

Lewis Barbeque

464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC | Website

A visit to Charleston, a quintessential Southern US city, is not complete without barbeque, right? I'd argue yes. But the surprise here is that our recommendation is the incredibly popular Lewis Barbeque, a Texas-style barbeque preparation. Dine inside or under the large oaks outdoors. The entire menu is simple and not overwhelming. Pick your favs and go! Don't target one thing, though. Toss all sorts of unique selections together on a tray and share. Or don't. I won't judge.

If you genuinely want a Carolina-style preparation of BBQ, check out Rodney Scott's BBQ!

FIG

232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC | Website

Everything on the menu is excellent at FIG. Hence the name, an acronym for Food is Good. The menu is typically short, simple, and expertly executed. They have offered Italian fare that has rivaled many of the dishes we have enjoyed in Northern and Central Italy. Their staff is always friendly, and the dining experience is consistently excellent. I recommend securing reservations ahead of time because Mike Lata's FIG has always been one of the most popular restaurants in the city.

Maison

708 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

If you're a lover of French fare, Maison cannot be missed. With a warm Parisian vibe, authentic recipes, and a lovely wine list, you'll quickly be in love. It's also still a delightful blend of French and Southern. The black and white ceiling inside and the seating in the garden highlight a few cultural similarities. While the entire menu overflows with enticing options, a few crowd-pleasers you have to try, steak (au poivre) and frites, escargot, pate, foie gras, and the rabbit en croute. An absolute can't miss item, the onion soup croquette.

Anson Restaurant

12 Anson St, Charleston SC | Website

Part of my love for Anson Restaurant stems purely from emotion and memories with family. This restaurant is a charming southern interpretation of fresh food and an elegant restaurant. It's situated in the heart of Charleston, just steps from the Market. The restaurant had a tragic fire on Christmas Eve in 2013. Many supporters feared they wouldn't reopen, but after a few years, they did! The rebuild is beautiful, and our last visit was exceptional. The She-Crab Soup, Shrimp & Grits, and Crispy Flounder are some of the best dishes in the city. Other greats include their Scallops, Fried Pork Chop, Deviled Eggs, Crab Cakes, and Salads!

Millers All-Day

120 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

With an all-day menu guaranteed to satisfy, Miller's resides just south of the busy city center yet is seemingly always busy! It's for a good reason. The first thing that comes back to mind is the incredible southern biscuits. While I thought Bon Appétit had mastered my favorite recipe, I was quickly surprised at Millers. Whether you want a plain buttery biscuit, like one with jam, fancy a fried chicken biscuit, or an actual meal with their biscuits and gravy, you'll leave more than satisfied. They have many of the other brunch and lunch staples, but we go back time and time again for their breakfast!

Outdoor Dinner and Drinks, Lewis Barbecue

Where To Drink

You didn't think that was all, did you? In a city as lively as Charleston, we need a second section dedicated to some of our favorite bars. Sure, drinks are involved in all of the above-listed restaurants, and great ones at that! These are a little more about the boozy side of things than food. Bar hop with us in checking out these recommendations!

Edmund's Oast

1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC | Website

Another favorite we would frequent with friends, making memories and traditions, is Edmund's Oast! Masterfully crafted beers, culinary creations, and the perfect settings make this ever so memorable. Like many others, the entire menu is solid! If you aren't into the beer scene, fear not. Their wine list is excellent!

"Ed Egan was an English-born brewer who came to Charleston in the 1760s and started producing beer soon after. He had great success and donated large amounts of money to the American Revolution, earning him the name "The Rebel Brewer". Oast is an old European term for a kiln used for the drying of hops. Together the two make the" - Edmunds Oast

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

205 E Bay St, Charleston, SC | Website

I don't believe I've ever bar-hopped in Charleston within the last 12 years without visiting Amen Street! While they don't have a particularly unique drink menu, they have always served excellent drinks, and we, without fail, have so much fun with the staff! I like to start our hops here. They prepare excellent Bloody Marys and Spicy Margaritas. We hop here with family and friends, and they always love the beer options as well! Must-order food here - The Shrimp Corndogs (skewered shrimp dipped in batter then fried - OMG delicious) and, of course, Fried Oysters! The Shrimp (or Fish) and Grits are fantastic if you are here for lunch or dinner!

The Gin Joint

182 E Bay St #2169, Charleston, SC | Website

One of our first authentic cocktail experiences in Charleston was at The Gin Joint, and it's still among our favorite locations. When the cocktail scene started to become popular again in the US, Gin Joint was one of the first to hit the stage in Charleston. They offer the classics, interpretations of classics, as well as seasonal drinks. I can honestly attribute The Gin Joint as one of the top cocktail bars that made me fall in love with cocktails other than standard classics.

Babas On Cannon

11 Cannon St, Charleston, SC | Website

This one is slightly off the path, and for me, that's a plus. Babas is one of those bars that I would frequent far too often if I lived in the neighborhood. It's inviting, has cozy indoor seating and a few tables out front. Whether you're hungry or thirsty, it's a fantastic little spot! They offer a small but content-packed drink menu with a similar formatted food menu!

The Living Room at the Dewberry

334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC | Website

With a blend of luxury, a mid-century feel, and class, The Living Room at the Dewberry is a fantastic option. The Dewberry created a very sexy feeling here to accompany the award-winning cocktail selection. If you fancy a cocktail, put this on your list. Want some fresh air, head to the rooftop to Citrus Club for a few more cocktails and small bites!

Prohibition

547 King St, Charleston, SC | Website

Prohibition is an excellent option if you're after a classic bar, often featuring live music, keeping things classic and simple! We love live music in the evening while sipping cocktails at a bar! Prohibition is relatively close to many of the other places we frequent, so it's incredibly convenient. My go-to here is the Jalapeño or Classic Margarita.

BIN 152

152 King Street, Charleston, SC | Website

We have been on quite the cocktail kick recently, but we love good wine! They offer a fantastic variety of wines, including a few of our favorites from Burgundy, France, an excellent stop before going to enjoy Shrimp and Grits!