Hey Beauties, I recently went to Charleston, South Carolina to spend time with my parents. Each time I visit I am more and more entranced with this magical city.
To convey my love for Charleston's captivating streets, I thought I would share a pieces of my trips by giving you a round-up of the places we have gone to, dined at and shopped.
FUN FACT | Charleston was the fourth largest city in colonial America, and the wealthiest.
ARE YOU VISITING CHARLESTON SOON? DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON PLACES YOU HAVE RESEARCHED? Don't worry, shoot an email to ashleyvictoria@styleelyst.com - I will help you!
MY FAVORITE SOUTHERN SPOTS
SHOPS
The smell of this store is next-level deliciousness - but seriously. If you are planning on coming to town, you must stop in. It's the perfect place to get a little gift for the house or for a loved one back home. Staying longer? Book one of their workshops for a fun, interactive experience.
CandleFish is a shop that you can create custom candles. They are equipped with a fragrance library of handcrafted candles of 100 different fragrances. They also have workshops where you can make your own candle and a curated selection of unique gifts and accessories.
CandleFish opened in 2014 by the experienced candle makers who created Rewined Candles. They are proud King Street tenants and can be found at 270 King Street in Charleston.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @shopcandlefish
GWYNN'S
Gwynn's is just over the bridge in Mount Pleasant, SC, minutes from Downtown Charleston. The family-owned department store boasts luxury retail for him, her, and home since 1967. I was also very impressed with their little baby section.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @gwynnsofmtp
BUBBLES GIFT SHOPPE
Bubbles is also located in Mount Pleasant, SC, and is home to gifts galore. If you are looking for a birthday present, house warming, baby shower or any other type of gift, Bubbles is sure to have something for you. I also love the fact that this store is family-owned and is a mother-daughter team.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @bubblesgiftshoppe
This boutique is the equivalent of a candy store. Yes, it's that good. From jewels to bags to shoes to clothing, I wanted it all.
Hampden Clothing stands out on Charleston’s famous King Street with nearly 10,000 square feet of the most unique designer assortment of ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags and accessories. They earned a reputation for pushing the envelope of traditional southern style.
Hampden has been featured in Southern Living, Coastal Living, Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, NY Times, Harper`s Bazaar, and more, Hampden continues to be recognized as one of the best places to shop, nation-wide.
FUN FACT | Hampden is located in a historic building dating back to 1878.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @hampdenclothing
Savannah Bee Company is chock full of scrumptious honey with unique flavors and notes that are sure to please everyone's palettes. My favorite flavor was their Sourwood // only after obtaining generous amounts of sunshine and rain will sourwood trees bloom in mid-summer, among the Southern Appalachian Mountains. I love that their honey is pure and natural. It truly is a product that tastes as good as it is for you.
They also sell lotions, soaps, body wash and more. All perfect for gifting or as goody for yourself.
Savannah Bee Company is dedicated to educating children and adults alike about the important role bees play as pollinators of our food. Bees are an integral part of our ecosystem and are currently facing an abundance of threats in our evolving world, bees need all the help we can give them. Acts big and small can have a positive impact on the bees and their future – start a beehive, avoid pesticides, plant diverse flowering species, support local beekeepers.
Be(e) sure to check out their Instagram | @savannahbeeco
Noddy Charleston has amazing gifts, accessories and trinkets! Whether you are looking for statement earrings for dinner, a present for your friend back home, a new clutch, stationary, a gift for the pup or a gift for the hubby, look no further. They truly have something for everyone and a little bit of everything.
FUN FACT | Most of their products are made by southerners.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @noddycharleston
Charleston City Market was established in 1807. It's open daily at 9:30am. The Night Market is open Friday and Saturday's from 6:30pm-10:30pm.
They have everything from their iconic sweatgrass baskets, to souvenirs to local cuisine and much more. You will also find live musical entertainment on-site most days.
While this wasn't my favorite destination in the city, I did love it's historical value, meeting locals and the below book.
FUN FACT | The architecturally-significant Market Hall spans four city blocks.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @chascitymarket
EATS
5CHURCH CHARLESTON
5Church is a dining experience like no other - as it is in a restored church. Not only was the ambiance stunning, but the music, service and food were spectacular. If you live in the area or plan on visiting soon, you must add this to your list. AD
The restaurant is modern-American cuisine with Chef Alex Spencer and @bravotopchef alum @chefjamielynch. 5Church is part of the @the5streetgroup concept of restaurants.
Below is what we ordered:
COCKTAIL
READY ORGEAT | Svedka, Orgeat, lemon, fresh strawberries, cucumber, mint
APPETIZERS
SUSHI TOTS | crispy rice, yellowfin tuna, unagi
PRIME BEEF MEATBALLS | Moroccan BBQ glaze, whipped feta, lemon marinated cucumbers, gremolata
HOUSEMADE HUMMUS | tahini, roasted red peppers, lemon, fresh crackers
MAIN COURSE
FRESH CATCH | Halibut, chestnut spaetzle, charred broccolini, inion ash, orange marmalade
PRIME 60 SECOND NY STRIP | purple fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, chimichurri, roasted garlic
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @5churchcharleston
FIVE LOAVES CAFE
Five Loaves is a delicious little restaurant perfect for lunch or dinner - so perfect, they were actually voted best lunch in Charleston. Not only was the food fresh and delicious, but it was very reasonably priced - a true win-win.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @fiveloavescafe
TAVERN & TABLE
Tavern & Table is quintessential casual American fare with the added bonus of dockside dining. This family-friendly waterfront spot in Shem Creek is a go-to whether you are on a date, with friends, taking the family out or even hosting a private party - yes, they have a room for that too.
Below is what we ordered:
OYSTERS ON THE HALF
FISH & CHIPS | beer battered cod, tartar sauce, French fries
FIG & PROSCIUTTO FLATBREAD | whipped ricotta, caramelized onions, fontina, saba, arugula
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @tavernandtable
THE CO-OP Frosé & Eatery
The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery is an amazing one-stop shop for frozen rosé, sandwiches, salads, bagels and $1 coffee. I can honestly say that I am addicted to their signature frosé - it's a must-try and the perfect beach accessory.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @coopsullivans
BOONE HALL FARMS ROADSIDE MARKET
Boone Hall Farms Roadside Market is a must for locals and visitors alike. It is full of fresh produce, eggs, meat, honey and garden essentials alike.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @boonehallplantation
SAVANNAH'S CANDY KITCHEN OF CHARLESTON
Charleston's Candy Kitchen on historic Market Street is a great place for candy and chocolate lovers! You will find rows of assorted candy, fresh homemade fudge, chocolate bars and so much more. It is conveniently located near Charleston City Market, as well as many restaurants.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @savcandy
CARMELLA'S
Carmella's is thee spot to pop-in if you have a sweet tooth like me! They have everything from pastries to cookies to gelato to cake. I promise you won't regret this recommendation.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @carmellascharleston
Husk is a well-known Charleston gem. This stunning restaurant boasts an innovative seasonal menu that is ever-evolving. Leaving something new to explore each visit, along with classic favorites. The staff is a 10. To boot, the staff is the epitome of Southern charm.
All of our dishes were delicious, fresh and invigorating to the senses. I highly recommend. Whether you are a local that hasn't journeyed in or a tourist, mark this as number one on your list!!
Executive Chef and Lowcountry native, Travis Grimes, reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in the South.
PRO TIP | Be sure to make a reservation at least a week in advance.*
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @huskrestaurant
Florence's is the essence of Southern comfort food. Located in the historic French Quarter of Charleston, just steps from Charleston's City Market, makes it thee perfect casual post-shopping dining destination.
Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen is a tribute to Florence Powell, the Great Grandmother of Jonathan and Patrick Kish of 82 Queen Restaurant established in 1982.
PRO TIP | Their Crispy Bone-in Fried Chicken Plate is a must-have - promise.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @florenceskitchen
Don't let the name detour you, S.N.O.B., also known as Slightly North of Broad, is not snooty in the least. Rather, it's vivacious energy, expert staff and local low country dishes will have you coming back for more...over, and over again.
S.N.O.B. prides itself on an abundance of fresh, local ingredients and thoughtful, expert presentation with a friendly, contagious energy.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @snobchs
Blossom Charleston is home to fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes, as well as classic Lowcountry plates and wood oven pizzas. This is a great spot for parties with a mix of palettes, as it is sure to please and have something for everyone.
Be sure to check out their Instagram | @blossom_chs
PLACES TO SHOOT
KING STREET
Historic King Street in downtown Charleston is home to dining, shopping and nightlife. Pastel backdrops, tall palms, and classic architecture make it a go-to for impromptu or staged blogger shoots.
To boot, a ton of my above listed shops are also located on or right near King Street.
Nothing defines Southern charm quite like King Street. It is a bustling thoroughfare where Charleston's past and present meet. At more than 300 years old, King Street is the second most historically and architecturally significant streets in downtown Charleston, after Meeting Street.
FUN FACT | It was named for King Charles II of England and was a main route in the early city of Charles Towne.
Be sure to check out Explore Charleston's Instagram for further inspiration | @explorecharleston
RAINBOW ROW
Rainbow Row is a series of thirteen pastel-infused historic homes located on East Bay Street. It also happens to be the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States.
This is thee most gorgeous place in the city to take classic Charleston shots. As a blogger it was heaven - each house is more picturesque than the last. My last visit was also during the off-season (February), so I was able to capture content much easier. If you do visit during peak months, make sure to anticipate lines of tourists and bloggers alike yearning to capture content to share with friends, family and followers. Charleston's peak seasons are March to May and September to November.*
FUN FACT | When these homes were first constructed in 1740 they were not fun colors, as they were used used by merchants who would run their business on the ground floor and live on the top floor. After the Civil War, this area was rather run-down and considered a slum. However, this changed in 1931 when Dorothy Porcher Legge and her husband Judge Lionel Legge purchased the section of houses on East Bay Street. Dorothy Porcher Legge was the one who decided to paint the homes on this row a pretty shade of pastel pink, hoping to make the area look nicer. As time went on, other residents on the street began to paint their homes various pastel colors as well.
To learn more, be sure to visit | Charleston.com
WATERFRONT PARK | PINEAPPLE FOUNTAIN
Charleston's Waterfront Park boats one of it's must-see tourist attractions, the Pineapple Fountain.
The monument was built in 1990 following Hurricane Hugo. Its iconic pineapple acts as a familiar symbol of hospitality in the Lowcountry.
My brother and I loved the fun fountain and the stunning views along the Cooper River. To boot, the landscaping throughout is stunning!
DISCLAIMER | This is NOT sponsored content, my feelings, recommendations and styles are all my own. *The only sponsored brand is 5 Church.*
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