The Ultimate Girl Gang Getaway Guide: Charleston Edition
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway with your girlfriends? Look no further than the alluring city of Charleston, South Carolina. Whether you're looking to tan on the beach or shop for a new wardrobe as the seasons change, Charleston has everything you desire and what you don’t even know you desire. From the lively cuisine scene to the quaint cobblestone streets of the historic district there is truly something to satisfy everyone. Charleston was founded in 1670 and is full of charm and character. Cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and horse-drawn carriages are the highlights of the city, adding enchantment to the community.
Blush and coral facades for days. Photo from Pexels.
Where to stay:
Charleston offers many different types of accommodations from luxury hotels to historic inns. There are dozens of famous lodgings that offer luxurious amenities such as outdoor pools, rooftop bars, and five stars spas. Charleston is known for its picturesque hotels, whimsical lodges, and chic apartments. Here are the top three choices as far as lodging goes:
● The Mills House → One of the best 5-star hotels in Charleston that is a quick 4-min walk from the best shops and restaurants. Ornate architecture and original fixtures and finishes really add to the essence of the southern charm.
● The Meeting St Inn → A charming pale pink (think peonies), inn located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district featuring picturesque gardens and affordable accommodations. This building has a lot of history to it adding to its character, but also a bit of modern flair to it, creating a beautiful dichotomy between the two.
● The Spectator Hotel → Located south of Charleston’s historic market, the Spectator Hotel incorporates 1920s glamour with a modern twist. Much steeper on the price range than the other two, this jazz-inspired hotel is fit for a queen. Every guest is acquainted with their own personal butler for the duration of their stay, so we guess you can say you’re getting what you pay for.
For the foodies:
Charleston is notorious for its exquisite seafood and traditional southern cuisine. There are dozens of restaurants that specialize in five-star dining. If you're looking for some great restaurants here are our top three recommendations:
● The Vendue → A great rooftop view, tasty appetizers, and a panoramic overlook of downtown Charleston. From their extensive list of specialty cocktails to reasonably priced meals, this is the place to be for a gorgeous sunset to dusk.
● Magnolia’s → The best traditional southern restaurant in all of Charleston (reservation required). If you happen to be blown away by the opulent atmosphere and delectable plates, there are two private dining rooms available to be reserved for elegant events.
● The Obstinate Daughter→ A southern restaurant influenced by Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine (reservation required). The menu changes seasonally and they are partnered with many local farmers and regional breweries to supply the freshest ingredients.
For the shoppers:
King St is the best place to find local boutiques, mainstream stores, and precious coffee shops. You can even hitch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage if walking while shopping isn’t your cup of tea. There are also tons of rooftop restaurants that always have live bands on the weekends to hit up after a day on the town.
If you are looking for the best boutiques here are our top recommendations:
● Beckett Boutique → The cutest sundresses, swimsuits, and coverups. Their curated picks reflect the traditional glamour of historic Charleston while staying on top of edgier trends.
● Olivia Ceous → The chicest going out tops, silk skirts, and flared jeans. Olivia Ceous is an absolute must-see when popping into the Holy City.
● Hampden → The perfect-sized jean shorts, beach bags, and clutches. Accessories and shoes come in a plethora of options.
For the Instagram Gurus:
Everyone wants that picture-perfect Instagram post when they are on vacation and Charleston is the best place to spice up your feed. If you are looking for the most magical photo spots for photo ops here are our top recommendations:
● Rainbow Road → A perfect strip of colorful houses that line the Charleston waterfront on East Bay Street.
● Vintage Coffee Cafe → Located right at 219 Simmons, you’ll find a revamped Volkswagen flower truck overflowing with colorful bouquets parked right outside. The coffee is to die for and the flowers instantly boost your mood.
● King Street Alleyways → King Street has the most charming side streets garnished with delicate palm trees that supply the moodiest lighting.
These are just a few of the top destinations in the Holy City, but Charleston is home to an abundance of top-notch dining options and activities guaranteed to tempt you to extend your getaway!