Consistently named one of the top cities to visit or host an event, particular wedding-related events, is Charleston, South Carolina.  With its old world charm and new world establishments, it has everything visitors are searching and more.

Where to Stay

Charleston offers many choices for accommodations during your stay. Listed below are five different hotels and inns that would be perfect for a weekend in Charleston or longer!  Each accommodation has its own personality and is diverse in character leaving the guests to choose the hotel or inn that fits his or her style and the vibe of the weekend.

Emeline

Emeline is a boutique hotel located on 181 Church Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.  Seek out new adventures, while appreciating and wandering through the past.  Wake from your beautiful suite to the sound of hooves on cobblestones. Leave it to Emeline to cater to your every need while you enjoy the beauty that is Charleston.

Emeline
Entrance / Photo Credits: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline
Emeline
Front Desk / Photo Credits: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline
Emeline
Socialite Suite / Photo Credits: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline

Wentworth Mansion®

A 21-room tribute to Charleston’s gilded age, the historic Wentworth Mansion® exudes the glamour and grandeur of the Holy City. Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and Tiffany stained glass create a setting of gracious hospitality, further enhanced by luxurious amenities and thoughtful guest experiences – all just a short stroll from King Street’s world-class dining and shopping.

Credit Wentworth Mansion®
Exterior View / Photo Credit: Wentworth Mansion®
Photo Credit: Wentworth Mansion®
Suite / Photo Credit: Wentworth Mansion®

 

Credit Wentworth Mansion®
Parlor / Photo Credit: Wentworth Mansion®

Fulton Lane Inn

Nestled in a quiet section of Charleston’s renowned King Street, Fulton Lane Inn is just steps from an eclectic selection of many popular Charleston restaurants, plenty of gorgeous and historic waterfront homes, as well as the antique and shopping districts. Fulton Lane Inn’s storied past dates all the way back to 1889 when our earliest building was first constructed for the YWCA. The antiquated charm that still thrives here allows our guests to get an even deeper sense of the city’s history. Immerse yourself in the days of old, and experience the very best of the city in relaxed, Southern-style, in one of South Carolina’s premier inns.

Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Entrance / Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Rooms & Suites / Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Rooms & Suites / Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn
Couple Enjoying the Inn / Photo Credit: Fulton Lane Inn

Historic and luxurious, the John Rutledge House Inn® is both an important historical landmark and a bed and breakfast in the heart of Charleston.  Spend your days exploring Charleston’s shopping district, delicious dining options, and southern hospitality at this one-of-a-kind inn.

Proto Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Entrance / Photo Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Proto Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Rooms & Suites / Photo Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Proto Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Sitting Area / Photo Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Proto Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Sitting Area / Photo Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Proto Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®
Exterior Courtyard / Photo Credit: John Rutledge House Inn®

Kings Courtyard Inn

Blending the intimacy of a bed & breakfast with the thoughtful amenities and personalized service of a boutique hotel, the Kings Courtyard Inn is a rare find on Charleston’s celebrated King Street. Tucked within one of the city’s oldest buildings, this charming inn in the heart of the Antiques District features 41 freshly updated guest rooms and suites, including some with original fireplaces, four-poster mahogany beds and views of leafy interior courtyards.

Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn
Exterior Courtyard / Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn
Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn
Rooms & Suites / Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn
Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn
Sitting Area / Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn

Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn

Newly Married Couple Enjoying the Inn / Photo Credit: Kings Courtyard Inn

Where to Dine

Charleston is well-known for its fine cuisine.  The restaurants listed below represent only a small microcosm of the dining experiences that you will encounter in Charleston.

FIG

FIG sources products with integrity, flavor and soul, and incorporates these seasonal offerings into their menu nightly. The result is food that is honest, straightforward and pays homage to the Lowcountry, a special place they are privileged to call home. However, the FIG experience is about more than just food. A sincere effort to educate the staff on all aspects of food and beverage culture is the basis for their service philosophy.  It is their goal that guests feel special, comfortable and well taken care of.

*FIG is a limited capacity establishment, and, therefore, seating is limited to parties of (6) six or less.
The Ordinary + Fig
Photo Credit: Lindsey Harris Shorter
FIG
Dining Room / Photo Credit: Peter Frank Edwards
FIG - Bass
Bass Entrée / Photo Credit: Lindsey Harris Shorter

167 Raw Oyster Bar

167 Raw is a New England-style Oyster Bar in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Their menu highlights the outstanding seafood extravaganza that is the East Coast, spanning from New Brunswick, Canada to the local waters in Charleston and beyond. They pride themselves on bringing you the freshest seafood their oceans have to offer.

*First Come, First Serve. No Reservations*

Front of 167 Raw Oyster Bar
Entrance / Photo Credit: Cassandra Michelle
167 Raw
Photo Credit: Cassandra Michelle

167 Sushi Bar

289 East Bay St. holds a special places in the hearts of the 167 Hospitality family. From 2014-2019 it served as the first Charleston location. It originally operated as a hybrid fish market/oyster bar. After moving the oyster bar to King Street in 2020, they set out to redesign the entire building for their latest offering, 167 Sushi Bar. They offer daily nigiri, sashimi, and futomaki rolls. Additionally, they serve an array of unique hot items from the “izakaya” side of the menu. With only 24 seats, 167 Sushi Bar makes from a very intimate dining experience!

Front of 167 Sushi Bar
Photo Credit: Mike Ledford
167 Raw Oyster
Photo Credit: Mike Ledford

Frannie & The Fox

Frannie & The Fox is a wood-fired eatery with Italian sensibilities serving popular regional meals. They offer shareable and thoughtfully-sourced plates from local purveyors, along with effortless, warm service.

If you are staying at Emeline, you’re fortunate because Frannie & The Fox is located on the rooftop!

Frannie & The Fox
Photo Credit: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline
Photo Credit: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline
Photo Credit: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline
Photo Credit: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline
Photo Credit: Lindsay Shorter and Emeline

Circa 1886

Tucked within the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion®, Circa 1886 evokes the romance and old-world charm of historic downtown Charleston. Look beyond its original pine floors and charming architectural details and explore a creative menu bursting with flavors and experience unrivaled Southern hospitality. We invite you to see, taste, and sip for yourself to discover why Circa 1886 regularly ranks among the finest restaurants in downtown Charleston.

Circa 1886
Photo Credit: Circa 1886
Circa 1886
Photo Credit: Circa 1886
Circa 1886
Photo Credit: Circa 1886

Spa

Relax, refresh, and restore at Charleston’s best spa.  It’s easy to unwind at this beautiful establishment.

Spa at Wentworth Mansion

Originally the Mansion’s stables, the intimate and eucalyptus-scented Spa at Wentworth Mansion is an unmatched setting to relax, rejuvenate, and replenish. Striking architectural details, including 14-foot vaulted ceilings, arched windows, exposed brick, and rustic beams, create an air of tranquility and comfort for facials, massages, body treatments, and other spa services.

Please note: the Spa is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Photo Credit: Wentworth Mansion®
Photo Credit: Wentworth Mansion®

Shopping

Shopping - Andrea Serrano
Photo Credit: Anne Rhett Photography

Shopping in Charleston is epic!  It can be an all-day excursion if you want it to be.  With its legendary shopping reputation in mind, I consulted with Charleston’s own stylist Andrea Serrano who provided a list of her favorite stores and boutiques which you can find below.

 

Hampden

Beckett

Alala

Tiny Tassel

Harper & Hartford

Something About Me

Ensemble Consignment

Gwynn’s

Croghan’s Jewelry Box

Candlefish

Shoes on King

Sapphire

Taxidermy

Hermosa Jewelry

Hart Hagerty Studio

Thriftd

Rhodes Boutique

Nightlife

If you are planning to step out and party into the wee hours of the night, Charleston has a hopping nightlife scene.  Once again, I consulted with Andrea Serrano about her favorite spots to have fun!  You will find her picks below.

Charleston Nightlife

Ritual

Bar George

The Commodore

Bourbon N’ Bubbles

Attractions

There are many ways to see Charleston – by foot, by carriage, and by boat – just to name a few.  Listed below are two modes of transportation for your sightseeing pleasure.

Charleston Carriage Works is a leading provider of carriage tours in Charleston. Located at 20 Anson Street, they are in the very heart of Charleston’s Historic District. They pride themselves on the care of our horses and maintain the highest standards for the way they operate their business.  The custom designed and built carriages offer the highest level of comfort and safety available downtown, and the guides are the best qualified around.

Charleston Carriage Tours

Charleston Harbor Tours

Climb aboard the Carolina Belle to enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn the rich history of the Holy City. During the scenic and relaxing 90-minute tour, you will see over 75 landmarks and points of interest! Your professional USCG-licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to the history of the United States.

Carolina Belle - Harbor Tours
Photo Credit: Charleston Harbor Tours