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Curator’s statement
With its grand columned architecture, charming gardens, and lively harborfront, Charleston exudes old-world Southern charm. Stroll the historic streets lined with pastel-painted homes, shop the buzzing City Market or sophisticated stores of King Street, and savor Lowcountry cuisine's fusion of African, French, and English influences that continues to delight visitors today.
The Fora Difference
Book with Sarah to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
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Killer perks
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Charleston, SC
The Dewberry Charleston
Charleston’s reigning style stay overlooking Marion Square, with a popular terrace lounge and must-visit rooftop bar.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Bennett
Named #1 luxury hotel in the US, this chic Charleston hotel is perfect for romantic and girls trips with private club experiences.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Charleston Place
Iconic Charleston landmark with lavish accommodations, legendary service and experiences to elevate your experience in the Southern city.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
$45 daily breakfast credit.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Zero George Street Hotel
Sophisticated chic Charleston home with an air of Southern charm perfect for laying back on the balcony or enjoying a bike ride around town.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Sarah to book your trip.
Things to Do in Charleston, SC
Stroll to the Waterfront
Take in Rainbow Row, Charleston’s famous pineapple fountain, and the bustling Historic City Market (Friday & Saturday nights are dedicated to handcrafted and locally made goods).
Carriage Tours
Discover the city by horse-drawn carriage on a daytime or evening tour with happy horses that vacation 5 months a year.
Tiki Tour
See Charleston by water on a laidback BYOB boat tour, great for groups.
Firefly Distillery
Escape to the countryside, just 20 minutes outside downtown, for an enlightening distillery tour or to simply relax with a craft spirit on the patio.
Sullivan’s Island
Bask on wide sandy beaches and take in sweeping ocean views on this tranquil barrier island just minutes from downtown.
Ft. Sumter
Journey out by ferry for a history lesson at this iconic 2-hour tour.
CandleFish
Ignite your inner artist as you create your own unique aromatic candles from start to finish at this creative hands-on workshop.
The Spa at The Dewberry
Curated by renowned spa expert Lydia Mondavi, experience a nourishing sanctuary captured by the essence of the Lowcountry, invigorating your mind, body and spirit.
Shopping
Experience Charleston’s unique shopping scene, where King Street’s Finicky Filly offers high-end, luxury goods, Birlant Antiques takes you on a timeless journey for remarkable antiques, Charleston Artist Collective unveils the vibrant creations of local artists, Elizabeth Stuart welcomes you with an eclectic fusion of home decor, clothing and accessories, Beau and Ro beckons with Charleston-chic fashion and accessories for women, Mildred Newberry delights with greeting cards, stationery and charming gifts, each store exuding its own distinctive charm.
Places to eat & drink in Charleston, SC
Breakfast & Coffee
If you book your hotel through me, you’ll enjoy complimentary breakfast or enjoy a venture out to enjoy a delicious bite at:
Bitty & Beau’s
A charming coffee shop with pastries served with warmth by intellectually disabled staff.
Cattie’s
Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits steal the show at this bustling downtown spot for Lowcountry cuisine.
La Patisserie
Indulge your sweet tooth with macarons and croissants at this French-inspired bakery (located inside Hotel Bennett).
High Cotton
Creative Southern brunch fare in an elegant white tablecloth setting.
Lunch
Hymans
Frequented by celebrities, enjoy no-frills, authentic low-country cuisine and amazing Bloody Mary's in a laid-back, dive-y setting.
Basic Kitchen
Get a refreshing break from heavy fare with small plates, salads, bowls, and burgers.
Leon’s
Chicken and seafood prepared in diverse styles in a funky, eclectic old garage setting.
Carmella’s cafe and dessert bar
Grab a sandwich and indulge in a full bar with delicious chocolate martinis and the "drunkest" milkshakes.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Sink your teeth into melt-in-your-mouth barbecue from an award-winning pitmaster.
The Obstinate Daughter
Enjoy wood-fired dishes, island cocktails, and dazzling sunsets on the patio at this laidback Sullivan's Island restaurant.
Dinner
82 Queen
Quintessential Southern fare, including the tomato pie you must try in this charming historic home. (Enjoy a pre-dinner drink next door at HUSK).
Fig
Approachable Southern cuisine in a lively setting that honors the Lowcountry's rich culinary heritage.
Anson
Seasonal ingredients star here, known for duck fat apple strudel enjoyed in an intimate, sophisticated setting.
The Darling Oyster
Slurp fresh oysters and seafood in a chic, nautical-inspired setting at this dock-to-table restaurant.
Chubby Fish
Dock-to-table seafood shines in a casual, breezy spot in Historic Elliotborough.
Drinks
HUSK
Sip handcrafted cocktails in the garden or inside at this renowned Southern restaurant.
The Citrus Club
Sip cocktails on the roof or in the chic lounge at this stylish bar atop The Dewberry hotel. If it’s rainy, visit The Living room (downstairs).
Fiat Lux
Hotel Bennett's rooftop bar offers breezy cocktails and stellar views.
Pavillion Bar
Perched atop The Market Pavilion Hotel, enjoy panoramic city views. Stop at Bar 225 on your way for their famous “Nitrotini.”
The Belmont
An intimate setting for craft cocktails in downtown Charleston.
Bin 152
Swirl and sip your way through an eclectic wine list at this cozy wine bar.
Need to know
Transportation: No need for a car in this charming city. Charleston is walkable and most hotels have free bike rentals. Ferries and Ubers are also readily available.
Reservations: Charleston is a foodie town, so plan on booking dinner reservations well in advance.
Food: If you are new to lowcountry cuisine, pace yourself. It’s delicious, but can be filling.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Eppler
Get in touch with Sarah
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FORA Charleston guide - https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/fora-essentials-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-trip-charleston-sc
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Carolina.