If you’re chasing a little cobblestone charm — here’s a look at things to do around Charleston SC.

I’d only heard good things about South Carolina’s not-so-secret favorite town. Like most — a modern-day romance led me to Charleston: my best friend’s “Last Splash.” No one, and I mean no one, does bachelorettes like Charleston. Take it from a professional traveler who eventually stopped country county counting, Charleston is the Queen of Hearts — she’s the queen of all things bridal, bachelorette, and bachelor entanglements.

With this in mind, here are some darling spots to visit around Charleston. Camera optional, special moments not.

1. Explore Downtown Charleston’s Colorful History

An Antebellum treasure, walk the historic streets of Charleston. Snap a few pics with the pastel architecture. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and walking shoes (that can handle the cobblestone).

view of Charleston from Emeline

King’s Street in Charleston, SC

2. A Sweet Stay In

Every once in a while, I remember that people spend millions of dollars a year on “stay-cations.” Why? Because the best forms of self-care include rest. Staying in for you can be whatever you like — a romantic night with your significant other, a solo spa day, or like ours — a little champagne and a lot of girl time. We really wanted to be present with each other, not just with the town — AND we really wanted to enjoy such a beautiful property!  We stayed at the Emeline which deserves all of its glory (Travelers’ Choice on Trip Advisor, Four Diamond Award, and oh so many Instagram followers).

Emeline boasts 13,000 square feet of carefully crafted space. Its thoughtfully designed with clever, luxury interiors. It features a wood-fired eatery (Frannie & The Fox), a cute coffee shop, a courtyard, and a series of spaces perfect for events.

staying in to play games

how beautiful are the rooms? 

3. Eat Out, Drink Out!

A list of things to do around Charleston wouldn’t be complete without the top foodie spots. Downtown Charleston has so many options. Here were some of my favorites.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Charleston:

• Frannie & The Fox: I’m biased here because I went more than once. Frannie & The Fox is a hot spot for brunch. It’s also located within the Emeline which made it accessible. And it’s super Instagram-able.
• Basic Kitchen: healthy eats
• Felix: great for cocktails!
• Clerk’s Coffee: quick grab or cute for a sit-down
• Bistro a Vin: perfect for appetizers, and they do wine tasting on Tuesdays
• Darling Oyster Bar: I didn’t have a chance to make it, but it was recommended more than once by locals and a friend who had visited

Bistro a Vin

Felix

4. Shop like a Charleston Queen

Hear me out — shopping isn’t typically on my travel bucket list. However, Charleston has a unique boutique scene that A. reflects the culture B. makes you want to get a little something nice for someone. It’s perfect for creative gift giving.

One-of-a-Kind Shops:

• The Shops at Charleston Place (a market series making it easy to support locals)
• Candlefish: a library of “scents”
• Love Shack Fancy: the most feminine, most pink, most floral shop you’ll ever see!
• Brackish: hand-crafted bowties, jewelry, and more — all embellished with feathers

The Shops at Charleston Place

Candlefish