Charmed By Charleston

Every time I have to leave Charleston, SC I go kicking and screaming. The town is one of the most charming and beautiful places I've ever been. It is rich with history and full of to-die-for food. Trust me, Charleston's ocean setting and can't-stop-till-you-drop shopping make Charleston a top travel destination.

With my sister's help, she's a local, I put together a little guide for doing Charleston right. Dig your teeth in!

Stay:

Charleston Place: A beautifully Southern hotel complete with a great bar, go-to shops, and a lovely spa. Can I check in now?

Zero George Street Boutique Hotel: Tradition meets the contemporary South at this inviting hotel composed of five restored historical residential buildings.

Zero George Street Boutique Hotel

Zero George Street Boutique Hotel

Do:

Walk along Rainbow Row and The Battery

Rainbow Row

Take a carriage ride

Peruse the historical City Market for straw sweet grass baskets

Browse the farmer's market in Marion Square on Saturday mornings to enjoy breakfast & discover local artists

Shop:

Hampden Clothing: for designers including A.L.C., Current/Elliott, Equipment, Jenni Kayne, Rag & Bone, & Tucker

Palm Avenue: for Lily Pulitzer

Acquisitions: for amazing home wear and furniture

Lily: for cards, stationary, jewelry, and beautiful trinkets

Eat:

The Macintosh: The menu changes with the season and never fails to impress for cocktails & dinner

Poogan's Porch: A Breakfast, lunch, & dinner must - the shrimp & grits

Poogan's Porch

Blossom: Go here for good ole' Southern seafood

Husk: The pig ear lettuce wraps sound risky but they are to die for

Hall's Chop House: Hall's boasts a versatile menu but I always pick a steak when dining here

Hominy Grill: Oprah's favorite restaurant in Charleston serves up delicious breakfast and lunch (Don't miss the okra & shrimp beignets)

Hominy Grill

Drink:

The Cocktail Club: An diverse cocktail menu + regular live music = a great environment for gathering and drinking

Midtown: The inside bar, outdoor patio bar, pool table, and live music make for a laid back college bar

The Rooftop Bar at Vendue Inn: Go here for refreshing cocktails and one-of-a-kind views of the Charleston harbor

Wear:

When I was in Charleston last week I experienced typical Southern summer weather - warm & humid with afternoon showers. One day I worked with the weather by wearing this lightweight Anthropologie jumpsuit. The ikat jumpsuit packs great and has a feminine fit with the tie waist so it was the perfect choice (speaking of jumpsuits, I'm also currently coveting this Anthropologie romper for summer!).

I also embraced the city's proximity to the water and sported this J.Crew floral anchor tee. Let's be honest, I often throw a nautical twist into my dressing.

All in all, my sister and I agree that Charleston is the perfect city to travel to with girlfriends, with your family, or for a couple's weekend. Xoxo travel bugs!