"Just off of King Street, Rue is a charming French restaurant housed in a former two-story brick warehouse, which was built in 1880 as a space for the Charleston Manufacturing Company to store their finished products. Seating here is a mix of tiny high-top tables, cozy booths, and stools lined up at Rue's generously sized bar. The (hearty) lunch menu is especially good, with plats du jour ranging from bouillabaisse, to duck confit, to Creole-style shrimp."

"The chef behind downtown's Fig is also responsible for this Southern oyster bar and seafood hall concept on King Street. Like many popular Charleston restaurants, The Ordinary is housed in a historic building—this one used to be a bank. But The Ordinary stands out thanks to its spectacular Southern seafood line-up. Expect to see raw bar towers everywhere, along with plenty of hot dishes from BBQ white shrimp to crispy oyster sliders and steamed grouper."

"167 Raw’s original location is on Nantucket: Owner Jesse Sandole opened the place after years of running his father’s famous seafood and meat market there. The Charleston outpost is situated in a cozy space (with a cute little outdoor patio) that’s significantly brightened by the subway tiles lining the walls in all directions. The straightforward menu is all about New England dishes like clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, and a serious seafood plate, with a few geographic detours for dishes that emphasize fresh catches, like tacos, ceviche, and poke. It’s relatively new and still pretty hot, so expect to wait if you don’t arrive early—they don’t take reservations."

"Butcher & Bee is a bit out of the way, in a barn-like building that’s covered with aluminum siding and open to the patio via several sliding glass doors. The menu is all about locally (and ethically) sourced ingredients, with a strong emphasis on thick sandwiches and a mezze plate featuring several of the chef’s most popular side dishes like kale slaw, kohlrabi with yogurt, field peas, and bacon wrapped dates. Check the website in advance of your visit, as their events, from cooking classes to pop-up dinners, are said to be excellent. Also good to know: The menu changes daily; check Facebook and Twitter for the most updated versions."

"Arguably one of the best restaurants downtown, Fig is run by self-taught chef, Mike Lata, who is also the mastermind behind The Ordinary. The restaurant is big on working with local farmers, growers, and purveyors, which is reflected in the seasonal dinner menu here: king mackerel tartare, summer vegetables with porcini, baked black bass with baby fennel, pan roasted ribeye with sherried onion. Come hungry."

"One of the most recommended restaurants in Charleston, Halls Chophouse is the place to go in the city for steak. It's also a favorite Sunday brunch spot. Which means you should make a reservation early as Halls books up quickly. After eating here, walk a block down to The Cocktail Club for a handcrafted drink."

"This adorable cafe-style restaurant serves the best Asian comfort food in Charleston. Xiao Bao is a perfect, casual lunch spot (although they also do dinner Monday through Saturday)—the menu is small and unfussy, but seriously satisfying."

"The owners of Leon's decided to relocate their King Street coffee shop, Saint Albans, in favor of opening a new restaurant, Little Jack's, in its place. Little Jack's officially debuted in Charleston in 2016 and it's already proven to be a true throwback neighborhood tavern with dim lights; green and white checkered tablecloths; old-time-y photos of Frank Sinatra, boxing matches, and racing horses; super cold drinks; and an on-point menu. Try the crudité with avocado mousse, the old school gin “Kennel Club” martini, and the Tavern Burger (American cheese, sunchoke relish, sesame bun)."

"Located on the edge of the French Quarter in downtown Charleston, Belmond Charleston Place is a gorgeous hotel, with very good service. The hotel opens into an expansive marble-floor lobby with a double staircase split by a gleaming chandelier. The rooms, likewise, feel grand. Bonuses include the on-site spa, and a rooftop, heated, saltwater pool made indoor/outdoor by a retractable glass roof."

"Another terrific hotel just off King Street in the historic district area, the Mills has been open since 1853. It's part of the Wydham chain but reads more boutique thanks to its Southern decor. It has an outdoor pool, which is a welcome amenity on a hot Charleston day, and an open courtyard with a romantic fountain at its center. From the Mills, it's an easy walk to drinks at Pavilion and/or dinner at 5Church."

"Planters Inn sits right near Charleston's City Market. The 64-room hotel is a restored 1884 building designed to look and feel like a Charleston mansion. The hotel's beautiful garden was created by landscape architect Sheila Wertimer, whose handiwork you'll see around town. The rooms and suites here feature 10-foot ceilings, custom crown molding, and handcrafted, four-poster beds. Planters Inn is also home to the Peninsula Grill, where you should go for dinner, followed by coconut cake."

"The Restoration is actually made up of five different buildings (one of which dates back to 1822) that served as row houses, a vinyl record shop, a department store, a telegraph office, and a restaurant/bar in past lives. Today, The Restoration's upscale, homey feel sets it apart from other boutique hotels in the city. Staying in one of The Restoration's smartly decorated suites—which combine classic Southern design with clean, modern touches—is almost akin to staying at a really fabulous Airbnb. Everything seems slightly lived in, in the best way—but then you also get the hotel amenities. (Two of the hotel perks here: Coffee from Toby's Estate and a complimentary bike share program.)"

"Zero George Hotel (so-named for its address, which actually is 0 George Street) is made up of five restored historic homes that all face each other around a quaint, landscaped courtyard. Two of them are actually transplants that were moved here from another part of town—ask the concierge for the full story, which is fascinating and fittingly Charlestonian. The buildings have all the charm of old Charleston, but the rooms themselves feel modern, with a neutral color scheme, cozy beds, and big, bright bathrooms, plus verandas for looking out into the common space. The original 1804 carriage house plays host to the lobby and a recently renovated kitchen, where chefs host cooking classes and a wine-and-cheese happy hour that’s an excellent perk of any stay. "

"Conveniently located on campus, very close to King Street, the College of Charleston’s Halsey Institute is one of the city’s only institutions exclusively devoted to contemporary art. Their program is targeted at mid-career artists, which means that you’ll inevitably see someone for the first time that you’re likely to see again at a larger show. Look out for their student retrospectives, artists in residence program, and collaborations with other departments—they also do artist lectures and film screenings that are open to the public."

"With a 100 year history in the same building, the Gibbes Museum was more than due for a renovation. The building itself is the only Beaux Arts building in Charleston, and the renovation is really a celebration of its original layout: The two year makeover uncovered, cleaned up, and put on display original details like tile, original wood, and gorgeous stained glass. The renovation also neatly divided the building into distinct spaces—the first floor is open to the public, with a library, shop, and public programs; the second floor shows works from their collection (more than 10,000 strong); and the third floor offers contemporary artwork and visiting exhibitions. If you're there during the week, stop by on a Wednesday night, when you can hear lectures and watch film screenings on the ground level. "

"Born on Magnolia Plantation, John Drayton was the son of Thomas and Ann Drayton, a prominent colonial family in early South Carolina. He purchased Drayton Hall plantation in 1738, in the days when South Carolina (along with the rest of the country) was still a colony of Great Britain. In fact, the building is famous among scholars of architecture as the first fully executed example of the symmetrical, European Palladian style in America. Since then, the home has played an important role in practically every one of the region's historic events, from the Revolution to the Civil War to Reconstruction, making it an ideal—and stunningly beautiful—place to learn about South Carolina’s unique history, including the history of slavery. Today, the 350-acre property and painstakingly-restored house are open to the public, hosting tours of the house, lectures, and walks throughout the day. "

"Since it’s only 45 minutes from downtown Charleston, Kiawah (a beachy, Spanish-moss-covered barrier island) makes a great day trip or weekend getaway. The Sanctuary, the island’s best-known hotel, is right up along the more than 10-mile-long beach, with a gorgeous pool and one of the area’s best spas. The island is ideal for exploring via bike, and it’s also home to some of the country’s best golf courses, which can be reserved by hotel guests and members of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort (an old-school private resort that takes up most of the island). Have dinner at the Ocean Course golf club, where big windows look out over the beach."

"These are the oldest public gardens in the United States—they were founded in 1676 and have been open to the public since the 1870s. Filled with camellias or azaleas, depending on the season, they're a pretty stunning backdrop for walking and exploring. They’re also a surprisingly great family outing: Kids can check out the petting zoo, and a peacock café that features mini horses alongside the colorful birds. The original plantation home is open for tours, and unlike Drayton plantation (the gorgeously preserved house that belonged to founders Thomas and Ann’s son John), it’s furnished with family heirlooms in an effort to give visitors an idea of what life was like in the house in the 19th-century. If there’s one must-do, though, it’s the property’s award-winning “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, which explores Gullah culture in South Carolina from slavery through segregation all the way to the Civil Rights movement."

"It’s difficult to imagine now, but when the first battle of the Civil War broke out, the people of Charleston ran to their rooftops to watch the show—at 4am, the cannon fire looked almost like a fireworks show. As then, the ruins of the fort (which is now a National Park) can only be accessed by water, so you’ll have to book a boat tour with Fort Sumter Tours or drive a private boat there to do any exploring. On the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, which can usually be seen swimming around the sailboats in the harbor. "

"Of the many beautiful plantations in the Charleston area, Middleton Place along the banks of the Ashley River might be the most kid-friendly. In addition to the usual tours of the gardens and home, there's a stable and barn filled with heritage breed animals like sheep, water buffalo (a throwback to the property's days as a rice plantation), goats, chickens, pigs, and cows. On self-guided tours, you'll encounter artisans practicing trades that were once commonplace here, such as weaving, carpentry, pottery, and blacksmithing. History buffs will also love it: Arthur Middleton, who owned the plantation during the American Revolution, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the home almost didn't survive the Civil War, when it was burned by Union Troops. Of course, there's also the requisite garden, which was restored in the early 1900s and still boasts three original camellias that were brought to the house as a gift from a French botanist back in the 1800s. For a quiet, out-of-the-way vacation, the property also hosts guests in a lovely inn."

"Charleston is the ultimate walkable city, i.e. one of those places where it's enjoyable to actually wander around until you're fully lost. Its' relatively small size also means you can cover a lot of ground in a weekend, or even a day. One of the best neighborhoods to walk is the residential section of town known as South of Broad, i.e. literally south of Broad Street. To see some of the city's oldest architecture, quintessential Charleston homes (from tiny, quaint houses to grand, stately mansions), and lush gardens, walk down Church Street, taking detours to Stoll’s Alley and Zig Zag Alley. Also near Church Street is Rainbow Row (on East Bay Street, between Elliot and Tradd)—a colorful stretch of homes that dates back to the 18th-century, and perhaps the most photographed Charleston location. Another great walk is doing Tradd Street from east to west. Further south, below Tradd, and below South Battery Street, you'll find the waterfront White Point Garden, where you could walk the Battery, Charleston's historic defensive sea wall, along the Cooper River. Word to the wise, though: There are no public restrooms South of Broad. The city is trying out temporary bathrooms at Hazel Parker Playground (70 E. Bay St.), but a permanent solution is yet to be announced."

"Proof that you don’t have to go too far to be completely transported, a stay at Charleston’s Wentworth Mansion is the closest one might come to traveling back in time. The 126-year-old property makes exceptional use of its historic elements, opting to set up the spa—where you can indulge in everything from a couple's massage to a detoxifying seaweed wrap—in what used to be the stables and the famed Circa 1886 restaurant in the former carriage house overlooking the garden. Most of the 21 rooms come complete with original fireplaces and porches, while the rooftop cupola offers unbeatable views of the city. "

"For a small city, Charleston has a really solid collection of rooftop bars. This one sits at the top of Market Pavilion Hotel, and overlooks Market Street and historic Charleston with a view stretching to Cooper River. The pool here adds a slightly trendy vibe, and there's actually a pretty extensive food menu (apps, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches), making it a particularly nice spot for an afternoon drink (and bite, if you're hungry). It's also a great sunset place, and you could come here for cocktails before dinner at 5Church, which is conveniently located across the street."

"NYC's West Village meets the South in this upstairs bar-lounge perched above The Macintosh restaurant on King Street. The 1881 building has been cooly reimagined—you can see the original beams and salvaged doors through the Cocktail Club's exposed walls; and the sole, long bar is made from reclaimed wood. The layout design reads more home than bar, split into three different lounge areas, each with a slightly different vibe, a mix of high wood tables and low leather couches, fireplaces, and fun lighting accents. When the weather's nice, there is also the rooftop terrace and garden (which is where the Cocktail Club's fresh garnishes come from). The ambience here is matched by the quality handcrafted cocktails, house-made infusions, and expert spirits list."

"Despite the name, The Gin Joint doesn't really play favorites—the bartenders at this curved back corner bar serve up a range of clever cocktails, and the bartender's choice is never a bad idea (the menu encourages picking two words—i.e. spicy and unusual—to describe the flavor you're after). The bar food here is a bit more sophisticated than your average drink spot: pickled shrimp, clams and chorizo, ricotta-stuffed meatballs, pork buns with mustard green kimchi, and a smattering of cheeses and dessert plates."

"The Grand Bohemian Hotel has a combined rooftop bar and restaurant with a great surrounding view. The decor is a combination of rustic and sleek touches that just works. The glass interior of Élevé is spacious and even if you're posted at a bar stool, you feel like you're sitting outside. (And if you actually want to sit outside, Élevé has a small terrace.) In addition to being a nice drinks spot, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch."

"Of all the rooftop bars in Charleston, Vendue probably has the best view. Like the others, it's part of a hotel, but the scene here is more casual. It's a large space, split into a few levels—walk up to the very top for an unobstructed, 360-degree view of Charleston, which is well worth the steps. In addition to patio seating, Vendue has a few nooks outfitted with wicker couches that are perfect for groups. They also serve lunch and dinner, and have live music every Sunday from 4 to 7pm."

"Upper King Street is known for its bars, but The Belmont is one of the more sophisticated ones. A somewhat long, narrow space, there isn't a bad seat in the house, although the two-person high-top tables that run along the glass front make for entertaining people watching. There's also a cozy couch, intimate booths, and a bar—which is the real reason you come here: The cocktails are expertly done."

"Opened by a husband and wife duo, this intimate wine bar was made for lingering over long conversations and a few glasses. Bonus: The cheese selection is nearly as great as the wine list. "

"Sure, Revelry produces some of Charleston’s most notable brewers of craft beer (head brewer Ryan Coker is a bit of a local celebrity), but what makes it special is that it's such a gathering place for locals. Don’t be surprised if you see a group of local activists sharing ideas, a recreational kickball team celebrating a win, or friendly dogs out on the porch when you arrive. The space itself is open and industrial, with twinkle lights strung up around the kegs and kettles, and an open bar with taps shaped like red trumpets. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they host local bands for a few hours of live music."

"A bit north of the Upper King's Design District, but still on King Street, The Daily is run by the folks behind the restaurant Butcher & Bee. The coffee here is by fan favorite Stumptown, and The Daily also serves cold-pressed juice, egg sandwiches, bakery goods and bread, plus wine and beer."

"If you’re wandering through Charleston on a summer Saturday, you’re likely to come across this busy farmers market without looking too hard—its hosted in Marion Square, a super central green space that’s flanked on one side by King Street and the College of Charleston and the other by Museum Mile. The market runs every Saturday from April through November (it really even extends into December, when it converts into a holiday market). There are plenty of prepared foods vendors, and it’s undeniably fun to peruse and taste local bounty like peaches, muscadine grapes, and okra. Definitely pick up some boiled peanuts to snack on while you’re strolling."

"Neatly organized by designer, Hampden Clothing is one of the most fashion-forward shops in Charleston, with collections from goop favorites like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carven, Ulla Johnson, Stella McCartney, and Co. Hampden also has plenty of couches (should you need a bit of a break from shopping) and a stocked bar (should you need a drink). In addition to all that, attached to Hampden is their fabulously curated handbag/shoe/accessory shop, called James. (Stacy Smallwood, the owner, named both stores after her great grandfather, James Hampden Small.)"

"Billy Reid is a distinctly Southern designer, seamlessly working traditionally preppy elements (pastels, seersucker, lots of khaki and linen) into elegant, streamlined, and sometimes vintage-inspired silhouettes. His Charleston shop is divided into two departments: one for the men’s line, complete with a healthy bowtie selection, and one for the women’s collection of shift dresses, neutral knits, and chambray separates. Merchandised right into the displays are a number of giftables like stationery, art books, and knickknacks for the home."

"The very picture of a beloved neighborhood bookstore, Blue Bicycle houses a blessedly easy-to-navigate collection of new and pre-loved books spanning all genres—in addition to every single title devoted to the city of Charleston itself. The on-site event space plays host to countless author signings and talks throughout the year, while for the past 14 summers (and counting), the owners have organized a kid's writing camp to nurture little ones’ composition skills and appreciation for the written word. "

"Backed by over 100 years of occupying the same King Street storefront, Croghan’s is not only the oldest fine jewelry store in the area, it’s also one of the most well-appointed. The glass display cases house a dizzying array of new and antique jewelry and the shelves lining the perimeter of the selling floor are packed to the rafters with silver and crystal collectibles and decorative pieces. The estate engagement ring offering is particularly impressive—and really fun to play with. "

"It’s no surprise that a history-rich town like Charleston has long been a destination for treasure hunters. Taking up the ground floor of the historic Enston Building, this decades-old showroom is home to a vast collection of antique and vintage furniture, home décor, lighting, crystal, and silver—sourced locally and from estate sales all over the world and organized into neat, stroll-able aisles. "

"Set up like a cool, rustic bachelor pad rather than a standard men’s store, Brett Carron’s five-year-old shop is devoted almost exclusively to U.S.-made clothing and accessories. As the name suggests, a lot of attention is paid to jeans, the majority of which are made of selvedge denim in limited runs. The rest of the buy is equally thoughtful: shirting from Gitman Brothers Vintage, watches from Shinola, and Billykirk leather accessories. "

"John Pope graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in historic preservation (which we can only imagine to be CSI for gorgeous antiques), and his unique combination of good taste and sophisticated education makes his collection one of Charleston’s best. His King Street store is full of gems, from ceramic lamps to vintage frames, chandeliers, and taxidermy peacocks."

"This cards and paper goods shop may be tiny, but you’ll easily spend an hour in here reading all of the cute (and often hilarious) cards on the shelves. For design geeks, there is also a bright section filled with boutique wrapping paper, and great wedding invitations for brides-to-be."

"A King Street staple for more than twenty years, Worthwhile is located in the old McIntosh Seed House, which is an old general store. It’s hard to make generalizations about the buy here since it’s simultaneously eclectic and very intentional; you’ll find everything from Elder Statesmen and Isabel Marant to quirky local lines, plus a very cool selection of home goods and beauty products displayed on stunning wood built-in shelving–including our very own goop fragrance. Great news: If you aren’t heading to Charleston anytime soon, they have a great online shop."

"While there's no lack of great restaurants in this city, we long anticipated the opening of Basic Kitchen since we first heard it was in-the-works. Entrepreneurs Kate and Ben Towill, the married duo behind creative design/development company Basic Projects and lauded restaurants The Fat Radish and The Ferry Boat Inn, have created a downtown neighborhood spot that serves local, clean, healthy food (think: wild-caught fish, whole grain bowls, and fresh juices) that still manages to satisfy in that Southern way. In tandem with a stellar menu, the vibe is inviting and relaxed, with custom streamlined furniture punctuating the bright, light-filled historic space. A perfect neighborhood spot for a cozy dinner or killer weekend brunch. "

"Located in a converted auto body shop, Leon's was opened by Charleston restaurateur Brooks Reitz—who previously served as general manager at Fig and The Ordinary—and partner Tim Mink. The industrial interior is hip, but this really feels like a neighborhood joint—the outdoor patio, with its mismatched chairs and yellow umbrellas, could be straight out of a backyard BBQ. Leon's is known for their oysters and fried chicken—order some of each."

"There are so many great casual restaurants in Charleston, but if you're looking for something more elegant, head to the Peninsula Grill at Planter's Inn. It's a white tablecloth restaurant with a romantic, candle- and lantern-lit courtyard attached. The dinner menu is seasonal and largely Southern, with a world famous coconut cake for dessert."

"Named for a dog who stayed at this Victorian home-turned-restaurant after his owners moved away, Poogan's Porch is a Charleston institution. They have a quality 1500-bottle wine cellar, as well as a good selection of wine by the glass, and their fried chicken is a crowd pleaser. Unlike a lot of restaurants in Charleston that just do Sunday brunch, Poogan's does brunch on Saturday, too, and it's really good. Afterward, walk a block south, and meander around the neighborhood, referred to as South of Broad, to see some of Charleston's most stunning antebellum mansions."