Local's Guide to Hotels & Restaurants in Charleston

After checking into your accommodations, I recommend making the trek down to the historic Battery park. Along the way, zig and zag through the cobblestone streets while marveling at the one of a kind architecture. There is truly nothing more beautiful than the historic mansions, colorful homes and iron gates that line the side streets. I can't begin to tell you the amount of times my husband and I have gotten happily lost on these alleys - it's one of our favorite Sunday activities.

I also highly recommend doing a walking tour downtown. It is so special to hear the stories of the people that lived in the houses and streets that you're walking through.

If the weather is less than stellar one day, we also have a wonderful aquarium to take advantage of. This is a great place to take kids as well!

You also can't come to Charleston without shopping down King Street. There are a plethora of shops from your boutique baby stores to your high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The options are endless. Some of my favorites include Lake Pajamas, Hampden clothing, Amanda Lindroth, Shoes on King and Madison Matthews.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also drive down to our favorite beach, Sullivan's Island for lunch and a beach walk. Home Team BBQ is our favorite lunch spot and another one of our Sunday rituals. Be sure to get the pulled briskets nachos and their famous Game Changer drink (or my favorite, the frozen Irish coffee). After indulging yourselves, take a walk down the beach and admire all of the beautiful homes that line the ocean. They are truly spectacular!

For lunch/brunch, I highly recommend the following:

Halls Chophouse - Be sure to go on a Sunday to experience their one-of-a-kind gospel brunch.

Leon's - Casual and fun atmosphere with the best chargrilled oysters you will ever eat.

Gaulart & Maliclet Fast and French Café - Hidden gem that has been a staple in Charleston for generations. Grab a seat on the sidewalk and enjoy a house rose with your croissant and cup of soup.

Home Team BBQ (either the downtown or Sullivan's Island location) - me and my husband's favorite Sunday spot for lunch. Don't miss their famous frozen cocktails and dry rub wings!

167 Raw Oyster Bar (do not take reservations, get there early - so worth it!)

Post House Inn - Wonderful brunch spot in Old Village Mt. Pleasant - beautiful neighborhood to walk around before or after.

The Obstinate Daughter - The most delicious brunch spot on Sullivan's Island. Take a walk on the beach after to soak it all in!

Next up is my favorite category, pre/post dinner cocktails. There are so many incredible options downtown, but a couple of our go-to's are:

The Spectator Hotel - Cozy hotel bar in a Gatsby-esque library room. Phenomenal drinks! Be sure to dry the Revolver (their take on an Old Fashioned) and the Dude Imbibes (similar to a White Russian).

Bar Vaute (below Brasserie Le Banque) - Our favorite little hidden gem. What used to be an old bank vault is now the the only underground bar in downtown. Speakeasy vibes with delicious cocktails. Their 30-layer crepe cake is a must order!

The Citrus Club - Beautiful rooftop bar with amazing views. Try to get a spot here at sunset! Their crab dip and parmesan fries are some of my favorite apps in Charleston.

Last Saint - A new spot in town and a bit off the beaten path, this is a great neighborhood cocktail spot when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of King Street. The bartenders are friendly and their craft cocktails are one-of-a-kind!

Cocktail Club - Fun, upbeat lounge tucked away on King Street with unique craft cocktail options. This is one of our favorite spots after dinner if we are looking for live music and good drinks.

Finally, we have made it to dinner options. This list is every changing in my notes section, but our current favorites are:

The Ordinary - Located in a 1920s bank with a classic seafood menu. Be sure to get their seafood tower!

Chez Nous - Cozy, french restaurant with a new, handwritten menu every night. Great spot for a date night!

Chubby Fish - Comfortable neighborhood eatery with an every changing seafood menu. They do not take reservations so put your name down and walk next door for a drink while you wait.

167 Sushi - Intimate sushi bar where you sit at the chef's counter and enjoy everything they throw at you.

Le Farfalle - I don't even like Italian and this is one of my favorite restaurants - don't skip the whipped ricotta appetizer!

Jackrabbit Filly - Asian fusion restaurant in Park Circle - an eclectic neighborhood 15 min. north of downtown

While this list is in no way exhaustive of every place we have tried in Charleston and enjoyed, it does encompass our favorite go-to spots.