Seven-day weekend; that’s how our magnificent sojourn to Charleston, South Carolina got underway. My husband and I walked into the Ryder Hotel for the first time and were presented with a “welcome cocktail” from the fabulous bar we had yet to discover inside.

Considering we’d dedicated seven days to this much-needed getaway, it was nothing short of kismet, and a brilliantly punny foreshadowing of the leisurely week ahead.

We’d booked the entire trip on a whim about three and a half weeks before departure. Unbeknownst to us, this historic locale (formerly the King Charles Inn) in the tippity-top of the French Quarter reopened just a month prior. If there’s a tangible, hospitality version of my spirit self, it’s the Ryder Hotel’s Little Palm Bar. 

The Little Palm is a sight for sore eyes. Hollywood Regency Glam at its most vibrant. A wrap-around bar that’s open on all four sides overlooks a boho-chic pool area, replete with eight-foot wide plaid umbrellas and relaxation vibes for days. Honestly, I had no idea I’d ever be so drawn to plaid so much. Cortney Bishop; you’re a bold af design kween. 

Normally on our vaca-aways, my husband and I tend to go-go-go. Talk to the locals, shoot-from-the-hip, always finding fantastically authentic and fun things to see and do. Perhaps it was the effortlessly tranquil vibes of our poolside accommodations, but I’m delighted to report we lounged so hard on this trip. We ate, we drank, we chatted with new friends and strutted about the gorgeous city streets. It was such a lovely thing.

This teeny tiny Charleston travel guide captures all the wonderful places to hit up if you’re going on a vacation to, quite literally, go on vacation. To recharge your batteries, indulge, imbibe and just have a dang good time. 

There’s a few must-have inclusions from our previous trip seven years back, which will be noted with an asterisk.* 

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Ryder Hotel
237 Meeting Street 
www.theryderhotel.com

1837 Bed & Breakfast*
126 Wentworth Street
www.1837bb.com

DINING

5Church – Reservations recommended
32 North Market Street
www.5churchcharleston.com

Husk – Reservations recommended
76 Queen Street
www.huskrestaurant.com

Doar Bros. 
225 Meeting Street
www.doarbros.com

Rodney Scott’s 
1011 King Street
www.rodneyscottsbbq.com

Pearlz Oyster Bar
153 East Bay Street
www.pearlzoysterbar.com

Blind Tiger Pub
38 Broad Street
blindtigerchs.com

Poe’s Tavern*
2210 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island
www.poestavern.com

Breakfast

Virginia’s on King
412 King Street
www.holycityhospitality.com/virginias-on-king/

Basic Kitchen
82 Wentworth Street
www.basickitchen.com

Handy & Hot
68 Wentworth Street
www.handyandhot.com

DRINKS

Little Palm (within the Ryder Hotel)
237 Meeting Street 
www.theryderhotel.com

Henry’s on the Market
54 North Market Street
www.henrysonthemarket.com

Prohibition
547 King Street
www.prohibitioncharleston.com

The Watch Rooftop (above the Restoration Hotel)
75 Wentworth Street
www.therestorationhotel.com/the-watch-rooftop/

High Wire Distillery
311 Huger Street
highwiredistilling.squarespace.com

Mac’s Place (Chicago sports bar)
215 East Bay Street
www.macsplacecharleston.com

THINGS TO SEE + DO

Rainbow Row 
The most colorful row homes you ever did see.

Queen Street 
Transport back in time with a fabulous jaunt down a historic street

Pineapple Fountain
Gorgeous black fountain along the west-facing coastline.

The Battery
White Point Garden & Heron Rookery (see the silliest baby birds that are loud and floppy)

Old Charleston Jail*
A late-night haunted walking tour through the oldest city jail.

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon*
Museum and slightly haunted cellar tour harking back to the city’s history.

Charleston Fire Department Station
It’s just really dang cool and the dalmation sculpture is precious.

Sullivan’s Island*
Leisurely beachside area with dining and little shops.

Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre*
Didn’t actually do this, but it looks so damn cool. Next time for us nerdz.

South Carolina Aquarium*
So many recommendations to go here, on the list for next time!

TREAT YO’ SELF – SHOPPING + SELF-CARE

Earthling Day Spa
245 East Bay Street
www.earthlingdayspa.com

East Bay Nail Spa
334 East Bay Street
www.eastbaynailspa.com

Spice & Tea Exchange of Charleston
170 Church Street
www.spiceandtea.com/charleston.html

Charleston City Market
188 Meeting Street
www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com

Charleston Power Yoga
557 King Street
www.charlestonpoweryoga.com