By Grace Littles
Like the roots of the magnolia trees in Battery Park—Charleston, South Carolina’s history, indulgent luxury, and southern tradition run deep. However, something that really stands out about Charleston is her architecture and design scene.
Often called out for the similarities she shares with Southern European towns, Charleston is known for its classic buildings and splashes of color. The Historical Society in town takes their jobs seriously, constantly preserving and refurbishing the original structures, to allow us a glimpse into the past, all while enjoying the luxuries of modern life.
Charleston boasts a booming food scene, lush gardens and marshes that tease the delights hiding in the water below. If you have never tried a Charleston oyster, let this guide lead you to the first (and best) one you will ever have! If you have had the pleasure of indulging in one of the ocean-delights, you know what I’m talking about! If it’s not your thing…well, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered too.
Without further ado, here is Textures’ ultimate guide to a 36-hour trip from Nashville to Charleston:
DAY ONE:
FLIGHT: Roundtrip Southwest Airlines flight from BNA to CH
You’re in luck…there is a direct flight from Nashville to Charleston! Hop on the early morning Southwest flight that typically takes off between 9 and 10am, and you’ll arrive before noon with the time change from CT to ET, giving you the rest of the day to explore the low country. We recommend departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday, for easy travel and booking purposes. The world (Charleston) is your oyster—pun intended. Choose the latest return flight option for the following day, typically around 8pm, giving you the perfect amount of time to enjoy the city before the weekend crowd rolls in.
HOTEL: The Dewberry located at 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC, 29403
The Dewberry is the perfect mix between the antique southern charm you crave when you visit, and the modern luxurious feel you would want from a 5-star hotel. This location puts you right in the heart of shopping, dining and nightlife, so you won’t have to walk too far for something to do. Once you land, uber over to the hotel and drop your bags with the concierge who will keep them safe until it’s time to check into your room, around 4pm.
COFFEE: Baba’s on Cannon
After a flight, we always want a little pick-me-up, and Baba’s on Cannon is our pick. Just a short but lovely stroll from your hotel, they offer a variety of coffee and little snacks to hold you over until later. If you are a coffee drinker, we recommend trying their homemade peanut milk, and the banana bread is a must! Sit, sip, and nibble, while you get your bearings and watch the city do its thing. Another thing to note before we move on is Baba’s reputation for their prime location and wine selection that the locals will hit for an early happy hour—so keep that in mind for future visits!
SHOWROOM TOUR: Navy Yard Charleston Storehouse 9—2154 Noisette Blvd, Suite 110, Charleston, SC 29405
After you’ve gotten your caffeine fix, it’s time for the main event: the showroom tour. Textures joins beloved and established Charleston brands such as The Urban Electric Co., Fritz Porter, and Smithey Ironware Company with its newest showroom in the new Charleston Design District. Just a short 15-minute drive away, our showroom features all of Textures’ hardwood collections, stunning millwork, and showcases our capabilities in a 2,000 square foot space. Meet the local team, peruse the beautiful new space, and pop your head into the other showrooms in the District. We are so proud to share this space with the other members of the design community in Charleston!
HAPPY HOUR / APERITIF: LEON’S Oyster Shop
It’s nearing the end of the day and it’s time for Happy Hour! LEON’S Oyster Shop has been serving the downtown Charleston community some of the best oysters in town for over ten years. The restaurant resides in an old body shop that belonged to Leon Ravenel and evokes laid-back charm and comfortability. You can’t go wrong with the classic raw oysters or indulging in the world-famous char-grilled option. Wash it all down with a cold drink—we’re biased towards an Aperol Spritz or their frozen G&T—and relax for a bit. *HOT TIP* Follow their IG for daily specials and happy hour details.
*Break to go to the hotel, check-in, freshen up, and get ready for the evening*
DINNER: We’ll give you a few options…
Charleston’s bustling food scene can be overwhelming when trying to pin down a good spot. Here are a few of our favorites, because we get it, you don’t really know what you will be craving when it comes time. Everything we recommend is within walking distance of your hotel, and we promise you’ll leave any of these restaurants satisfied!
- For pizza or pasta, Melfi’s is going to be your best spot. It’s a classy but trendy Italian place that sets a positive vibe as soon as you walk in. You’ll likely be able to walk-in or make a reservation not too far in advance.
- For seafood—The Ordinary. Situated in an old bank, The Ordinary offers some of the best seafood in town. This restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, boasting well-maintained classic southern architecture alongside the mouth-watering freshly caught seafood. Make a reservation in advance.
- For a unique meal, Chubby Fish. You’ve heard of farm to table? Chubby Fish is dock to table. The head chef and owner, James, uses local produce and products to curate seasonal dishes from the available fresh catch and harvested crops that come daily. A MUST TRY is the “caviar sammich”…trust us. Chubby Fish does not take reservations and opens at 5pm, so if you can get there early, it’s worth it.
- For a French twist, try Chez Nous, a beloved local spot nestled in an old, restored house tucked away in a side alley. Choose from a handful of elevated, seasonal dishes featured on their daily menu—handwritten in an elegant script, which also makes for a beautiful souvenir. The cozy, quaint decor paired with an exceptional meal and wine list will leaving you feeling as if you stepped off the streets of Charleston and into an intimate bistro in Southern France.
NIGHT CAP: A few different options depending on your vibe.
Like her food scene, Charleston has no shortage of fun, exciting, and uniquely Charleston places to end your evening. Whether you’re craving a nightcap or a sweet treat, we’ve got you covered!
- For an espresso martini: Felix. We know that everywhere boasts having “the best espresso martini in town” …but we’re going to save you the trouble and can guarantee you won’t be disappointed by this one. Bonus points for a “pumpkin spice” edition in the fall. Double bonus points for serving a late-night menu of truffle fries and other delights until 2am.
- For a one-of-a-kind cocktail, we recommend The Cocktail Club. Their rotating drink menu features unique cocktails with quirky names like the “Yoga Pants” or the “Stay At Home Dad”. Located right off busy King St, Cocktail Club evokes a 1920’s feel with exposed beams and cladding, comfortable chairs and couches, and even an outdoor patio. You can’t go wrong with this pick, and it has something for everyone!
- Feeling fancy? Try Madison Maison for some champagne and caviar! This newer spot is a popping upscale lounge showcasing eclectic design, bold colors and loud patterns across the venue. You’ll be sure to have a memorable night cap if you stop by this one!
- Not feeling like drinking? Charleston’s own Off Track Ice Cream is our number one recommendation if you have a sweet tooth. Offering both vegan and regular options, Off Track creates their ice cream in house every day. Since they stay open until 10PM, you’ll be able to get there just in time to grab a scoop (or two).
DAY TWO:
Your checkout time isn’t until noon, so feel free to catch a few extra hours of shut eye if you need it. However, the allure of a quiet King Street before the rest of the city has awoken is a magical experience.
BRUNCH
- For a little more food, but a unique experience, you must hit Daps Breakfast & Imbibe. This is a local gem, and while it is probably an uber ride away (for time’s sake, although the neighborhood is walkable), it is 100% worth it. Their breakfast burrito is the best we’ve had to date, and their hash never misses. Our Charleston team always recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for a spot that won’t pop up on Yelp’s tour guides…this is a local’s best kept secret!
- Option number two makes a little more logistical sense for the rest of our itinerary based on location and is great for coffee and a snack. We present to you: the Mercato at Sorelle. Sorelle would also make for a great option in the “dinner” portion of this itinerary, but it requires a reservation pretty far in advance. Nonetheless, a trip to Sorelle, located just off Broad St, is both an architectural and food dream. Admire the interiors while sipping on your coffee of choice and munching on a pastry or sandwich to keep you energized throughout your next stop. You’ll need it for what’s next on the itinerary!
ARCHITECTURE WALK:
What we’ve got planned next is going to be a delectable feast for your eyes and soul and feed your inspiration rather than your belly.
We started in “upper King” —the luxury shopping and dining area of Charleston. From here, you’ll start walking to “lower King,” towards Battery Park. The beauty of this walk is to get lost in the sights, so just head in the general direction of the park, and take whatever twists and turns speak to you!
Known as the Holy City, your walk will have no shortage of beautiful chapels, in addition to the historic homes. There are even some cobblestone roads that still exist from the original building of the town, with moss and roots growing between them.
The City of Charleston has many local ordinances that require the historical buildings to remain intact. This has caused a juxtaposition between the modern world we live in, and the stunning past visible throughout the city. In Charleston, no building is allowed to be built taller than the tallest steeple, maintaining a stunning skyline, and requiring architects to get creative with limited vertical space.
This remarkable city is one of the few places in the U.S. so well protected and committed to preserving its original character, offering endless inspiration for anyone with a passion for architecture.
LAST SUPPER:
This one is a personal favorite, as someone who lived in Charleston when it opened—Bar 167! Now, don’t get it confused with its predecessors, 167 Raw, or 167 Sushi Bar. While they are by the same hospitality group, and are all fabulous in their own right, Bar 167, located just off King St on Fulton, is the place we always bring guests. The swanky bistro transports you to the Mediterranean with fresh and delicious seafood, and one-of-a-kind drinks. Our personal recommendation for seafood lovers is the Arroz Con Negro…you won’t regret trying it!
FINAL DETAILS:
After a day of walking, eating, and soaking in all of Charleston’s charm, it’s time to say goodbye to the Holy City! If your feet are protesting, hop in a rickshaw for a breezy ride back to the hotel. Still up for one last wander? Take it slow and enjoy the stroll. Once you’re back, grab your bags and head to CHS for your flight home to Nashville.
Hopefully you leave Charleston feeling refreshed, inspired, and maybe even planning your next trip. And remember—Textures Charleston will be waiting whenever you need another design reset. Until next time!
