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Hart's Guide to Charleston, SC
Jewelry genius Hart Hagerty shares where to eat, stay and explore in the Holy City.
Widely considered one of the best places in the U.S. to visit, Charleston’s food and beverage scene is arguably one of the main reasons to head to the Holy City.
Turns out, Food & Wine, Southern Living and Travel + Leisure agree, as they are the media juggernauts behind the inaugural Food & Wine Classic happening in Charleston September 27 – 29th.
Local talents Mike Lata of The Ordinary and FIG, Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott BBQ, James London from Chubby Fish and Carrie Morey from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit will be on hand, as well as wine & spirits all stars like Johnny Caldwell & Taneka Reaves from Cocktail Bandits, Ann Marshall & Scott Blackwell from High Wire Distilling Co. and Femi Oyediran, Sommelier & Co-Owner of cult-favorite Graft Wine Shop. Big names from TV like Tyler Florence, Andrew Zimmern, Maneet Chauhan and Al Roker will also be there.
But, for those itching to get a true taste of all Charleston has to offer, we tapped Hart Hagerty, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of skyrocketing jewelry brand HART, to give us an insider’s guide to Charleston.
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A seventh-generation native Charlestonian, Hagerty founded her jewelry line in 2016. After selling thousands of pairs of her signature tassel earrings, she expanded the line under the north star of “soulful adornment,” including beaded bracelets with mindful mantras and customizable charm jewelry that feels fresh and modern. When she’s not working, she relishes in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry: sailing with her husband, surfing, hosting porch parties, painting the local flora and chasing after her two young daughters.
As part of the Food & Wine Classic, Hart is leading a shopping tour in conjunction with Travel + Leisure.
But if you can’t get tickets, we’ve got the scoop on the best of Charleston from Hart herself:
Every hotel recommendation on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you do book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Where To Stay
The Dewberry
Honoring the history of the landmark L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building (circa 1964), The Dewberry captures the luxury and quiet restraint that are hallmarks of historic Charleston.
Rooms start at $389, book now.
Post House Inn
A coastal tavern and inn set in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant, Post House has seven cozy hotel rooms and a bit of salty air.
Rooms start at $348, book now.
The George Hotel
A boutique newcomer along the waterfront in Georgetown, SC's historic district, The George is a little off the beaten path but feels like it's been there forever.
Rooms start at $299, book now.
The Pinch Hotel
This stunner is in the heart of downtown Charleston right off King. Housed in two original Victorian-style structures dating back as early as 1843, alongside one newly constructed building, the property has been thoughtfully transformed and is a hidden gem.
Rooms starts at $439, book now.
Zero George
Zero George is the height of luxury and Old-World Charleston. Set inside immaculately restored circa 1804 buildings, the private feel and lush courtyard make it feel almost otherworldly.
Rooms start at $699, book now.
Where To Eat & Drink
babas on Cannon
babas on cannon is an all-day café inspired by the neighborhood cafés and bars of Europe. It’s the perfect meeting place or neighborhood spot for espresso and pastries, at lunch for sandwiches and sexy salads, and in the evenings for cocktails and wine.
Vern's
This neighborhood newcomer from Bethany and Dano Heinze serves some of the best food in the city. The feel is cozy and welcoming and the wine list is unmatched.
Costa
We love to go here for a sophisticated night out that feels like you’re on the Amalfi Coast. This is the same chef as Zero George and the food is outstanding. Great for happy hour as well.
Chico Feo
When we go to Folly Beach, we always make a stop at Chico Feo for good drinks and good times. The winter menu has ramen, which is tough to find in Charleston. Great for kids, dogs, you name it.
Renzo
This is the ultimate neighborhood pizza place if that place had the best pizza in town, along with a killer wine list. It’s just a block from our office and we love the owners, Nayda and Erik. Definitely one of Charleston’s best kept secrets.
Where To Explore
What To Pack
Isla Surf School on Folly Beach
We’re big beach people and love this sweet surf school at Folly Beach. They offer lessons for all levels of surfing and kids camps in the summer.
A Walk Underneath the Oaks in Hampton Park
Charleston is overflowing with big, beautiful nature. But one of the best ways to really take in the beauty of the city is a walk through Hampton Park, set right next to The Citadel and in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city.
Exploring Boneyard Beach and Trails of Botany Bay on Edisto Island
Even though we have it all in Charleston, we do like to get out of the city and our first stop is Edisto Island, just a 30-minute drive from downtown. Visiting feels like a step back to simpler times and there is something for everyone, even the most active.
Ferry to Bull's Island for Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge
This is a great activity to explore an island only accessible by boat. You can take the ferry and bring your own bike to explore further afar.
Sunset Walk or Run Over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Spanning 2.5 miles across, walking (or running) across the Ravenel is one of our favorite ways to get some fresh air, take in the beautiful city and get your heart pumping.
