Start your day in Charleston at The Mills House Hotel
Want to spend a day in downtown Charleston without having to get in your car? I love walking from place to place, and Charleston’s historic district is super-walkable. Wake up from your stay at the Mills House Hotel and walk downstairs for coffee at the vibrant Black Door Cafe. This 171-year-old hotel is one of our favorites in Charleston due to its gorgeous, expansive lobby. The hotel also features nice outdoor spaces, a cute gift shop, an elegant bar, and a good restaurant for a sit-down breakfast.
Spend A Day in Charleston Exploring
Walk just two blocks up to Market Street to explore the Charleston City Market. If you’ve been to Charleston before, I know you’ve probably been there before, but there’s always something new to discover. The shops have become more upscale over the years, so there is a nice selection of handmade goods as well as interesting souvenirs. A day in Charleston must include a visit to this iconic market!
And it feels like being on vacation.
This is a classic, but you can’t go wrong with the quintessential Southern-style food at 82 Queen. Be sure to ask for a table in their outdoor courtyard if the weather is nice. Your day in Charleston has to include a bowl of she-crab soup. They have the best (or the most famous) in the city, so order a bowl and some of their southern pickins to start. Or try the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, stone-ground grits, and tomato bacon jam.
After lunch, visit the Gibbes Museum of Art to see their featured exhibition. The Gibbes also offers excellent workshops and lectures for those who want to learn something new. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate the programs they offer.
After your busy day in Charleston, relax by having a cocktail (or a mocktail) by the pool back at The Mills House Hotel. The rooftop pool has lovely views of the city as well as a cute little cabana bar.
Have dinner at Frannie and the Fox for an elegant setting in their courtyard or ‘greenhouse.' They also have a cozy bar area. The restaurant is located in the Hotel Emeline in the heart of the city. They offer wood-fired pizzas and Italian classics, utilizing regional ingredients.
I almost hate to share this one because it really feels like a secret hideaway... but be sure to cap off your day in Charleston by stopping in at the cozy Bar and Patio at Husk. It’s a warm and welcoming spot for a nightcap and right across the street from the hotel. We like a fancy cocktail, but mostly, we appreciate a great setting.
You will love to spend a day in Charleston exploring. And the best part is that you never have to get in your car.
