Christmastime in Charleston
Now that Thanksgiving has passed, putting an end to the fall season, Christmas is in full swing in our household. Growing up, Black Friday did not mean fighting in the lines for the deals at Wal-Mart. It meant waking up in our pajamas, putting on Amy Grant’s Home for Christmas Album, and decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments that ranged from homemade peanut baby Jesus to intricately painted porcelain from Holland. While we are fluffing our trees and unboxing our international Santa collection, I can’t help but reminisce of what I was doing this time last year.
In the summer of 2021, I received an unexpected phone call from my mother. She had been browsing her monthly edition of Southern Living magazine and saw that they were hosting an event titled Illumination Charleston in Charlston, South Carolina. This weekend was all about exploring the history of the city while also highlighting local artists, chefs, and small businesses. Before she knew it, my mother had bought tickets for a long weekend that included my grandmother, mom, sister, aunts, and cousins. This was the first trip we would take together as adults, and we made such great memories shopping, drinking cocktails on rooftop bars, and finding the best shrimp-n-grits in Charleston. Plus, we had an added bonus of meeting some stars from Southern Charm.
Meeting one of the Food Editorial Producers, Ivy Odom, at the Southern Living Illumination Charleston event.
While this was not my first time visiting Charleston, it was my first time staying in the city. In the past, I had taken girls’ trips and bachelorette weekends to Folly Beach and opted for a day in Charleston. Instead, this was my first visit in winter as opposed to squeezing in a beach trip before the peak summer season. The weather was absolutely gorgeous the entire time, and we definitely put our miles in walking around the city. The days were sunny and in the sixties which made it perfect for the outdoor Southern Living event. While I will be sharing a few event specific details, I would like this to be more of a guide for you if you are planning to spend Yuletide in Charleston. Doesn’t that sound like a Hallmark movie? Hopefully these plans can make you believe you’re in a winter wonderland when it is actually 70 degrees and sunny while simultaneously knowing you will end up with the hometown hunky bread baker over the cold, suite level executive.
Where to Stay
When we attended Illumination Charleston, our group stayed at the Homewood Suites in the Historic Charleston District. This gave us direct access to shopping on King Street and had us within blocks of historic sites such as Aiken-Rhett House Museum and The Charleston Museum. Other great areas to stay that tend to have holiday deals are The Vendue or Mill House which puts you near the French Quarter by the Waterfront Park and famous Rainbow Row.
The Vendue Hotel has one of the best rooftop bars in Charleston, and is the perfect spot for sunset.
What to See
Historic Walking Tour
Every corner you turn, there is a shimmer of history reflected in the city of Charleston. I have gone on several historic tours in Charleston, but nothing compares to the Two Sisters Walking Tours. Multi-generational Charleston natives are extremely passionate about their city, and Mary Helen and Therese are no exception with their charm and enthusiasm for their city . I learn something new every time I take a tour, from the significance of the different ironwork on city gates to homes once occupied by our nation’s founding fathers. What I especially appreciate about the tour is that the sisters do not shy away from the fact that history in the South can have a dark past, but they are also seeking to amplify voices that broaden the perspective of history.
One of our favorite tour guide assistants, Jake, taking a snooze on one of the historic Charleston gates.
Where to Shop
Charleston City Market
This bustling market was established in the 1790’s and spans four blocks dividing North and South Market Street and is one of the top spots the internet will recommend you to visit. While I will let you research the history and architecture yourself, I would like to highlight a few things I enjoy at the day market. Every time I go, I like to grab a cup of coffee at Bitty and Beau’s across from the market on Church Street. In the market, I peruse naturally scented soaps from the Old Whaling Co. and then stroll throughout the three open air sections. One unique aspect of the market is interacting with the Gullah/Geechee people, an African American ethnic group living predominantly in the southern coastal area. This group of about 200,000 individuals have their own creole language and are well known for sweetgrass baskets and other beautiful woven items. When I went to the market for the first time, I was nervous to buy or take a woven sweetgrass rose from the children outside the market because I thought it was a trick to get you to buy something. However, this negative perception was not the case at all and any interactions I have had with these teenagers has been nothing but pleasant. The city is currently attempting to regulate this tradition with creating a Palmetto Artisan Program for children and teens.
King Street
King Street has been around since the 1700s and was the main route for commercial activities to and from the port. Today the street is lined with many stores, restaurants, and bars that could fill a day on their own. When we arrived in the city, we spent our first day shopping like kings. My favorite local stores included the tall stacks in Blue Bicycle Books and the hand sewn bags in J. Stark. Seriously, they were sewing the backpack I purchased right in front of me. We also enjoyed window shopping in Croghan’s Jewelry Box and running into southern royalty himself, Craig, from Southern Charm in his shop Sewing Down South.
Charleston Brands and Influencers
Brackish
One Charleston based accessory brands you need to check out is Brackish. Their gorgeous feathered jewelry and bow ties have been worn on the red carpet by Blake Lively, Billy Murray, and numerous others. Their bow ties would make a wonderful gift to a special someone in your life. My dad has one that he wears to weddings and receives no less than five compliments each time he sports his Brackish bow tie.
Charleston Shoe Co.
Influenced by the styles and comfort of cobblers in Mexico, the Charleston Shoe Company has bright shoes that you can actually walk miles in all day long. Their slogan “from cobblestone to cocktail” lives up whether you are wearing their flats, wedges, or heels. My grandmother bought a pair of these shoes and adores wearing them.
I am not the biggest jewelry wearer, but I do love a good beaded earring moment. This adorable store has the perfect collection for a statement jewelry or accessory piece. If you are also looking for a unique happy-gift for a friend, this spot is a fantastic option. I have a pair of pink coffee cup beaded earrings that are the star of any outfit I choose to pair them with.
One of my friends introduced me to her Instagram account a few years ago, and I have just fallen in love with Venita Aspen’s style and kitchen ware suggestions. She is a model for local brands, culinary school graduate, and party host. I love her southern flare and travel suggestions and constantly use her as inspiration for outfits.
Sunset on top of The Vendue with the Newbill girls.
Where to Eat:
Butcher and Bee
I enjoyed a delicious brunch at Butcher and Bee on a South Carolina beach trip summer of 2021. Truly, it is hard to go wrong with any restaurant in the Charleston food scene, but I appreciated the uniqueness of the menu at this restaurant. After starting with a delightful latte flavored with cinnamon and rose, we loved sharing the whipped feta with fermented honey as an appetizer. We somehow managed to squeeze in a salted caramel cinnamon roll as well.
82 Queen
I also went to brunch at this restaurant on a trip separate from our Newbill girls’ Southern Living weekend. I had to mention it because it is the consistent winner of Best She Crab Soup in Charleston. Their she crab soup is rich and decadent and filled with lumps of crab meat, cream, and dry sherry. Take your lactose pill because it is worth it at 82 Queen! Try their southern tomato pie and fresh, crisp vegetables in the queen’s salad, too!
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
This is about to be a bold statement, but in my humble opinion Hank’s has the best shrimp-n-grits in all of Charleston. I feel like a good restaurant can make amazing shrimp with sauce, but a great restaurant pays attention to the grits. Hank’s has such creamy grits paired with the perfectly textured sauce. You can’t go to this restaurant without at least trying a bite, or five, of your friend ’s shrimp n grits.
Hank's Seafood Restaurant has the best shrimp n’ grits in all of Charleston - in my humble opinion.
Poogan’s Porch
Poogan’s Porch is definitely a hot spot in Charleston that has been graced with the presence of many celebrities and featured in magazines. This old Victorian house, named after an owner’s dog, has delicious pimento cheese fritters, fried okra, and banana pudding. There is also rumor of the restaurant being haunted, and we got a little spooked taking pictures and trying to see orbs. I would not last through a Haunted Charleston tour.
Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.)
We saved one of the best places for last on the final evening of our family girls’ trip. Our table was obsessed with the sauce for the fresh steamed clams. Our waiter had to bring over more bread so we could finish this divine white wine sauce. The fact that I still remember this dish a year later is proof that you need to make a reservation. We also enjoyed live music at this restaurant as well as the sommelier visiting our table one too many times. I believe he had a crush on one of us Newbill girls.
Local clams in a creamy white wine sauce at S.N.O.B.
Where to Drink
My sister and I made this pink champagne room our final stop before leaving town from our glorious long weekend. We had Sunday tea here, and it was absolutely worth it. There was a wide selection of teas, champagne, and two courses of savory and sweet tiered teatime treats . We definitely enjoyed being fancy and matching the décor, plus we got to meet Santa.
Enjoying high tea on Sunday at the Pink Room Champagne Bar in Hotel Bennett.
The view of the city at this bar is reason enough to visit. The sunset on top of this hotel bar was absolutely stunning, and we enjoyed pointing out different parts of the city from a unique view. One thing to note about this bar is that there is a limited capacity, so you might have to wait downstairs a few minutes before you or your party can take the designated elevator to the top. I found it worth the wait.
Named after a slang term coined in the 1800’s for illegal drinking and gambling establishments, The Blind Tiger has an amazing outdoor patio where we enjoyed some of our favorite Charleston beverages. I found my all-time favorite hard cider called Ship’s Wheel. I thought it wasn’t overly sweet but had a crisp apple taste. While you can only get this cider in the low country area, this is a must try beverage while in Charleston.
I have so many fond memories of our Christmastime girls’ trip to Charleston. This city is truly unique. The houses adorned with magnolia leaf wreaths on the doors of the most stunning preserved historic homes recapture my heart every time. If you can’t tell, the dining and shopping is superb as well. While my suggestions only scratch the surface of all of the dining and entertainment options in Charleston, I hope this illuminates your urge to travel and you make as many precious memories as I have. Merry Christmas!