By: Becca

For Thanksgiving this year, my mother, who lives in Asheville, North Carolina, decided she wanted an adventure. And so we packed ourselves in her car and drove four hours south through the state of South Carolina to Charleston, that charming little Southern city right on the water.

I had been to Charleston just once before, back in April for a magazine conference, and had the fortunate chance to stay in the city’s best hotel, dine in the city’s the best restaurants, and wander around its streets like an overwhelmed tourist. It’s just so pretty there.

Everything in Charleston—at least everything in the beautiful southern tip of Charleston’s peninsula—is gorgeously ancient and quaint. Being there makes me feel like a Southern Belle in an extreme state of leisure. I just wanted to sit on my pretty porch or in Battery Park, reading for hours. Where’s my hoop skirt?

The city’s long history unfolded itself for my family and me over Thanksgiving weekend through a series of touristy excursions. First, on a requisite horse and carriage ride around town. And then in the evening, on a ghost tour through the alleyways and cemeteries. Sounds cheesy as all hell, but those are two must-do things when visiting Charleston.

For Thanksgiving dinner we ate turkey, smoked fish, and filet mignon at High Cotton Restaurant, which came highly recommended by a friend of my mom’s. We were seated by a window and so were able to watch people wander down the cobblestoned, gas-lamp-lit Easy Bay Street throughout the evening. The restaurant was so lovely and cozy on the holiday. The food was amazing, and the waitress was pleasantly kind and good-natured, even though she was clearly working late, like a dog, on a busy holiday.

The next morning we had coffee and bagels at City Lights Coffee on Market Street. This café is a must-visit for a quick pit stop, to catch up on the paper, to fuel up on some caffeine, and then be on your way to the market.

As we were leaving City Lights, we noticed another café right next door, Sweetwater Café, and decided to try it the following day for brunch. The line, after all, was out the door, so it must be good, we thought. We should have done a little more investigating.

Sweetwater Café looks charming from the outside, especially with the rub of City Lights Coffee right next door. Inside, and upon further inspection, the place was busted. The shiny red booths were ripped, the chairs were rickety, the walls cracking and flaking white paint. Who knows what the kitchen looked like. The walls were covered in old posters of movie stars, in an effort to look like an old diner. Ancient, yes. Not so quaint.

We would have overlooked that first impression had the food made up for it. We were eager to dive in to the egg dishes on the menu (and the menu is primarily egg dishes). Except the food took, oh, an hour to arrive to our table. Yes, the menu did warn of the cooking wait, with a sentence that said something to the effect of “We start cooking when you order, so it’ll take a minute.” But an hour for three egg dishes was a little extreme. And, our coffee was not refilled promptly enough to keep me calm.

My mother’s spinach, feta and tomato omelet was woefully disappointing. She ordered it with tomatoes and spinach and got a mushy mess of undercooked eggs and runny tomato guts spilling out. My brother had a breakfast sandwich, which was egg and cheese heavy, and promptly devoured before I could take a bite (the norm when dining with Christafoffle).

Even with such things as The Deuce (two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two sausage links, side of grits and bread choice) on the menu, I decided to play it safe and order a basic two-egg breakfast, with egg, bacon, and side of of sourdough toast. It was as boring as I expected. Nothing fluffy or tasty at all.

Sweetwater also serves grits, biscuits and gravy, and Nutty Banana Pecan Cakes, which we should have tried, but alas, I doubt we’ll be back. There are so many gorgeous restaurants in Charleston, we won’t be leaving our next brunch pick there to chance.

The Bitches say: D- Definitely go to Charleston for its charm, but give Sweetwater Cafe a miss. Find a better brunch spot in this gorgeous city.

Sweetwater Café
137 Market Street, Charleston, SC
843.723.7121

By: Cori Sue

I fell in love with Charleston years ago, on my first visit while in college.  A mere four-hour drive from Chapel Hill, Charleston was the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway– lovely southern charm, beaches, fun bars, delicious seafood restaurants, and, most importantly, great shopping.  So, when I was there this weekend I decided to put together a shopping guide for you, lovely readers, should  you choose to head South to the land of croakies, boat shoes, palmettos, and Lily Pulitzer.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Downtown Charleston centers around King and Market Streets.  King Street has all your typical shopping– Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Anne Taylor, Victoria’s Secret,  BCBG Max Azria, JCrew– along with a few high end options– Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton and BCBG Max Azria.   But, in the days of free-overnight-shipping -is-a-mouse-click-away, I seek not a mall brand but instead a unique boutique where I can pick up something special.

Jewelry

Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

In the way of boutiques, Charleston, a true southern belle, does shoes and jewelry best.  There are a variety of boutiques that sell all, or mostly, costume jewelry at afforable prices.  Granted, some of it can be kitchy and tacky, but there are plenty of very cute, very affordable baubles to complement, or accent any outfit in your closet.  And, of course, we are in Charleston, so each store has a section dedicated solely to pearls.

Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

My three favorites are:  Hand Picked, 333 King Street; Vanity Accessory Boutique, 370 King Street; and Willy Jay’s, 300 King Street.  (Willy Jay’s also sells clothing but I strongly suggest you avoidit.  But! Their statement earring selection is wonderful!)

Vanity. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

All three stores have dozens-nay-hundreds of jewels– statement necklaces, bracelets, earrings of all shapes, colors, sizes, and forms.  They also offer great gifts and stocking stuffers that Southern boutiques do so well– hostess napkins, purse hooks, sunglass cases, and such.

Shoes

Bob Ellis Shoes. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

In the way of shoes, Bob Ellis Shoes is a Charleston shopping institution (in business for more than 55 years) and a shoe lover’s dream.  The boutique, located at 332 King Street,  carries men’s and women’s shoes as well as handbags and has a serious selection of the big three— Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. Their selection is vast– with all types of heel heights, sizes,  styles, and widths (for those with narrow or fat feet)– and they have plenty of cute shoes that we writers/”normal people” can afford.

Shooz. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Down the road, Shooz, 317 King Street, caters more to the twenty-something, trendier shoe shopper.  The precious boutique’s carries predominantly cute heels and flats by Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Butter– along with a wide selection of Jack Rogers and cowboy boots (necessities for the Southern collegiate).  Their selection is well thought-out, well laid-out and well-priced.

Clothing

As far as clothing boutiques, Luna is my happy place. A great boutique with a few locations on the Southeast — Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and (yay!) Bethesda– the store is the perfect place to pick up a cocktail dress, sundress, great pair of designer jeans or a new set of gold statement earrings. Brands include– Trina Turk, Milly, Hype, Hudson, William Raste, Paige, and much, much more.  Down the road, Biton, at 275 King Street, is a little daunting with its hard-core metro mannequins in Ed Hardy-esque “going out” attire. Despite this intimidation, upon entering, I was suprised to find a great selection of designer jeans, Missoni dresses, Marc Jacobs bags, and Bond No. 9 perfume. However, everything else in the store was ghastly.

Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Lastly, no shopping trip would be complete without a trip to Palm Avenue, a Lily Pulitzer signature boutique. Yes, Lily Pulitzer. (When in Rome…)  While most of their prints (such as this one) make many fashionista turn and run in horror (see below), I find a select few of their sundresses, such as this pink shift with gold embroidery, to be  great “brunch dresses.”

Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

However, I head to Palm Avenue not for the Lily but for the selection of Trina Turk, Calypso, Matty M, and occassionally Milly dresses located near the back of the store.  (I lusted after many). The store is also great for gifts– a dress for my  new baby niece or a pair of brightly colored reading glasses for my aunt in South Florida.

Gifts and Decor

Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Also in the way of gifts, it’s not a bad idea to bring some chocolates from Christophe Chocolatier, , located at 363 1/2 King Street, home with you to those you left behind.  Owned by a French chocolatier and his wife, Christophe’s artisan chocolates are as lovely as they are delicious.

Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Chocolate high heels, Eiffel towers and bunnies give way to truffles and a wide selection of hand-painted chocolates whose bold flavors include Earl Grey Tea, Strawberry Marshmellow, Mango Rum, and many more.We sampled were caramel-sea salt, 72% dark chocolate, coffee, and praline (divine).

Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The loveliest interior decor shop is Pierre Deux, located at 279 King Street.  The store is decidedly “French country” with lots and lots of toile.  I loved the vanities, arm chairs and footed, striped couches. Even if toile couches aren’t your cup of tea, Pierre Deux is a great store just for browsing.

Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

By: Cori Sue

When you’re exhausted from shopping and sightseeing  in Charleston, S.C., (a must-visit on the East coast), head straight to Cupcake, 433 King Street, for a delicious confection.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Founded early on in the cupcake craze (in 2006), Cupcake is a treasure.  The decor is delightful– pink and light brown argyle walls, adorable cafe-style seating, and the cupcakes are displayed in what appears to be a cupcake cart.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The cupcakes are fresh, moist, delectable– and made with all-natural ingredients.  At $2.75 a piece, they’re a whole quarter cheaper than most D.C. cupcakes! The flavors are absolutely crazy– lemon blueberry, mint chocolate chip, cotton candy, peanut butter banana fluff– even french toast! Below, see mandarin orange chocolate.  I didn’t know you could create such flavors in a cupcake!

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

We had mocha (chocolate espresso cake with coffee frosting and an espresso bean on top) and banana butterscotch, which was deliciously unique.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Although Cupcake isn’t competing with D.C. cupcakeries due to geography, it is so lovely I thought it should be mentioned!

By: Cori Sue

Kiawah Island  is a charming oasis outside of Charleston, S.C.,  lined by 10 miles of beaches and filled with golf courses, marshes, ponds, and bike paths.  Before entering Kiawah, it is key to stock up on groceries, beach toys, and sunscreen as this residential community offers nothing in the way of grocery stores, restaurants, bars, or civilization other than a singular quickie mart, the Kiawah General Store. 

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

That being said, it was lovely to step away from hectic city life for a weekend of bicycle riding and reading on the beach.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

I was, however, startled several times out of my relaxed stupor by the appearance of dozens of alligators in the ponds amid the golf courses and bike trails.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Our first night there, we left the island to head to nearby Freshfields Village for dinner at La Tela Pizzeria, by far the best dining option in the village.   We had the mushroom, argula, romano, and truffle oil pizza. And…

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The best salad I’ve had in my life: warm butternut squash, balsamic, watercress, shaved fennel, candied pecans, and truffle honey vinaigrette. I die.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The rest of our evenings were filled with lovely wedding festivities. (Kiawah is the ideal wedding spot). Congratulations to Kara and Tyler Cole!