Historic Past, Bright Future

Your 2025 Charleston Travel Guide

By Hailey Bethke

Roots run deep in Charleston, South Carolina, a city that seamlessly blends its historic past with fresh ideas. There is an effortless convergence of “old and new” here. Everything honors what once was while the next generation of creatives places its stamp on the city.

Anyone who has visited the “Holy City” will quickly direct you to iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row (a series of thirteen colorful, historic houses) or suggest a stroll down King Street for an afternoon of shopping. Yet, in signature VIE style, we created an insider list to take your itinerary to the next level. These boutique stays, local hangouts, and up-and-coming restaurants will give you an elevated Charlestonian experience without the guesswork.

Historic townhouses on Charleston’s Broad Street | Photo by Sara Free/Pexels

Where To Stay

The Pinch

Nestled sweetly in a private cobblestone alley just steps from King Street sits The Pinch, a sweet little boutique hotel. Guests enter past softly illuminated gas lanterns, where a cozy lobby beckons them to mingle over welcome cocktails and morning espresso. Every detail is thoughtfully considered in this twenty-five-room getaway, tastefully reimagined by Philadelphia-based developer Method Co.

The Pinch is fittingly positioned as a “touch of high culture in the low country.” You’ll notice many historic elements have been preserved. You can still see the building’s original facade on the King Street side. The three buildings that comprise the hotel and its oyster bar, Quinte, date back to 1869. The locale formerly housed Bob Ellis Shoes (a favorite retailer for Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos, and Louboutins).

Still, the interiors have been updated with premium finishes to maintain a timeless yet elevated appeal. Contemporary design meets nostalgic charm, capturing a timeless essence that reflects the city’s enduring spirit.

It’s no surprise the property has won several awards since its grand opening in November 2023, including two Michelin keys and various accolades in Condé Nast. I called the two-bedroom suite home, which featured a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and outdoor terrace. Thanks to the townhouse vibe, it’s easy to imagine yourself as a local. The Pinch is ideal for families, couples, and long-term stays.

Daily Movement

Balance is everything, especially in a foodie city like Charleston. There’s nothing better than starting your day with a worthy sweat session before setting out to explore.

Longevity Club

Longevity Club is a must-visit, featuring four floors of impeccably designed workout spaces and hosting more than eighty classes each week. Founded in 2015 by Charleston native Jennie Brooks, Longevity Club is your one-stop shop for expert trainers, top-of-the-line equipment, and a welcoming, upscale environment. I took an early morning reformer Pilates class on the top floor, which overlooks the Charleston skyline. It was the most beautiful way to watch the sunrise over the city’s many cathedrals. My instructor, Mara, confidently guided the class through well-balanced sequences for a strong burn.

The Works

If you’re seeking a quick-paced, high-energy yoga flow, The Works is for you! The downtown space is gorgeous and neighbors the brand’s spin studio, The Works Cycle. The Works is a favorite among college students and young women drawn to the brand’s signature twist on an upbeat, energizing yoga flow. I can’t think of a better class to attend with your girlfriends or while on a bachelorette trip—you’ll leave sweating and smiling!

Where to Eat

Basic Kitchen

I tell everyone who visits Charleston to book a table at Basic Kitchen. While there are endless dining options downtown, I inevitably find myself drawn back through these doors—often more than once during the same trip. Every plate is crafted using seasonal and local produce, emphasizing health and longevity while pioneering creative flavor profiles. The Basic Bowl never disappoints: roasted sweet potato, chimichurri broccoli, citrus kale, Aleppo tomato, chickpeas, grains, and “magic” green sauce. These flavors are far from basic and sure to satisfy.

Frannie & The Fox

Frannie & The Fox is a wood-fired Italian concept located in Charleston’s historic district within hotel Emeline. The adjacent courtyard is the ideal outdoor seating option (weather permitting), and there’s something on the menu to satisfy every guest in your party. Many of the plates are designed to be shareable, so order a round of wood-fired pizzas and small plates to savor a multiplicity of ingredients.

Weltons Tiny Bakeshop

A dream actualized by owners Hannah and Zachary Welton, this neighborhood bakeshop offers the epitome of “made with love.” The Weltons first met while working in the kitchen at Husk Charleston, and the couple has since conquered kitchens from the jungles of Tulum to the shores of the Caribbean. Every creation is mouthwatering—think mushroom and caramelized onion flaky hand pies, benne sourdough loaves, and crunchy Kouign-Amann. Don’t forget to order an iced salted pistachio latte!

Post House Inn

Located just across the bridge in Mount Pleasant, Post House Inn & Restaurant is one of the most charming destinations. The seven-room inn is the ideal escape from the faster-paced action of downtown Charleston, while the downstairs coastal tavern is open to the general public for brunch, lunch, and dinner. For a complete review of Post House, be sure to check out “Room at the Inn” by Kelsey Ogletree on VIEMagazine.com!

Honorable Mentions

The Daily: For coffee and all-day breakfast, this is your spot! Start your day here and head next door to HART (see below) for a memorable jewelry-making experience. Added bonus: I was excited to discover they serve Onyx Coffee as the in-house brew.

Huriyali: Here, you’ll find organic, cold-pressed juice and nourishing bowls. The James Island location is a local hangout and one of my favorite places in the Charleston area!

Harbinger Café & Bakery: This is another favorite for coffee and impeccable pastries (I think I tried every single one in the case).

For the Creatives

HART Jewelry

Founded in Charleston by visionary designer Hart Hagerty in 2016, HART is a boutique jewelry brand bringing a whole new meaning to timeless bling. Its Charleston and Nashville storefronts offer a bespoke charm bar experience, allowing you to customize a stack that speaks to your unique story.

HART believes jewelry is a tool for self-transformation and manifestation. As such, each charm is thoughtfully imagined by the small sister-led team. For example, the Lucky 13 Green Poker Chip charm means fortune favors the brave. Hagerty discovered a vintage poker chip in the South of France that inspired this design. The emblem encourages wearers to take their luck into their own hands.

Photo courtesy of HART

Whether you’re celebrating a significant milestone or simply believe in joie de vivre (the joy of life!), HART is the must-add experience to any creative’s Charleston itinerary.

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