The El Camino Travel Guide to Charleston
Written by Emma Brode
Picture Charleston, and what will likely come to mind is colorful historic houses, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. Indeed, nostalgic ‘Southern Charm’ has long been the defining image here—and while we don’t deny that it’s a key attraction, we encourage you to go beyond the surface and embrace the lesser-discussed aspects of this city’s history. As a major port city during the 1800s, Charleston was once the ‘capital’ of the slave trade in America, where enslaved West Africans built the city’s economy and infrastructure. It’s a dark history that the city is still trying to figure out how to tell today, but knowing it will add depth to your overall cultural experience. It will lead you to discover the rich Gullah Geechee culture, descendants of the enslaved who have preserved African dialects and ancestral traditions through craft and cooking. And it will also help you to discover the influences behind Charleston’s robust culinary scene—seriously, you’ll taste some of the best food in the South here. With its complex heritage and history, charming architecture, and sandy beaches, there’s a lot to discover in the Holy City.
With so much to offer, it can seem overwhelming on a first visit. That’s why we’ve worked with local residents and friends of ECT, The Tiny Tassel owner, Mimi Striplin, Chez Nous chef, Jill Mathias, and Basic Projects founders, Ben and Kate Towill, plus gathered recommendations from ECT Clubhouse members Leslie M., Yen M., and Kathy R., to curate a list of local favorites for eating, drinking, shopping and sightseeing your way through the city.
Eat
Feast on Vietnamese American food at Pink Bellies in Charleston’s Cannonborough Elliotborough district. Recommended by Tiny Tassel’s Mimi Striplin and Leslie Ryann McKellar, this cult favorite started out as a food truck, a pop-up, and a stall at Workshop before opening its current King Street location. Diners are met with an explosion of color, shifting lights, and a pulsing playlist to accompany the eatery’s theatrical food and drinks offering. Must-try menu items include the “OG” garlic noodles, the spicy lamb dumplings, and the Animal Burger—chef Thai Phi’s homage to L.A. cuisine. Wash it down with the restaurant’s popular pho cocktail, a mix of gin with a dash of sriracha and fish sauce.
Also included in the guide:
A Victorian townhouse serving up traditional Lowcountry cuisine like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles
A cozy restaurant serving mouthwaterin French comfort food
Where to taste local Gullah Geechee cooking at a family-owned eatery
Source: Post House Inn
Drink
Unwind at Babas, “an old-world cafe and bar with an exceptional wine list and cocktails,” recommend Ben and Kate Towill of Basic Projects. With locations in East Central and Cannonborough Elliotborough, the cozy eatery and bar is strung with fairy lights and offers fresh bites inspired by the cafes of Europe. In addition to a well-curated by-the-glass selection of sparkling, red, white, and rose wines, Babas also serves up hard-to-find orange wines from Austria and Georgia. “We love taking friends and visitors in town to their Downtown location on Cannon Street for happy hour and grabbing a small table on the sidewalk.”
Also included in the guide:
One of Charleston’s best-loved bars that offers sweeping sunset views
An unpretentious bottle shop with an adventurous wine list and legendary small bites
Spaces that offer fantastic craft brews in low-key settings
Join the ECT Clubhouse—our digital community of well-traveled experts and women—to access the full guide. Get a two-week free trial to get inside and start exploring right away.
Source: Pink Bellies
Stay
“We might be biased, but Post House Inn is perfect for solo travelers or even Charleston locals looking to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle,” say owners Ben and Kate Towill of Basic Projects. Bask in the charm of this quaint seven-bedroom inn and coastal tavern which is housed in a building dating back to 1896. Located in the historic Old Village neighborhood, it’s just ten minutes from downtown Charleston, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Also included in the guide:
A 1910 historic house that has been beautifully renovated for contemporary travelers
A 50-room boutique hotel that skirts Charleston’s French Quarter
A guesthouse company that offers numerous stylish rental houses throughout the city with a full concierge service
Source: Babas