Girl's Guide

We’re here to share the ultimate insider’s guide to a girls weekend in Charleston. No carriage tours or tourist traps here – just a mix of the best things we do with our circle of friends.

xoxo, HART

SHOPPING & BOPPING

HART: Book a private event at our King Street store for everyone to create their own Custom Charm Jewelry. Start your party with an intention-setting workshop, complimentary rosé, and then create a piece that is meaningful to you. Walk-ins also welcomed. 

Wentworth: Since opening last fall, this new homegoods shop by designer Blake Sams has quickly become the number one shop in town for one-of-a-kind treasures. 

Lower King: Lower King is now home to brands like  Loeffler Randall, Hill House and local-favorite, Minnow Swim. Peak into Ibu for globally-sourced accessories and swaths of pretty dresses at Beau and Ro. 

Candlefish: Peruse their scent library for sensorial joy and their latest candle artist collaboration. Candlefish also hosts weekly DIY workshops on candle-making (pro tip: they're also BYOB, so pack your rosé).

Hampden Clothing: If you’re ready to splurge, this is the spot for designer pieces that haven’t even hit NYC yet. Owner Stacey Smallwood travels to Europe multiple times a year to pick a fresh, creative edit of major designers like Stella McCartney, Carven, Zimmermann, and Isabel Marant to stock up Hampden Clothing.

Nette: This place gets us every time: perfectly fit jeans, mini dresses, and fresh blouses. 

Terrace Oaks: For the antique lovers, this is Hart’s secret spot for finding antiques and vintage treasures. Plan to dig. Do even more digging at Antiques of South Windemere. 

GROUP ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS

Blue Life Charters: Explore the city by water on a private sailing adventure, followed by access to a private cabana – a true coastal getaway. 

Golden Hour Healing: Keep your zen with a private group sound bath and meditation. 

Isla Surf School: Book a group surf lesson by Isla Surf School on Folly Beach

Big Gurl: King Street’s crafting space for self-guided crafts, workshops, and private events

Graft's “Good Neighbor Sunday:" If you’re still around on Sunday, head to neighborhood wine shop Graft for their weekly pop-up featuring local food trucks and great wine. You’ll get a taste of the local hangout scene as it can get quite buzzy in there. 

BEACH DAY

Sullivan’s Island: An oasis of beautiful homes and expansive beach. Grab sandwiches and frosé from Co-op (order online to avoid the long line) to take with you. Street park and walk down any station path to the beach – you’ll likely find yourself walking under a lush green canopy or on a boardwalk through marsh grass for a short nature stroll before seeing the water. (P.S. Drinking isn't *technically* permitted on any of the Charleston beaches—get crafty with your consumption.)

When you’ve sweated enough, head to Home Team for BBQ nachos and a frozen Irish Coffee. Goldbug has cutie bikinis and goods for you to browse while you wait. 

LINGERING LUNCHES

Basic Kitchen: A healthy twist on classic comfort foods with a cheerful, sunny and nourishing atmosphere. Their back deck is great for sprawling out. 

Hometeam BBQ: There’s a reason this is on here twice. Not only is the pulled pork fantastic, but you can balance out the indulgence with salads, veggies, and a large side of cute southern boys. 

Edmund’s Oast: Serving excellent, fine-but-unpretentious, hearty southern food... made from fresh local ingredients. The staff are burly tattooed dudes with beards, if that paints a picture for you. They have a huge beer selection, delicious charcuterie boards, and tons of outdoor seating. 

Leon’s: Fried chicken, frose, and fresh oysters in a funky car-garage ambience. Yes, it lives up to the hype.

GROUP DINNER RESERVATIONS

The Loft at Costa: Nestled in the charming Harleston Village neighborhood of Downtown Charleston, The Loft offers an intimate setting for up to twenty guests at Coastal Italian fare restaurant Costa. Scallop crudo, pecorino ravioli, and focaccia for all! 

By the Way: Buzzy vibes in a West Village kind of way – reserve their back booth for an intimate dinner setting for a group of up to ten.  

Leon’s: Located in a retro-yet-charming refurbished garage, Leon’s is a classic for fried chicken, oysters, cocktails, and cheap beer. Soul music will be playing, and the dress code is accepting of flip flops or high heels. Check out The Oyster Shed for larger intimate gatherings. 

A Maker’s Post: For an immersive private dinner atmosphere, look no further than The Green Room at A Maker’s Post on Sullivan’s Island. Located in the back of the artisanal goods store, you’ll feel like you’re dining in a greenhouse-meets-art gallery. DM to book.

PRIVATE AT-HOME CATERING

Tobo Sushi: Enjoy your own omakase-style experience wherever you’re staying (ten person minimum). 

The Swell: Mobile raw bar delivering fresh oysters and seafood straight to you. Chef Jeff offers everything from private group dinners, brunch, and beach day drop-offs. 

Lauren Furey: A private chef with a passion for creating special culinary moments throughout the Lowcountry by providing curated dining experiences and in-home cooking classes. 

CAFES & SMALL BITES

Weltons Tiny Bake Shop: We all have that friend who wakes up two hours before everyone else. Send her here to grab coffee and Pasteis de Nata. The line starts early but is worth the wait. Outdoor seating only.

Harbinger: Way up on King Street near Hampton Park, this spot is a healthy girl's oasis. Think vegan salads, gluten-free pastries, and frothy matcha lattes. This lady-run business also has a sister restaurant, Harken Cafe, down on Queen Street. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Sorelle Mercato: Grab an iced coffee here and take a stroll through the South of Broad neighborhood and the Battery. You’ll feel like you’re on a movie set walking through the maze of historic homes, alleyways, and cobblestone streets. 

SEXY SUITES

The Dewberry: Old-world charm, modern-day luxe, you’ll be well-taken care of at this posh spot. Complete with a spa, rooftop bar, and located right off King Street. 

Airbnbs: Check out this Condé Nast Traveler article if a place of your own is more your group’s speed: 16 Charming Airbnbs in Charleston, From Brick Cottages to Light-Filled Lofts. 

The Pinch Townhouse: The perfect home base suite for your trip to Charleston, complete with a private balcony and fully equipped kitchen. Located on the third floor of the historic Lequeux-Williams House, this penthouse apartment sits above the bustling Lowland Restaurant & Tavern serving one of the best burgers in town by legendary chef Jason Stanhope. 

Guest House Charleston: A go-to for Airbnbs or private rentals. Homes with lux details like Schumacher fabrics and high-skill touches to the decor. 

The Ryder: Boutique hotel with a Palm-Springs vibe, playful pool bar, and located in the heart of downtown.

DRINKING IN STYLE

Bar 167: Sip on some of the city’s best cocktails (we love the Mallorca Margarita) on their airy patio.

Little Palm: A poolside daydream where everyone looks like they’re on a Slim Aarons mood board.

Citrus Club: The highest rooftop in Charleston on top of the luxe Dewberry Hotel. 

La Cave: A Chateaux Versailles-meets-wine cellar French wine bar. 

Vintage Lounge: King Street candlelit hotspot with proper cocktails – grab a spot at the window for prime people-watching.

DIVE BAR DANCING

Burn’s Alley: A little grungy, a little rowdy, located in a hidden back alley.  

Blind Tiger: Historic, charming, and full of men who will try to impress you with their latest golf trip to Kiawah. Fun fact: our CEO used to sneak over the crumbling courtyard walls when she was younger earning the nickname “No-Curfew-Curry.”

Cocktail Club: Good drinks, live music, and a crowd that’s equal parts frat-boy-turned-finance and indie-boy-who-still-skates. Choose your fighter.

Salty Mike’s: Waterfront views and no frills. You might meet your future husband here or get a free boat ride—either way, it’s a win.

Shem Creek: Not a dive bar, but not to be missed. Mt. Pleasant’s dockside bar playground for drinks by the water and live music at Red’s Ice House, Saltwater Cowboys, or Muddy’s.

ARRIVAL SERVICES & AIRPORT TRANSPORT

Coastal Limo: Consider your transportation needs taken care of. 

Charleston Bag Valet: Arriving before check-in? Have your luggage taken off your hands so your trip can begin asap.