6 Easy Steps to a Southern Charm Charleston Getaway

Charleston has always been charming, but some things do get better and more charming with age. One can experience hospitality in many other places around the world, but not at the same level that a Southern Charm Charleston Getaway will exude. Our Travelocity Gnational Gnomad Ava Roxanne Stritt of Spa Travel Gal spent a few days discovering for us seven easy steps to achieving the ultimate Charleston escape.

Read along and discover steps to aid in your discovery of your own Southern Charm Charleston Getaway!

Gnomad Tip: If this is your first visit to Charleston, check out The First Timer’s Guide to Charleston.

Take a Stroll

Take a stroll down some of the most charming streets in America. When everyone strolls down Charleston’s historic streets, especially Rainbow Row, they find a house—usually pastel painted—that they wouldn’t mind calling their own home. Take a look at the home in the photo with a cupid’s fountain. It appears as if Patricia from the TV show Southern Charm would come walking out with one of her favorite cocktails and invite you in for a drink.

Take a long walk and see all the charming details all around Charleston’s streets. Even the doorknobs exude charm. Charleston adds a bit of charm to everything they do and they definitely have not forgotten that it is even the littlest things that matter.

Enjoy a Serendipity Spa Day

Lucky for you, Charleston appreciates rejuvenation and relaxation. Most all proper Southern gals, and yes guys too, enjoy a proper spa day, thus The Belmond at Charleston Place is the place to be and be seen. This spa is known for its luxurious ambiance and unsurpassed service. Indulgences here include numerous spa treatments, a 50-foot horizon edge mineral water pool with retractable roof, sauna, steam room and a Jacuzzi. You may never leave when you discover that this spa’s amenities also include a rooftop deck. A healthy spa menu can be delivered right to your lounge chair if you desire.

Gnomad Tip: My top pick for spa treatments at The Spa at Charleston Place is the 100% natural Tata Harper Nothing but Nature Facial.

Superb Shopping Spree

Yes, King Street is where many trendy local College of Charleston students and possibly every other tourist in Charleston can be found navigating uniquely curated shops and familiar national brands at some time during their stay. If you want a more curated shopping experience only found in the Charleston region, head to the local suburb of Mount Pleasant. It only takes about a 20-minute drive from the heart of the city to discover how to shop the Southern charm way with luxury shopping suites. These luxury suites are complemented by a fully stocked bar, TV and internet.

While King Street has some nice retail options, in order to receive a truly genuine, local and luxury shopping experience, residents know to cross the Ravenel Bridge and head to Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant. A locally-owned department store, shoppers at Gwynn’s often start their experience with a ‘hello’ from the owner, Marshall. Throughout their hunt for men’s or women’s clothing, shoppers are assisted by a one-on-one personal stylist in the store’s luxury shopping suites. Featuring an array of merchandise—casual and contemporary clothing, women’s evening wear and men’s suites, beachwear, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and even home items—that all align with the latest in Charleston trends and style, shoppers will leave the store looking and feeling like a Charlestonian. After all, a stroll on the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s Historic District is best accompanied by a big hat and an adorable new sundress!

Gnomad Tip – Gwynn’s, which was featured on the TV Show Southern Charm, is not only the place to find yourself the perfect outfit. Here you can also find the most charming gifts, like a lovely handmade necklace, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Sugarfina candies complete with American Mule gummy bears, Martini Olive almonds and the cutest little mule mug I have ever seen!

Find Fabulous Food

Outdoor or rooftop small plates and cocktails are a must for Charleston’s sultry nightlife and true foodies. A true Charleston foodie never picks just one place for the evening to experience. Why limit oneself when the city offers so much? Adding rooftop nibbles and bubbles before or after your main event is the true way for your palette to explore all the fabulous food finds here. This city has bragging rights as having some of the best chefs in the nation.

Whether you are experiencing a new French cafe such as Felix or a legend like Halls Chophouse, your palette will be left satisfied and wanting more. Who knew that basic good food could be so amazing? Find your way to the restaurant named Basic Kitchen and you will view the word “basic” in a different light.

Be a Fan Girl

Writer Nicholas Sparks also found the city and its region so charming, it appeared numerous times in “The Notebook,” including Boone Hall and the Calhoun Mansion. I am in awe viewing the exterior of the Calhoun Mansion. There is not a better representation of the grandeur of a bygone era.

Boone Hall, one of America’s oldest living and working plantations, has been producing crops for over 320 years and now it produces movie scenes, too. Who can deny the need to snap a few selfies in these famous movie locations?

Coast the Cool Coastlines

Do you feel the desire to feel the breeze blowing through your hair as you leisurely ride a bicycle or stroll down the beach? Believe it or not, Charleston can charm you in that department, too. Add onto your charming getaway and discover the beaches of Charleston—and don’t miss a lovely lunch at Wild Dunes.

Gnomad Tip: Be sure to carve out a few days more than you had originally planned. I left the Southern charm of Charleston with an urgent desire to return—knowing that I had just started to realize all it has to offer.