Charleston, South Carolina has consistently been named the Best Small City in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler and after visiting for almost a week I can certainly understand why. From delicious food and drinks to beautiful historical sights and seaside views, Charleston has a little something for everybody. Here are just a few places that are certainly a do-not-miss if you will be visiting Charleston!
Biscuit Bros (1124 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC; BiscuitBros.com) is a great place to start for breakfast. They serve biscuit sandwiches, burritos, and muffins, plus a few lunch items. My personal favorite feature on the menu is a Smothered Muffin, which is when they take one of their fresh muffins, cut it in half, smother it in butter, and grill it. I highly recommend the Butter Rum Muffin, yum!
If you will be in the area on a Saturday, the Charleston Farmer’s Market (329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC; CharlestonFarmersMarket.com) is an excellent place to spend a couple of hours. The market has everything, from food and handmade dog toys to homemade soap and beautiful photographs. Founded in 1989, the Charleston Farmer’s Market has been recently ranked as one of the top 10 farmer’s markets in the United States. The market is dog-friendly and includes food trucks so you can enjoy a drink or a meal while viewing the different vendors. I personally enjoyed some local honey, a glass of homemade peach tea, and a few Charleston benne wafers (a traditional Lowcountry cookie made with sesame seeds with West African origins).
After getting some shopping in, take a drive up to North Charleston to spend some time at the Striped Pig Distillery (2225 Old School Drive A, North Charleston, SC; StripedPigDistillery.com). The Striped Pig was the first distillery to open in Charleston since Prohibition (which ended in 1933) and has the best bourbon in Charleston! This small business is woman-owned and family-run and is even the first woman-owned combined distillery and brewery in the United States. They distill bourbon, gin, vodka, and rum, as well as offer beer from Ghost Monkey Brewery. When visiting this fun-filled family-friendly distillery, sip on their incredible espresso martini.
For some rest and relaxation, try JenSa Massage (1942 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Suite D, Charleston, SC; JenSaMassage.Net). They have been in business for over 10 years and offer multiple massage options, including prenatal, cupping, and hot stone, as well as facials. Everything can be scheduled online, and they are often able to accommodate same day appointments. My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing and therapeutic couples massage, and we will certainly go back the next time we are in the Charleston area.
Be on the lookout for some upcoming articles with more details about the Striped Pig and Charleston’s neighbor, Folly Beach!
Editorial by Taylor Armstrong; July 2025