Thought Leadership

/

July 31, 2019

From City to Sea: CBC Charleston Experience 2019

From stunning hotel stays and memorable meals to sunrise kayaking in Isle of Palms and King Street shopping, Charleston Experience 2019 was one for the books.

Over the course of four days and three nights, 8 top editors and influencers explored the culturally rich city of Charleston, South Carolina and its surrounding beaches.

Through interactive experiences and in-person brand interactions, we gave the group an intimate look at the restaurants, activities, and brands that call historic Charleston home.

Check out our travel guide below to find out what makes Charleston so special for a summer getaway.

Where to Stay

There’s no one way to take in all that eclectic Charleston has to offer, and the same applies to where to stay. So why limit yourself to experiencing just one hotel?

Our team of editors rolled into Charleston on Saturday afternoon and were immediately immersed in Southern charm. Wild Dunes Resort welcomed us with ample hospitality — and poolside cocktails to kick off the long weekend.

Moving closer into the heart of the city is Hotel Bennett, where Charleston’s rich history really shines through. What’s not to love about a hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Marion Square?

Hotel Bennett also houses two eateries, and obviously we had to try out both. We started with La Patisserie, where our group of media had the opportunity to meet French pastry chef Remy Funfrock over breakfast and (of course) pastries. That evening, we dined at Gabrielle, indulging in classically Charlestonian fare after a cocktail hour on the Fiat Luxe Rooftop Bar.

What to Do

Summer in the South is as hot as you’d expect, but we didn’t let a little heat stop us from getting out and exploring.

We started our morning with a sunrise paddle around Palms Marina with Coastal Expeditions. This authentic coastal Carolina experience was worth the early AM wake-up call!

Our editors took to the seas the following evening, as well — this time on a boat cruise with Halls Signature Events. Cruising around Charleston, nibbling on yummy bites and sipping on wine? Not a bad way to spend a Monday.

If a day on the water isn’t your speed, take just a short step inland to Riverfront Park, where performing arts reign at the annual Spoleto Festival. Our influencers enjoyed the final weekend of the festival with Chris Harding headlining. Unfortunately, weather cut the festivities short, but with some quick thinking, dinner plans at Little Jack’s Tavern kept the good times rolling.

A trip to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping on King Street. Kendra Scott’s King Street Color Bar added some much-appreciated glamour to our weekend, giving influencers the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind customized accessories. Dainty hoops, ocean hues, and starburst motifs put the best of Charleston right into our hands.

Where to Eat

Yes, Charleston is a city deeply rooted in southern culture, but if cornbread and collard greens aren’t your speed, there are plenty of other options for getting a good bite to eat. Can’t decide where to go first? We discovered a few faves that should hit the spot.

Coastal Provisions: An oyster bar was bound to make it in our top 3, but with a cozy atmosphere and expansive wine list, Coastal Provisions takes the cake. We recommend the agnolotti carbonara and the crab hushpuppies.

Basic Kitchen: If you’re looking for lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on quality or flavor, Basic Kitchen is a go-to lunch spot (and one of the cutest eateries in SC). The greens & grain bowl and the vegan Caesar were our top picks.

Fiat Luxe Rooftop Bar: It’s not exactly a dining destination, but Fiat Luxe Rooftop Bar has great drinks with a gorgeous view of Marion Square, so how could we not give it a shout-out?