Where to Stay, Play and Invest in Charleston

Charleston, SC is one of the country’s most dynamic, historic and charming cities. It’s home to countless businesses, hotels, restaurants and attractions, many of which have historic roots. Worth has your guide to all the spots you need to visit in Charleston.

Businesses

Blackbaud

For over three decades, this cloud software company has empowered organizations dedicated to doing social good to increase their impact through software, services, expertise and data intelligence. 65 Fairchild St., 800.443.9441, blackbaud.com

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Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Nationally recognized for its tradition of excellence in education, research and patient care, MUSC is South Carolina’s only academic health sciences center and the city’s largest nonfederal employer, with an annual economic impact of approximately $4 billion. 171 Ashley Ave., 843.792.2300, muschealth.org

Sherman Financial Group

Sherman Financial Group is the nation’s largest privately held consumer finance company, with a portfolio comprised of Credit One Bank, Resurgent Capital Services and Kroll Bond Rating Agency. Founder and CEO Ben Navarro’s primary philanthropic venture is Meeting Street Schools, a coalition of public and private schools seeking to solve education inequity in Charleston. 200 Meeting St., #206, 843.266.1717, sfg.com

Charleston Angel Partners

With more than 10 years and $8 million in angel deals, this is one of the longest-established investment firms in the region. It works with early-stage companies that seek an investment of $100,000 to $1.5 million. John Osborne, executive administrator, john@chapsc.com, chapsc.com

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The Harbor Entrepreneur Center

This growing startup accelerator focusing on tech is actively fostering underserved sectors such as life sciences. The Harbor Entrepreneur Center also offers memberships to rent out a place in its 8,400-square-foot workspace in the Pacific Box & Crate complex in downtown Charleston. 1505 King St. Ext., Suite 110, harborec@gmail.com, 843.972.4070, harborec.com

Charleston Regional Development Alliance

This government-associated group represents three counties and supports incoming businesses and entrepreneurs in the greater Charleston region by helping with site selection, financing and workforce training. 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 420, 843.767.9300, alliance@crda.org, crda.org

Charleston Digital Corridor

The Digital Corridor connects tech entrepreneurs with everything from financing to work space to mentors. 385 Meeting St., Suite 100, 843.607.1264, info@charlestondigitalcorridor.com, charlestondigitalcorridor.com

Ellevate Charleston

Former Merrill Lynch exec Sallie Krawcheck is expanding her international networking community for women to her hometown of Charleston, connecting female entrepreneurs and executives with local businesses. charleston@ellevatenetwork.com, ellevatenetwork.com/chapters/1-usa-charleston

Hotels

Belmond Charleston Place

The perfect combination of gentility and old-world charm, this Belmond hotel boasts a state-of-the-art spa and the award-winning Charleston Grill. Sip on craft cocktails in the lobby bar and enjoy innovative cuisine while listening to live jazz. 205 Meeting St., 843.722.4900, belmond.com/hotels/north-america/usa/sc/charleston/belmond-charleston-place

The Dewberry

Perfectly situated in the center of Charleston’s downtown district, this luxury hotel offers spectacular views of the harbor and city. Sip cocktails in the midcentury modern–themed lobby, get to know the city from the rooftop terrace and enjoy “Southern brasserie” fare at the hotel’s restaurant, Henrietta’s. 334 Meeting St., 843.558.8000, thedewberrycharleston.com

Hotel Bennett

This new luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston features a signature restaurant, lounge and bar with pristine views of historic Marion Square. Highlights include a rooftop bar with cabanas, a luxury spa, a French patisserie and a classic ladies lounge with restored pink marble and mirrored ceilings. 404 King St., 843.203.0922, hotelbennett.com  

The Spectator Hotel

Experience old-school Southern charm and socialite elegance in the French Quarter, just a block from Charleston’s City Market. When not exploring the city’s bustling historic district, sip on 1920s-style spirits in the boutique hotel’s speakeasy-inspired pub. 67 State St., 843.724.4326, thespectatorhotel.com

The Restoration

This collection of historic downtown buildings projects a youthful vibe, with rough-hewn wood and brick interiors mixed with contemporary furniture. A rooftop pool provides a rarely seen view of this low-rise city. 75 Wentworth St., 877.221.7202, therestorationhotel.com

The Sanctuary

Set on beautiful Kiawah Island, the Sanctuary offers golfing, fishing and beaches, and with 12 restaurants, bars and a spa on-site, you don’t ever have to leave the resort. 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island, 800.654.2924, kiawahresort.com/accommodations/the-sanctuary-hotel

The Vendue

This boutique hotel displays a constantly changing stream of modern art. The current artist in residence is Belgian painter Fred Jamar. 19 Vendue Range, 843.577.7970, info@thevendue.com, thevendue.com

Wentworth Mansion

Built in the Gilded Age, this historic inn features the 1,000- square-foot Grand Mansion Suite with two floor-to-ceiling marble fireplaces. 149 Wentworth St., 843.853.1886, wm-concierge@charminginns.com, wentworthmansion.com

Zero George Street

This 16-room boutique hotel combines colonial charm and architecture with a hip sensibility. 0 George St., 843.817.7900, zerogeorge.com

Restaurants

Chez Nous

Chef Jill Mathias handwrites a new fixed menu every day consisting of dishes from southern France, northern Spain and northern Italy, such as milk-braised veal shoulder and rose panna cotta. Guests swoon over the old-world wine list and ambiance in this restored antebellum home. 6 Payne Court, 843.579.3060, cheznouschs.com

McCrady’s Tavern

McCrady’s features locally sourced American food in an intimate exposed-brick setting, such as caviar and tater tots, chicken-fried duck confit and beef fat potatoes. 2 Unity Alley, 843.577.0025, mccradystavern.com

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

This whole-hog barbecue joint won chef Rodney Scott the 2018 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast. Scott has perfected Southern classics such as fried catfish, spare ribs and barbecue chicken. 1011 King St., 843.990.9535, rodneyscottsbbq.com

Workshop

Choose your lunch or a casual dinner from a rotating cast of emerging and established Charleston chefs in this upscale food hall, where cooks often test their skills to create new dishes. 1503 King St., 843.996.4500, workshopcharleston.com

The Grocery

Although this Mediterranean-influenced restaurant features delightful wood-roasted fish and cornmeal-dusted oysters, it truly excels at showcasing Lowcountry produce. The roasted peaches with Tasso ham, goat cheese, and pecan granola makes for an unforgettable sharing dish. 4 Cannon St., 843.302.8825, thegrocerycharleston.com

Coda Del Pesce

No visit to the Charleston area is complete without seafood, and Coda del Pesce is a go-to Italian spot. Any dish with calamari is an especially good bet. 1130 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms, 843.242.8570, codadelpesce.com

FIG

Reimagined Southern classics and locally sourced fare by James Beard Award–winning chefs Mike Lata and Jason Stanhope. 232 Meeting St., 843.805.5900, eatatfig.com

Grill 225

Set in the Market Pavilion Hotel, Grill 225 serves up steaks—wet-aged 42 to 50 days—that are some of the best in the South. 225 E. Bay St., 843.723.0500, marketpavillion.com/grill225.cfm

Peninsula Grill

Housed within the historic Planters Inn, the Peninsula Grill executes a near-flawless menu constructed around seafood, steaks and Southern dishes. 112 N. Market St., 843.723.0700, peninsulagrill.com

Experiences

Charleston Strolls: Walk with History Tour

There’s no better way to absorb Charleston’s rich history, antebellum homes, architecture, people, gardens and unique culture than from this two-hour tour departing from the Mills House Hotel at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 115 Meeting St., 843.766.2080, charlestonstrolls.com

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

This 17th-century estate is home to America’s oldest gardens and features one the nation’s most robust collections of azaleas and camellias. Here, you can witness the rich horticultural history of our nation by train and boat. 3550 Ashley River Road, 843.571.1266, magnoliaplantation.com

Fritz Porter

Set in the massive Cigar Factory complex, this interior designers’ mecca offers a large selection of antiques and one-of-a-kind fabrics and furniture by local designers. 701 E. Bay St., Suite 106, 843.207.4804, info@fritzporter.com, fritzporter.com

The Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House

Immerse yourself in Charleston’s heritage at these two museums operated by the Historic Charleston Foundation. The two early 19th-century homes are among the best-preserved examples of neoclassical architecture in the city. 48 Elizabeth St. (Aiken-Rhett House), 843.723.1159, and 51 Meeting St. (Nathaniel Russell House), 843.724.8481, historiccharleston.org/house-museums

Middleton Place

Just outside the city, this 65-acre former 1740s plantation features the oldest landscaped gardens in America. The extensive house museum and a historic stable tour are notable for the glimpse into the lives of all of the estate residents, including its slaves. 4300 Ashley River Road, 843.556.6020, middletonplace.org

Billy Reid

Charleston is known for its excellent shopping. A local favorite is fashion designer Billy Reid’s boutique, whose men’s and women’s clothes showcase classic style with a Southern twist. 150 King St., 843.577.3004, billyreid.com

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

The Ocean Course is one of only four golf courses to have hosted each of the PGA’s major tournaments. Known for slicing winds, the course is notoriously difficult, but rewarding. 1000 Ocean Course Dr., Kiawah Island, 800.576.1570, kiawahresort.com/golf/the-ocean-course