Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome. Read on for our bachelorette guide to Asheville.
If you haven’t heard, Asheville, NC, is the spot for all your beer, food, and outdoorsy needs. Having lived here for a solid five years, I can honestly say that Asheville is a place that offers something for everyone. It’s got history for mom and dad, it’s got an amazing food scene for your Instagram thirst trap friends, it’s got amazing beer and breweries for people who give a sh*t about that, and it has stunning scenery and mountain views f*cking everywhere.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is about to become your new contender for bachelorette parties. Although those words may potentially ruin the city for those of us that live here, I’m fine sharing this slice of Appalachian heaven with some bride tribes and giving you our official bachelorette guide to Asheville.
How To Get There
Getting to Asheville is pretty easy whether you’re driving or flying—it just takes a little know-how. From Charlotte or Atlanta, Asheville is only two to three hours away if you drive like a sane person. Raleigh and Nashville are looking at about four-hour trips, and Richmond will take you about six hours. If that all is making your head spin, yes, you can also fly. The Asheville Regional Airport offers a few direct flights from Newark, LaGuardia, DC, and Philly for about $200-$300 roundtrip. There are several direct flights out of Chicago for around $400 roundtrip; non-stops from Dallas and Houston for around $300; and tons of flights from all over Florida for about $200.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble finding a reasonable flight directly into Asheville, you can fly into the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which is only about 45 minutes away from Asheville. You can also fly into Charlotte and make a friend pick you up, or you can take the shuttle.
Once you get to the airport in Asheville, you can grab an Uber or Lyft to bring you to your hotel or Airbnb. If you’re flying into Greenville, the airport shuttle will take you directly into Asheville for a decent price.
Where To Stay
Airbnb is going to be your best bet in Asheville since there are tons of bigger homes located around downtown (look for things in the Montford area) that can easily house four or more. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can hunt for better options—there’s cabin-type sh*t and mountain views a little outside town in Black Mountain, which is east of Asheville and about 20 minutes from downtown; or in Arden, which is south of Asheville, closer to the airport, and also about 20 minutes from downtown.
If you’re determined to stay in downtown, though, there are TONS of brand new hotels. The AC Hotel by Marriott is smack in the middle of the action and has a stellar rooftop bar and restaurant. Hotel Indigo is on the edge of downtown and makes for an easy walk into the action, and Aloft is located near the southern side of the city where a lot of the breweries are.
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How To Get Around
Asheville has a few different areas, all of which are walkable in and of themselves. To get between said areas, though, you will need an Uber, Lyft, or (the least fun option) a DD. Downtown is completely walkable, and if you were feeling up to it, you could trek over to the River Arts District, as it’s only about a mile away, but I’d recommend a car. West Asheville, where you’ll be heavily judged just for being part of a bachelorette party, is less of a destination, so I wouldn’t recommend bar hopping or shopping much over there; just book a restaurant and GTFO. Biltmore Village is walkable and has some super cute shops, but if you’re going to the Biltmore House, you will need a car to drive around the estate.
Where To Eat
There’s no shortage of places to eat your weight in, well, anything. Between James Beard-nominated restaurants and breweries with really good food, I’d highly suggest starving yourself the whole week before you get to Asheville so you can stuff yourself once you get there. (Don’t actually do that.)
For a fancy or nice dinner, book a month out for Cúrate , Rhubarb, or Benne on Eagle. All three have been nominated for countless awards, received accolades from fancy culinary folks, and/or have been recognized by the foodie establishment for being f*cking delicious. Cúrate specializes in Spanish tapas, a great option for a bachelorette party looking to share literally everything and take a lot of really annoying pics. Get the sangria—you won’t be disappointed.
Rhubarb is your classic farm-to-table eatery, but they take it up a notch. Sit out on the patio where you can be serenaded by wandering musicians and buskers, which Asheville has a lot of.
Benne on Eagle is where African meets Appalachian and has some seriously decadent and delicious not-your-average Southern dishes. And while I say these three are for “fancy” dinner, honestly, you could wear old, stained denim shorts and a baseball hat to any restaurant in Asheville and no one would think twice. Thanks, hipsters!
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For a more casual atmosphere, you’re going to want to hit up Chai Pani. Indian street food may not sound like a great idea when you’re binge drinking, but, I promise you, this sh*t is amazing. Get the kale pakoras and okra fries for a life changing experience.
Another adorable spot is Noble’s The Greenhouse, where the bright pink interior is begging to be in all your Insta stories.
If you need to up your sugar intake, stop by the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. It’s right in the middle of downtown and is sort of a dessert mecca. There will be a line on Friday and Saturday nights, but once you get inside you can indulge in their cookies, cakes, mousses, or liquid truffles—all made with their own bean-to-bar chocolate. Bonus points if you get a wine float, where, like, you put ice cream in your rosé.
Brunch is a way of life in Asheville, so be sure you’re carving out time in your day for that sh*t. Tupelo Honey is, honestly, sort of a tourist trap, BUT for good reason. Get the Shoo Mercy pancakes and be ready to never eat again.
Sunny Point Cafe always has a two hour wait, but the West Asheville spot is incredible for when you’re hungover (which you will be).
Taco Billy, which specializes in breakfast tacos, is also an amazing breakfast eatery—plus it’s across the street from Hole Doughnuts, where you kind of need to go for freshly fried and slightly misshapen treats smothered in cinnamon sugar.
What To Do
As soon as you settle on Asheville for your bachelorette destination, go ahead and book your tickets for the Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilts’ giant Versailles-in-America home is open year-round and you can tour, do wine tastings, take amazing Instas, and pet some cute f*cking animals. Yes, you read that right. There are goats and chickens and sheep and a few giant Clydesdale horses and they all just want LOVE and are conveniently located down the path from the winery. It’s like a white girl triathlon.
After you drink and cry over cuddly wuddly animal friends, I’d suggest a visit to the largest brewery in Asheville: Sierra Nevada. Even if you aren’t a huge beer fan, this Denver-based beer’s operation offers tours, seriously amazing food, a giant outdoor area with fire pits, a stage, games, gardens, and lots of places to just sit, drink, and relax. It’s located in South Asheville, and it’s definitely a must-add destination to the to-do list.
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Something wild is joining the party next month. Are you curious? #MardiGras
If you’re fancy, book some spa treatments (and say goodbye to your paycheck) at the The Grove Park Inn. The entire spa is cave-like, pools open up to mountain views, mimosas are free, and, if you’re a hotel guest, you can stay all day. Just be sure to double-check daily availability, as hotel guests are always given first dibs. If you can’t or won’t afford a $200 pedi, stop by the inn at sunset for drinks on the sunset terrace instead. Then take pics and annoy everyone.
Lastly, if it’s warm and you like the outdoors, Asheville has tons of hiking trails and water adventures on the French Broad River, which runs right through town. There are several tubing companies, so you can pack a floating cooler with booze and meander down the waterway.
Where To Drink
Unlike Nashville, Miami, or NYC, Asheville isn’t a party-till-sunrise location, which works in our favor for those of us that like to be in bed before 2am. There are not a lot of places open past, like, midnight, so think more daytime drinking and late-night tapas and less rage-all-night clubs. So if going to bed before the sun comes up is your jam, you’ll f*cking love it here.
The good news? Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. Yeah, think about that for a minute. There are a few bigger breweries that require more than a quick stop, plus tons of smaller breweries where you can jump in, grab a beer, and be on your way. We already talked about Sierra Nevada, which is located sort of out of town (actually super close to the Asheville Airport—about 20 minutes from downtown). New Belgium Brewing also has a huge spot in Asheville. It sits right between downtown and West Asheville, making it an easy day stop. There’s always a food truck, lots of beer flight options, and dogs to pet (v important).
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If you’re downtown, which you will be, there are a few must-stop breweries. Burial Beer Co. is run by really mean hipsters who make really great dark beers—so if you’re into coffee stouts, porters, and playing “whose beard is best”, this is the place to go. Wicked Weed is one of the OG breweries in town and is a stop that offers beer for everyone’s needs. They also operate the Funkatorium, which makes tons of sour beers. That sounds gross, but they’re really good and get you pretty f*cked up. Yay! One World Brewing is also in downtown, located in a not-sketchy alleyway. The bar is in a basement with lots of games, so you can collectively embarrass yourselves.
If you get tired of beer, there’s a wine bar in the River Arts District—just outside downtown—called Bottle Riot. You can also stop by the plēb urban winery which opened fairly recently in downtown.
Friday, Day 1
- Land at the Asheville Airport and take in the mountain views. Ah, nature. Grab an Uber and head to your Airbnb.
- Arrive at the hotel/Airbnb and unpack before heading out for drinks and an app (see: margaritas) at En La Calle
- Dinner at Cúrate, where you share all the tapas and drink far too much sangria. Try to speak Spanish with a Catalonian accent and definitely offend the chef.
- Time to make downtown your bitch! Stop by Burial , Wicked Weed, and One World Brewing before stumbling to French Broad Chocolate for late night chocolate cake, mousse, and wine.
- Uber back to the Airbnb. “Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord my liver to keep.”
Saturday, Day 2
- Bonjour, Asheville.
- Brunch at Tupelo Honey. Eat your weight in pancakes, biscuits, and drown it all with their house-made Bloody Mary.
- Grab an Uber and try to make your 1pm house entry time at the Biltmore. Hit the estate winery on your way out for a free tasting, then pet all the animals you can find.
- Head back to the hotel/Airbnb to get ready for pre-dinner wine at Bottle Riot before walking next door for dinner at Bull & Beggar in the River Arts District.
- Walk or Uber over the bridge to New Belgium for after-dinner beer.
- If you need more, Uber to The Double Crown in West Asheville—a locals bar with beer in cans and mixed drinks that are 95% alcohol. This is where you die of alcohol poisoning in a fun way.
- Somehow get back to your bed, control the spins, pass out.
Sunday, Day 3
- A very quiet brunch at Taco Billy, with doughnuts afterward at Hole. You try desperately not to throw up on the bride-to-be while cursing this f*cking mountain town.
- Head back to the hotel/Airbnb to pack and trek to the airport. Swear off beer forever.
- Dry heave into a paper bag on the plane and try not to make eye contact with anyone.
Images: @lovenoricreations / Unsplash; achotelasheville, curatetapasbar, chaipani, frenchbroadchocolate, biltmoreestate, omnigrovepark, newbelgium_avl; Instagram
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
Marijuana is legal in Colorado—do you need any other reason to bach here? Real talk, though: Denver is the best. There aren’t many cities that have awesome food, music, hotels, and nightlife, plus crazy nature views and fitness opps galore. Plus, did we mention you can do all these things toked up? Forget Disneyland, Denver is the happiest place on Earth. Which means it’s a no-brainer for your bachelorette party. Another reason we like it? Consuming all the cheeseburgers is encouraged. Seriously. Louis Ballast introduced the first cheeseburger to Denver/the world in 1935, and for that reason we love him. Oh, and it’s affordable. Always a bonus with bridal parties looking to stretch their dollar (and maybe their waistline) during a rager weekend. Consider this your ultimate bachelorette guide to Mile-High City.
How To Get There
If you live on the West Coast or in the Midwest, Colorado is pretty easy to get to and from. Flights from Los Angeles clock in around 2 hours 20 minutes and closer to 2 hours from most of Texas, while you’re looking at 4.5 hours if you’re coming from NYC. All in all, not that bad compared to say, a 10+ hour excursion to some random island. And since Denver is a major metropolis, there are tons of flights daily, with Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, United, and American leading the list of airline options. As for the best times to go, November is usually the cheapest, and high season runs from January to March, but the Coachella of the Rockies, Grandoozy, happens in September. Airfare can be found for as little as $56 to as high as $200/$300 (depending on the time and where you’re flying from).
How To Get Around
Considering Denver is like, one of the healthiest cities in America, people are active AF here. Which means they’re usually running, cycling, or walking to wherever they’re trying to get. And if that’s your jam, by all means, jump on a tandem bike to get your ass to the bar. Should you find yourself three sheets to the wind, however, and in no shape for pedaling—or really even using your feet—Uber to the rescue. There’s also Denver Party Ride (a limo-like valid option) and Regional Transportation District (RTD), also known as the bus, but let’s be real, you’ll probably call an Uber.
Where To Stay
The Ramble: Say hello to our favorite hotel in Mile-High City. This 50-room boutique hotel in the River North Arts District (RiNo) is prime turf for bachelorette shenanigans, considering it’s surrounded by Insta-worthy street art for impromptu photo shoots, tons of restaurants and bars, which are crucial when you’re hangry, hungover, or all of the above, as well as 15 craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries. Soooo you’ll never get thirsty around here.
You don’t have to worry about losing your buzz inside The Ramble either, since the chic AF lobby bar is where you’ll start your day (order the loaded Bloody Mary) and downstairs at Death & Co is where you’ll end your night. The hotel serves as a second outpost to the famous NYC craft cocktail den, where chances are you’ve blacked out visited once or twice. Super Mega Bien is also a good time, with a menu full of Latin-American Dim Sum snacks, family-style shared plates, and some delish house-made tonics that are obviously served with gin.
As for the rooms, they’re what you wish yours at home could look like—if you had money. Decked out in jewel tones, antique Persian rugs, and quirky paintings, they’re ideal for sleeping in, thanks to high thread-count sheets. Throw in a claw-foot tub and Death & Co curated mini bar and good luck giving back your room keys when it’s time to check out. They even offer girls trip-approved Bunkhouse rooms and a Pied-à-Terre loft with a stocked kitchen and bar for entertaining. Rates start at $169 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: Before saying “I do,” check into The Ritz and live your best *still* single life with their Girlfriend Getaway Package. Your Deluxe Club Level Suite digs come with plush featherbeds, oversized tubs, two bottles of champagne, and a personalized chocolate tasting that will make you feel bougie as hell. And when that bubbly runs dry, there’s more in the Club Level Lounge, along with complimentary snack spreads five times a day, free WiFi, and a dedicated concierge who will act as your BFF to make reservations, point you in the right direction when you can’t remember where your room is, and deliver the sunglasses and Advil. Ok maybe not the last one, but then again it’s The Ritz, and they’re about that kind of service. Bach groups also get a special discount at The Spa, so set aside time to be pampered, massaged, polished, and primped because you deserve it. Rates start at $279 per night.
The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop: This luxury Autograph Collection hotel is #bachelorettegoals, thanks to a killer rooftop bar and pool and 201 rooms and suites with Rocky Mountain views and swanky vibes. Some even have have Peloton Bikes because again, Denver is super into fitness. Downstairs you’ll find Narrative that’s literally the best for brunch, happy hour, nightcaps—you name it—and a wine library with over 750 bottles to brag about. Rates start at $157 a night.
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek: The first hotel to ever open in Cherry Creek got a fresh facelift, and now it boasts fancy suites, five-piece marble bathrooms, custom duvets (that you should watch out for when you’re schwasted), and a bunch of athletic amenities. On top of their 24-hour gym, there’s complimentary rooftop yoga, so if at any point you’re sober (or at least semi-oriented enough for a downward dog), swing on by. They also offer a Retail Therapy Package with @CherryCreekNorth shopping credits usable at the 16 blocks worth of nearby stores, so that’s reason enough for us to stay. Rates start at $207 per night.
Where To Eat
Uchi Denver: If you’ve ever been to Uchi in Austin or Houston (or even if you haven’t), make it a mandatory point to go to their Denver outpost. It’s sushi HEAVEN and you can thank us later. Located down the street from The Ramble in RiNo, the dining room is straight-up sexy, as are the rolls. GNO dinner is done right here, but only if you order our faves: Pork Rib Karaage, Softshell Crab Makimono, and Snow Crab Sunomono, plus all the sake, duh.
Tavernetta: You haven’t seen girls truly gone wild until you let your tipsy crew loose over plates of pasta at Tavernetta. Francobolli “Postage Stamp” Ravioli, Tagliatelle with Lobster, spritzes on the patio…we would literally move in and live here if we could. Word to the wise: save this stop for the last supper and maybe hit a cannabis tour beforehand. It’s that good.
Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar: If you happen to be bar crawling in Union Station and need a rustic little spot to recharge the batteries and order more shots, Woodie Fisher it is. Not only is the historic Hose House No. 1 famous (it was the first fire station in Denver), but their epic grilled cheese will bring you to tears—in a good way. The chicken shawarma wraps with dill yogurt are also pretty major, so be prepared to stash a couple in your purse for later.
Hearth & Dram: Any resto/bar that looks like a refurbished apothecary with over 300 whiskeys on tap is our kind of jam. Happy hour is always a good time, as is brunch, with $15 bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday to pair with Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and Green Eggs and Ham Benedict.
Safta: Alon Shaya’s modern Israeli gem Safta is what family dinner (or brunch) dreams are made of. Toast the bride-to-be over bowls of baba ganoush, tabouleh, cauliflower hummus, and charred cabbage with muhammara, scooped up with as much wood-fired pita as you can stomach, because you’re on vacation, damn it.
Señor Bear: The heart wants what the heart wants, and most of the time that’s tacos, empanadas, and extra queso fundido to go with those 20 margs you just ordered. The Bear (in LoHi) is happy to oblige. They also have a chill little patio that’s ideal for drunk girls private parties.
Mercantile Dining and Provision: Go for breakfast or lunch, then hit the the market at Mercantile to stock up on fruit spreads, pastries, cheese, and charcuterie, for when the midnight munchies strike.
El Five: This place was made for #SundayFunday, downing bottles of rosé on the penthouse balcony, wondering if you’re making the right decisions re: marriage, life, your current outfit. The “Edible Beats Joint” in LoHi is allll the way up and has the best views of the Denver skyline, so it’s understandable if you miss your flight for one more round.
Where To Party
Two words: pints and pot. Denver is the land of craft beers and a whole lotta cannabis, so most daytime (and nighttime) activities center around these pastimes.
First Draft: Get a taste of Denver’s finest (local beers) at this Taproom & Kitchen that also has wine, cider, kombucha, coffee, and cocktails on hand if you can’t with the hops. P.S., they give out electronic wristbands to measure how much you self pour—in case you’re someone who actually cares.
Cannabis and Candy Factory Tour: Get lit, get the munchies, and get your sweet tooth fix. Visit Green Dragon, one of Colorado’s best marijuana dispensaries, then take a candy-making class if your motor skills are still functioning.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: You’ve never been to a concert like one at Red Rocks. Located just 10 miles outside downtown Denver, it’s a must-visit when in the area for concerts, movies and tailgating at Ship Rock Grille amidst massive boulders. It’s also within close proximity to the Coors Brewery for a tour and tasting.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem: Need a break from beer? Head here. If an urban winery operated out of the back alleys of Denver and Austin doesn’t say “best time ever” we don’t know what does. One of the mainstays in RiNo, the winery’s taproom has it all: music, food from Denver’s top food trucks, and slushy machines (weather permitting). It’s also spacious AF, therefore ideal for all 20 of your closest friends.
The Horseshoe Lounge: At some point during every bachelorette party, you just need a dive bar that serves tots and pizza where you can end the night—or get your 12th wind. Say hello to the Horseshoe. Did we mention there is pool and Arcade games?
Friday, Day 1
Pro Tip: Get your culture fix out of the way on day one. Or better yet, fly in Thursday for that so you don’t waste a Friday, when you could be getting high by the pool.
- Check in and drop your bags, rip a shot (or two with the bride), and prepare to make moves.
- Lunch at Mercantile or Safta.
- If you do want to see something besides the bottom of your glass on this trip, now’s a good time to swing by the Denver Botanic Gardens, Zoo, Aquarium, or catch a baseball game at Coors Field for a sports-meets-booze day of fun.
- At this point, the best idea is to squeeze in your cannabis tour, or walk into a dispensary, then go back to the hotel for a nap.
- Get up and get ready.
- Dinner at Super Mega Bien.
- Work the rooftop circuit at 54Thirty, FIRE Terrace at the ART, The Woods at The Source Hotel, or Death & Co’s The Garden, and Elevated at Halcyon.
Saturday, Day 2
Pro Tip: Drink a looooot of water. Altitude sickness is no joke when you’re drinking and smoking your face off. Hydrate that face, STAT.
- If your squad is a bunch of fitness freaks, work out in your hotel gym, go for a bike ride, hike, or meditate somewhere. For the rest of you who are vibrating on that hungover level, grab the Excedrin and nearest nip from the mini bar, then cure your pounding headache with breakfast at Hearth & Dram, Four Friends Kitchen, Denver Biscuit Co. or 24-hour diner The Breakfast King.
- If you’re visiting when it’s warm, pack your bride tribe suit and set up camp at Four Seasons Hotel Denver or Halcyon, for their rooftop pool scene.
- When you need to dry off (code for: refill your drink and get a bite), try Señor Bear for Pan-Latin bites, Pisco, and margs.
- No bach trip is complete without a little drunk shopping or the spa, so head to Cherry Creek to buy things you realllly need, followed by The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon for CBD massages.
- Go back to bach HQ, get ready, and go to dinner at Tavernetta.
- For a BIG bach mood, there’s Howl at the Moon, for a strip club mood there’s Shotgun Willie’s, and for a dive mood there’s The Horseshoe Lounge.
Sunday, Day 3
Pro Tip: At this point you’ve probably blown through your dispensary stash, so visit one more before you trek back home. Plane rides are better on edibles anyway.
- Sunday Funday at El Five with your crew then get your ass home if you have any chance of making it to work on Monday morning. Until next time, Denver!
Images: Owen Lystrup / Unsplash
Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
Charleston, South Carolina, is a hotbed of old money, history, amazing food, and ritzy shopping. If you aren’t into the blackout scene and want to take things a bit slower than you would in, say, Vegas, Charleston is your new bachelorette party destination. This gorgeous old city is warm and perfect for sundresses, like, 80% of the year; plus you can wear a big hat and feel classy while you’re day drinking. By evening, you can wander the award-winning wine bars before popping in for a James Beard Award-winning meal.
Just a note: We suggest heading to Charleston before hurricane season, since that can be, well, occasionally an issue. The best times to go are November-May, and if you’re into being very sweaty, June and part of July can work, too.
Situate yourself around King Street and “under” Marion Square on a map; this is where you’ll find of tons of shopping, bars, and restaurants right in the old part of the city. Everything is completely walkable, and you definitely won’t run out of things to do.
How To Get There
There are plenty of direct flights from all over the country feeding into Charleston’s airport, so no need to hop through multiple layovers or deal with tiny planes on the way to this destination. Nonstop flights from the New York and Chicago areas range from about $200-400, which is pretty damn reasonable if you ask me. You’ll fly directly into Charleston International Airport, about 20 minutes away from the heart of downtown. Driving is also a decent option if you’re living anywhere near Atlanta, Richmond, or Charlotte, since it’s a pretty straight shot and anywhere from 3-6 hours total. Not bad, if you ask me; plus, you can listen to music and bond with the other girls on your drive.
Where To Stay
Obviously, the number of people are at your bachelorette party will determine where you’ll stay. Luckily, there are tons of Airbnbs and hotels all around downtown Charleston that range in price and room size. Personally, I suggest an Airbnb. The restaurants (especially those with amazing brunch and breakfast cocktails) are all incredible, so paying for a hotel breakfast seems like a waste. On my trip, we rented a huge loft and only paid about $100/night for three nights. We doubled up in queen and king size beds and had two full bathrooms, which worked perfectly for six girls. Plus, our spot was situated on upper King Street—within walking distance of literally everything.
If you feel like you need a hotel, I’d suggest the Renaissance Charleston Historic District, The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, or the Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District. All of them are in downtown, albeit in slightly different areas, but are within walking distance of everything you’ll want to be doing. Plus, they all have pools, a gym, restaurants, and amazing views of the city. The biggest downside is having to find adjoining rooms so you can all cuddle once you’re blackout.
How To Get Around
Whether you’re staying at a downtown Airbnb or one of the hotels above, getting around will be a breeze. Everything within downtown is walkable and, of course, there are plenty of Ubers if your feet get tired. If you decide to stay out further from the city—say, near Sullivan’s Island because you wanna beach bum it—you’ll need to Uber into downtown, but even then it shouldn’t be more than a couple bucks for a ride. Most of where you want to eat, visit, and drink is within the downtown/old area of Charleston, so making that your base will make getting around later much easier.
Where To Eat
You’ve got your transport (hot tip: it’s your feet) and you’ve got a bed to pass out on. Let’s move on to eating until we can’t feel feelings anymore! Charleston has some really, really, amazing restaurants, several of which have been nationally (and internationally) recognized for being f*cking delicious. For brunch, I’d suggest Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit or The Daily for a more casual meal (and if you need to keep your sunglasses on for the next few hours. A “nicer” brunch experience can be had at Eli’s Table or Pogan’s Porch.
For dinners, I would like to take this opportunity to heavily advocate for FIG, Husk, The Ordinary (an amazing raw bar and eatery), and SNOB. All of these options specialize in low-country fare (think the best shrimp and grits you’ve ever had) as well as amazing seafood and just general farm-fresh seasonal eating. If you’re looking for a wilder bite of things a little outside of downtown, I recommend Xiao Bao Biscuit—especially if you’re a little hungover and hunting for upscale Asian fusion for lunch. As a note, most places will require a business casual or at least “put together” look for dinner. You aren’t going to get kicked out for wearing shorts and flip-flops, but I wouldn’t recommend it. These are spots that Bill Murray has eaten in, okay? Show some respect.
Daytime Activities
I wouldn’t describe Charleston’s daytime scene as wild, however, there are a LOT of bars (rooftop and otherwise) where you can start sippin’ early. We recommend a boozy brunch at one of the spots listed above, then wandering through Charleston’s historic houses (including the famous and adorable Rainbow Row) after a traipse down King Street—home to all the absolute best shopping where you will, without a doubt, at some point, feel VERY poor (in a fun way). You can also make your way to the Charleston City Market, a huge indoor/outdoor area with tons of artisans, farmers, and purveyors hawking everything from wine to grits. I remember going here, nearly blackout, and buying spices from an old lady, two bottles of wine from a farmer man, and a painting from someone, although things were fuzzy by that time. If that isn’t living my best life, idk what is.
There are also a few spas if you feel like really recharging before a night of heavy eating and drinking. The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place is a great option right in the middle of town, and has plenty of treatments to help prepare your body for all of the toxins you’re about to pour into it. When you’re ready to take in views of the city before dinner, head to a rooftop spot like The Rooftop at The Vendue Hotel or the rooftop bar at The Market Pavilion.
Where To Drink
After dinner and if you can move, it’s time to keep drinking and do some dancing. Head to NV Dance Lounge, part of Henry’s on the Market for live DJ’s, bottle service, and a club atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights. Just a note: no flip-flops allowed. If that isn’t your scene, The Whiskey Lounge, located upstairs in Henry’s, has lots of cushy seating and a great bar.
If you haven’t noticed, though, Charleston isn’t much of a club town, which you can attribute to the old school money running the joint. I’d highly recommend bar hopping between several great spots like Proof, Bin 152, Prohibition, The Gin Joint, and Blind Tiger Pub in lieu of the whole shots and clerb scene. Remember: ho, but make it Charleston classy. Plus, you can get pretty f*cked up at dinner, too, which we did and very much enjoyed. Keep those bottles of wine comin’.
Thursday, Day 1
Pro Tip: Concentrate on sunsets via rooftop bar tonight, since your days will be packed from here on out.
- Arrive at hotel or Airbnb
- Pregaming and drinks at the homestead while you get ready for dinner by 4pm
- Hit a rooftop bar like the one at The Vendue Hotel, then prepare to walk to dinner
- Dinner at SNOB
- Hit up more bars like Proof, or wander into whatever looks inviting (most everything is open until at least 2am)
Friday, Day 2
Pro Tip: Wake up and chug some water, sweetie—you’ve got a big day ahead.
- Brunch at Poogan’s Porch (after coffee and Insta scrolling, of course)
- Walk the shops on King Street and blow some money before heading to see Rainbow Row and the Charleston City Market
- Dinner at The Ordinary, where you can order oysters and champagne to show everyone how fancy you are
- Stop in at Prohibition for more drinks
Saturday, Day 3
Pro Tip:
- Chug coffee at your Airbnb, then head out for a light and casual lunch at either Xiao Bao Biscuit or The Daily
- Head to the spa to wash the toxins away
- Back to the homestead, get cleaned up
- Head out for pre-dinner drinks at Bin 152
- Dinner at HUSK
- Hit up some of the bars you didn’t make it to, or get drunk and go on a ghost tour (there are several; most will require reservations ahead of time)
Sunday, Day 4
- Brunch at any of the other places you didn’t get a chance to check out yet
- Don’t miss your flight!!
Images: Unsplash (2); Shutterstock (3)
