Downtown Charleston, with its lots of lore and vibrant culture, is a paradise for book lovers. Here’s a week-long Bookish Charleston itinerary to ensure your best friend experiences the best of what my homebase city has to offer. This itinerary will help immerse you and friends in the literary and cultural richness of Charleston, making it a memorable and enriching experience!
Day 1: Arrival and Literary Welcome
- Morning: Start the week by checking into The Restoration Hotel, a boutique hotel with a cozy library lounge perfect for unwinding with a good book.
- Afternoon: Visit Buxton Books, an independent bookstore located in the heart of downtown Charleston. Explore their curated selection of local authors and Southern literature.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Poogan’s Porch, a famous Charleston restaurant known for its Southern cuisine and storied past.
Day 2: Historical and Literary Exploration
- Morning: Head to Sweeter Than Fiction, Charleston’s first and only romance bookstore that has just opened.
- Afternoon: Explore The Charleston Library Society, the third oldest private library in the U.S., for a taste of literary history.
- Evening: Have dinner at Magnolias, which offers classic Southern dishes with a contemporary flair, and take a ghost tour to hear Charleston’s many stories and legends.
Day 3: Beach and Bookish Bliss
- Morning: Spend the morning at Folly Beach. Pack a picnic and a novel for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Afternoon: Return to Charleston and visit Blue Bicycle Books, a beloved local bookstore with a great selection of new and used books.
- Evening: Dine at The Ordinary, a celebrated seafood restaurant housed in a historic bank building.
Day 4: Literary Arts and Culture
- Morning: Explore the exhibits at the Gibbes Museum of Art, where you can appreciate the intersection of visual arts and storytelling.
- Afternoon: Take a literary walking tour with Charleston Strolls, where you’ll discover the city’s rich literary history and connections to famous writers.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Husk, known for its innovative Southern cuisine, followed by a performance at the Dock Street Theatre, one of America’s oldest theatres.
Day 5: Garden and Literary Inspiration
- Morning: Visit Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark with stunning gardens. It’s a great spot for inspiration and reflection.
- Afternoon: Relax at Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer, a local favorite offering a cozy spot for reading and enjoying a drink.
- Evening: Dine at FIG, where the focus is on farm-to-table freshness.
Day 6: Exploration and Creativity
- Morning: Spend the morning at The Battery and White Point Garden, taking in the stunning views and historical significance.
- Afternoon: Attend a writing workshop or reading at The Charleston Library Society or another local venue.
- Evening: Have dinner at The Grocery, which offers a unique, seasonal menu, and unwind with a cocktail at The Belmont.
Day 7: Farewell and Reflection
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Toast All Day, famed for its Southern breakfast fare.
- Afternoon: Spend some time reflecting on your trip at Waterfront Park, with its beautiful views of the harbor.
- Evening: Conclude your visit with a farewell dinner at The Macintosh, offering a creative, locally-sourced menu.
Come explore my city! Happy travels and remember:
Live. Love. Laugh.