The Best Spots To Cozy Up In Charleston Right Now

05.12.2023 - 15:55 / forbes.com

No matter the reason or the season, traveling to Charleston is always a good idea.

One could argue that the holidays leading into the winter months is one of the best and most magical times of year to be in the Holy City, and this year is no exception thanks to a bevy of brand new five-star eateries and holiday pop-up’s that have been taking this beloved southern city by storm lately.

Of course you can’t talk about Christmastime in Charleston without checking out The Charleston Place which has earned the title ‘holiday headquarters’ for a reason. From nightly snowfall to The Nutcracker themed tea parties, this Charleston grand dame decks the halls with holiday decor and then some and is one spot you don’t want to miss on your next visit.

The Ryderhotelhas embraced the après-ski holiday spirit this season with an immersive pop-up and festive decor peppered throughout the property. For the second year in a row, the hotel’s Little Palm bar and restaurant has transformed into Little Pine — a holiday pop-up replete with tropical themed pool side gondolas that come kitted out with all the tropical holiday decor you could ask for.

Delightful seasonal cocktails include Oaxacan hot toddy’s and Mai Tais and this is a fun spot for groups to indulge in chocolate fondue served with fruit, marshmallows, pretzels and sweet breads. A food and beverage minimum of $200 is applied for gondola reservations after 4 p.m. daily and reservations for the gondolas and indoor seating at Little Pine are encouraged and available on Resy.

In November, The Ryder also unveiled a modest facelift to its lobby area as well as the grand opening of a brand new open-air courtyard complete with a bar and free-standing fireplace called The Backyard. Offering a variety of light Southern-inspired bites from crab hushpuppies, fresh shrimp rolls and daily happy hour deals, this convivial space is an ideal gathering spot to post up with a group of your nearest and dearest the next time you’re in town.

One of the most eagerly anticipated restaurant openings in the Holy City this year, Lowland Tavern officially opened its doors in November. Helmed by James Beard award winning Executive Chef Jason Stanhope, this cozy upscale Southern tavern occupies a historic three story Greek Revival-style building just a block shy of King Street. Showcasing the former FIG chef’s signature southern style, you can expect to find everything from perfectly creamy deviled eggs to a decadent lobster bucatini. Just make sure you save some room for the honey crisp hand pies for dessert. Just across the cobblestone street from Lowland Tavern,The Quinte Oyster Bar reopened under Stanhope’s supervision, and the self described ‘turn of the century oyster den’ is a great