Charleston, SC with Jillian Eversole

Jillian is a Charleston-based blogger with curated shopping discoveries, reflections on motherhood, celebrations of family life, love notes to Charleston, and lots of joy around pursuing the good life.

Five Quick Tips:

Go-to coffee spot

Harken Cafe

Best oysters

The Ordinary or 167 Raw

Best place for a cocktail

Sorelle

Scenic stroll

Along the Battery

Favorite place to get pampered (spa, salon, etc.)

Charleston Place Hotel

What are your go-to brunch spots in Charleston?

I love the brunch at Brasserie La Banque! Charleston has a big Sunday brunch scene but very few restaurants serve Saturday brunch – Brasserie La Banque does both weekend days, making the weekend extra sweet (especially when you order the Brioche French Toast). It’s a fantastic go-to spot!

I also recently went to brunch for the first time at the Palmetto Café in the Charleston Place hotel and was blown away. The restaurant is beautiful, the service was impeccable, and the brunch was divine.

Favorite dinner restaurants?

My top dinner restaurants in Charleston are Chez Nous, Verns, Chubby Fish, and 167 Raw. Chez Nous and Verns are marvelous options for a nicer occasion but both are oh so foodie with the most lovely, intimate atmospheres. Chubby Fish and 167 Raw pack a punch when it comes to the best spots out for fun dinners with friends. Don’t go to Chubby Fish without ordering the caviar sandwich or go to 167 Raw without ordering a round of spicy margaritas. 

What are your top hotel recommendations – with kids and without?

My top hotel recommendations are The Dewberry, Zero George, and Charleston Place. All three have unique personalities that represent Charleston in different but special ways. I jump at every chance to do a staycation at any of the three!

I’ve actually never stayed at a hotel locally with my children but I think all three would be accommodating, with Charleston Place probably being the most kid-friendly of the lot.

Favorite local boutiques, vintage stores, etc.? 

My favorite local shops are Croghan’s Jewel Box, Hampden, Beau & Ro, Lake Pajamas, Amanda Lindroth, Candlefish, Elizabeth Stuart (In Mt. Pleasant), and Abide Awhile (in Mt. Pleasant). We are also about to have Minnow Swim open their flagship location in Charleston, which will be wonderful.

What are your can’t-miss recommendations for friends visiting from out of town?

So many things! Two recommendations that immediately come to mind are… I love telling friends to kick off their trips with a walking tour of the city with Walk & Talk Charleston to learn about our unique, historic, colorful, diverse city.

I also always recommend a beach day on Sullivan’s Island complete with a pre-beach lunch or post-beach dinner at Sullivan’s Fish Camp or The Obstinate Daughter.

Favorite beach in the Charleston area for an ideal day in the sun?

Sullivan’s Island is my favorite beach! It is so beautiful and some of the paths to get to the beach are quite magical. I love dining at Sullivan’s Fish Camp, The Obstinate Daughter, and Home Team and shopping at Bennie + Coco and Goldbug on Sullivan's Island.

A touristy attraction that you’d actually suggest?

Any of the historic house tours are absolutely worth it! A few I suggest are the Nathaniel Russell House, the Aiken-Rhett House, Heyward-Washington House, and the Edmondston-Alston House.

Any other Charleston hidden gems you’d be willing to share?

• - The siam salad at Leon’s

• - The stretch Armstrong Pizza at Melfie’s

• - The tomato tarte tatin at Fig

• - The daily sandwich at Goat Sheep Cow

• - The spicy margaritas at 167 Raw

• - The caviar sandwich at Chubby Fish

• - The coconut cake at The Peninsula Grill

• - Late night dancing at The Commodore

How would you style Sunshine Tienda for a day in Charleston?

Sunshine Tienda lends itself perfectly to Charleston because it is a sunshiny brand and we are a sunshiny town. I’d wear the sarong and palm hat to a day at the beach and the easy breezy Sienna Dresses and sling bags for a day shopping on King Street.