Charleston Chic

In a city like Charleston, hotels are as abundant as churches. So when Emeline opened its doors last July, one might’ve brushed it off as just another hotel. And yet, it’s not. Unlike larger accommodations, Emeline feels intimate and inviting. Much of that timeless vibe stems directly from its classic interiors, which feature a stylish, updated midcentury-modern aesthetic with a dose of Southern charm.

Each of the 212 rooms—many of which are suites with timeless midcentury-modern furnishings and decor—feature bespoke embroidered Matouk linens, Red Flower toiletries, and a Crosley turntable with vinyl records to listen to while sipping an old fashioned. Drinks are a must at Emeline’s onsite restaurant Frannie & the Fox, which is abuzz at happy hour with stylish locals and visitors alike. Charleston is a foodie town, and nearby Tempest does not disappoint. Named best new restaurant in January by USA Today’s reader poll, Tempest easily lives up to its title with a menu chock-full of the freshest seafood, often coming straight from the Carolina coast. (The monkfish liver mousse with seasonal compote on buttery brioche is a necessary order, as are the umami tuna bombs, which have inadvertently become one of Tempest’s most popular items.)

Afterward, stroll the Battery and end the day with a nightcap on the patio of Frannie & the Fox, where the glow of an oversized fireplace serves as the perfect backdrop—and bookend—to the evening.

Coastal Calm

If the “urban” vibe of downtown Charleston isn’t quite the getaway you’re looking for, head instead to nearby Seabrook Island. While the look of Seabrook is similar to Kiawah, the vibe is a tad more casual. There are plenty of private homes to rent, not to mention smaller townhomes, villas, and condos available through Seabrook Island Club and Seabrook Island Real Estate. The newly renovated oceanfront pool at the Seabrook Island Beach Club makes beach life even easier with the adjacent Pelican’s Nest or Osprey Café for quick bites to eat, while the two pools provide respite from the hot, sandy beach nearby. Off the sand and surf, Seabrook Island Equestrian offers guided trail rides through the quiet woodland, marsh, and coastal areas. These small group tours are a great way to see the oft-missed parts of the island.