No matter the season, we’re always fallin’ for Charleston.
I’ve gotta new crush—his name is Chuck(town). We’ve been out a dozen times before—but this time was different. A week felt like a summer fling I never wanted to end.
He’s at once laid back and luxe. A vibe in all his hip-meets-historic Lowcountry casual-chic glory. His stately soaring steeple-dotted skyline (~400 churches to be exact) gives regal—while his cobblestone streets snaking through downtown bring whimsy. Never mind the herd of horse-drawn carriages, retail for days, esteemed edifices and architecture, pastel antebellum houses, Charleston Harbor (that at once, well, harbors history and a hip hang)—or the smattering of cafes, bars and restos that never met a hankering they couldn’t fix. Like any good fling, our time together wasn’t enough—but somewhere over the rainbow (row) we’ll meet again. Until then, the highlights.
Chic Boutique Stay
Bring the outside in palatial piazza-style via one of the newest boutique hotels to join the ~100 in Downtown. She’s a total mood. From the verdant lobby abloom with literal live plants and outdoor fans to the massive porch swing (get you a Noah to read to your Allie a la The Notebook) to the rooftop vistas worth a short (or long) respite, The Loutrelis pure poetry. The embodiment of modern Charleston with a nod to its history, it’s precisely where you want to lay your head… or laze in the Veranda Lounge over—what else—botanical-inspired boozy ’tails and Mediterranean bites. Bonus: Its prime position in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District just steps from the famed City Market and King Street beckons you out, while the finely appointed rooms with live botanicals, Matouk linens and—ahem—Dyson hair dryers (!) pull you back into the lap of luxury for refuge in a Southern sanctuary like none other. Hey, it wasn’t named the top Charleston hotel by Travel + Leisure for nothin’. @theloutrelcharleston
Live Like a Local
If Carrie Bradshaw had a Charleston crash pad, this would be it. The Restoration will lull you, woo you and restore you—then send you off into the bosom of the retail district to shop, eat and drink your heart out. (Jimmy Choos not recommended.) With two distinct stay ops to select, the choose-your-own-adventure historic hotel serves up a boutique modern experience via spacious hotel suites; or, homey one- and two-bedroom suites for the live-like-a-local-feel we chose.
Positioned off King Street, history and hip collide in the latter, serving up rustic-chic spacious well-appointed flats with mod tech and exposed brick—and, well, that “I live here” nonpareil feel. Rise and shine daily to a doorside basket of gourmet goodies (from fruit and yogurt to freshly made breakfast croissant sammies).While there—or just passing by—make it a point to pop down to The Rise coffee bar (pro tip: in season, best lavender latte in town), or, later, level up to The Watch rooftop (ask for Lucas) to join sundry locals and guests alike for lunch, tipples, dinner, views or all of the above (yes, please). And just like that… from coffee to cocktail to slumber, you’re restored. @therestorationhotel; facebook.com/therisecoffeebar; @thewatchrooftop
The RiseThe Watch
Culture Vultures on High
It’s a colorful life at The Vendue. If you haven’t heard of this hot spot for its exhibits, artful accommodations or even dining selects, you’ve likely heard of it for its views—and if you haven’t, well, thank us when you’re feeling on top of the world. Elevate your stay by posting up for some sips on The Rooftop with perspective or book a night here—especially for the aesthetes. Either way, add this mod hôtel des arts with historic bones and primo location to your Charleston bucket list.
The iconic space merges two historic buildings with two distinct well-appointed experiences—each with their own vibe. The common spaces adorned in ~200 art pieces (“a good excuse to show off”) deliver an intentional experience—while on the layered rooftop regal decor turns to welcome reverie… and all are welcome. “Art hotel, not hotel art,” the MO alone reveals what Vendue serves in spades: contagious energy, undeniable flair and inspiration for days (the red-hued ground-floor-level grand piano room has the elevated mystique of House of Cards so much so that I expected Robin Wright to saunter into the room). Color me impressed—though still hopeful for that Wright run-in. @thevendue; @venduerooftop
Aw, Shucks
167 Raw, The Darling or Leon’s. Shuck amongst yourselves—we’ll wait. While there may never be an answer to the great Chucktown oyster debate… oh, darling, you can be sure you’ll feast like kings on King Street. They’re all pearls—and, honestly, it just comes down to a vibe check. If you’re the reservation type seeking that classic feel straight out of Southern Charm—aka oozing Charleston from door to food to decor to floor—lean The Darling (and, pro tip: besides oysters (obv), lobster roll. Period). If you have time to spare (and I cannot emphasize this enough—make some), 167 Raw will wow you from the ’tails to the bivalves to the bevvy of fresh selects (those shrimp tacos are borderline criminal). First-come first-serve it like a pro by rounding the corner to Bar 167 to take sanctuary indoors or take to the terrace under the apropos mod “Drugs” decor to fuel your fortitude with Mediterranean-inspired drinks and dishes.
And locals will tell you that there’s just no slurping oysters in CHS if you haven’t rolled up for bivalves at 2020 James Beard semifinalist Leon’s. A diamond in the rough (er, sea of pearls), Leon’s come-as-you-are garage-chic poultry and oyster shop is a veritable haven of cheap beer (even Miller High Life ponies), “kickass salads,” on-tap rosé and frozen G&Ts, plus ’tails for days—all married in an old garage that accepts walk-ins or reservations for crews rolling six deep or more.@167_raw; @bar167_charleston; @darling_oyster_bar; @leonsoystershop
The carriage ride may sound corny, but it’s worth a slow hoof through the Holy City while taking in fun facts like the fact that the “haint” Carolina blue paint on the piazza ceilings is meant to spook the ghosts. Or, wait for it, per my brainy host (find her on Jeopardy soon), pre-AC when fully clothed regal locals needed air in the sultry summer (pun intended) they sat naked on their private piazza—but since those porches are still open on one side, should a nude woman be spotted, her onlooker was forced to propose.
So Nice, Had to Do It Twice
When it’s that good, you go back again. And it’s always Millers time in Charleston. We first told you about Millers All Day last year—but all day means every day for liquid “prescriptions” (the apt sign-emblazoned bar is just what the doctor ordered) or coffee bar sips… and, well, just to feed the soul with whatever soothes you, all-day breakfast, brunch, lunch or pies by the slice.
The same rings true for Rancho Lewis—go ravenous and thank us later. (Fun fact: The off-the-beaten-path locale at Pacific Box & Crate is worth its own several-hour brewery, play yard, glutinous adventure). Austin and Charleston collide in this brainchild of Texas-bred top toque John Lewis of Lewis Barbecuefame (like people stand in long lines for this—even on weekdays), honoring the multicultural trifecta of West Texas; New Mexico; and Chihuahua, Mexico, via “border food-meets-cowboy cuisine” that promises to ruin the rest of your Mexican resto dinners in the best way—which is precisely why we returned. Bless this Mex. @millersallday; @rancholewis
Let’s Get This Bread
Scratchmade biscuits and bennies 🤝 mimosa flights and full bar—say less. At Ruby Sunshine,“brunch is a lifestyle.” Read: They live for it—and you will too once you bite into #thatbrunchlife. Hey, if the ruby slipper fits, we’ll eat it. (Pro tip: The Downtown East Bay Street digs are perfectly positioned to fuel you for your short jaunt to the waterfront, Rainbow Row and more.)
If you’re in more of an “empire state of mind” you’re gonna wanna “Be” the “Yoncé” you wish to see in the world and nab that Jay-Z energy at NYC-inspired open-all-day Bodega. One promise: a droolworthy (and ’Gram-worthy) cheese pull. Situated in an 8K-square-foot train depot alongside Share House—and serving up colossal cheekily dubbed breakfast sandwiches—the graffiti-laden locale transports “concrete jungle where dreams are made of” into the Holy City a la executive chef Alec Gropman’s childhood. Go for the vibes alone, fuel up on the bites and bevs (think morning-pick-me-up cuppas from its coffee bar), and stay for the best espresso martini we found in town (no, seriously)—or any of its craft cocktails really. TBH, Bodega is so good we literally ate there twice. @rubysunshinebrunch; @eatdrinkbodega
Color Us Obsessed
If you want to grab ole Chuck by the horns, post up on Meeting Street at recently bowed Matador, from owner NC native Zak Melang. Go for the transcendent tacos and scratchmade super-fresh seasonal authentic Mexican bites—stay for the Gen X/millennial bangers and rustic hacienda-inspired style. We see your vibrant stained-glass window and Old-World Mexican-style antiques and groovy reclaimed wood bar and raise you a custom-built metal fireplace—NTM a spacious patio. Then take flight (literally, order flights) with agave sips from one of the largest tequila programs in the Carolinas. Open daily, the newest hot spot also serves another lunch op to hungry revelers, business-trippers (word) and locals alike. Oh, and late-night happy hour is a thing. @thematadorsouth
Raleigh Magazine exclusively reveals name and design of area’s first Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in Village District.
At once taking Raleigh’s boutique hotel experience next level and upping Village District’s hip factor is the area’s first Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel grab: the Oberlin Hotel. We first announced the Village District debut hotel on our Instagram. Now, we have the exclusive first look at never-before-seen renderings and details of the upscale property.
Situated at the intersection of Woodburn Road and Cameron Street in the heart of Village District (aka in the now defunct K&W locale), family-owned Winston-Salem-based Quality Oil Company LLC is unfurling a 115,000-square-foot charming boutique hotel, complete with a multiuser parking deck serving both the hotel and Village District.
With construction slated to begin this summer, the Oberlin Hotel is expected to take ~two years to complete, standing seven stories tall and serving up 153 well-appointed guest rooms, including presidential suites. Upon entry, the lobby will sate morning-to-night cravings via a market-style cafe dishing breakfast, spacious lounge and full cocktail bar, all open to the public as well.
Down the main corridor, meeting and banquet spaces accommodate myriad group sizes, while outside, a large courtyard awaits, complete with covered patio feat. a soundstage for live tunes, beverage service and event catering. And taking the experience to new heights, a signature high-end restaurant and rooftop bar, also open to the public, will showcase spectacular DTR vistas.
“Oberlin Hotel’s arrival to Village District is not only a great addition to our existing lineup, but also an overall benefit to the corridor,” said Chris Widmayer, senior VP of investments at Regency Centers. “This center is the beating heart of the market and now has a fantastic overnight option that helps make Village District a true 18-hour destination. We couldn’t be happier and encourage anyone looking to visit to see what sets them apart.”
And leaning into the Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels brand’s MO of boasting a global portfolio of handpicked hotels “for the curious,” with “no two Curio experiences the same,” the hotel is uniquely Raleigh—down to the hotel moniker itself, rooted deep in Raleigh history. The inspo for the hotel’s historic name dates back to the early 1860s Freedman’s Village established post-Emancipation, explains Bennett, and is drawn from the contributions of the brave men and women who formed the largest reconstruction-era settlement in Wake County.
“These folks made a lasting impact on Raleigh and the entire country because of what they achieved, and we think this special hotel will honor them and the Oberlin name” says Graham Bennett, president of Quality Oil Company—a near-100-year-old business you’d know from its Triangle Quality Mart and Quality Plus gas stations, as well as a Hampton Inn & Suites near PNC operated by its hospitality division, Quality Hospitality. “We are very excited to add this incredible property to our portfolio of award-winning hotels. From the amenities to the decor, and food and beverage offerings, this hotel will provide a truly unique and memorable experience guests will come back for.”
Beyond the distinctive branding, the hotel’s locale only serves to add to its allure. Village District—nee 1949 as Cameron Village shopping center—itself has a long, significant position on Raleigh’s hospitality scene, from its hip underground days to those famed blue awnings to its current iteration housing 100+ unique shops, cafes and services all proximal to the likes of NC State and the Hillsborough Street Corridor, Smoky Hollow, Glenwood South. And, don’t worry… while the hotel will up the luxe and livable factor of the burgeoning district, the strip—including local gems like Charlotte’s—will not be affected.
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Vibes are on high at the long-awaited Madre—now officially open in Smoky Hollow. Helmed by powerhouse trio Tyler Helikson, Brad Shoff and Celina Salinas, the Mediterranean oasis serves up small plates and community via a space intentionally designed for “serendipitous friend-making,” says Helikson. An homage to mothers (hence Madre)—with a lean into the coastal Mediterranean region that inspired it—the elevated cool come-as-you-are concept is the first locally owned restaurant of this scale to open Downtown since 2017 (think Vidrio, Brewery Bhavana). And with it comes the next era of modern dining—and exactly what Raleigh needs right now: a space intentionally designed for all walks of life for any occasion, from the experience to the ambiance to the bites and bevs. madreraleigh.com
Essentials to tote with you while you leave your worries behind.
Not all who wander are lost—especially if your bags are packed with these of-the-moment must-have travel essentials. From noise-canceling Airpods (we see your crying baby and raise you a binge-watch of The Bear season two) to a sleep mask equipped with Bluetooth (yes, you are living in 2030), these trendy toteworthies promise to keep you comfortable on the road away from home.
“It” Bag
Don’t be a tourist; be a traveler and pack it all in this summer’s “it” Béis bags, designed and created by “it” girl Shay Mitchell.
Whether you’re trapped in a middle seat between a couple reaching over you (ish happens) or lucky enough to grab the backseat on a road trip, these pods transport you to your destination unbothered.
Pocket the $5 you woulda spent on overpriced airport water and spring for that latte instead—or put it toward a morning mimosa if you’re going wheels up (no judgment). Pro tip: Upgrade that Hydro Flask to this space-saving freezer-safe flat A6 Memo bottle.
Not just good for the plane or car, but for wherever the road may take you—unwired. Strong and snappy—but slim and sleek—this Anker 633 MagGo also feats a kickstand so you can go from single-handed selfie mode to hands-free views.
Sometimes it’s less about the journey and more about the destination—and getting there (or back) well-rested (hey, red eyes and hangovers). Enter this LC-dolida adjustable—and washable!—plush memory foam sleep mask-meets-Bluetooth 5.0 tech stereo sound headphones with 10 hours of playtime. Wheels up—eyes shut.
For the cold-natured or the “wake me up when we get there” types, it’s giving sleepytime vibes—and we’re here for it. This E Marie travel snuggler is so soft it curled up on Oprah’s Favorite Things, and, wait for it, doubles as a scarf or shawl. Felt cute—might snuggle longer.
Local Icon’s shipping container concept at Peace & Glenwood is on.
Remember “The Yard” we first told you about last spring cropping up at the corner of Peace and Glenwood in the old Peace Street Inspection Center? We do—and it’s still happening. Now dubbed Embargo—a play on bar/shipping container, get it?—the buzzy concept will break ground in July and deliver (had to) late summer/early fall, transforming the abandoned repair shop and otherwise dead space atop Glenwood South into a dynamic social hub.
Adding another calf to the cash cow that is the thriving district—which doles a $1.2 billion annual impact—the converted OG go-to auto inspection station will expand the district footprint by extending its northern gateway across Peace Street.
From service station to, well, service, Local Icon Hospitality founder/owner Jon Seelbinder and team (think The Merchant, Virgil’s, Little City, to name a few) are upfitting the original building into a hip hangout to max out the space with a unique boundary-pushing concept while maintaining the legacy of that popular Raleigh pocket. Think: unique one-story F&B concepts over towers, a vision shared by local Icon and property owners CityPlat and Modalia Capital, who aim to create synergy with the current area.
Leaning into the surging popularity of shipping container bars (e.g. Boxyard RTP), the main building’s bar and small kitchen will be surrounded by ~20 shipping containers (some multistories) filled with bars and unique food concepts spread among a fire pit- and game-dotted outdoor space, and playing host to rotating food trucks. And it’s gonna be a total vibe.
With a longstanding MO of maintaining the essence of Raleigh while simultaneously pushing the envelope, Local Icon is primed to perfectly play out this avant-garde vision by thinking outside the box (and literally inside the box, in this case.). While the details are still being flushed out, Seelbinder and his team are flirting with three or four casual food concepts—tossing around ops from resurrecting their former famed Linus & Peppers sandwiches to a “really slick burger program,” he says.
“Let’s make it vibe with Raleigh, but also make it unique in our way,” says Seelbinder. “Let’s make it elevated, but approachable. Let’s not go so over-the-top that it doesn’t resonate with our drinking community—but let’s do something really cool” to visually activate one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in DTR.
Ultimately, “this is not just another Glenwood South bar. … More than anything, it’ll be a cool outdoor drinking and hangout space,” says Seelbinder. “And I’m just really excited to bring it to Glenwood Avenue.” Retweet.
