National Geographic Traveler’s Hotel Editor, Susan O’Keefe, recently took a trip to Charleston with her girlfriends and recommended that readers do the same!

The article begins:

Middleton Inn

Charleston packs a punch for a girls weekend getaway. With its eclectic dining scene, chic shops and galleries, and its walkable streets filled with historic homes and English-inspired gardens, the city charms visitors with old-fashioned Southern hospitality. What’s more, Southwest Airlines launches service to Charleston (flight cities have not been announced) next spring.

O’Keefe mentions shopping on King, Fast & French, Restoration on King, Preservation Society’s Home & Garden tour, coconut cake at Peninsula Grill, FIG, Hominy Grill, Middleton Place & Inn and the MoonPie Store.

Here’s what she said about shopping on King Street:

You could walk up and down King and Broad Street all day poking in and out of the fine assortment of shops. Some of my favorites were Finicky Filly for fresh seasonal fashions like cashmere sweaters (the latest have feathered collars) and tasteful cocktail dresses. The sales ladies lavish shoppers with attention and will happily pour you a beverage or feed coins to your car meter while you shop. Handpicked boasts fun, trendy jewelery and accessories at inexpensive prices. South of Market is the place to pick up pillows, throws, and other accessories for your home or at the very least, get some really good ideas, and Lily offers beautiful stationery, vintage jewelery, soaps, and handbags, not to mention an overall aesthetic that makes you feel good to be in this lovely little shop.