Insider's Charleston with The Dewberry's Jaimie Dewberry

Charleston is a favorite destination for many Indagare members, who flock here year-round for its living-museum architecture, fabulous shopping and world-class dining. But Jaimie Dewberry’s love for the city runs deeper. “Charleston is a place full of wonderment and magic,” she says, having been visiting the coastal South Carolina town since she was a baby. “Some of my earliest memories as a child are climbing on the massive live oaks and hunting for shark teeth and shells.” Today, as both director of the Dewberry Foundation (her family’s charitable organization) and principal at Studio Dewberry (which oversees all design, product development and branding for the Dewberry Group’s real estate and hospitality portfolio, including The Dewberry Hotel), she divides her time between Atlanta and Charleston.

What’s the secret to Charleston? For Dewberry, “it’s the perfect mix of history, charm, climate and culture. Around every corner is another treasure to be explored, I am still finding this to be true today as I discover something new on my walkabouts downtown. Whether it’s the floating sounds of church bells, hidden garden, a quirky café, or the way the sun shines on a crumbling plastered wall, I think it is how the history, architecture, nature and culture all collide in this deeply rooted, special city.”

We caught up with her to learn her favorite places in Charleston, from the best restaurants and top shops to the fascinating museums and must-do day trip.

Contact Indagare for assistance in booking your trip to Charleston. Our Trip Designers can help match you with the hotel or resort that is best for you—including The Dewberry—and offer even more restaurant, activities and shopping recommendations.

Jaimie Dewberry’s Charleston Guide

“Harken Café & Bakery is a female-owned and -operated café with the best matcha latte in all the land. The pastries are divine as well. It is a great spot to catch up over coffee or a light breakfast. The design is so charming. It looks as if it’s been there forever, tucked away off Meeting Street and a short walk from one of my favorite little parks, Washington Square.”

For the fabulous dinner “Chez Nous is hands down one of my favorite spots. The ambience is lovely, and there is a quiet sophistication to the restaurant, which still handwrites its menu, only offering a couple of choices which change daily! The food and wine are sublime.”

For the best dessert in town “We like to ride our bicycles over to Off Track for the most unique ice cream selections, which include vegan options and milkshakes.”

(Of course, she also loves The Dewberry’s desserts—and so do we! Pastry chef Jenn McCoy “creates the most wonderful confections. We’ve become quite well-known for her signature, made-to-order, warm chocolate chip sea salt cookies and milk.”)

WHERE TO SHOP

“My personal favorite is Hampden. It is a female-owned and operated women’s boutique located on King Street that offers the most diversely curated assortment of couture and ready-to-wear fashion. It’s more than a boutique, it’s actually a miniature department store. They have a wide variety of designers from all over the world and hands down the best customer service experience.”

For bringing Low Country designs home “For home décor and antiques, pop into Fritz Porter and Wynsum Antiques & Interiors. Both have vast selections of antiques to modern pieces, art, furniture and accessories. Preservation Society of Charleston is another great spot to find books and locally crafted items specifically catering to the Charleston area, from coffee tables to cast iron cookware.”

For the art “Ann Long Fine Art Gallery and The George Gallery are both owned and operated by incredibly bright women with impeccable taste… Ann Long features contemporary realists and is by appointment only. The George Gallery represents contemporary American and European artists, and is located on Broad Street.”

For a little bit of everything—and a great cause “Ibu is a female-owned and operated boutique on King Street featuring handmade unique products, such as clothing, jewelry and home goods that celebrate women around the world disrupting poverty and fashioning change through the art of their hands. The products created often use traditional techniques and sustainable practices and resources, making them one-of-a-kind pieces.”

For an only-in-Charleston experience “Garden & Gun magazine has its only freestanding store located on the ground floor at our hotel, called Fieldshop. With an ever-changing assortment, Fieldshop includes a vibrant range of made-in-the-South items. There is something for everyone!”

WHAT TO DO

For a cultural experience “Gibbes Museum of Art is Charleston’s only visual arts museum and a one-of-a-kind gift shop. Additionally, the Historic Charleston Foundation is celebrating 75 years and have opened its house museums, which showcase some incredible examples of historic preservation and restoration.”

As for the new International African American Museum, opening soon? “I am really looking forward to the opening of such a truly impactful and meaningful asset for our beloved Charleston and beyond. We have already secured our membership!”

For a day trip “If you can swing it, a day trip to Sullivan’s Island is a great way to get your beach fix...My favorite beach is Station 22. Be sure to put your toes in the sand and stop by Obstinate Daughter on your way out of town for lunch.”

Contact Indagare for assistance in booking your trip to Charleston. Our Trip Designers can help match you with the hotel or resort that is best for you—including The Dewberry—and offer even more restaurant, activities and shopping recommendations.