Trip Ideas City Vacations T+L’s Editor in Chief Takes Us on a Tour of Charleston By Siobhan Reid Siobhan Reid Instagram Website Siobhan Reid is a freelance writer, editor, and copywriter based in New York City. She is currently the editor-in-residence at The Vintner Project and was previously an editor at Travel + Leisure, where she covered culture, design, style, and wellness. She has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, The Washington Post, Departures, and Coveteur, among other publications. She also provides copywriting and consulting services for hospitality brands including Tripadvisor, Luxury Frontiers, Paradero Hotels, and Once Upon a Time Hospitality (where she's worked with clients like Jean-Georges Restaurants, Homestead Modern, Mondrian Hotels, and Thompson Hotels). * 5+ years of experience working as a travel writer and editor * Received a bachelor's degree in English cultural studies and politics, law, and society from McGill University Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 10, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Charleston has been voted the top city in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers a whopping seven years in a row. To celebrate, T+L's globe-trotting editor in chief, Jacqui Gifford, journeyed down to the Southern town to embark on a tour of her favorite haunts. Charleston has its share of stylish, world-class hotels, from the 1920s-themed Spectator hotel to the historic Wentworth Mansion. One of Jacqui’s new favorites is Hotel Bennett, a private home turned boutique hotel whose Instagrammable amenities include a rooftop pool and blush-hued champagne bar. Jonathan Ross/Getty Images Readers love Charleston’s homegrown shopping scene, and Croghan’s Jewel Box, a family-owned jeweler that dates back to 1919 is one of Jacqui’s go-to’s for its “one-of-a-kind,” locally inspired pieces. She’ll also drop by Ibu, Charleston’s source for ethically-sourced clothing and accessories, for a “great statement scarf, dress, or necklace.” The shop’s founder, Susan Hull Walker, works with 101 female artisans in 40 countries to bring her bold, global vision to life. When it comes to nightlife, Charleston has something for everyone: craft breweries, casual dive bars, red-hot cocktail spots, and more. When Jacqui’s in the mood for celebrating, she’ll take a seat at the Living Room bar at the Dewberry Hotel. The striking brass bar is the perfect spot to sip an old-fashioned while perusing books from the hotel’s library. “It’s like stepping back in time to another chicer era,” says Jacqui about the midcentury-mod spot. For more on Jacqui’s trip to the sweet, soulful town, watch the whole video above. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit