Charleston Living Best of the Best Reader's Choice 2017
By TERI ERRICO GRIFFIS and JENNA-LEY JAMISON
SHOPPING
Apartment Complex
River’s Walk
River's Walk is a beautiful, pet friendly apartment community in beautiful Mt. Pleasant. From the exterior, it's American Craftsman with a contemporary edge. Inside, you’ll find designer finishes like custom solid wood cabinetry, granite countertops and clean steel appliances. Residents like the complex’s 7,400 square foot clubhouse, with internet cafe and training center, as well as an outdoor gourmet kitchen and resort style swimming pool! 843-216-1470, riverswalk.maac.com
Appliance Store
Signature Appliance Center
Charleston’s home for appliances, Signature Appliance Center aims to provide customers with a one-stop shop for all their kitchen needs. From microwaves to freezers, from dishwashers to dryers, you’ll find just what you need to express yourself in the greatest room of all—your kitchen. Even better, you’ll find it all, in some of the country’s favorite brands (think Samsung, Sharp, Whirlpool) for highly competitive prices. 843-571-5735, signatureappliances.net
Art Gallery
Robert Lange Studios
Gallery owners Megan and Robert Lange are committed to providing a forum for art based on individuals, subjective style and awareness. This dedication has created a reputation for the gallery of consistently finding new and interesting artists that stand out for their imagination and distinctive personal touch. The gallery is a member of Charleston Fine Art Dealers' Association, French Quarter Gallery Association, Redux Contemporary, and Halsey Institute. 843-805-8052, robertlangestudios.com
Bike Shop
The Bicycle Shoppe
The Bicycle Shoppe has been Charleston’s leading bike shop, family-owned for 30 years and is still going strong! Named one of the best bicycle shops in the country, they serve downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Mt. Pleasant with the largest inventory of bikes around, leading product lines, premier bicycle service programs and rentals. thebicycleshoppe.com
Blinds/Shutters/Window Treatments
Budget Blinds
843-856-9498, budgetblinds.com
Wherever you’re headed in the Lowcountry, you’re bound to see a Budget Blinds van on the move. That’s because the nation’s No. 1 window-covering franchise is booming here. They offer countless brands and fashion-forward style blinds, shutters, shades and drapes to fit any budget. Style Consultants are dedicated to giving you design help to create a home that reflects your personality, and shows off just how stylish you are.
Bridal Boutique
Maddison Row
Saying yes to the dress is sheer bliss at Maddison Rowe—and the best part is, you don’t have to fly to NYC to find a classic couture gown. Try on a romantic Monique Lhuilier or slip into a stunning Sareh Nouri, all with the help of fashion savvy bridal specialists and the finest Southern hospitality. 843-720-7979, maddisonrow.com
Bridal Registry
Vieuxtemps
Brides love Vieuxtemps because it has the most complete bridal registry in Charleston. Be it selecting silver, china or crystal, bedding or brass, a Bride can choose from the largest selection around. The “I do” is the best part about the wedding, but face it, gifts from Vieuxtemps are pretty fabulous, too. 843-577-6811, vieuxtemps.net
Car Dealership
McDaniels Audi of Charleston
Your car is one of the biggest—and best—purchases you’ll make, right after the home of your dreams. So why shouldn’t you have the car of your dreams too? McDaniels Audi offers world class vehicles and Charleston-style sales and service. Shop all their award winning vehicle lines and more. 843-766-6165, mcdanielscharlestonaudi.com
Clothing for Kids
Southern Belles
Seersucker pants, smocked dresses, monogrammed bloomers. These are the classic items you can’t find at any generic clothing store—but you can at Southern Belles. Lowcountry moms call this their go-to shop for traditional yet trendy clothes and shoes for boys and girls, ages preemie to 16. 843-881-1741, southernbelleschildren.com
Clothing for Men
Brooks Brothers
843-723-940, brooksbrothers.com
Dress shirts and sports shirts, outerwear, sleepwear and swimwear—there isn’t anything the well-dressed man can’t find at Brook’s Brothers. This even includes any accessory you may need from cuff links to stationery, briefcases to belts. Whether it’s shopping for a new wardrobe, a quick pick or a special gift for the man in your life, Brook’s Brothers provides the best.
Clothing for Women
Tres Carmen Boutique
For the latest in RTW styles, Tres Carmen Boutique offers their customers an array of fashionable options. Whether it’s a piece by an emerging designer, a local designers or one of the many established favorite designers, Trés Carmen has it all. This boutique is the Charleston area’s ultimate retail showcase in women's apparel, accessories and shoes. 843-974-4383, trescarmen.com
Consignment Furniture
Next to New
Anyone can get factory-made furniture, but there’s something special about finding a one-of-a-kind piece. It’s almost like treasure hunting and X marks the spot at Next to New. From tables to lamps, sofas and chandeliers, it’s a store you could shop in every day and still find something new to take home. 843-606-2715, nexttonewsc.com
Equestrian
Hunter’s Green Tack
843-884-1545, huntersgreentack.net
Shop for the rider and for the horse at Charleston’s one-stop shop. They carry classic clothing as well as the latest trends, boots and accessories from the brands riders love. There’s even gifts for your horse and fun decor to spend hours choosing from. Services include horse sculpture, engraving and monograming, and blanket cleaning and more. Be sure to check in with their special events.
Fabric Store
Aiden Fabrics
843-216-0008, aidenfabrics.com
Freshen up your style with the hundreds of indoor and outdoor fabrics found at this Mt. Pleasant fabric store—a specialty of theirs. The family-run Aiden Fabrics also offers custom furniture and fabrication,accessories, window hardware, blinds and shutters, rugs and outdoor swings. Need an expert’s advice? Their professional design team is on hand to help you coordinate fabrics, design your dream room and so much more.
Fish Tackle
Haddrell's Point
843-695-9298, haddrellspoint.com
Why shop at Haddrell’s Point? For the love of fishing! If that’s not enough, they have nearly 3,000 items and growing on their web store and more than 15,000 in each of their retail locations—as well as six licensed captains and two professional mates on staff at all times to answer your questions. Oh, and let’s not forget some of the best deals in town.
Furniture Store
GDC Home
Back in 1993, GDC was just a fabric store with two sales people, but over time it has evolved into a one-stop shop for the creation of a beautiful home interior. They gradually added upholstered furniture, then accessories, rugs, bedding and wooden furniture to become one of the largest home furniture stores in the Lowcountry. Their three locations are filled with talented staff who can guide you in your selections.
Garden Center
Abide a While
Green thumbs don’t come naturally for everyone, and that’s why voters love Abide A While. The staff knows what’ll work best in your space based on sunlight and space. Whether it’s the perfect flora search or learning how to plant a bulb, they have answers to questions you didn’t know to ask. 843-884-9738, abideawhilegardencenter.com
Gift Store
Palmetto Moon
If you can’t find a gift at Palmetto Moon, then you don’t know how to shop! YETIs and Columbia PFG for him. Simply Southern T-shirts, bags and jewelry for her. There’s frames and home décor, Tervis for every occasion—and enough Clemson and Gamecock’s gear to get you through the season. palmettomoononline.com
Home Accessories Store
Steven Shell Living
Have you ever found the perfect piece of furniture, but begrudged that it doesn’t match your home? You won’t have that problem at Steven Shell Living! Steven Shell offers custom-colored work with more than 200 finishes. Hand-crafted, hand-finished and made of solid mahogany, every piece at Steven Shell Living’s furniture store is unique. 843-216-3900, stevenshellliving.com
Jewelry Store
Polly’s Fine Jewelry
pollysjewelry.com
Charleston found a gem in Polly’s Fine Jewelry. Whether you’re looking for a designer engagement ring with hand-selected diamonds or a Swiss watch for someone special, Polly’s offers the Lowcountry the best selection of fine jewelry with prices perfect for every budget. The largest locally-owned jeweler in Charleston has all of the classics, as well as pieces that fit today’s top trends.
Lighting Store
Candelabra
843-849-7775, shopcandelabra.com
It’s a bright idea to head to Candelabra. They have the chandeliers, pendants, sconces, lamps, ceiling flush mounts and even outdoor mounts you won’t just need—you’ll love. When they opened in 2001, their goal was simple: bring a variety of lighting products to the local market. And they have succeeded beyond expectations! Each item is hand-selected with quality and design in mind.
Lingerie
Bits of Lace
843-531-6625, bitsoflace.com
Bits of Lace Fine Lingerie is a gorgeous lingerie boutique nestled in Mt. Pleasant. They specialize in personal, professional bra fitting and carry a wide range of elegant lingerie, sleepwear, lounge wear, foundation garments and hard-to-find items from the finest European and American brands. They cater to every lifestyle, body shape, style and interest. They’ve even expanded and launched an online store.
Liquor Store
Pence’s Liquor & Wine
843-277-2534, penceliquors.com
You’re sure to find the liquor that you like at this 3,000-square-foot downtown Charleston shop, where fine wine and spirits are the focus. Eager to try a new flavor? Gather up a few friends or that special someone for a Saturday evening liquor tasting 4-7 p.m. The samples change weekly and range from 25-year-old scotches to the rarest of bourbons. If it’s hard to find elsewhere, you can be sure it’s stocked at Pence’s.
Mall
Mt. Pleasant Towne Center
843-216-9900, mtpleasanttownecentre.com
You could make a day of shopping at Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre! There’s big name stores, such as Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond and Belk. Women can shop at fashion favorites, Copper Penny, Las Olas, Francesca’s and more than 15 others. There’s also men’s and children’s fashion, home furnishings, jewelry, a movie theater and restaurants to fill you for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Motorcycle Dealership
Harley Davidson
843-554-1847, lowcountryharley.com
Harley Davidson has a strong community built around its Dorchester Rd. shop. They carry the entire HD family lineup including CVO, Dyna, Softail, Sportster, Street, S-Series, Touring, Trike, and V-Rod. You can also browse their lengthy inventory of pre-owned motorcycles, on sale for great deals. Never been riding, but ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime? Sign up for their New Rider Course, in addition to their Skilled Rider Course.
Outdoor Furniture
Backyard Retreats
You shouldn’t have to fly across the world to relax outdoors. Put your mind and body at ease by creating a retreat in your backyard. Add a spa. Add a firepit. Sit with guests in gorgeous wicker or polymer furniture. Let the good life begin—and let it begin with Backyard Retreats! 843-856-0049, backyardretreatssc.com
Outdoor Outfitters
Half Moon Outfitters
Shopping at Half-Moon Outfitters is an adventure in itself. They’re the leading dealer of gear for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, hiking and other outdoor excursions with brands like North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardware—the list goes on! No one loves the great outdoors like they do. halfmoonoutfitters.com
Pet Store
Pet Supplies Plus
843-873-7611, petsuppliesplus.com
You don’t come to own a pet store without adoring pets yourselves. Franchise owners Peter and Lori Nebel have two rescue dogs and are involved in the rescue community, so you know the service and attention to your pet will be honest and true. Come in for any pet supplies you need, a grooming or dog wash, or attend one of the many adoption events they host!
Seafood Market
Mt. Pleasant Seafood
843-884-4122, mtpleasantseafood.com
Offering the community fresh seafood since 1945, it only seems appropriate that this long-standing operation would be found along Shrimp Boat Lane. Here the customer is in charge and with just one quick call, can order a ready-made oyster roast or shrimp or seafood boil for any Lowcountry party or event. Black sea bass and fish stew is also available. And don’t worry about any dining necessities; everything’s included with catering so you can focus on the feast.
Shoe Store
Phillips Shoes
Phillips isn’t about the flashy fads—they’re about quality. They carry over 60 name brand shoes that look and feel good. Think Birkenstocks, Dansko, New Balance, Toms... Pop in for shoes, and stay for the friendly service as you also peruse their accessories and handbags to complete your look. 843-965-5270, phillipsshoes.com
Surf Shop
Parrott Surf & Skate
Before you Hang 10, check out what’s hanging on the racks at Parrot Surf & Skate. Wetsuits, rashguards, fins and surfboards mingle with skateboard decks and hardware, trucks and wheels and complete setups. Parrott’s also outfits men and boys with everything from flannels to board shorts, watches to shoes. 843-884-1035, parrotsurfshop.com
Swimwear
Channels
Back in 2014, Channels was founded with the idea of blending Angelo’s Parrot Surf and Skate with Russell’s Drift Boutique of Mt. Pleasant. The outcome is this lifestyle boutique on King St. that residents love. It provides a family atmosphere with top notch customer service and fine quality goods from your favorite name brands: Citrine Swim, Avy Sky, Billabong, Chucktown Inc. and more. 843-297-4036, thechannelsofcharleston.com
Wine Store
Bottles Beverage Superstore
843-849-9463, shopbottles.com
An official retailer of the famed annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival, this 15,000-square-foot haven has all the world class wine you wish to swish, swirl, sip, aerate or simply cook with. Purchase your high or low-alcohol content option by the bottle or case, or stop in for one of the shop’s frequent wine tastings to sample blends outside your comfort level. Whether playing it safe or going bold, have an industry expert handpick a vino for you and your price point.
