Ireana Walker, Charleston local and lifestyle blogger @xoxoijoelle, experienced the ultimate Charleston staycation last weekend. She explored a few of the amazing destinations the area has to offer – starting in North Charleston before heading downtown and out to the barrier islands – behind the wheel of a Toyota Highlander.
Want to recreate Ireana’s itinerary and get the low down on the amazing bites, sips, and experiences Charleston has to offer? Check out her itinerary details below and make sure to enter for a chance to win a Toyota Venza and the ultimate CHSWFF prize package!
The new Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort provided the perfect place for Ireana to rest her head + eyelids on Saturday night.
FUEL UP: COFFEE + BREAKFAST AT LODI COFFEE
2210 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406
Lodi Coffee is a drive-thru specialty coffee shop that opened late-2020 in North Charleston. Complete with a menu full of organic matchas, flavorful frappes, a whole lotta’ lattes, and fresh-baked daily pastries + sandwiches, Lodi Coffee will leave you ready to conquer any adventure.
SWANK DESSERTS: MILKSHAKE MAKING
11 A S Cedar St, Summerville, SC 29483
With her coffee in hand, Ireana ventured to the heart of Downtown Summerville for a milkshake making how-to with Danetra Richardson of Swank Desserts. If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, make sure you leave room in your schedule – and in your stomach – for a pit stop at this Summerville sweet shop. Swank’s menu changes based on seasonality, inspiration, and guest favorites; one of their current features: the banana pudding milkshake. This shake is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s! 🎶🥤
LUNCH STOP: PIT TOUR AT LEWIS BARBECUE
464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403
For her next stop of the day, Ireana took her Toyota to downtown Charleston for a learning lunch. She received a behind-the-scenes tour of Lewis Barbecue’s pits + smokers before enjoying a “backyard” lunch. This central Texas-stye barbecue joint features daily specials, and a full menu of meats, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. (Pro tip: Don’t skip out on the Green Chile Corn Pudding or the Mac & Cheese.)
COASTAL DINNER: THE OBSTINATE DAUGHTER
2063 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
For dinner, Ireana went Island hopping – from Isle of Palms out to Sullivan’s Island – for a coastal dinner at local hotspot The Obstinate Daughter. Pizza, pasta, small plates, and a raw bar are the focus of the seasonally changing menu, which is rooted by the Lowcountry’s many farmers + purveyors. Ireana enjoyed the Cavatelli with fennel and sausage ragu, which is a can’t-be-missed menu item.
