A Weekend in Charleston & Emeline Review

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Charleston, SC

Weekend at Emeline

Hi friend. How ya hanging in there? Surviving? Thriving? Good days and bad? I feel that. I can’t believe it has already been 6 months since the world seemed to turn upside down. Adjusting has been difficult and I’m taking it day by day. After months of not leaving Raleigh, I finally adventured out (with my germ-x and statement face masks in hand) for a weekend getaway to Charleston, South Carolina. Though it was a bit different than my typical vacation, it was still such a fun change of scenery and Emeline made me feel so comfortable and right at home.

While in the colorful city, I stayed at the amazing Emeline, a brand new hotel in Historic Charleston that just opened on July 1st. You guys, Emeline is me in hotel form. From the colors to the architecture, it is a whole warm and moody vibe. I absolutely loved my stay there. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt so welcomed and at home!

Located in Charleston’s historic district, Emeline is a clever and thoughtfully designed retreat crafted with the curious traveler in mind... Take care, you may stay longer than you intended.
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Here are some of my favorite features of this charming hotel:

* Crosley record players in all suites with the signature Emeline record (isa vibe)
* 2 Mini Coopers available for use during your stay
* Welcome cocktails 🍸
* An incredibly kind + helpful staff
* Custom plush robes
* Super comfy beds 🛏
* A gorgeous courtyard and outdoor patio
* Art and decor pieces made by local designers 🖼
* An amazing signature smell (you will be dreaming of it when you get home and will wish you had bought the room spray and candle in the keep shop)
* Delicious coffee + baked goods at Clerks 🥐
* The Blue Crab Fritters at Frannie and the Fox (I will probably drive 4 hours just to go back and have these before the year is over)

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Other amenities include The Nooks, which offer complimentary sparkling, chilled and ambient water stations on each floor, a fitness center featuring Fitness on Demand classes and a Peloton bike, complimentary Wi-Fi, valet service, custom Emeline house bikes to explore nearby points of interest and in-room dining by Frannie & The Fox. Emeline is also pet friendly, and guests can expect complimentary CBD or regular treats as well as a custom dog mat and bowls during their stay. For exploring, the hotel offers custom Charleston Wildsam Field Guides, imagined by Emeline along with the team’s knowledgeable concierges, to guide each guest along the way. To explore their special packages offered this season, click here.

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After my first night at Emeline, I woke up so refreshed and immediately grabbed the phone to dial ‘0’ to get fresh coffee sent to my room. Comfy bed, plush robe, hot coffee = great morning. After morning coffee, I hopped into the Emeline Mini Cooper and visited Pitt Street Pharmacy in Mt Pleasant where The Notebook ice cream scene was filmed and did my best to recreate it. Definitely pulled it off, don’t you agree? I spent the rest of the day eating, eating, some sightseeing, and more eating LOL. Here’s the details for you foodies.

Within Emeline are two amazing dining options. For morning coffee or lunch, check out Clerks Coffee Company. From breakfast sandwiches to everything croissants, they have DELICIOUS breakfast items to start your morning right and fuel up for a day full of sightseeing! The coffee was also terrific. Ugh, and the chocolate chip cookies. I need them to create a delivery system that will ship a box of pastries and sweets to my door here in Raleigh. I need more. I could tell all the ingredients used were very high quality and the pastry chef knows what they are doing!

Let’s talk dinner. Emeline’s restaurant, Frannie & The Fox, was spectacular. It was honestly the best meal I had during my weekend in Charleston. The dining area is full of warm tones and cozy seating. It also opens up to the beautiful courtyard (fireplace hangs anyone?) where you can enjoy dinner or grab one of their specialty cocktails. Recommendations: The blue crab fritters are a must. The pizza is great. I love a good thin crust! I also loved the “Tear Down This Wall” cocktail, featuring altos tequila, chinola passionfruit, lime, tajin, bitters. So good I ordered it two nights in a row! Oh, and pro tip: don’t miss the complimentary limoncello toast every day at 8 pm in the bar and lounge area. A toast to the good life!

Go-To Lunch Spot: Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Let’s be real. Vacations these days are all about the food. While you’re out and about exploring Charleston, Rodney Scott’s BBQ is a great lunch spot. They have great outdoor seating and the food was delicious! I had to include it because I just don’t know if I’ve had better hushpuppies. Rodney Scott is a James Beard award winning chef and I can definitely taste why. Recommendations: the BBQ sandwich, hushpuppies, potato salad, and basically everything on the menu haha. So good!

I highly recommend Emeline in Downtown Charleston as your next getaway destination. The service was impeccable and I felt very safe all throughout the hotel. And if you happen to only be in town for the day, definitely grab your afternoon coffee at Clerks or drinks at Frannie & The Fox. If you ever find yourself in Charleston, Emeline will be waiting for you. Head to their website through this link for an exclusive 20% off rate for stays in October 2020!

Cheers to safe travels!

-from Anna with love

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Emeline - Clerks Coffee Company - Frannie & The Fox

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