Antiquing… There are so many great places to shop for antiques—Golden & Associates, David Skinner Antiques, AIM on King, and Fritz Porter are some of my favorites. There’s such a large inventory here so you can find just about any style or period you are looking for.
- Golden & Associates Antiques, 206 King Street
- David Skinner Antiques & Period Lighting, 125 King Street
- AIM on King, 648 King Street
- Fritz Porter, 701 East Bay Street #106
Favorite flower (and flower shop) … Camellias! They are abundant in the South and the first flower my mother taught me how to draw. I like to arrange simple cuttings in a variety of containers. Lotus Flower is my favorite flower shop for their artistic designs and willingness to let me participate. (32 Laurens Street, lotusflowercharleston.com)
Close-to-home getaway … Folly Beach. I love Folly for its wide beach and the empty, natural open spaces at each end of the island. The houses are simple and unassuming. There’s a diverse group of people, offbeat bars, and hipsters, but it still remains safe and family friendly.
Dinner out … Peninsula Grill. It’s located in a restored 1844 building (Planters Inn) in the historic district. I may be partial because I designed the interior, but I can’t resist sitting down for their selection of Champagne and oysters, not to mention the baby crab cakes. (Planters Inn, 112 North Market Street, peninsulagrill.com)
Favorite local hotels … Book a room at Planters Inn or Zero George Street. Both offer a taste of living in a historic Charleston home—with all the luxuries and great service.
- Planters Inn, 112 North Market Street, plantersinn.com
- Zero George Street, 0 George Street, zerogeorge.com
Most inspiring house on public tour … Drayton Hall. The 1738 home is an architectural masterpiece. There is so much history surrounding the property and family. Everyone who visits Charleston needs to put it on their must-see list. (3380 Ashley River Road, draytonhall.org)
More from Handegan and Charleston:
- See more of Handegan’s work and a Q&A at “Amelia Handegan Breaks the Rules Beautifully.”
- Purchase Handegan’s book, Amelia Handegan: Rooms at Amazon.com.
- Visit her site at www.athid.com.
- Explore “Historic Charleston Gardens” from the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Festival of Houses and Gardens.