Every spring, my mom and I pack our bags and head to Charleston for what’s become one of our most cherished traditions: a week of top-tier tennis, unforgettable meals, and the kind of mother-daughter bonding that only happens over cocktails and courtside chatter. It’s the kind of week that moves slower in a good way — anchored by great meals, ferry rides, and long afternoons watching the pros battle it out from the baseline.
This year’s trip to the Credit One Charleston Open was filled with charming surprises (liquor shaved ice, anyone?), returning favorites, and a few mishaps that turned into memories. Whether you’re thinking about attending the tournament next year or planning a spring getaway to Charleston, here’s how to make the most of it, without looking too much like a tourist.
On Deck:
A Few Tips for Your Trip:
- Ride the ferry. It’s $26 round trip and offers way more charm than a car ride to Daniel Island.
- Buy the YETI. Unlimited non-alcoholic refills and half-off cocktails. Find it at the main arena bar.
- Try the First Serve. Whether or not you’re into floral drinks, it’s a signature for a reason.
- Wander often. Most of our best meals were from casual places with great bars and welcoming service.
- Don’t skip the cake. The coconut cake is worth hunting down.
- Stay at HarbourView Inn. The complimentary offerings are a standout.
Monday: Arrival & a Southern Welcome
We kicked things off with lunch at Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, a reputable spot filled with historic Charleston charm. My Mom and I fell in love with this restaurant last year when we ducked inside while dodging massive raindrops; the kind that rained out an entire day of tennis. My mom tried their shrimp roll for the first time, and needless to say, it’s a regular topic of discussion ever since.
Amen Street is also one of the few places in Charleston that has the Tennis Channel on TV, so you can eat, enjoy, and watch the matches you’re missing that day. Did I also mention that this place is the ONLY place I will eat raw oysters? I’m a wieny with large, raw oysters, so much so that it’s a visceral reaction, and I cannot get them down. However, the Tuxedo oysters available here are little bitty and pair beautifully with a glass of prosecco.
Although Amen Street is a fan favorite, there’s another restaurant worth mentioning. To celebrate my (slightly belated) 30th birthday, we made dinner reservations at Husk. Keeping an eye on the radar with storms rolling in, we left the HarbourView Inn and grabbed a seat at the bar and patio next door for a pre-dinner cocktail. I ordered a perfectly balanced Cosmopolitan, and we split the ham appetizer — a dreamy combo of housemade pickles, creamy pimento cheese, and warm Parker House rolls topped with flaky sea salt. Southern comfort at its finest.
Trip hack: If you can’t get a reservation at Husk, you should still visit their bar and patio. It’s a renovated barn with ample charm and the same appetizer menu as their pinnacle restaurant next door.
For the ultimate girl dinner, we split the pork dumplings — don’t skip these. They lean more ravioli than traditional dumplings and come drenched in a Thai-inspired sauce with crushed, toasted peanuts that still has me thinking about them days later. The shrimp toast was our least favorite, but the skillet cornbread made up for it — moist, flavorful, and soft.
After enjoying a couple more cocktails and watching the rain roll by, we strolled back toward the Waterfront Park, where the picturesque pineapple fountain resides, until we reached our hotel.
The ultimate hack for making the most of a partial travel day is to bookend it with good food and better company.
Tuesday: Match Day & the Hunt for the YETI
We took the ferry to Daniel Island — $26 round trip, which felt like a steal considering it’s not just transportation, it’s an experience. Easy breeze, no traffic, and a nice view of the city. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted at the dock by a local pod of dolphins. Did I mention that the ferry also has a bar on board?
Once we got to Credit One Stadium, we were immediately on a mission. We’d seen people walking around with these branded YETI cups and had to figure out where to get them. We asked one woman, who casually said she picked hers up at the bar… but we struck out at a few.
Finally, another woman pointed us toward the main arena bar, and boom — there they were. The cups come with unlimited refills on water, lemonade, and soda, plus half-off cocktails. Honestly, it’s one of the best ideas they’ve implemented.
I grabbed the tournament’s signature cocktail, the First Serve — vodka and butterfly pea flower tea lemonade. It was light, floral, and a soft purple hue that somehow captured the whole vibe of the day. “It looks like spring in a cup,” said a passing bystander. She wasn’t wrong.
Before we headed into the stadium, we came across Desirae Krawczyk, Jess Pegula, and Madison Keys enjoying a puppy break on a practice court! It was a shining moment to see girls just being girls while they posed for the picture below.
Not long after, we watched Madison Keys vs. Caroline Dolehide on the main court. The match stretched a bit longer than expected — Keys could’ve wrapped it up earlier — but it was solid tennis all around.
After that match, we migrated to one of the outer courts to catch the second set between Ann Li and Anna Blinkova. Each of these players brought some serious energy to the court. One element I did not love was the tennis fan next to me who decided to take his shoes off… gross. Li won the match 6-4, 6-3, and we were ready to move as far away from barefoot Larry as possible (P.S. that wasn’t his actual name).
As we left, we saw two guys with three fishing rods and a bowl of boiled shrimp, rigging lures outside one of the stadium’s side courts. I asked, half-joking, “Catch anything yet?” The guy didn’t hesitate: “Not yet, but we’re going to.”
It was low tide and, you know, we were at a tennis tournament, but we appreciated the confident response. Later, we realized those guys were Hailey Baptiste’s coaches! You really can’t make this stuff up.
We elected to spice it up at happy hour with a rum-based espresso martini at The Palmetto Hotel bar. It was one of those drinks you order on a whim that ends up being a standout. Finished with flan-style sweet foam and fresh nutmeg, it was a total dessert-in-a-glass moment. Also, the hotel’s signature scent is so good you’ll want to buy the candle.
Dinner was casual at the Meeting at Market. Still one of our favorites. Elevated tavern menu, low-key vibe, plenty of screens to catch the matches, and the friendliest bartender, Travis. To our surprise, only a couple of minutes after we sat down at the bar, a tennis pro that we saw in this same exact spot last year rolled in! His trademark move? Putting a drink coaster over his Guinness when he has to step away from the bar momentarily. A solid move, even for a man.
We split a grilled cheese and butternut squash soup topped with apples and pomegranate seeds, plus an arugula salad that was dressed just right. With full bellies and sun-kissed skin, the walk back to our hotel felt like it took forever, strictly because we were exhausted. But there was a light at the end of that particular tunnel — one in the shape of cookies and milk waiting for us in the hotel lobby.
Wednesday: Rainbow Row, a Market Gem, and a Slice of Southern History
We finally made it to Rainbow Row, which had been rained out during last year’s trip. Walking past the pastel facades in the sunshine felt like checking off a Charleston rite of passage — touristy or not, it’s beautiful, and worth seeing at least once.
From there, we wandered into Little Palm Market, a shop that feels like a well-curated haven of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. Clean design, unique snacks, elevated pantry staples, and the kind of small home goods that make you want to host a dinner party to show them off.
Check out the napkins I’m now obsessed with, plus why I bought them in this video >
This is where I picked up my new favorite linen napkins — the soft kind that look even better slightly wrinkled. We ended up coming back later in the week before heading out of town to stock up on more of the goodies we couldn’t stop thinking about.
On our walk back toward King Street, we passed the historic Dock Street Theatre, and curiosity pulled us inside. The theater dates back to 1736 and is widely believed to be America’s first building dedicated solely to theatrical performances. It’s survived fires, hurricanes, and even time as a hotel before being restored to its original purpose.
They were prepping the stage for Legally Blonde the Musical when we stopped in, and even though we didn’t catch a show, just popping inside to see the space is well worth it. The ornate architecture and layered history give you a real sense of Charleston’s resilience and creative spirit.
We ended the night with a dinner we’d been looking forward to all week — Slightly North of Broad (SNOB). A repeat favorite from the year before, and it lived up to the memory. The butternut squash soup was silky and rich, the beef carpaccio was bright and balanced, and their cornbread — flavorful and perfectly crumbly — rounded it all out.
In our ultimate adventurous spirit, we also ordered soft-shell crab that was in season this year! Although the breading on the outside was just right, Mom and I realized that the concept of eating the entire shell of the crab is not something we’re going to continue to partake in moving forward.
Back at the hotel, we ended the night with our final course: a slice of the world-famous coconut cake from Benne’s at Peninsula Grill. We’d heard about it from a fellow tennis fan — a self-proclaimed tournament groupie — who told us his friend swore it was the best cake in town. He wasn’t wrong.
We wandered all over Charleston trying to find it, armed only with the clue that it was from “a bakery across from Charleston Place.” Absolutely worth the hunt.
Pro tip: Let the cake come to room temperature before diving in. Trust me, it makes all the difference. That soft coconut frosting and tender, delicate cake? The perfect bite to end a perfect day.
Thursday: Courtside Drama, a Close Call, and Unexpected Connections
We kicked off the day with breakfast in the room before heading to the ferry with our branded YETI cups in hand. Honestly, these cups are a game changer. Free refills on water, lemonade, and soda, plus half-off cocktails? Can’t beat it, especially when you’re spending a full day courtside in the sun.
First up: Emma Navarro vs. Ashlyn Krueger. This was one of the best matches we were able to watch during the tournament. Navarro was laser-focused and locked in from the start but it felt as if Krueger was in it to win it with the energy of an underdog, considering she was playing the hometown favorite. They both played an aggressive and clean match, with Navarro battling it out to secure the win. Watching her at home in Charleston felt like a full-circle moment, and the energy from the crowd elevated the atmosphere.
Between matches, we grabbed a BLT from Daddy’s Food Truck, which hit the spot — crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, toasted bread — no notes. Then it was straight to the stadium court for back-to-back matches.
Next, we caught Jessica Pegula take on an Aussie player, AjlaTomljanović. Pegula’s precision and control were next level. The match had a few good rallies, but Pegula never really looked like she was in trouble. She moved with ease, keeping the points short and the pressure on to wrap up the match 6-3, 6-2.
We capped the afternoon with a liquor-infused shaved ice from Glacé — I went for coconut and mojito lime with vodka, and it was as refreshing as it sounds. Cold, boozy, and bright — a perfect way to chill out after a hot day in the sun before the ferry ride back.
And then… the chaos.
Just as we arrived at the ferry dock to head back to town, my mom realized her belt bag was missing. Earlier, someone had spilled a drink on her, and in the scramble to clean up, she had taken off her purse and set it down — only we didn’t notice it was gone until we were steps from boarding. Cue a frantic walk (okay, maybe a light jog) back to the venue.
While she retraced our steps, I got to take a breather at the security checkpoint — and ended up having the most unexpectedly lovely conversation with a father and son duo. Kind, thoughtful, and full of good energy, these two were the kind of people you feel better having crossed paths with. They were beautiful souls, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing them again next year. It was a reminder that sometimes a little mishap can lead to the best human moments.
After successfully retrieving the belt bag (whew), we stopped for a drink at the waterfront-side bar and restaurant Kingstide, where the breeze and the views helped us decompress from the purse drama. Since we unfortunately missed our ferry ride home, we called an Uber and ventured over the iconic Charleston bridge back to our hotel.
Dinner that night was at Church and Union. The venue alone is worth the visit — an old church turned restaurant, complete with stained-glass windows and cathedral ceilings covered in lines from The Art of War. The space is full of thoughtful design touches that preserve the building’s history while giving it a modern edge.
As the sun set, the whole restaurant seemed to glow. The food? As stunning as the setting. I’m not sure why this restaurant isn’t included on more top restaurant lists online because it was quite memorable!
Honorable Mention: The HarbourView Inn
A theme throughout this entire trip was the numerous well-thought-out additions to our stay at the HarbourView Inn. Each morning, we were treated to a complimentary continental-style breakfast, kindly delivered to our room at whatever time we requested. To place your customized breakfast order, all you have to do is fill out the menu and hang it on your door handle before 11:30 p.m. How easy is that?
It was such a simple yet luxurious touch that allowed us to enjoy slow mornings in bed, sipping mimosas and fueling up with mini quiche before walking across the street to catch the ferry.
As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also offered nightly cookies and milk in the lobby from 9 to 10 p.m. — a cozy, end-of-day treat we looked forward to. And let’s not forget the complimentary happy hour, complete with wine and charcuterie, which made the afternoons feel celebratory and relaxed.
It was extremely enjoyable all around. Each thoughtful detail added to the experience and made this boutique hotel a true highlight of the trip. It’s a very much appreciated touch that makes the HarbourView Inn a must-stay in my book.
Final Thoughts: Why We Keep Coming Back
The Credit One Charleston Open is more than a tennis tournament—it’s a well-run, immersive experience that combines world-class matches with Southern hospitality and a laid-back coastal charm that’s impossible to replicate.
Between the food, ferry rides, and unforgettable memories (and martinis), it’s easy to see why this trip has become an annual ritual for us. If you’re thinking of going next year, consider this your sign.
Just don’t forget your YETI cup — and maybe a towel. You never know when a rogue cocktail will strike.
Leave a Reply