Though hooves on cobblestones and southern accents abound in this town, they'll feel like a distant memory when you step inside Merci. Squeezed onto the corner of Pitt and Montagu, this little bistro is seriously dreamy (we never look as good as we do when lit by the honeyed glow of Merci's flickering candles and dear little table lamps). Book early or chance the walk-in. This place books up fast.

The lurid patterns and rampant pastels so popular in Charleston are noticeably absent at sleek, subdued Ponytail. This beautiful interiors shop is restrained, refined and, best of all, refreshing.