CHARLESTON, HERE WE COME!
What
We made biscuits, shucked oysters and picnic-ed ourselves silly on Bald Head Island. Now it’s time for somebody else to sweep up the flour, compost the shells and pack the lunch because I’m going to Charleston. Although it’s my home away from home, unless I’m in my restaurant, I don’t cook in Charleston. I eat out. I also shop at and commiserate with some of the most dynamic, thoughtful people and places on the Peninsula. If you want to spend a weekend seeing Charleston through my discerning, yet fun-loving lens, join me for Weekend @ Vivian’s Charleston edition.
When
SPRING SESSION
Arrive, Thursday May 30th
Depart, June 2nd
Where
Steeped in rich history and abundant charm, Charleston is a captivating Southern city. Beloved for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and pastel palette, the historic port town is a layered place with a complicated, quaint allure. From the scenic water views to bustling King Street, Charleston offers a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable and enchanting destination.
Details
It all starts on Thursday with dinner, really good live music and drinks at High Wire, a distillery where they make bourbon from corn so special they gotta go hunt for the seeds down in Mexico.
Friday morning we meet at the Smithey foundry where it’s possible we pound some steel. At the very least, we’ll watch blacksmiths work their magic into farmhouse skillets as we eat biscuits and coffee from Handy & Hot. That afternoon, there’s crabbing and a class from a bona-fide mixologist (the kind in an apron) at my “neighborhood” bar followed by dinner at my restaurant, Lenoir.
On Saturday we start with a traditional Geechee-Gullah breakfast by chef and storyteller, BJ Dennis. Then … we shop. By shop I mean we have a leather atelier to ourselves and a trail of treats waiting for us at my favorite stores along King Street. After we shop, we drop at none other than Goat, Sheep, Cow for my preferred kind of dairy, plus wine to complement. As for that night’s dinner, it’s a surprise. There has to be at least one.
On Sunday morning we undo all our deeds with a raw foods breakfast by my friend WiBi Ashley. She’ll show us how she does what she does and hopefully some of it will stick. Either way, we end the weekend on a healthy note for once!
Your Stay
For a girl who only stayed in hotels growing up because of hurricanes, I have really developed a taste for nice ones. I don’t necessarily go for the most luxurious in the market. I appreciate a centrally located, appropriately priced, well-rounded property- one with cool design, interesting food and beverage options, lots of inviting common space, thoughtful rooms. And it doesn’t hurt when there’s an expertly curated shop in the lobby. For all those reasons, the Hotel Emeline is my favorite in a city where I’ve stayed in just about every hotel at least once.
Register
Registration fee includes:
All workshop activities
All meals
Accommodations at Hotel Emeline
Group transportation during weekend
Attendees are responsible for transportation to and from Charleston and hotel parking.
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining 50% is due April 1st.
There are three types of tickets available:
Single weekend ticket with single premier king room - $7,000 ($3,500 deposit)
Two weekend tickets with single premier king room - $13,000 ($6,500 deposit)
Single weekend ticket with no accommodations - $6,000 ($3,000 deposit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions? We’ll make every effort to accommodate dietary needs. Before booking, please drop us a note so we can ensure we’re able to make necessary modifications.
Can I share a room with someone? Yes. If you’re a couple or friends attending the workshop and would like to share a room, select double occupancy above to reserve two tickets and a double king bedroom.
What’s your cancellation policy? Due to the extremely limited capacity, we request that you reschedule 30 days prior. Please note, we do not offer refunds. However, if canceled before 30 days, we will credit your payment toward a future workshop.