Charleston Through a Local’s Eye: Toni Stone
Photo by Kayla Rochelle Photography.
Community has always been at the heart of everything I do; from building businesses to building friendships that make Charleston feel like one big neighborhood.
Over the years, I’ve realized the moments that mean the most aren’t the big, planned ones but the little things: early-morning coffee before the city wakes up, sunset walks on Folly, or those spontaneous weeknight dinners that turn into long conversations.
Charleston has a rhythm that pulls you in. It’s creative, connected, and just the right amount of laid-back. It’s what inspired me to create Charleston Days, a space that celebrates the people, places, and everyday stories that make this city feel alive.
Here are a few of my personal favorites that I love exploring with my husband, Tommy, and our two littles. They’re the local rituals, simple pleasures, and small adventures that remind me why I love calling Charleston home.
xx, Toni Stone
Picnics in the Parks
If you know me, you know I’ve always loved a good picnic. They’re simple, nostalgic, and perfectly Charleston. Whether it’s a spontaneous afternoon with friends, letting the kids run wild, or a date-night spread under the oaks, this city makes slowing down look beautiful. My go-tos are Hampton Park for its garden views, White Point Garden for the history, and Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for the breeze off the water.
Dinner at Jack of Cups
Mine and Tommy’s forever favorite, Jack of Cups Saloon on Folly Beach is cozy, quirky, and wildly creative. The kind of place where the curry mac and cheese might just change your life. We’ve shared countless dinners there over the years, and somehow it never loses its charm.
Wednesday Mornings at 1 Million Cups
Every Wednesday, you’ll find me at 1 Million Cups at Frothy Beard Brewing in West Ashley. It’s my weekly caffeine fix and community reset. A gathering of founders, dreamers, and doers who come together over Biggby coffee to swap stories and share ideas. It’s the heartbeat of Charleston’s entrepreneurial scene, and it fills my creative tank every time.
Park Circle Playground
With two kids under six, we spend a lot of time at Park Circle Playground in North Charleston. It’s one of those rare spots that feels both energetic and easy. The kids burn off energy while I grab coffee from a nearby café, and we all leave smiling (and ready for naps). On weekends, we’ll sometimes stop by Holy City Brewing afterward for bites, beers, and plenty of room for the kids to keep running.
Late-Afternoon Beach Days
There’s nothing like a late-afternoon escape to Folly Beach (but honestly, any beach will do). When the sun turns gold and the crowds thin, the air smells like salt and sunscreen and everything feels lighter. Those hours are my favorite for barefoot walks, the kids chasing birds, easy dinners, and the kind of conversations that always seem to flow better by the water.
Rooftops and Bubbles
I’m always on the hunt for a rooftop and I firmly believe it’s always a good time for bubbles. If there’s champagne involved, I’ll be there before the first cork hits the floor. A few of my favorite views belong to Citrus Club at The Dewberry, The Watch, and the sunset views at The Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown are unmatched. Give me a skyline, a glass in hand, and good company, and I’m in my happy place.
Christmastime in Charleston
I’m a Christmas girly through and through. There’s something magical about Charleston during the holidays; the kind of magic that doesn’t need snow to sparkle. The air smells faintly of pine and pralines, the gas lamps flicker a little softer, and the carriage rides feel like time travel.
I’ll be sharing my favorite things to do in Charleston at Christmas soon. From local markets to light displays stay tuned for that holiday edition. But for now, I’ll just say this: no one does Christmas like Charleston.
