We first met Carter Foxworth when she was living in NYC, living the glamorous life as a Fashion Publicist for a major shoe company. Carter is your forever charismatic, adventurous, vivacious friend. With the same passion as she took over NY, she returned to the South a few years ago and settled in one of our favorite cities in the world, Charleston, SC. You bet that Carter has tried and tested every corner in that city and you should be taking notes as you read the below. Carter has also answered our prayers and is opening a Spin + Infrared Studio in town, The Works Cycle , so that you can burn off all of the irresistible and delicious food in town with the same passion, soul and good vibes!
Q: Why you love this city – Its essence and character traits
A: Charleston is truly the greatest city in the US, in my opinion, and apparently everyone else’s right now! People are moving here like crazy. Being from the South, I love that it’s a city based on southern traditions, but definitely has a city feel as well. It has changed so much even in the last 5 years and while that can feel bittersweet, it’s also awesome to watch the culture grow a bit. You can either be resistant to change or lean in and I’m leaning in! I mean you can walk around Downtown for your city feel but also be at the beach in 15 minutes. What could be better?
A story comes to mind when I want to be able to articulate the community in Charleston. There is nothing like it, truly. Such a locals town and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. After the riots last year when King Street was destroyed the entire community went out to help their beloved businesses and the owners of those places clean up the next day. The entire street and all shops was clean and boarded up within 2 hours. This community is here for each other and resilient, we’re here to support each other and keep Charleston and it’s amazing small businesses thriving.
Q: Favorite street corner
A: Water Street and Church Street. It’s such a magical little corner! I’ve done countless photoshoots for my mom’s local shoe store, Shoes on King, here. It feels like Charleston all wrapped up in one corner! There’s no doubt the people that live there are over the countless tourists and influencers taking pictures there all day long, but I guess that’s the price you pay to live on such a beautiful corner.
Q: Favorite coffee shop and coffee order
A: Harken Cafe, Turmeric Latte and typically can’t go there without getting a piece of slab pie. It comes with this delicious side salad which sounds ridiculous but go see for yourself. They also make all of their pastries and they’re to die for. Enough said.
Q: Favorite restaurants –
A: Southern – Leon’s! You honestly have to get a little bit of everything. Fried chicken, brussell sprouts and oysters are my go-tos polished off with a soft serve in a cone with sprinkles.
Italian – Melfis definitely gives me that NYC city feel that I miss from living in NYC for 6 years and the pizza gives me major Rubirosa vibes. Delish. Pop by Graft Wine Bar for a drink before you head to dinner. Shoutout to my friends Femi and Miles who started Graft. Check it out!
Luxe – FIG. FIG was really the first nicer restaurants on the Charleston scene and aside from being a really awesome person, Jason Stanhope, the chef, creates the most unique dishes. He’s a genius and the staff that works there truly cares so much about their job. Best of the best.
Fish – The Ordinary – It’s in an old bank and one of the cooler buildings on King St. Mike Lata takes such pride in his work and dining there is a full experience. My favorite thing on the menu are the smoked oysters. Another standout spot for some seafood would be The Wreck. My family grew up going there and I can still remember being super hot waiting on a table in this tiny waiting area. The Wreck has since put in AC units and now accepts credit cards, but other than that the place hasn’t changed and is the total fried shrimp off the boat delight you must visit if you’re here.
Lunch – 167 Raw – If you’re visiting Charleston I can assure you someone will recommend this spot and that’s because it’s simply the best! From the frozzies and oyster shooters to the crudo, oysters, tuna burger and carnitas taco, it’s the best lunch treat ever! Prepare for a bit of a wait, but you can walk around King St. while you wait or sit outside with a cocktail in hand. Sometimes the waiting makes the meal that much better, right?
Q: Favorite bar + cocktail or mocktail
A: Post House Inn – This spot is in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant right down the street from my house. It’s basically my home away from home, I simply can’t stay away. Dirty Martini with blue cheese olives or one of their famous beet margaritas.
Q: Favorite building and why
A: Well, shameless plug here, but my favorite building right now is The Greystar Building on Meeting Street. It is a newer building that has odes to Southern Charleston traditional buildings. It’s gorgeous! Greystar headquarters and apartments are up top and retail is below. Included in the retail is The Works A Sweat Studio by Sarah Frick and Sarah and my new venture, The Works Cycle, a soulful spin studio with infrared saunas!
Q: Favorite free activity – park, library, etc
A: Biking around Downtown in the early evening along The Battery and through all the beautiful side streets or of course, hanging out on Sullivan’s Island, my favorite place in maybe the entire world! My family has been going to the island since I was a child and it is such a special place to me.
Q: Favorite place to meet up with friends and favorite place for business meetings
A: If meeting up with friends you can find me at Home Team BBQ. It’s the perfect place for a meet up with friends. Grab a Game Changer and nachos! I could sit there all day and spend most Saturdays here.
My go-to spot for a business meeting right now is Babas on Cannon. You can go for a coffee, meeting or cocktail meeting. It’s really the best of both worlds! They also serve caviar with potato chips which is just a treat in itself.
Q: Hotel recommendations?
A: Zero George if you want a smaller hotel with a Charleston feel. The Dewberry if you’re feeling swanky and chic. Post House Inn if you’re willing to stay a short drive over the bridge in Mt. Pleasant.
Q: Spot that inspires you the most
A: I am opening a spin studio here, The Works Cycle, and with that I’ve recently learned to teach spin as well as managing the business and marketing side of things. Needless to say, I’ve needed a spot to go zone out and get inspired for my classes as well as to be the best leader possible. Charleston is full of inspirational spots, but right now I’m finding myself at the Pitt Street Bridge in the Old Village. The bridge used to connect Mt. Pleasant to Sullivans, but now is just a spot you can walk. It’s pretty awesome because you’re right on the water and can see Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and the Ravenel Bridge to Downtown. Every time I’m there it’s like sensory overload and I feel so grateful to live here.
Q: Best people watching locale
A: I have to say, the people watching in Charleston has totally diversified in the last 5 years. Posting up at a bar on King Street will definitely land you some good people watching. You’ll see everything from locals to tourists to the College of Charleston students. What’s not to love about that?
Q: If there was one billboard in the city, to welcome visitors and showcase its essence, what would it say…. Welcome to…?
A: Welcome to The Holy City