Sip n Shop in Charleston

Discover Charleston’s Unique Shopping and Sipping Experience

If you’re looking for a fun, lively way to explore Charleston, the Sip n Shop tour might just be your ideal option. For $65 per person, you get a 2.5-hour guided walk through King Street, one of the city’s most beloved shopping districts, with the added bonus of wine, margaritas, champagne, and exclusive discounts at local boutiques. The tour is designed to be social, relaxed, and a little indulgent, making it perfect for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or any group of friends wanting a memorable shopping spree.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines authentic local shopping with fun drinks and lively guides. You’ll visit a handful of carefully selected shops, each offering special discounts, and wrap up at the beautiful Restoration Hotel’s boutique, The Mercantile, with a champagne toast. Plus, the included mead tasting at Savannah Bee Co. adds a sweet twist to the day.

A possible consideration is that the group size is limited to 10 people, which keeps things intimate but may mean booking well in advance. Also, since the tour is outdoors and involves walking, it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of mobility and good weather.

If you enjoy shopping, socializing, and sampling drinks in a charming historic setting, this tour is a delightful way to spend part of your Charleston visit. It works especially well for groups seeking a relaxed, engaging experience, and those who love discovering local businesses with perks.

Key Points

• Authentic Charleston shopping with boutique discounts
• Guided walk through King Street, a historic shopping hub
• Inclusive drinks: wine, margaritas, champagne, plus a mead tasting
• Ideal for groups like bachelorette parties and birthdays
• Small group size ensures personalized attention
• Convenient meeting point at a popular local spot

In-Depth Look at the Sip n Shop Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour offers a unique blend of shopping, socializing, and tasting experiences that elevate what might otherwise be a straightforward boutique crawl. The guiding hand of personable guides like Devon, Claire, or Jessica brings an engaging, friendly vibe that keeps the energy high and the conversation flowing. As one reviewer put it, “Devon was awesome—she even gave us a great recommendation for lunch,” highlighting how guides go beyond just leading the tour—they help enhance your overall experience.

The Itinerary: A Walk of Style and Sips

The tour begins at Juanita Greenberg’s, a well-loved local hangout famous for its margaritas, chips, and salsa. The lively start immediately sets a relaxed tone, with complimentary wine flowing during the walk. From there, you’ll stroll along King Street, a historic thoroughfare lined with a variety of boutiques, each offering special discounts exclusive to tour participants. You’ll visit shops with appealing merchandise — from clothing to accessories, all within walking distance.

The highlight is the visit to The Mercantile, inside the Restoration Hotel, where you’ll enjoy a champagne toast—a perfect celebration moment. The fact that this is a small, guided tour means you’re well-attended and can ask questions about Charleston’s shopping scene or local tips.

What Do You Get at Each Stop?

• Juanita Greenberg’s: Kickoff with margaritas and snacks, setting a fun tone
• Boutique visits: Opportunities to browse local fashion, jewelry, and gift shops while enjoying discounts tailored for tour guests
• Savannah Bee Co.: An included mead tasting adds a different flavor to your day, giving you a taste of local mead craftsmanship
• The Mercantile at The Restoration: Celebrate the end of your shopping with champagne, great for photos and toasting with friends

What Do the Reviews Say?

Most reviewers rave about the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Kerry_B called her experience a “great girl’s day,” emphasizing that the shopping was fun and the discounts generous. Jodi_P appreciated the recommendations for lunch, while Morgan_H highlighted the positive attitude of Claire despite rainy weather. Multiple reviews mention how much they enjoyed sampling drinks and how the group size felt personal.

However, one reviewer pointed out that some shops lacked options for plus sizes, so if clothing size diversity is important to you, that’s worth considering.

Is It Practical?

The tour is about 2 hours and 30 minutes long, making it a perfect addition to a day in Charleston without feeling overly long or rushed. The meeting point at Juanita Greenberg’s is centrally located, making it easy to find, and the group size of up to 10 means you’ll get personalized attention.

Since most bookings are made around 41 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during peak seasons or weekends. The mobile ticket format adds convenience, allowing you to skip lines and go straight to the fun.

Value for Money

For $65, you’re getting more than just shopping. The included drinks, discounts, and tasting add substantial value, especially considering the boutique discounts alone could offset part of the cost. The tour also offers a social setting that’s hard to replicate on your own, making it worth the price for groups looking for a memorable, lively experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for groups of friends, especially women celebrating a bachelorette, birthday, or just a day out. If you appreciate local boutiques, good drinks, and exclusive discounts in a relaxed, friendly environment, you’ll find it charming. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors wanting an introduction to Charleston’s shopping scene, with the added fun of sampling regional drinks.

It’s less suited if you’re seeking a history-focused tour or are not comfortable walking outdoors, especially in less than ideal weather. But overall, it’s a lighthearted, engaging way to explore Charleston’s vibrant retail scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Sip n Shop tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Juanita Greenberg’s on King Street and concludes at The Mercantile inside The Restoration Hotel. The meeting point is centrally located and easy to access.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience but also meaning it’s best to book early.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers guided walking, boutique discounts, and all drinks—including wine, margaritas, champagne, and a mead tasting at Savannah Bee Co.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Given the focus on shopping and drinking, it’s best suited for adults.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking. Dress appropriately for weather, as much of the tour is outdoors.

Final Thoughts

The Sip n Shop in Charleston offers a lively, intimate way to experience the city’s shopping scene with the bonus of regional drinks and exclusive discounts. Its guides are praised for their friendliness and local knowledge, making the experience both fun and informative. The inclusion of wine, margaritas, champagne, and a mead tasting turns a simple shopping trip into a celebration.

This tour is especially suited for groups of friends, women celebrating special occasions, or first-time visitors eager to explore Charleston’s retail gems without the hassle of navigating on their own. It’s a great way to combine casual sightseeing with socializing and sampling local flavors—delivering more than a typical shopping walk.

If you’re after a laid-back, engaging, and drink-filled adventure, this tour is a charming choice. Just remember to book early to secure your spot, and come ready for a fun, stylish day out in Charleston.