If you’ve been to Charleston before, you're already aware how charming the Holy City is. And those of us who live here, if we weren’t lucky enough to be born here, were no doubt drawn to this very fact.
After all, Charleston was named the Most Polite City for so many years in a row, they finally quit counting.
Southern Charm in Charleston
Bravo took notice, and began producing the reality show people love to love (or love to hate, it’s a mixed bag). Aptly named Southern Charm, it’s filmed right here in Charleston & environs.
One of the creators is Whitney Sudler-Smith, whose mother Patricia Altschul had taken up residence in a prominent historic home in downtown Charleston. The show premiered on the Bravo Channel on March 3rd, 2014, with that ear worm of a theme song, “It’s Easy,” by Mia Sable. You know, Ba-ba-doo, ba-ba-de-ee, it's easy, as the birds and the bees and the 1-2-3's.
Apparently they were on to something. It’s been running for 11 seasons now, and was just renewed for a 12th.
Photo by Leo Heisenberg on Unsplash
A who’s who of Southern Charmers
The show launched the careers of a slew of reality stars, or made some semi-famous people even more famous, or infamous. Over 11 seasons, they’ve included Craig Conover, Shep Rose, Thomas Ravenel, Kathryn Dennis, Cameran Eubanks Wimberly, Whitney Sudler-Smith, Landon Clements, Jenna King, Austen Kroll, Chelsea Meissner, Ashley Jacobs, Eliza Limehouse, Naomie Olindo, Leva Bonaparte, Madison LeCroy, John Pringle, Venita Aspen, Olivia Flowers, Taylor Ann Green, Chleb Ravenell, Rod Razavi, Rodrigo Reyes, Jarrett “J. T.” Thomas, Ryan Albert, Salley Carson, Molly O'Connell, Charley Manley and Whitner Slagsvol.
In reality, only a small handful of the cast are actually from Charleston. Most moved here “from off.” Many have since flown away (bye Jenna King, Landon, Ashley… J. T. moved all the way to Bali, Indonesia).
But the series is filmed here, including many scenes right here on the Isle of Palms, Capers Island, Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach. It’s not uncommon to see some of the cast members around the area, either being filmed or just living their daily lives.
Area Locations from the Show
If you’re here in one of Exclusive Properties' Isle of Palms vacation rentals, you may be interested in seeing some locations from the series, including a few where you have a very good chance of bumping into a cast member.
- The Isle of Palms. Both Shep Rose and Olivia Flowers lived in homes on the Isle of Palms, on Palm Boulevard toward Breach Inlet. In fact, they lived quite near each other, across the street and down a few houses. I won’t give the specific addresses, but you might recognize their facades from the show, near St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Hint: keep an eye peeled for a large marlin.
- Sullivan’s Island - Shep has since moved into a home on nearby Sullivan’s Island, and has been renting out his IOP place. He loves to surf, so you may see him out on the beach at either Sullivan’s or Isle of Palms. Sometimes he has Little Craig with him. He’s also been known to frequent Home Team BBQ on Sullivan’s, which is actually where he and Taylor first met.
- Mount Pleasant - Craig and Taylor both live in nearby neighborhoods right across Highway 17 from the Isle of Palms Connector. Craig’s been fixing up his house in beautifully, and his back yard is an oasis, of the birds and the bees and the 1-2-3’s. Martha Stewart would be proud. Naomi’s family’s restaurant is Nico at 201 Coleman Boulevard near Shem Creek. It’s a good place to get fresh oysters and seafood prepared with a French flair.
- Downtown Charleston - Patricia and her dogs live in the stately Isaac Jenkins Mikell House at 94 Rutledge Avenue. Whitney fixed up the guest quarters on the property and lives there when in town. He actually currently owns the whole property as part of estate planning. Craig’s business, Sewing Down South, is doing well and is fun to visit at 493 King Street. So is the restaurant he and Austin Kroll invest in, By the Way. In fact you might catch Molly singing at the mike there, as she did recently along with Jesse from Summer House. By the Way’s at 45 ½ Spring Street.
Southern Hospitality
Riding on the heels of Southern Charm’s success came Southern Hospitality, a spin-off revolving around Leva Bonaparte. She and her husband Lamar, own a stable of businesses on upper King Street.
Southern Hospitality focuses on Republic Lounge & Garden, a popular night spot complete with VIP bottle service and LED marquee boards for bachelorette parties and people looking to celebrate. The show debuted on Bravo on November 28, 2022 and is going strong.
While here in a Charleston beach house, swing by Republic at 462 King Street and say howdy to Joe Bradley, Maddi Reese, Bradley Carter, Michols Peña, Emmy Sharrett, TJ Dinch, Lake Rucker, or whoever happens to be working the front door or serving at the bar. It’s just down and across the street from Sewing Down South.
Bravo Fan Fest coming in October!
Obviously Bravo loves Charleston - and they just announced the North Charleston Coliseum will be hosting Bravo Fan Fest here this October, where "fans can enjoy live stage programming and panels, immersive experiences, themed activations, and intimate photo opportunities with their favorite Bravolebrities." In the two days prior, they’ll also be taping four episodes of Watch What Happens Live, and are selling tickets to all of the above.
Here are the deets:
- Bravo Fan Fest – Saturday, October 24th, 2026; featuring stars of Southern Charm, Southern Hospitality, Summer House, Below Deck, and Real Housewives of Atlanta, New Jersey, New York City, Orange County, Potomac, Rhode Island and Salt Lake City.
- Tickets go on sale on Thursday, June 11th at 12:00 p.m. at https://www.bravofanfest.com/. They will GO FAST.
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen – two episode tapings on Thursday, October 22nd and two more on Friday, October 23rd.
- Tickets for WWHL tapings go on sale on Friday, June 12th at 12:00 p.m., at the same website. They will go fast, too.
So if you’re a Southern Charm, Southern Hospitality, Housewives or Bravo fan, lock down the perfect Isle of Palms rental home for October. You just might bump into a star while you’re here.
Contact us and we’ll get you on the calendar.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger