A few weeks ago, I had the chance to escape to one of my favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina, for a dreamy blogging retreat called the FreshAir Retreat.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how much I love Charleston. I first visited over 12 years ago, and I’ve returned at least eight times since. The food, the charm, the ocean breeze… this city never gets old.

Since I run Sugar and Charm solo, I truly cherish any chance to connect with other creators in person. Spending a weekend talking business, sharing ideas, and soaking up some R&R was exactly what I needed. And lucky for me Amanada Kamppinen captured the weekend with these beautiful photos!

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A Solo Start in Downtown Charleston

Before the retreat began, I spent two days exploring downtown Charleston by myself. I wandered the cobblestone streets, sipped iced coffee under mossy oak trees, and visited some of my favorite shops. Charleston is so walkable and full of personality. It feels like stepping into a storybook.

The Retreat on Isle of Palms

The group met at the most beautiful house on Isle of Palms, right across from the ocean. It was light-filled and breezy, with wraparound porches and beachy charm. Our hosts, Liz from The Lemon Bowl and Lauren from The Curious Plate, greeted us with welcome cocktails and appetizers. It felt like a luxury summer camp for creatives, in the best possible way.

Other attendees and new friends were:

• Elizabeth Van Lierde Everyday Elizabeth
• Annie Holmes from Sweet Peas and Saffron
• Monique Volz from Ambitious Kitchen
• Hetal Vasavada from Milk and Cardamom 
• Kylie Mazon-Chambers from Cooking with Cocktail Rings

Mornings, Meetings, and Meaningful Chats

We started the next morning with sunrise yoga on the deck. The ocean breeze, soft light, and stillness made it one of my favorite moments from the weekend.

Later, we had sessions with Grocer’s List and Mediavine.

• Grocer’s List is an app that allows people to comment “recipe” on social posts and get the recipe sent right to their inbox. It’s so helpful for simplifying the user experience.
• Mediavine is my ad network, so it was great to hear their updates and get insight on trends in our space.

Night Out in Charleston

That evening, we hopped on a party bus and headed downtown for dinner at an Italian spot. The food, the wine, and the vibe were all perfect. It was a fun way to enjoy the city and connect more deeply with the group.

Breakfast with Happy Egg

The next morning, Happy Egg hosted a beautiful breakfast. I’ve been a fan of their brand for years. Their eggs come from small family farms where the hens are pasture-raised with room to roam, and you can really taste the difference. Chef Trimell created the most delicious dishes using Happy Egg, and I definitely went back for seconds.

A Burnout Reset with Sabrina Loyer

One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend was a burnout session led by Sabrina Loyer, a wellness coach who works specifically with bloggers and creatives. She guided us through a powerful meditation and helped us reconnect with our why – why we create, why we share, and how to protect our energy while running full-time businesses online. It was such a needed reminder to slow down, tune in, and give ourselves grace.

Sabrina’s approach is thoughtful and actionable. She helps creators align with their purpose and create a business plan that supports their well-being instead of draining it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or creatively burnt out, I highly recommend following her for guidance and grounding.

Lunch with Visit Charleston

We also had lunch with the lovely team from Explore Charleston, who are just as passionate about the city as I am. If you’re planning a trip, follow them on Instagram – they always share the best of Charleston’s food, culture, and hidden gems.

For lunch, we headed to Sullivan’s Fish Camp on Sullivan’s Island, and it was so charming. The vibe felt effortlessly coastal, with retro decor, cute branding, and the kind of laid-back beach-town energy that instantly puts you in vacation mode.

I ordered the fish tacos, which were SO good and flavorful, and they had strawberry daiquiris on tap – yes, on tap! We popped into a few nearby gift shops after lunch, and the whole afternoon was exactly what you’d hope for on a Charleston getaway.

A Dinner Filled with Soul (and Shrimp & Grits)

Our last dinner of the retreat was an unforgettable one, thanks to the incredibly talented Chef Trimell of Poetry on Plates. He cooked for us all weekend long, but this final, sit-down coursed meal was next level.

From the perfectly seasoned shrimp and grits to the thoughtful appetizers and a fun, elevated take on classic banana pudding, every dish was filled with soul and creativity. You could tell how much heart and intention went into each course.

It felt like the perfect way to close out a weekend centered around connection, creativity, and good food.

This retreat was exactly what I needed. Being around other creators, sharing ideas, and simply slowing down in such a beautiful place filled my creative cup in every way. Charleston, you’ve still got my heart!