Lela Rose is synonymous with a certain type of easy elegance. She’s won clients and critics over alike with her colorful tea dresses and proper frocks, but she never shies away from a healthy dose of fun. So it comes as no huge surprise that the designer is a big fan of Charleston, South Carolina—the belle of the American South.

“Just meandering around and finding cute watering holes is a great way to spend a day in [town],” Rose says, kicking off her advise. So how often exactly does she make it down to South Carolina’s oldest city? “A few times a year—whenever I can,” Rose says. That’s clear, judging from her wealth of knowledge on everything from King Street shops (Hampden Clothing Co., Finnicky Filly) to local goods (those sea grass bags). And while we were eager to hear the fashion designer’s shopping recommendations, in Charleston, good old-fashioned food is king.

Photo: Courtesy of Henrietta's Brasserie

For brunch, Rose admits to loving Hominy Grill and Leon’s Oyster Shop, whereas for a nice dinner out, she often opts for The Ordinary or FIG. When it comes to a definitive go-to spot, Rose laments, “There are too many to choose from, but I do love Chez Nous as well as Henrietta’s at The Dewberry.” For a drink, Rose will also head to The Dewberry. (“They even shave their own ice cubes and stamp them with their logo,” Rose explains of the hotel’s storied establishment, The Living Room bar.) Finally, 167 Raw is Rose’s favorite new eatery, thanks to their “incredible” fish tacos.

While in Charleston, Rose also likes to stay active. “I love exploring, whether it’s jogging along the battery or riding a bike through the beautiful streets of the peninsula,” Rose says, noting that Legare Street is “gorgeous.” And for the cycling enthusiast, biking is often her preferred mode of transportation.

However, that doesn’t mean that Rose is city-bound. In fact, she’s far from it. Rose enjoys exploring the area’s various historic plantations, and recommends venturing out to the region’s surrounding islands. “Head over to Sullivan’s Island and cruise around,” Rose suggests, adding that “Wadmalaw Island is also beautiful and serene.” So what exactly makes Charleston so great? “The food, the people, the architecture, the colors . . . everything,” Rose says. “It has soul.”