Welcome To Après Sportif
The Credit One Charleston Open & a few of my favorite places and things to do in the city!
I chased the sun for 15 years on the WTA tour, where I journeyed to top 20 in the world, competed in the Olympics, and lived a life I only could have dreamed of. Sport has been my life since I could walk and there have been few greater joys than how it has transformed me and my life. I believe partaking in sport, whether playing or watching, teaches you more about life than anything else.
So with that, welcome to Après Sportif- the place for transcending sport fashion, travel, beauty, and overall well-being, with emphasis on tennis of course! I plan to post about my favorite things to do/use after being sporty, favorite tennis events, and what to do if you have the good fortune of attending one of them! I intend to post every fortnight.
I thought there was no better time to coincide my hard launch than with the WTA tour stop in my hometown of Charleston, SC. The Credit One Charleston Open, (COCO), is held March 29th-April 6th on Daniel Island, about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. It is one of the most intimate and charming tournament sites and allows for fans to have a personal experience with the players. I recommend heading to the practice courts where you will be able to watch 12 of the top 20 players in the world practicing throughout the week. There will also be live music, interviews around the grounds with both present and past players, and of course some good food. Family weekend is the 29th and 30th, where kids under 16 get free admittance and adult tickets are only $10. Beware, it gets PACKED, but it will not disappoint! Also, if you are staying downtown, I highly recommend to catch this ferry to preserve your sanity and to not have to worry about parking or having an extra cocktail!
The player field this year is second to none and that says everything you need to know about the event. Players are coming off the “Sunshine Double,” two of the biggest events of the year, and yet they continue to make time to compete in Charleston. It is a testament to the enjoyment they have in the city, but more so to the tournament owner, sponsors, and those running the event that make it unparalleled for the players.
When I was playing professionally, I traveled the world for 40 weeks a year and there were few places that could compete with Charleston. It has architecture, history, food, and beautiful weather, (aside from Hades' top floor temperatures during the summer!). My husband and I feel that this is the closest we will get to London this side of the Atlantic, so we decided to settle here and make it our home! Additionally, I continue to feel inspired every day by the architecture and beauty that define this city.
Here is a small list of some of my CHS sweet spots and what to do, “Apres Sportif:”
Bougie Stop
Zero George is our favorite spot in the city. If you want a true culinary experience, I would book their tasting menu. If you want a flawless setting to simply sip an amazing cocktail, this is also your spot. Ask for Jason and tell him I sent you if you choose the bar option!
Overrated
Dinner at a restaurant every night! Grab some Goat, Sheep, Cow, (best spot to grab some charcuterie essentials and a bottle of wine), take a blanket, (or not!), and walk to the Battery and watch the sunset. Strolling the streets South of Broad will be something for all of your senses!
*Tip
Enjoy a morning and/or afternoon at the tennis and get to your desired restaurant around 445/5 for an early bird dinner and you’ll likely be just fine! Unless you’re trying to get into Chubby Fish- this may not be good enough!
A Special Court To Hone Your Game While Away
Hazel Parker. Tucked away in the city, this tennis court is situated between Rainbow Row and the water. It is first come, first served (literally), so be prepared to wait your turn for a hit, especially during this time of year!
Favorite Pastime In This City, Antiquing
While traveling the world, I have always sought out the antique markets in each city. With that being said, Charleston has one of the healthiest markets I have ever seen. My absolute favorite places to shop are Antiques of South Windermere and 17 South, which are sister stores. They are family owned and full of the most beautiful things. I have bought a lot of my artwork from them, as they have a great collection of Charleston Renaissance artists’ work, and they are my weakness!
King Street has a lot of fun spots to look at- “look” being the operative word. IMO, they are overpriced and looking to take advantage of tourists. You can do better!
*Tip
If you’re really serious about good stuff, go to your Facebook marketplace page and type in the city zip code to see what is around you. This alone is an antique shop in and of itself! When I travel domestically, I confess that I do this and I have found some very cool buys!
Don’t Forget:
Sunglasses
These for every day of the week & these for Finals Sunday. Love both of these brands so much.
Face Sunscreen
This is my favorite daily sunscreen. I was actually working at the Credit One last year and I was speaking with a patron who had flawless skin. She said it wasn’t her skin, but her sunscreen that made it look so! I have been using it ever since, although regrettably not with the same *flawless* results! Tinted for coverage, light, and SPF 45. I used many different face sunscreens prior to this and this blows them out of the water.
Lips
Don’t forget’m! This makes it so easy to look put together with a little gloss and color, but also the necessary protection with SPF 35.
Body Sunscreen If I’m The One On Court
I searched literally everywhere for a pure zinc option that stayed on through all the sweating and that didn’t break me out. I discovered this while in Australia, (and the Australians know a thing or two about sunscreen), and I’ve luckily been able to purchase it through Amazon ever since. It’s a bit more expensive here in the USA, but it’s the best on the market.
Zinc Be Gone
This is THE BEST face wash, (and I also use it for the body!), that will remove zinc with one scrub! I actually went to grade school with the woman that co-founded this brand and I love her initiative for acne-prone skin. It is a product that I will never be without!
And finally just a little fashion:
Economical & Chic Event Bags, (leave the interior coin purse at home to be safe!)
Small Fortune, but fab for a hat!
This brand can do no wrong.
Best Of:
Best Burger: Heavy’s Barburger
Best On The Go Breakfast: Holey City Bagels. And if you had a big night before, grab a Pedialyte- they have every color of the rainbow!
Best Happy Hour: Renzo. Get their lychee drink and tell me how much you loved it!
Best Italian Sandwich: Mercato by Sorelle
Best Pina Colada: 167 Raw on King St.
Best Pizza: Frannie & The Fox
Best Oysters: The Darling Oyster Bar, (get their hushpuppies, too!), and love the interior of this place!
My favorite dish in the city: Shells & Seafood Ragu at Lowland
My favorite coffee: likely an unpopular opinion, but Alcove Market roasts my favorite beans!
BBQ: shockingly, I’m a fan of BBQ solely for the ribs and I cannot recommend any here in the area! Fight me!
The Charleston Open is one of my favorite events. It truly gets better every year. Thank you for the great recommendations! Excited to try some new restaurant spots this year.