If you spot a charming shop in Charleston, stocked with vintage finds, sculptural candles from Moro Dabron, and linens from Frama, chances are it’s Helen Rice’s.
Since opening in 2022, her store, Ponytail, has become a local staple. “I’ve always collected things,” Rice told Chris Black last year, in an interview for Air Mail. “I love objects, and I love designing spaces to put objects in.”
But her work goes beyond sourcing beautiful things. The South Carolina native is also the co-founder of Fuzzco, an independent creative studio. Early on, she built a diverse client list, from the e-mail-marketing giant Mailchimp to local favorites such as East Fork Pottery.
When it came time for a headquarters, Rice renovated a building in Charleston with her signature style, filling the minimalist space with custom millwork. Since then, under Fuzzco’s real-estate branch, Serious Buildings, she’s overseen 10 other renovations across town and has plenty more projects on the horizon.
Here, the polymath shares her guide to her hometown.
Baba’s on Cannon
After rolling out of bed, I immediately go in search of coffee. I love Baba’s on Cannon in the morning because I’ll often see some of my favorite people there. They have great coffee, as well as these little tacos with potatoes and eggs that are so good and the perfect size. Eat one right away and tuck another one in your pocket for later. (babasoncannon.com)
Magnolia Cemetery
Top off your coffee and head to Magnolia Cemetery. It’s a short drive to go back in time and see what Charleston used to look and feel like (the landscape, not the dead). I won’t even use the word unkempt, because it’s not—it’s just perfectly tended to, and by that I mean not too much. The marsh bends around enormous live oaks and opens onto ponds full of birds and turtles. Weave around the narrow paved roads until you decide you want to pull over somewhere to get out and take some pictures. It’s a magical place. There’s no need to even pay attention to the headstones, but you will. (magnoliacemetery.net)
Worthwhile
Worthwhile is my favorite place to spend too much money on things I’ll have for the rest of my life. Women’s clothing, gifts, and accessories are spread across two floors of a thoughtfully minimal house. (shopworthwhile.com)
Colonial Lake
Colonial Lake is a shallow body of water the size of an entire city block. Make out with someone on one of the park benches, or look at the water with its leaping fish, or at the lush gardens surrounding it. (charlestonparksconservancy.org)
WENTWORTH
Walk two blocks north from the lake and you’ll see Wentworth, on Wentworth Street. It’s probably one of the best home stores you’ll ever go to. They have great stuff—from glassware and garden tools to antiques, apothecary items, and bedding—and know how to show it. Somehow, I manage to leave with a basket every time. (shopwentworth.com)
CHEZ NOUS
It’s time for lunch. On a nice day, I like to go to Chez Nous and sit outside at the long table under the crepe myrtle trees. The menu is tiny and immaculate. If you’re there with a date, order all six dishes and share. They post the entire menu, with photos, on their Instagram every day, which is genius. I always use that to figure out what I’m going to have. As silly as it sounds to have two meals at the same place during a single trip, I encourage it—for the second visit, take your dinner inside after night falls. (instagram.com)
Aiken-Rhett House
There are a handful of house museums in Charleston, and Aiken-Rhett House is my favorite. The house has been preserved, not restored, which means the patina of its age and the life that has been lived there are still evident. (historiccharleston.org)
International African American Museum
Visiting the International African American Museum is a spiritual experience. There’s a story in every detail, from its placement on the historic Gadsden’s Wharf to the way the water moves beneath it. (iaamuseum.org)
Charleston Library Society
The Charleston Library Society hosts great lectures. People from all over come talk about all kinds of things there, and you get to sit with a bunch of locals in a cool old building. The talks are only an hour long, and maybe you’ll make a friend. (charlestonlibrarysociety.org)
Merci
A short walk away from the Library Society, this dinner spot is located in a historic single house in a sweet residential neighborhood. It’s a delightful, teeny-tiny jewel box where everyone is so friendly. You’ll be happy when they bring out dish after dish of the food you’ve been craving, from something fresh to something decadent. I designed its interiors, and my company did the branding. Send me your notes :) (mercichs.com)
FIG
In case Merci’s all booked, grab a seat at the bar at Fig and get one of their great cocktails, or, if you’re me, a vodka martini straight up with a twist. Everything on the menu is great, but I have a hard time not ordering the bouillabaisse and the potato purée. (instagram.com)
Terrace Theater & Bar George
End the night with a movie just over the bridge, in West Ashley. The Terrace Theater is locally owned, and they show good stuff. You’ll love the dramatic David Hicks carpet and the cozy theaters. Go early to get your tickets and then walk next door for a pre-show drink at Bar George. (terracetheater.com; instagram.com)
