Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 098 | Boozy Blondes Happy Hour: Charleston, SC & Clayton, GA

Listen here! Watch here!! (Yes, watch on the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel!)

After three weeks apart, the Boozy Blondes were long overdue for a proper catch-up. Both Chrissy and Molly had visited some Boozy Blondes Podcast-worthy spots, so they decided to host their own virtual Happy Hour and invite their listeners along!

The conversation spanned two very different vibes: off-season wine country in North Georgia and festive cocktail magic in Charleston. Speaking of wine country, the DOE is red wine. Both girls enjoyed a glass (or two) during their chat, and the proof is shown in their purple-stained teeth! Commonly referred to as “wich-mouth” by the blondes, you can check out what they mean on YouTube. This episode was recorded and now lives on the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel for you to enjoy!

While most people don’t immediately associate North Georgia with wine country, that might be their first mistake. Tucked into the scenic mountains near Clayton and Sky Valley is a surprisingly impressive wine scene — complete with microclimates, European varietals, and boutique tasting rooms!

One of Chrissy’s standout stops was Tiger Mountain Vineyards, a boutique winery nestled in, you guessed it, Tiger, Georgia.

Established in 1995, Tiger Mountain was the first vineyard in Georgia to successfully establish European grape varieties — a move that continues to pay off in award-winning wines. And for Florida girls used to muscadine-heavy blends, discovering structured, balanced European-style wines in the North Georgia mountains feels like uncovering a secret.

Chrissy was surprised to find the former tasting space a storage area while a beautifully renovated outbuilding houses the main tasting area and event venue. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the vines and mountains, creating a dreamy backdrop. Chrissy ordered a bottle of Cab Franc and enjoyed charcuterie and vineyard views upstairs. Downstairs, there’s a covered patio, a stage for live music, and heaters for year-round sipping. Tiger Mountain Vineyards is also home to the Red Barn Café, cellar tours and barrel tastings, and harvest events where guests can stomp grapes! There is also a fully renovated vacation rental home on the property that is ideal for weddings, girls’ trips, or bachelorette weekends.

Chrissy’s next standout spot is Old Know Beverage Company in downtown Clayton, Georgia. Chrissy swears this micro-distillery and cocktail lounge is exactly what the mountain town was missing. Founded in 2021 by Mary Catherine Matheny and Ryan Warner Wood, Old Know distills all of its own spirits using botanicals sourced from local farmers. Standout drinks included the Green Wood Punch (gin-based), Han’s Island (bourbon-based), Golden Hour (gin-based), and Mister Brightside (rye-based).

But perhaps even better than the cocktails is the vibe and décor inside – it was Chrissy’s dream space! Vintage meets botanical meets big-city cocktail bar.

When a longtime favorite restaurant in Clayton closed its original location, Chrissy was really sad. She looked forward to meals there when she visited each year. But turns out, it wasn’t gone; just relocated and reimagined.

Now operating as Fortify Pizza & Burger Bar, the concept combines wood-fired pizza, burgers, craft beer, sports bar, and a hidden rum bar inside! The Road Town Rum Bar feels like stepping out of the mountains and into the British Virgin Islands. Umbrella drinks, colorful tiki menus, and tropical vibes tucked behind a casual sports setting create an unexpectedly fun contrast.

Chrissy ordered a wood-fired forrest mushroom pizza with rosemary oil, truffle oil, fresh herbs, and vegan mozzarella cheese, and she couldn’t resist ordering a fun drink from the tiki menu!

Meanwhile, down in Charleston, South Carolina, Molly was soaking in holiday magic. She stayed at The Charleston Place, which in addition to being beautiful boujee, delivered full festive energy — Christmas trees, elaborate train displays, and snowfall each night! The Thoroughbred Club inside the hotel set the mood with piano and cello music, delicious old-fashioneds, and classic Southern elegance.

Molly spent her time in Charleston eating and drinking through the town and had a few standout spots she mentions. The first is Well Hung Vineyards, serving up wine flights, craft cocktails, and delicious food! Seasonal drinks like “Winter in Jalisco” (tequila-based) and festive hot toddies paired beautifully with shareable plates.

Since it was Christmastime, Prohibition had a holiday pop-up bar takeover called Sippin’ Santa. It was spectacular! The girls love the holiday pop-up at their hometown bar, Forgotten Tonic (listen to their interview with owner John Moore in Episode 004), and they agree it’s fun to see how other pop-ups illustrate a Christmas theme.

She really enjoyed By The Way, a cozy neighborhood bar with fantastic drinks and impressive food options! She enjoyed an espresso martini and wine paired with truffle deviled eggs and a crab grilled cheese sandwich!

Miller’s All Day was recommended for breakfast and Molly sadly passed on the espresso martini flight that morning. She did enjoy a rosemary poinsettia, and Boozy Bro Rainer loved his bacon-infused bourbon Bloody Mary! Molly vows to return with Chrissy to tackle the espresso martini flight!

Frannie & The Fox was another great spot for both food and drinks. The Ranch Water comes in a mini Pellegrino bottle! You can find this bar in the Emeline Hotel.

Molly’s gluttonous adventure ended at Circa 1886, located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion. Molly ordered the tasting menu with a wine pairing, and although she didn’t love all the wine options, she loved a new glass with each dish! She highly recommends Circa 1886 if you want an elevated dining experience.

One thing is for sure – the Boozy Blondes lived up to their name on their respective time apart! They are now armed with a list of places to enjoy with each other! So stay tuned – it’s only the beginning of Season 5, so who knows where the girls will end up next!

Be sure to subscribe to the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel to see all the photos and videos from this episode. Make sure to follow the girls on Instagram too. If you have recommendations in Charleston or Clayton, leave them in the comments below!