August 16, 2023
Food & Drink, Travel & Recreation, Food & Drink, Travel, Apple News, Guide,
The place where it seems everyone wants to be… From old money lawyers to young college kids, this South Carolina port town has a deep history and a thriving hospitality scene. Here’s our guide on what to hit or miss when visiting the Lowcountry community.
Where to stay...
404 King St.
Why it Makes Our List: Well, for one, the hotel’s pastel pink Champagne bar, Camellias, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Add to that the five-star ranking of the hotel, and it calls for the perfect luxury stay in Charleston.
Right Side, 0 George St.
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Why it Makes Our List: Zero George is a seamless blend of historic charm, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled Southern hospitality. Not to mention their exclusive four-spot caviar bar with tastings throughout the year.
334 Meeting St.
Why it Makes Our List: A sophisticated and elegant retreat, The Dewberry offers a captivating blend of midcentury modern design, impeccable service, and a central location. Their private club for members and hotel guests only, The Citrus Club, is the place to see and be seen.
205 Meeting St.
Why it Makes Our List: Charleston Place is known for its unparalleled commitment to creating a truly immersive experience, where guests can not only enjoy the utmost comfort and luxury but also immerse themselves in the rich history, vibrant culture, and genuine warmth of Charleston.
67 State St.
Why it Makes Our List: If an art deco design fits your fancy, The Spectator Hotel off of North Market Street is the perfect place to rest your head. Harking back on 1920s Charleston, bespoke rooms and upgraded amenities will make your stay an enjoyable one.
181 Church St.
Why it Makes Our List: Boutique accommodation, Hotel Emeline offers a more modern experience while continuing to honor the location’s rich cultural history.
40 George St.
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Why it Makes Our List:
2 Vendue Range
Why it Makes Our List: If you are looking for an ocean view or a view of the water at all—the HarbourView Inn is the best in the city. Not to mention it recently went through an entire revamp, making it even more worth checking out.
Where to eat…
193 King St.; 289 E. Bay St.; 5 Fulton St.
Why it Makes Our List: With three locations throughout the city—167 Raw Oyster Bar, 167 Sushi Bar and Bar 167—these concepts encapsulate the perfect Charleston restaurant in my eyes. Fresh seafood, trendy decor, inventive cocktails, and a laid-back attitude—what more could you want?
698 King St.
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Why it Makes Our List: Leon’s is a consistent stop for all of my Charleston trips. Fried chicken, oysters, whole fish, salads, cold beer, soft serve, frozen G&Ts, grower Champagne, rosé slushies—not to mention a 2020 James Beard Award Semifinalist—need we say more?
6 Payne Court
Why it Makes Our List: Coined as the best small restaurant in America, Chez Nous is meticulously hidden in plain sight where you’re simultaneously in provincial France and a Charleston single. Expect handwritten menus and an urge to come back again and again.
76 King St.
Why it Makes Our List: With other locations in Nashville and Savannah, Husk is known for seamlessly marrying Southern culinary heritage with innovative techniques, resulting in an unparalleled gastronomic experience that captures the essence of the region’s flavors and culinary evolution.
232 Meeting St.
Why it Makes Our List: Distilling the essence of a season is what FIG is all about—they take farm-to-table and raise it. If you are looking to deep dive into the culinary makeup of Charleston’s location, FIG will be your guide.
82 Wentworth St
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Why it Makes Our List: From the husband-and-wife team Katie and Ben Towill (sidenote: you should also check out their restaurant/hotel concept in Old Village Mount Pleasant, The Posthouse (https://www.instagram.com/posthouseinn/)), Basic Kitchen is an Instagrammer’s dream. With vintage, clean West Coast aesthetics and an equally as clean menu, Basic Kitchen starts your day right. They even have a cocktail that combines green juice and vodka—detox while you re-tox!
464 N Nassau St.
Why it Makes Our List: Authentic Texas-style barbecue—that is all! So good and has a great atmosphere.
The Obstinate Daughter
2063 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island
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Why it Makes Our List: Located on Sullivan’s Island (which you should definitely check out), The Obstinate Daughter flawlessly blends inventive Italian-inspired cuisine with a coastal ambiance.
Where to play…
130 Mill St., Mount Pleasant, SC
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Why it Makes Our List: Located on Shem Creek, this is the best spot for happy hour or daytime drinks. Get the trashcan nachos when the tummy starts to grumble.
100 Church St., Mount Pleasant
Why it Makes Our List: Also on Shem Creek, but this is more of a brunch destination with plenty of mimosas and views!
9 Lockwood Drive
Why it Makes Our List: Definitely a hole in the wall. This dive bar is located in the marina, looking over a marsh. While the drinks are served in plastic cups, the view makes up for it.
1977 Maybank Highway
Why it Makes Our List: Located near James Island, the Charleston Pourhouse is the best mom-and-pop music venue to see your favorite shows. Complete with a deck bar, the vibes couldn’t get much better!
The Commodore
50 Meeting St., Ste. C
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Why it Makes Our List: Alright, listen up. While The Commodore might not look like much from the outside—barred up windows and a “touch of class” sign hanging from the building—it is the premiere location for jazz, funky and blues in Charleston. The line wraps around the building, so we suggest going a bit early to beat the crowds.
Cultural Experience…
100 Aquarium Wharf
Why it Makes Our List: Explore diverse aquatic ecosystems, interact with fascinating marine creatures, and gain valuable insights into conservation efforts.
135 Meeting St.
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Why it Makes Our List: Gibbes Museum of Art offers a unique opportunity to explore the Lowcountry’s artistic legacy through its extensive collection of Southern art, ranging from historic to contemporary works. Plus, it is a great way to get out of the Charleston heat!
6 Chalmers St.
Why it Makes Our List: Not only is this painful part of history a deep part of Charleston culture—it is paramount to remember to prevent something like slavery from happening again. This museum, built in the city’s old slave market, is a visual representation of the lives and families of Black people in our country and specific to the area of Charleston. It is a must-visit in my mind.
360 Meeting St.
Why it Makes Our List: Notoriously America’s first museum, founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and educate the community.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
25 Ann St.
Why it Makes Our List: Looking for something to do with the kiddos? The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is the perfect afternoon activity to stay cool and learn through STEM and real-life activations.
Hidden Gem…
252 Coming St.
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Why it Makes Our List: Located tucked off King Street, Chubby Fish, while small in space and scope, perfects seafood. The concept, loved by the likes of A-list celebrities that have made Charleston home (last time I was there, I saw Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn and Darius Rucker at the same table), is helmed by chef James London and is a hidden gem in our book.
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