A close cousin to Savannah, Charleston, S.C., has its own brand of Southern charm. A slower pace carries the breeze from the harbor through the Spanish moss, and you can feel the old aristocratic presence this city is still known for today. A staple in the Lowcountry, Charleston is a step back in time.
Favorite Charleston Places
Forts Sumter and Moultrie
Known as the spot where the U.S. Civil War began, the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Monument operated by the National Park Service offers history buffs and families a walk through history. Within the fortified walls, you’ll find Union and Confederate memorabilia. Outside the walls, you can view the American Indians Osceloa’s grave.
Page’s Thieves Market
Located in nearby Mt. Pleasant, Page’s Thieves Market is an antique and auction house with unique Southern finds. From period furniture to zany advertisements, you can discover all matters of treasures here.
U.S. 17 Coastal Highway
Take a ride out of town down this scenic highway where Spanish moss grows abundantly and you can smell the salt in the air. Be sure to stop by one of the many stands all along the highway where the Gullah sell their sweetgrass baskets and other weavings.
Historical Walk
With a rich history and a major city in the Civil War period, Charleston has preserved many of its historical landmarks. Places such as the Nathaniel Russell House have been turned into museums and can be toured for a look back at how decor and life were in those times.
Another significant architectural nod to Charleston is its many historical churches. From the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the French Protestant Huguenot Church, it’s no wonder these many well-preserved places of worship have earned the city the nickname “The Holy City.”
Theater 99
Chris’ high school friend, Dusty Slay, is a comedian who regularly performs at Theater 99. Known for its improv performance, this “comedy hub of Charleston” provides a great place to try out your funny bone in classes or shows.
Charleston Eats
Known for its Southern cuisine and fresh seafood, there are plenty of options to satisfy any craving. We like Hominy Grill for its elegant twist on Southern classics. For a favorite Southern classic in its own South Carolina style, check out Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q joint for some great eats.
Matt Hutcheson, former Charleston resident and high school classmate, highly recommends Hyman’s Seafood. Beware, though, with the popularity of this place, long waits are the norm. If a burger is more to your taste, don’t miss Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan Island. With a theme in honor of Edgar Allen Poe’s time at Fort Moultrie, the restaurant is known for its unique burger combination, like the PB&J and jalapeno burger, and wide bar selection.
Speaking of burgers, Dusty’s favorite is at the Big Gun Burger Shop where he also hosts an open mic night. Combined with an extensive craft beer selection, this joint offers up the American classic not to be missed. Other recommendations include a pub crawl across town on a Sunday afternoon starting at Gene’s Haufbrau, the oldest bar in Charleston, hitting the many open-air bars downtown, and ending at The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue with an excellent view of the harbor. If the hipster scene is what you seek, Dusty says to check out the posh bars and restaurants north of Calhoun Street. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Upper Deck Tavern on King Street is the best dive bar in town. “The food and beverage scene is so good in Charleston that when I first moved here, I gained 40 pounds right away,” says Dusty.
Working in Charleston
Though laid back, Charleston has a thriving economy through its many businesses. Brian Still explains what makes the Palmetto City the place to consider home.
A former patient care tech in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit at the Medical University of South Carolina and now studying to be a doctor, Brian has lived and worked in Charleston since 2005. With fantastic year-round weather, his commute to the university each day is made easy with the views of the ocean and the smell of the saltwater in the air.
After work, he enjoys the social scene in the many restaurants and nightlife options offered by the city. “Another great advantage to Charleston is that it is a city that loves to showcase its love for everything culinary. There are so many restaurants and all of them are so delicious that there is never a shortage of new places to eat,” Brian says. “Charleston, probably more than any city I’ve been to, also caters to people who like to have a drink while they socialize. The nightlife in Charleston is one of its major selling points for most people of all ages.”
If you’re a pet lover, then Charleston is the place to be. According to Brian, the best part of Charleston is its affinity toward our furry four-legged friends. “Charleston is a city that caters to canines. You can bring your dog pretty much ANYWHERE in this city,” he says. “There are outdoor malls, dog-friendly beaches, dog parks, and nearly every restaurant has patio seating for people who bring their dogs. There are even some bars that allow dogs!”
On the weekends, Brian can be found at the many events held around the city outdoors. “Charleston is also a city that does not take its free time lightly … there are numerous events and activities happening all over town like art walks through the downtown art galleries, charity motorcycle rides, you name it! The majority of them are outdoors (the beautiful weather I was talking about) and most include some kind of alcoholic beverage.”
As his final piece of advice, Brian suggests being prepared to fall in love with Charleston upon your first visit. “The only recommendation I have for people who are considering visiting is, don’t visit unless you would consider moving because myself, like many others, came to visit and ended up never leaving!”
We give Charleston a 7+. What is your favorite city in South Carolina?
-Monica
