Charleston: Travel Guide
Charleston has done a fantastic job of preserving its historical buildings and requiring renovations to follow guidelines that keep the symmetry. The city has also roared onto the foodie's map, and we did our best to uncover the scene. With its history, architectural significance, great food, and that southern charm - Charleston will delight at every turn.
Charleston is surrounded by two rivers, the Ashley and the Cooper, and where the two flow into the bay, the Battery district showcases historical view homes. Wander South of Broad and around the French Quarter to uncover cobblestone streets with darling pastel homes. Adding to the romance and enchantment are overflowing window boxes surrounded by colorful shutters. Every tree-lined street in this area becomes a photo opp; capture the arched doorways, antique streetlights, iron-wrought gates, and secret gardens.
King Street is full of boutique shops, and Church street is filled with, you guessed it, Churches (I heard somewhere between five to ten) just follow the steeples. Taking either King or Queen streets will lead you to the waterfront park where you can experience the Pineapple Fountain, and take a stroll along the riverfront. Get Your Guide offers a tour through the Historic District which is only 90 minutes, just the right amount of time to get a good understanding, but allows you to spend the rest of your day doing your own deep dive.
If you have the opportunity try a sailing excursion, or head out to Sullivan Island. I recommend Sullivan over Folly Beach for two reasons; public parking and another great place for food.
Be sure to stop at The Obstinate Daughter, for Italian food with a southern twist. Their fantastic Italian wine list only adds to its appeal.
The Food Scene:
Circa 1886
Most Creative Menu
The Circa 1886 restaurant resides within the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion providing lovely ambiance, perfect for this special meal. The menu showcases the historical influences of Charleston food, divided into four cuisines; Native American, African, Spanish, and Low Country. All locally sourced ingredients, honoring the past with creative new spins on the dishes.
SOUTHERN GRILLED CHEESE: Pimento Cheese Mousse, Grilled Brioche, Surryano Ham, Paddlefish Caviar, Cured Yolk Powder
SHRIMP N' RICE GRITS: Cabbage Leaves, Goat Cheese, Smoked Ham Hock Gravy
SEA SCALLOPS: Blue Corn Grits, Copper Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette
RAINBOW TROUT: Sunflower Sumac Crust, Wild Rice Porridge, Corn Sauce, Arugula, Cranberry Paint
Southern Cuisine with an upscale flair:
Magnolias
One of the original restaurants to start the trend of putting a modern flair on traditional southern ingredients and cooking techniques.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES: white cheddar & caramelized onion grits, country ham, tomato chutney, tomato butter
DOWN SOUTH EGG ROLL: collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, peach chutney
SHELLFISH OVER GRITS: sautéed shrimp, sea scallops, creamy white grits, lobster butter sauce, fried spinach
PARMESAN CRUSTED MARKET FLOUNDER: creek shrimp & jasmine rice pirloo, warm asparagus, sweet corn & tomato salad, citrus beurre blanc
Other similar recommendations:
Husk it started in Charleston, but we eat at the Savannah location
High Cotton we only were able to get in for a drink; great atmosphere
FIG (Food Is Good)
Poogan’s Porch
Traditional Southern Cooking
Poogan’s Porch is traditional southern cooking at its finest. Big portions at not so big prices with a staff providing the southern charm. The restaurant is housed in this beautifully restored Victorian home and named after the neighborhood dog who called Queen Street his home.
PIMENTO CHEESE FRITTERS: Bacon Jam
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES: Bacon Jam, Pimento Cheese
BBQ MAHI MAHI: Pimento Cheese Grits, Pulled Pork, Creole Mustard Cream
POOGAN'S FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN: Collards, Mac & Cheese, Country Ham Gravy
WILD COMMON
Unique & Engaging
At Wild Common experience the four-course custom tasting menu and wine pairing featuring local monthly selections. We sat at the chef’s counter and had a wonderful time speaking with Executive Chef Orlando Pagán on all sorts of topics (like him losing his golf ball in our backyard - long story). By the end of the evening, the wine was flowing well beyond the tasting menu.
BAKED OYSTER Black Truffle Glacage & Spinach
KOREAN BBQ DUCK in a Steamed Bun with Fermented Peppers
SEARED DIVER SCALLOPS Ramps, Fava Beans, Billi Bi
DRY AGED BEEF TENDERLOIN Spring onions, Hakurei turnips, Black garlic, and Truffle Jus
"Everything" PAIN de MIE Nutritional Yeast, Seaweed Salt
PAIRINGS:
Domaine Le Croix Saint-Laurent Sancerre
Sandhi Central Coast Chardonnay
Weinbach Pinot Gris
Hall Napa Valley Cabernet
Angelo Negro Birbet - Fermentato Rosso
Other similar recommendations:
Zero George this hotel is affiliated with Wild Common and we heard it has an outstanding restaurant
The Grocery recommended by our concierge when we said we were going to Wild Common
If you find yourself needing a break from shopping, or a spot for lunch on King Street, check out the oysters or a lobster roll at 167 Raw Bar
If you find yourself in need of a great Brunch spot, or a cocktail at the end of the day, check out the Felix in uptown Charleston on King Street.
Wine Bars:
If I’m not traveling to wine country, it just means I’m checking out local wine bars. Here are a few stops I can recommend.
Has a wine dispenser which makes for a great way to try a variety of wines, plus they have small plates to nibble on while you imbibe.
On King Street, when another shopping break is needed or a pre-dinner stop. They’ve been around for a dozen years, adding great wine to the food scene. They pour both 3 oz and 5 oz glasses, have a good selection by the glass, and knowledgeable staff.
Camellias in Hotel Bennett for a nice glass of Champagne. It’s very much an Instagram stop, so everyone comes to take a picture of the chandelier versus actually seeking out Champagne, but it makes for fun people watching.
To Stay:
Charleston Place; A Belmond Hotel
We enjoyed our stay here with its timeless elegance, like the grand chandelier in the lobby, and its classical southern restaurants. It is centrally located for shopping and exploring the sites of the city.
One of the newer hotels located just off of Marion Square in the uptown area. It has a lovely lobby inviting you in to rest your feet, or perhaps an evening cocktail rooftop. We made the stop for the champagne.
Charleston was a photographers delight; every corner unearthed another wonderful capture. It’s the perfect city to just allow yourself to wander. I’ll leave you with just a few more of the million photos in my camera roll.
