april–june 2013
TRAVELER
®
of Charleston
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TRAVELERofCharleston.com
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Departing from the “RED BARN” Charleston’s Oldest Carriage Company
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We also offer a combination Harbor and Carriage tour for one low price
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www.palmettocarriage.com | 843.723.8145 Complimentary golf cart pick-up + drop-off! Call for details
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Contents 10
SOAKING UP CHARLESTON’S HISTORY
DEPARTMENTS 8 14 40 48 58 62 68 69 70
Welcome to Charleston See + Do Shop + Savor Eat + Drink Calendar of Events Maps Advertiser Discounts Web Extras Directory of Advertisers
FEATURES 10 38 42 46 52 68
Soaking up Charleston’s history Eco adventures abound Charleston area shopping guide Take Home a Reminder of Charleston In the kitchen with Charleston chefs Things to love about the Lowcountry
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ECO ADVENTURES ABOUND
From the Publisher WELCOME TO CHARLESTON! Here we are in our favorite time of year in Charleston – spring! We just can’t get enough of the outdoor festivals and events, warm sunshine and colorful flowers and trees. One of the main reasons visitors come to Charleston is for the area’s history and Southern charm. In this issue we give you our top picks for places to visit that provide some of the best information about Charleston’s history and a true look at Southern life in the 18th and 19th centuries. What are your favorite historic sites in Charleston? We’d love to hear your feedback via Twitter and Facebook. A great new tool for Charleston visitors is our app. Available for free from both iTunes and the Google Play store, the app has information on places to visit, coupons, parking, events and much more. Check it out and let us know what you think! (Search “Charleston SC” in the app stores or visit travelerofcharleston.com for links.) Be sure to connect with us on Facebook (travelermag) and Twitter (@traveler_mag) and on Pinterest (travelermag) if you have questions during your visit and to share your photos and experiences.
TRAVELER
®
of Charleston
Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.
Contributors Keith Simmons has an extensive publishing, marketing and advertising background and founded Traveler Magazine in 2005. His purpose was to develop an affordable and effective visitor medium where businesses could advertise their service. Traveler is now one of the leading visitor resources in the city. Keith lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and son. He enjoys fishing, kayaking and spending time with his family.
Holly Fisher is a long-time writer and editor with a love of telling stories. She has lived in Charleston more than a decade and enjoys sharing the tales of the Holy City with visitors and newcomers to the area. Holly lives in the Mount Pleasant area with her husband, daughter and two Labrador retrievers. When she isn’t at her computer writing for work and for fun, you can find her reading, doing CrossFit and piddling in her flower beds.
Sally Heineman honed her knack for graphic design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she received a BFA in Graphic Design. Drawn to the South and the love of everything Lowcountry, Sally opened the doors of Heineman Design in 1992.
Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Distribution................................ Mike Derrick Distribution................................ Brian Bean Distribution................................ Debbi Farrell
info@TRAVELERofCharleston.com | 843-580-9054 | TRAVELERofCharleston.com TRAVELER of Charleston is produced by the Traveler Communications Group, LLC, and is published four times yearly and distributed to various locations throughout the Charleston area, including all visitors centers, hotels, airports, beach rentals, grocery stores, high-traffic areas, advertiser locations and many other points throughout the surrounding area. Concept, design and contents of TRAVELER of Charleston are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. www.travelerofcharleston.com.
The copy and advertising deadline for the next issue is May 28, 2013. 8 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013
april-june 2013 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 9
Soaking up Charleston’s history COMPILED BY HOLLY FISHER
ew U.S. cities have the kind of history that Charleston does. Her past encompasses 300 years worth of stories with a cast of characters that includes Indians, English settlers, politicians, armies and slaves. The settings range from a thriving seaport to spacious plantations to a downtown at times bustling with business while also recovering from devastating earthquakes and hurricanes. Yet Charleston has risen up from any obstacle. Today, the city is revered as one of the best in the world with visitors from all over flocking to this coastal town to soak up the history and European influence. Whether you’re a die-hard history buff or just want to learn more about Charleston’s roots, these are some must-see places to visit.
F
Fort Sumter National Monument Not many cities can lay claim to being the site of a major war, but here in Charleston, the Civil War erupted on April 12, 1861, when Confederate troops opened fire on Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later. Union forces would spend four years trying to take it back. Fort Sumter Tours provides the ferry service to and from the national monument. The 30-minute cruise to Fort Sumter includes a narrated tour of historic points of interest and facts about the War Between the States. Visitors spend an hour at the fort before returning to Charleston. The Fort Sumter museum exhibits tell the story of the construction of the fort and island, the events leading to the April 1861 battle, and the subsequent bombardment and reduction of Fort Sumter by artillery later in the war.
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What the locals know: The first Union shot of the Civil War was fired by Capt. Abner Doubleday. He was the second senior officer at Fort Sumter, under Maj. Robert Anderson. 411: Tours depart from the Aquarium Wharf downtown and also from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Call 843-722-2628 for info.
The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon Situated at the foot of Broad Street at the intersection of East Bay Street, the Old Exchange represents Charleston’s early heyday as a thriving port city – a reputation it maintains today. Construction on the building began in 1768 and it was designed in a symmetrical Palladian architectural style. The Old Exchange building housed the Charleston Post Office from 1815 to 1896 with brief interruptions because of the Civil War and the 1886 earthquake. In 1913, Congress passed the building to the Order of Daughters of the American Revolution for preservation of the building and its history. In 1976, the building’s administrative care was assigned to the newly formed Old Exchange Commission and, shortly thereafter, renovations on the historic structure began. It opened as the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon in 1981. Today, docents lead visitors on tours, sharing the tales of pirates and patriots during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras.
The Provost Dungeon is particularly spooky. Nighttime tours are available through Bulldog Tours, part of its Ghost & Dungeon Walking Tour. East Bay & Broad Streets, 843-727-2165 What the locals know: President George Washington spent a week in May 1791 in Charleston. From the west elevation of the Old Exchange he addressed the citizens of Charleston upon his arrival. The building also hosted four lavish events for the president, including a ball and concert. The Holiest of Cities You may have heard Charleston referred to as the “Holy City” and wondered how it got that nickname. One reason is Charleston’s skyline is dotted with church steeples. Another is that Charleston has a diverse religious mix – French Huguenots, Jews, and Episcopalians – and a host of historic churches and graveyards throughout downtown Charleston. And some may even argue that a visit to Charleston is such a glorious experience it borders on religious.
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PLANTATION LIFE One of the best ways to understand how the people of Charleston lived in the 18th and 19th centuries is with a visit to one of the area plantations. They each provide a unique look at the houses, gardens and agriculture of the time. Deemed America’s oldest landscaped gardens, Middleton Place has 65 acres of centuries-old camellias, azaleas, roses and more. Built in 1755, the Middleton family home showcases furniture, silver, porcelain, rare books and portraits. 4300 Ashley River Road, 843-556-6020. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens offers tours of the Drayton family home with 10 rooms open to the public and furnished with early American antiques, porcelain, quilts and other Drayton family heirlooms. In recent years, Magnolia Plantation has been working to preserve five 1850 historic structures that were former slave dwellings. They now serve as the focal point for an award-winning 45-minute program in African-American history. Don’t miss the gardens – parts of which are more than 325 years old. 3550 Ashley River Road, 843-571-1266. 12 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013
Drayton Hall is a National Historic Landmark and a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The 1738 historic plantation house stands on a 630-acre site and is one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in America. After seven generations, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, the main house remains in nearly original condition. 3380 Ashley River Road, 843-769-2600.
Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant offers several tours on black history in America, Gullah culture and slave history. Open to the public since 1956, Boone Hall is also one of America's oldest working, living plantations. They continue to grow crops on the land and items are sold in the Boone Hall Farms market and during U-pick seasons. 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, 843-884-4371 – See coupon on page 7. What the locals know: Middleton, Magnolia and Drayton are all located on the scenic Ashley River Road so pack a lunch and make a day of plantation tours.
The Charleston Museum The Charleston Museum not only recounts historic periods in Charleston’s history but the museum itself has a place in American history. Established in 1773, by the Charleston Library Society, the museum is regarded as “America’s First Museum.” Many of the original collections were destroyed by fire in 1778, and operations were suspended during the American Revolution; however, collecting resumed in the 1790s. Today, The Charleston Museum houses the oldest and most comprehensive collection of South Carolina materials. Current exhibits highlight uniforms of yesteryear, shoes from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, early 20th- century quilts and “Brethren,” an original exhibition examining artifacts associated with militia units that served in and around Charleston during the Civil War. 360 Meeting St., 843-722-2996. What the locals know: The Charleston Museum offers a number of classes and programs for both children and adults. Watch for the sweetgrass basket making class and try your hand at this uniquely local art form.
The Calhoun Mansion is indeed a mansion. At 24,000 square feet, it’s the largest residence in Charleston. The mansion has 35 rooms, a grand ballroom, Japanese water gardens, 35 fireplaces, a 75-foot domed stairhall ceiling, khoi ponds, a private elevator, three levels of piazzas, ornate chandeliers and a 90-foot cupola. A baronial Italianate manor house built in 1876 on Meeting Street, the Calhoun Mansion is regarded as one of the greatest postCivil War houses on the East Coast. 16 Meeting St., 843-722-8205.
HISTORIC HOMES
The Aiken-Rhett House on Elizabeth Street was built for Charleston merchant John Robinson in 1820. He lived there for eight years but was forced to sell the house after losing five ships at sea. William Aiken Sr. acquired the house in 1827 and his descendants continued to live there for many generations. William Aiken Jr. became governor of South Carolina, a member of the U. S. House of Representatives, and one of the state’s largest slaveholders. 48 Elizabeth St., 843-723-1159. What the locals know: Gen. Robert E. Lee stayed at the Edmondston-Alston House on Dec. 11, 1861, when a widespreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel.
Charleston is home to countless historic homes and a few are open to the public for tours, giving visitors a peek into the lifestyle of Charleston’s elite families. The Edmondston-Alston House, built in 1825, sits on East Battery Street with a view of the Charleston Harbor. From its piazza, Gen. P. T. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter and the start of the Civil War. A guided tour of the home’s public rooms and piazzas highlight its Federal and Greek revival design and the vast collection of family silver, decorative arts, furniture and even an original print of the Ordinance of Secession. 21 E. Battery, 843-556-6020.
Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell built a grand Federal townhouse on Meeting Street in 1808. Set amid spacious formal gardens, the Nathaniel Russell House is a National Historic Landmark and is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. This year, the Historic Charleston Foundation completed renovations at the house to better preserve the free-flying staircase and enhance the visitor experience with an elevator, ground-floor restrooms and an expanded gift shop. 51 Meeting St., 843-724-8481
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See + Do How to use this magazine: You’ll find each type of tour and attraction categorized for easy reference. Many listings include a map grid locator. Find the grid location, then reference the maps on pages 62 through 67.
Charleston is known for its beauty, history and fantastic harbor. Many experienced touring companies are ready to show you a great time. WHETHER YOU’RE A HISTORY BUFF, WATER ENTHUSIAST OR SIMPLY ENJOY STROLLING THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF CHARLESTON YOU’LL FIND PLENTY OF WAYS TO EXPLORE THE HOLY CITY. Tour historic plantation homes, learn about the city’s spooky side with a ghost tour or Charleston from the water.
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ART & THEATER ACTIVITIES
CARRIAGE TOURS
Theatre Charleston
Palmetto Carriage Works
843-813-8578 • www.theatrecharleston.com Theatre Charleston, a nonprofit organization comprised of the area’s leading local theaters, is dedicated to helping you easily find out what’s playing when and where. Check the website for a calendar of this season’s live productions.
8 Guignard Street at the “Big Red Barn” • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145 • www.palmettocarriage.com Charleston’s premier carriage company. We leave from The Big Red Barn every 15 to 20 minutes, rain or shine, beginning at 9 a.m. Tours are one hour long, covering about 25 to 30 blocks of the residential and historic districts. All our guides are city licensed, entertaining and informative. See our ad on the inside front cover.
The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre & Shoppe 164 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8) 843-WE SMILE (937-6453) www.charlestonmysteries.com • Welcoming Welcoming all who love a good MYSTERY and those who could use a good LAUGH! Featuring Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery, the family-oriented Pirate Mystery Show, and the classic whodunit Inspector NoClue's Murder Mystery. Live entertainment most evenings and some “beat-the-heat” matinees. Audience participation. Appetizers, desserts, beer/wine. Mystery books/gifts. Mere shoe prints from downtown City Market.
Charleston’s French Quarter is home to some 30 art galleries – all within walking distance of each other. The designated area is bordered by South Market, Tradd and Meeting streets.
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Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
SEE + DO
COMBO TOURS
COMBO TOURS
Carriage & Harbor Combo Tour
Ghost Walking & Harbor Combo Tour
Harbor Tours • 10 Wharfside St. • (Map :J:5/6) Palmetto Carriage • 8 Guignard Street 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 www.charlestonharbortours • Harbor Tours departs from the Maritime Center three times daily with a 90-minute live narrated sightseeing cruise aboard the 1920s style Bay Steamer – Carolina Belle. Palmetto Carriage tour departs from the Big Red Barn every 20-30 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. The one-hour tour covers 25 to 30 blocks of the historic and residential districts. Adults $36.50, Children 4-11 $2.
For tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6) online at www.charlestonharbortours.com or www.bulldogtours.com • Zerve Ticketing at 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 • Take one of Charleston's best Ghost Tours and a Harbor of History Tour aboard the Carolina Belle. You get to choose from the spooktacular “Ghost and Graveyard” walking tour OR the Haunted Jail Tour and you get a harbor tour featuring Ft. Sumter, Ft. Moultrie, The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and 70+ other points of interest. Tours may be taken on different days. Adults $33.50 -Kids $21.50.
Plantation & Harbor Combo Tour For tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6) www.charlestonharbortours.com or Zerve ticketing: 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 Tour a spectacular Southern plantation, the new Slave Museum and beautiful grounds paired with a 90-minute “Harbor of History” tour. Fort Sumter, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Battery and downtown landmarks. Tours may be taken on different days. Adults $35, children $22.
“It is impossible for me to enter Charleston from any side, whether by land or by sea, and not feel that here the land is precious; here is a place worth keeping...” – Charleston native Elizabeth O’Neill Verner
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MUSEUMS AND PARKS Audubon Center At Beidler Forest 843-462-2150 • www.beidlerforest.com The Lowcountry’s “real swamp” experience. The Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest contains the largest stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gum swamp forest left in the world. See 1,000-year old trees and native wildlife in this untouched sanctuary. Walk the 1.75-mile boardwalk deep into the heart of the swamp. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m-5 p.m. Harleyville, S.C., I-26 W to exit 187, follow “Beidler Forest” signs.
SEE + DO
MUSEUMS AND PARKS Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site 1500 Old Towne Rd. • Charleston • (area map) 843-852-4200 • Hours: daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Web: www.charlestownelanding.travel • Charles Towne Landing is the birthplace of Charleston and South Carolina. Established in 1670, this is where your visit to historic Charleston begins. Charles Towne Landing experiences include a museum, outdoor exhibits along the History Trail with an accompanying audio tour, cannon demonstrations and special events, an Animal Forest zoo and the Adventure, a reproduction 17th-century trading vessel.
Edmondston-Alston House 21 East Battery • Charleston • (Map: H:9) 843-722-7171 • www.middletonplace.org A witness to many dramatic events in Charleston’s history, the house is a classic example of the city’s architecture. Built in 1825, the house is a repository of family treasures, including Alston family silver, furniture, books and paintings that remain in place much as they have been for more than a century and a half. Look seaward from the second floor piazza, where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.
Fort Sumter Tours Departs from two locations: Liberty Square, Charleston • (Map: J:5) or Patriots Point Mount Pleasant (Map: P:1) • 843-722-2628 www.spiritlinecruises.com • Charleston is full of history at every turn and one of its most famous claims to fame is Fort Sumter National Monument, the site where the Civil War began. We provide the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Tours include a 30-minute narrated cruise through Charleston Harbor and back plus an hour to tour the fort and its on-site museum.
Town of Summerville Visitor Center • 402 N. Main St. • Summerville (Map: BB:3) • 843-873-8535 www.visitsummerville.com • It’s true. Southern hospitality began in Summerville. Just 24 miles from Charleston, we invite you to experience our original Southern hospitality for yourself. But please take your time and enjoy all this charming, historic town has to offer. You’ll soon find yourself feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and thinking this is exactly how life should be.
North Charleston/American LaFrance Fire Museum 4975 Centre Point Dr • North Charleston • (Map: V:4) • 843-740-5550 • www.legacyofheroes.org The Fire Museum, located adjacent to Tanger Outlet Center, is home to the largest collection of fully restored American LaFrance fire trucks and antique fire equipment in the country. It is a wonderful museum for the firefighter in all of us. Great demonstration for kids and people of all ages.
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SEE + DO
PLANTATIONS
PLANTATIONS
Boone Hall Plantation
Drayton Hall
1235 Long Point Rd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: L:4) • 843-884-4371 www.boonehallplantation.com • One of America’s oldest plantations with more than 320 years of history and heritage, it is located 8 miles north of Charleston on Highway 17. The famous “Avenue of Oaks,” nine original slave cabins, house tours and shows are all offered for one price. Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
3380 Ashley River Rd. (Hwy 61) • Charleston, (area map) • 843-769-2600 www.draytonhall.org • Circa 1738 • Drayton Hall (circa 1738) has survived the centuries and is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. Admission includes hourly tours, daily programs, river and marsh walks, the African-American Cemetery, rental of an interactive landscape tour on DVD and artisan-inspired Museum Shop. A National Historic Landmark and a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Open to the public daily except major holidays.
Charleston Tea Plantation 6617 Maybank Hwy. • Wadmalaw Island (area map) • 843-559-0383 www.charlestonteaplantation.com • The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on quiet and beautiful Wadmalaw Island, just 25 miles outside downtown Charleston. Traveling through the tranquil beauty and endless sea of green, visitors can experience how tea is planted, grown, nurtured and harvested from the raw leaf to finished black tea – made possible by the farm’s thousands of historic tea bushes.
Visit www.travelerofcharleston.com for coupons on tours, museums and attractions.
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Middleton Place National Historic Landmark • 4300 Ashley River Rd. (Hwy 61) • Charleston • (area map) 843-556-6020 • www.middletonplace.org An 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. A tour of the House Museum highlights family collections and the Middletons’ role in American history. Explore the stable yards, where craftspeople re-create the activities of a self-sustaining Lowcountry plantation. African-American focus tours, carriage rides, garden market and nursery. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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SEE + DO
TRANSPORTATION
WALKING TOURS
Lowcountry Loop Trolley
Culinary Tours Of Charleston
Call for departing locations • 843-654-5199 www.lowcountrylooptrolley.com A hop-on, hop-off narrative tour and special event charter, providing a continuous loop to and from Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Visitor’s Center in downtown Charleston. Stops include: Patriots Point, Charleston Water Taxi, Boone Hall Plantation, restaurants, shops and beaches.
40 N. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) • 843727-1100 • www.culinarytoursofcharleston.com Walk, talk and taste your way through Charleston while experiencing history through Lowcountry cuisine. Daily tasting tours introduce guests to tasty bites at many great “food finds.” Go behind the scenes and visit with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers, chocolatiers and specialty shops.
WALKING TOURS
Palmetto Tours
Bulldog Tours 40 North Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-722-TOUR • www.bulldogtours.com As seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted Places,” this premier walking tour company will have you exhilarated and entertained at the same time. Choose from four tours: Ghost & Graveyard, The Dark Side of Charleston, Ghost Dungeon and Haunted Jail Tour.
Charleston Strolls Walk With History Departs from Mills House Hotel (corner of Meeting & Queen) • 843-766-2080 www.charlestonstrolls.com • Featured in the New York Times, this two-hour tour is the best way to see Charleston’s Historic District. Famous landmarks, historic highlights, antebellum mansions, quaint alleys and hidden gardens. Everyday at 10 a.m. Requires reservation.
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8 Guignard Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-628-3053 www.palmettotours.com • Explore Charleston's history and beauty with the premier walking tour company – Palmetto Tours. Four tours to choose from - Slave History, Charleston and the Civil War, Historic Charleston and Historic Homes & Architecture. All tours include entry into famous historical sites. Receive four hours of parking with any tour.
Yorktown Ghost Tours 40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-277-0577 www.yorktownghosttours.com This exclusive guided tour explores the unexplained mysteries of this legendary WWII aircraft carrier. Hear stories of sacrifice and devastation as this tour ventures into areas normally restricted to the public. Learn of the strange activity that has been documented by Syfy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters.”
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SEE + DO
WATER TOURS
WATER TOURS
Adventure Harbor Tours
AquaSafaris
Tours Depart from the Charleston Harbor Marina • 20 Patriots Point Rd. • (Map: O:2) 843-442-9455 • www.adventureharbortours.com Family fun for everyone. Tours “Stormin’ the Beach,” ($55/$25), a more than two-hour tour with shell and sharks’ teeth expeditions to Morris Island. Want more action? Schedule a day of inshore fishing with one of our pros. Coupons, pictures directions and more information available on our website. Reservations encouraged.
24 Patriots Point Road, A-Dock at Charleston Harbor Marina • Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) 843-886-8133 • www.aqua-safaris.com Enlist Charleston’s premier source for all your boating adventures! Head out for an action-packed day of fishing, charter a luxury motor yacht for your private or corporate event, sit back and relax watching dolphin on an affordable sunset cruise through Charleston Harbor. Offers Charleston’s largest fleet with the spacious catamaran Palmetto Breeze.
Angler Management Fishing 843-259-1489 • www.AnglerManagement SC.com • Custom, year-round saltwater inshore fishing charters that cater to families, groups, beginners and professionals. Fish in the Intracoastal Waterway, harbor and tidal creeks, catching redfish, trout, flounder, kings, jacks, sharks and more. U.S. Coast Guard Certified licensed and insured, Capt. Ethan will provide all licenses, bait, tackle and ice to pack up the day’s catch. Eco and harbor tours are available as well. See ad in this section.
Livability.com listed Charleston No. 3 on its list of top spring break vacation destinations for families, calling Charleston one of the “most family friendly cities on the East Coast.”
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Barrier Island Eco-Tours 50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms Marina • (Map: N:6) 843-886-5000 • www.nature-tours.com Naturalist guided boat excursions to Capers Island Preserve. Travel the salt marsh creeks, see dolphins and wildlife up close, explore the “boneyard beach” and walk inland trails. Morning and sunset eco-tours, creek fishing, crabbing, kayaking or beach-side cookouts.
Isle of Palms Marina 50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms • (Map: N:6) 843-886-0209 • www.iopmarina.com A full service marina with 50 slips, a full service store with a deli where groceries, beer, wine, bait and tackle can be found. Powerboat rentals and also customized excursions, group outings and fishing charters can be booked here.
SEE + DO
WATER TOURS Carolina Queen Riverboat 17 Lockwood Blvd at the City Marina • (Map: B:3) 800-344-4483 • www.charlestonharbortours.com Charleston’s only authentic Paddle Wheel vessel. This riverboat style vessel boasts three decks, two bars, an enclosed main salon, and plenty of room for dining and dancing! Thurs nights: Murder Mystery Cruise. Friday nights: Music and Craft Beer. Sat nights: luncheon cruises. Sun: Jazz Brunch Cruises. Call to reserve your next event; limited to 400 passengers.
Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St., Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 • www.charlestonharbortours.com Board the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s only live narrated harbor history tour. Relax and enjoy a beverage from the snack bar as the captain informs you about the forts and landmarks that shaped Charleston’s historic harbor. Private charters and private group dinner cruises are available. $19 .50 adult, $18 .50 senior, $14.50 child 4-11, under 4 are free.
Charleston Water Taxi Downtown: Maritime Cntr. • 10 Wharfside St. (Map: K:5/6) • Mt. Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Pt. • (Map: O:2) • 843-3302989 • www.charlestonwatertaxi.com • Linking Mt. Pleasant and historic downtown Charleston. Relax and enjoy views of the Ravenel Bridge, while dolphins and pelicans feed alongside the boat. The water taxi runs on a continuous loop around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston.
Charleston Sailing and Fishing Charters Sailing charters leave from Cooper River Marina Fishing charters leave from Wappoo boat landing or Folly boat landing • 843-834-2558 www.charlestonsailingfishing.com Captain D will take you offshore fishing where you will troll for big game fish or bottom fish, all tackle is provided and he will even clean your fish! If sailing is what you want, it doesn’t get any better than on the 42' Miss Ann III with her big center cockpit. See Charleston from the water - they tailor their sail to you.
Harborview Charters Departs from various locations; call for details 843-324-3183 • www.harborviewcharters.com Indulge in our city's marine wildlife, history and estuaries on your own private tour boat. See dolphins and experience Charleston’s history from the water. Relax on the water, look for shells, fish or simply enjoy a sunset cruise, girls’ day out or family time at the beach. Harborview Charters can accommodate and customize any boat charter to fit your needs.
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SEE + DO
WATER TOURS Nature Adventure Tours 325 W. Coleman Blvd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2 at Shem Creek, on the water) 843-568-3222 • www.kayakcharlestonsc.com Charleston’s outstanding naturalist-guided kayak, canoe and paddle-board tour service. Tour salt-water marshes, swamps, rice plantations. See dolphins, pelicans and a wide variety of wildlife. Families and beginners are welcome; rentals also available. See coupon in ad.
Schooner Pride – Charleston’s Tall Ship 360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5) 888-245-9206 or 843-722-1112 www.schoonerpride.com • Marvel at the Holy City’s unique skyline as we sail by the forts, going where history was made. Listen to the wind filling the sails, see dolphins frolicking a nd experience the magnificent colors of a Charleston sunset. Sail aboard the Pride for an afternoon dolphin sail or a sunset sail or special event. Available for private charters or event booking Combo Carriage Tour Listing: Harbor & Carriage
Visit www.travelerofcharleston.com for coupons on tours, museums and attractions.
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SEE + DO
WATER TOURS Sharkin Charleston 1 Shrimp Boat Lane • Mount Pleasant Pick-up at RB's Restaurant on Shem Creek • (Map: O:2) 843-557-6627 • www.sharkincharleston.com Feel the pull of the line and the scream of the reel dragging as you catch 3- to 6-foot sharks on light tackle. $89 per person with up to six anglers on the boat. No experience is necessary; great for families and kids. Shark charters are carried out in the protected waters of the harbor, which is just minutes from the pick-up point.
SpiritLine Charleston Harbor Tour
In between visits to Charleston, stay connected to the Holy City through our social media. Find us on Facebook (facebook.com/travelermag), on Twitter (twitter.com/traveler_mag) and on Pinterest (pinterest.com/travelermag).
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Departs from two locations: Aquarium Wharf, Charleston • (Map: J:5) or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628 www.spiritlinecruises.com • The 90-minute cruise passes by Charleston’s famous Battery, the Cooper River Bridge, WaterfrontPark, Patriots Point, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.
Thriller Charleston Tours depart from 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-276-4203 www.ThrillerCharleston.com • Experience Charleston’s only offshore adventure tour boat. Feel the rush of adrenaline as we burst through the jetties and surf the waves on our way to the Morris Island Lighthouse. Feel the wind, sun and spray on your face as great music plays and you see forts, the lighthouse and Charleston.
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To Florence and I-26 towards Columbia
EXIT 57
ALT
17 EXIT 53
64
To Charleston To Savannah 34 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013
To I-95 and Columbia
26 Visitor Center
EXIT 199A 61
To Plantations and Charleston
To Charleston Kiawah-Seabrook Island
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Eco adventures abound in Charleston area COMPILED BY HOLLY FISHER
Throw off the gray of winter and soak up the springtime sunshine. Charleston visitors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water, beaches, natural resources and parks. Here are a few of our suggestions for getting outdoors: Wild on the water Try your hand at kayaking, canoeing or standup paddle boarding. Plenty of adventure companies offer guided tours, lessons and rentals so you can explore areas like Shem Creek, blackwater swamps, the Edisto River and more. Eco exploration Nature and eco-tour companies take visitors on explorations of barrier islands and salt marshes on the outskirts of Charleston. Visitors can learn about the plants and animals that inhabit those areas while getting a chance to collect shells and shark’s teeth. Nuts for nature The Lowcounty is home to a varied ecosystem that provides habitat for a variety of marine life, birds and other animals. The Center for Birds of Prey provides educational and outreach programs on bird conservation issues. The center also operates an avian medical clinic for injured birds. Guided tours are available Thursday through Saturday and include flight demonstrations featuring hawks, falcons, owls and eagles. The center is located in Awendaw, north of Mount Pleasant. For information: thecenterforbirdsofprey.org or 843-971-7474. The Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center in Awendaw is a wealth of eco opportunities. The center is home to two young red wolves and hosts a number of educational events. The center is the gateway to both Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest. Cape Romain, established in 1932 as a migratory bird refuge, encompasses more than 66,000 acres in a 20-mile segment of the Atlantic coast.
The Francis Marion is a 258,000-acre national forest with a history that traces back 10,000 years. Native Americans harvested wildlife and plants there. Later, Europeans settled the area and cleared land for small farms and rice plantations. Following the Civil War, wide-scale lumbering cleared much of the forest land for timber products. President Franklin Roosevelt established the land as a national forest in 1936. Today, visitors can enjoy 120 miles of trails for canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Recreational areas for camping, picnicking and boating are also available. For information: fws.gov/seweecenter. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is a nature retreat in the heart of the city. The park marks the site of the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina. Visitors can immerse themselves in 80 acres of English park gardens and 7 miles of nature trails (open to bikes) – with a good chance of spotting wood storks, alligators and coastal wading birds. The park is also home to an Animal Forest zoo with bison, puma, black bears, otters, birds, wild turkeys and more. For more information: charlestownelanding.travel or 843-852-4200. See our list of tour companies beginning on page 24 to schedule your water, nature or adventure tour. april-june 2013 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 39
Shop + Savor About Charleston On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed to vehicular traffic from Queen Street North to Calhoun Street for 2nd Sunday on King. Enjoy shopping and restaurant specials.
Charleston was founded in the late 1600s as a port city, and it has remained a thriving place to buy goods ever since! Buy local and enjoy the rewards. WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS, A DRESS FOR DINNER OR A BOX OF BENNE WAFERS, YOU’LL FIND JUST WHAT YOU WANT IN THE CITY’S MANY RETAIL OUTLETS. The Charleston peninsula has boutiques, national retailers and a market full of Southern charm.
SHOP + SAVOR
SHOPPING Charleston Winery 63 South Market Street • (Map H:7) 843-576-4772 • www.charlestonwines.com Featuring daily wine tasting, a diverse collection of wines, unique gifts and wine accessories. Their citrus and berry wines are made from the highest quality 100% pure Florida citrus fruits and berries and finest natural ingredients. To date, their wines have won over 200 medals at national and international wine competitions. See coupon in ad!
Citadel Mall West Ashley on Sam Rittenberg & I-526 area map) • 843-766-8511 • www.citadelmall.net Shop, eat and play at Citadel Mall - home to all your favorite stores like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, Target and JCPenney, as well as other great shops like American Eagle, The Limited, King Street Grille, LOFT, Palmetto Moon, Victoria’s Secret, Sesame Burgers and Beer, Citadel Stadium 16 IMAX Theater and an indoor play area for the kids. Mon-Sat: 10am-9 pm | Sun: Noon- 6pm
Northwoods Mall North Charleston on Ashley Phosphate & I-26 (Map: R:3) • 843-797-3060 www.shopnorthwoodsmall.com Home to all your favorite stores like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, and the Lowcountry’s only Sephora, Hollister Co and Hot Topic plus all of your favorites. A great shopping place with over 100 stores, 20 eateries including King Street Grille, Jason’s Deli, Olive Garden, O’Charleys, an indoor play area and a thirteenscreen stadium theater, making it truly a total experience. Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: Noon-6pm
Mention this ad and receive 10% off your purchase
Nice Ice Fine Jewelry 145 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) 843-577-7029 • Exclusive boutique to such renowned designers as Slane & Slane, Charriol, Jude Frances, Philip Stein Watches, Marco Bicego, Dominique Cohen and Bellarri. Offers an extensive and unique collection of fine jewelry, engagement rings and pearls. Custom designs are a specialty for this charming shop with a knowledgeable, friendly staff and extraordinarycustomer service. See ad on inside back cover.
Palmettoville 51 S. Market St. Shops at French Quarter (Map: H:7) • Palmettoville has a large assortment of sunglasses, postcards, handmade soaps and lotions, shot glasses, hand-painted tee towels, slap watches, local images, hats and the best selection of Charleston T-shirts for adults and children, produced locally by our family for more than 30 years, at prices no one can match. Trust you will only find the best selection and quality here at Palmettoville.
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SHOP + SAVOR
Your guide to shopping in and around Charleston
DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON Spend the day walking King Street with its clothing boutiques, shoe stores, gift shops and more. Start near Charleston Place Hotel and head toward Calhoun Street for a wide selection of local boutiques, gift shops and national retailers. If you’re in the market for rare finds, make your way down Lower King Street (south of Market Street), the city’s antique district. The City Market stretches from Meeting Street to East Bay Street and is home to more than 100 vendors – plus dozens of businesses and restaurants line Market Street on either side of the City Market shed. This is a great spot to pick up souvenirs, sweetgrass baskets, artwork and jewelry. SUMMERVILLE Summerville’s Town Square is filled with local boutiques and shops, including 12 antique stores, a children’s book store and one of the top 10 quilt shops in the country. MOUNT PLEASANT • Towne Centre on U.S. Highway 17 is home to national retailers plus several local boutiques, including Palmetto Moon, Hairy Winston Pet Boutique, KikiSol Resort, Teal and The Southern Curator. mtpleasanttownecentre.com 42 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013
• Belle Hall Shopping Center is located on Long Point Road ( just off Interstate 526). Stop by Wonder Works for a large selection of children’s toys and gifts or visit Princess of Tides for costumes and tutus. Carolina Girls carries gift items, jewelry and stationery. The Coastal Cupboard has a large selection of specialty food items and cookware. shopbellehall.com WEST ASHLEY Citadel Mall, located off Interstate 526 and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, includes mostly national retailers like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, Target and JCPenney plus an IMAX Theater. citadelmall.net NORTH CHARLESTON • Northwoods Mall on Rivers Avenue has more than 120 stores, including Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, Palmetto Moon, Books-a-Million and Bath & Body Works. shopnorthwoodsmall.com • Tanger Outlets has dozens of nationally known retailers offering apparel for adults and children, shoes, accessories, housewares and jewelry. Tanger is easily accessible from both Interstates 526 and 26. tangeroutlet.com/charleston
SHOP + SAVOR
SHOPPING Summerville, South Carolina 402 N. Main Street • Summerville • (Map: BB:3) 843-873-8535 • www.visitsummerville.com Summerville, South Carolina is just 24 miles outside of Charleston, making it the perfect day trip location to add to your itinerary. Great shopping and dining establishments add to Summerville’s character, and you'll be pleased with the variety of accommodations (including quaint bed-andbreakfasts and charming inns). Follow their “Sweet Tea Trail”! Visit website for more info.
Tom’s Toys LLC 125 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) Kapla is a unique wooden building toy composed of identical blocks. Children put one block on top of the other and let their imagination run free, creating all kinds of animals, buildings, vehicles and bridges. Kapla is suitable for children of all ages.
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 2037 Maybank (Hwy. 700) • James Island (area map) • 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.5:30 p.m. www.terraceoaksantiques.com Since 1988, Terrace Oaks Antique Mall has been the leader in the Charleston area for multidealer antique shops. The 10,000-square-foot, climate-controlled shop houses 90+ booths with all different tastes and styles. When it comes to antiques, they have just about anything your heart desires.
Town of Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant, S.C., is not just your average place to visit. Offering an escape from your everyday life, the taste you crave, and the relaxation you desire, Mount Pleasant won’t disappoint. Filled with an unbelievable array of restaurants, taverns, activities and accommodations, the vacation you’re anticipating will be more than just a trip from home; it will be an experience of indescribable magic and warmth.
Walterboro, South Carolina 249 E. Washington Street • Walterboro SC 843-538-4353 • www.walterborosc.org Conveniently located on I-95 and a short drive from I-26 – Walterboro is a great place to spend the day touring local attractions, visiting great restaurants and antique vendors.
In between visits to Charleston, stay connected to the Holy City through our social media. Find us on Facebook (facebook.com/travelermag), on Twitter (twitter.com/traveler_mag) and on Pinterest (pinterest.com/travelermag).
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Take Home a Reminder of Charleston
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Don’t you wish you could pack up the sights, sounds and tastes of Charleston? Well, it might be tough to put a horse-drawn carriage in your suitcase, but there are some great Charleston items that allow you to take home a piece of the Holy City (and they’re less messy to pack). Pick up one of these items for a gift or as a memento of a visit to the world’s best city.
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} } Nothing says “Southern” like a big ‘ol plate of barbecue topped with Big Ed’s Heirloom BBQ Sauce. The flagship product of Pigtail Brands, this sauce is a tangy, vinegar-based heirloom barbecue sauce and marinade with just a hint of pepper and a slight sweet undertone. Made from a 30-year family recipe, it works as a topping for pork, steak, poultry, seafood, wild game, tofu, vegetables and even as a salad dressing. Price: $6.75 per bottle | Available at grocery stores and retailers around the state or shop online at pigtailbrands.com.
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We guarantee you’ve never had a Popsicle quite like this. King of Pops makes fresh, all-natural frozen treats so you don’t feel guilty about indulging in flavors like chocolate sea salt, key lime pie or the Arnold Palmer (sweet tea and lemonade). Look for the King of Pops cart around downtown Charleston, Folly Beach and at major events and festivals. Check out where the pop cart will be next or place a bulk order at kingofpops.net.
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If you’ve passed over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into downtown Charleston and caught the intoxicating scent of roasting coffee beans, locals know that’s Charleston Coffee Roasters. The company uses premium Arabica beans carefully selected from farms around the world that use traditional, sustainable growing practices. The beans are slow roasted and each bag is dated to ensure the freshest of beans. Price: $13.95 per bag | Available at area retailers and online at charlestoncoffeeroasters.com or stop by the roasting facility at 289 Huger St.
Take home a package of Callie’s Biscuits and friends will be clamoring for a dinner invitation. With seven varieties – such as country ham, cheese and chive, buttermilk and cinnamon – these biscuits are a mouth-watering meal themselves. Available at Charleston area retailers and grocery stores. For a list or to order online, visit calliesbiscuits.com.
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Journal your Charleston adventures with a pen and notebook from Campo Marzio Design. The company - with roots in 1930s Rome – sells writing instruments, leather portfolios and desk accessories that combine quality craftsmanship with trendy designs. Shop the Charleston boutique (one of just four in the United States) at 318 King St. campomarziocharleston.com
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The children can continue to explore the sights of Charleston long after the suitcases have been unpacked. “Rosebud Roams Charleston” by Sally Hughes Smith is the story of horse Rosebud who races into downtown Charleston to explore the historic city. Price: $15.95 | Available at Blue Bicycle Books, 420 King St. or contact Legacy Publications at legacypublications.com.
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Eat + Drink
About Charleston April is Eat Local Month in Charleston – a celebration of local food, farms and seafood in the area. Check lowcountrylocalfirst.org for details on special events.
Charleston’s diverse culinary scene is amazing. Innovative chefs and their dishes will dazzle the taste buds and warm the heart. Charleston has great taste! TRUST US, YOU WON’T LEAVE CHARLESTON HUNGRY. In fact you might spend half your vacation simply deciding which delectable restaurant to try next. Our city has world-class chefs cooking up plates filled with Southern goodness. And even our desserts are claiming national fame and recognition.
FINE DINING
Burwell's Stone Fire Grill
SpiritLine Dinner Cruise
14 N. Market St • Charleston • (Map: I:7) 843-737-8700 • www.burwellscharleston.com Charleston’s first and only Modern Steakhouse: “The Next Generation of the Steakhouse”. A cut above everything you expect: cleaner, leaner cuts served with generous sides - an effort toward sustainability and humane standards premium proteins sourced by “our” standards, not a lobbied agency - locally driven fish and seafood program - local, seasonal sides and farm fresh salads.
Departs from 40 Patriots Point Blvd Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628 www.spiritlinecruises.com • The SpiritLine Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina features fine cuisine prepared to order onboard, entertainment, dancing, fully stocked bar and a magnificent cruise on Charleston Harbor. Departs Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant. Call for information and reservations.
Cru Cafe´ 18 Pinckney St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-534-2434 • www.crucafe.com • In an 18th-century home on Pinckney Street, Charlestonians sip mint julep tea on the porch and dine on upscale comfort food at John Zucker’s Cru Cafe. “Do it right and use the best possible ingredients” is his mantra. Serving lunch Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner Tues.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.
Charleston is one hip city! Travel + Leisure rated it No. 22 on its list of “America’s Best Cities for Hipsters,” calling out Upper King Street for its shopping and local goods.
Middleton Place Restaurant 4300 Ashley River Rd. • Charleston • (area map) 843-556-6020 • www.middletonplace.org Savor Lowcountry cuisine while taking in views of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. For lunch, visitors enjoy a three-course, prix fixe menu. Lunch served daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner guests pay no admission after 5:30 p.m. and can stroll through the gardens prior to an elegant, candlelit evening. Dinner served Sun., Tues.-Thurs. 6-8 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 6-9 p.m.
Benne Wafers are a uniquely Lowcountry snack. Dating back to Colonial times, the wafers came to America from East Africa during the slave trade era. “Benne” is the Bantu word for “sesame.” Sesame – with its mild, nutty taste – was wildly planted throughout the South.
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EAT + DRINK
FINE DINING
EAT + DRINK
CASUAL DINING A.W. Shuck’s 35 South Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-723-1151 • www.a-w-shucks.com Charleston’s original raw bar and restaurant right on historic Market Street. A.W. Shucks has created a new menu inspired by classic Charleston tradition that includes award-winning stuffed shrimp, the Lowcountry’s best she-crab soup, and seafood casserole that’s a legend among locals. The only thing you’ll enjoy as much as the food is the company of friends and the extensive selection of craft beers from our bar. Lunch and dinner served daily beginning at 11 a.m.
Bocci’s 158 Church Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-720-2121 www.boccis.com • USA Today mentioned Bocci’s as one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States! Featuring full Italian fare at affordable prices, this family restaurant brings everything that is right about Italian food to the table. Open for dinner only.
Charleston Crab House 41 S. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-853-2900 • 145 Wappoo Creek Dr. James Island • 843-762-4507 www.charlestoncrabhouse.com • Serving lunch and dinner daily. Celebrating 20 years, the Charleston Crab House serves fresh local seafood including S.C. shrimp year-round. A favorite for locals and visitors with roof-top
dining downtown. 50 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013
In the kitchen with Charleston chefs
Frank Lee Slightly North of Broad 192 East Bay St. Charleston slightlynorthofbroad.net 843-723-3424
Eric Huff Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill 14 N. Market St., Charleston | burwellscharleston.com 843-737-8700
Frank Lee has been cooking up culinary creations for 40 years, delighting diners with his passion for combining French technique with his beloved Southern ingredients. Lee, who still spends at least three to four hours a day at the stove, spreads the gospel of sustainability. Under his direction, Maverick Southern Kitchens chefs are encouraged to source as much produce and meat from regional growers as possible.
A member of the Burwell’s opening team, Charleston native Eric Huff is no stranger to the burgeoning local culinary scene. Raised on the farms of the Lowcountry, Huff developed a passion for food that he has since pursued with great success.
In 1992, restaurateur Richard Elliott recruited Lee to The Colony House, Charleston’s then oldest restaurant. In time, Lee became a partner with Elliott and David Marconi in Maverick Southern Kitchens Inc. “I really love the doing,” Lee said. “There’s a Tao about cooking. For us chefs, the kitchen is the only place where things make sense.” Lee’s philosophy and talents have been highlighted in Food Arts, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living and The Washington Post. He’s appeared on “ABC’s Good Morning America” and served as guest chef at the James Beard House. His Maverick Grits earned a Golden Dish award from GQ Magazine, and he is featured on the “Great Chefs of the South” television series and its corresponding cookbook.
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Before joining Burwell’s, Huff was Aramark executive chef at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He garnered gold, silver and bronze medals in the American Culinary Federation’s Chef Excellence Competition and successfully raised awareness of farm-to-table culinary initiatives taking place locally and on campus. Huff has developed his own culinary philosophy – pushing the envelope creatively in his dishes, while staying true to his Lowcountry roots through regional resourcing of products. As executive chef at Burwell’s, Huff puts his culinary philosophy to the test – embracing approachable portions, rare cuts and a respect for regionally sourced ingredients.
EAT + DRINK
CASUAL DINING Cupcake 433 King St. • Charleston • (Map: G:4) 843-853-8181 • 644 Long Point Rd., Belle Hall Shopping Center • Mount Pleasant (Map: M:3) • 843-856-7080 www.freshcupcakes.com • Featured by USA Today, Martha Stewart and also by Ellen as “the best cupcakes in America!” Cupcakes are sweet and delicious, tiny works of art that bring back the delights of childhood. Baked fresh daily, our cupcakes are concocted from the finest all-natural ingredients, like real vanilla beans, sweet cream butter, fresh fruit and rich chocolate and then finished off with homemade icing and an assortment of toppings, creating a fun, swanky update of a vintage favorite.
East Bay Deli 334 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-216-5473 • 1120 Oakland Market Rd. Mount Pleasant • (Map: L:5) • 843-216-5473 9135 University Blvd. N. Charleston • 843-553-7374 4405 Dorchester Rd. • N. Charleston (Map: W:4) • 843-747-1235 • Charleston’s real New York-style deli slices sandwich meats fresh every morning and uses only quality products such as Thumann’s deli meats and Hebrew National deli dogs. The varied menu comes with many options: soups, chili, both hearty and heart-healthy sandwiches, wraps, giant spuds and desserts.
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EAT + DRINK
CASUAL DINING Hyman’s Seafood 215 Meeting St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) 843-723-6000 • www.hymanseafood.com Hyman’s Seafood is a must when visiting Charleston. Reviewed by more than 30 national publications and voted No. 1 seafood restaurant in the Southeast by Southern Living magazine nine years in a row. Lunch and dinner served seven days a week. Parking and back entrance from Charleston Place. No reservations; come early to avoid the wait. See coupon in ad for free crab dip or shrimp salad.
Joe Pasta 428 King (Corner of King & John St.) • Charleston (Map: F/G:4) • 843-965-5252 • Joe Pasta specializes in great Italian food at a great price for both lunch and dinner. Menu features fantastic soups, salads, Parmesan sandwiches, pizza, superb pastas, exquisite desserts and a full liquor, wine and beer bar. The restaurant provides a laid-back and cozy atmosphere that is family friendly. See coupon in ad.
Mac’s Place 215 East Bay Street • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-793-4653 • www.macsplacecharleston.com Mac’s Place is located in the heart of the historic district. A “not so traditional” Irish Pub born the love of food, Great drinks, and better beer! Offering over 50 beers on tap, in bottle, and in can! With 14 flat screen televisions you can find any sporting event you are looking for! Mac's Place is a Chicago fan’s home away from home.
Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt
FREE Appetizer w/ Purchase of 2 Entrees! up to $10.99 value Not Valid w/other Offers - Traveler Magazine
Great Italian Food Family Friendly Atmosphere 428 King Street & John Downtown Charleston 843-965-5252
99 S. Market St., Charleston • (Map: G/H:7) 843-277-2108 • Facebook.com/SweetCeCesSouthMarket.com Like no other frozen yogurt in Charleston, Sweet CeCe’s delights guests with its 14' tall “Walk-In Toppings Silo”! Local farm-fresh berries, other natural and decadent toppings (cheesecake, brownies, etc.) fill our “Cold Bar”. Sweet CeCe’s also has no-sugaradded, non-fat, vegan and gluten-free yogurt flavors! At up to 40% LESS per ounce than an ice cream cone, Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt & Treats is the place for Charleston visitors to be! See coupon in ad.
Tommy Condon’s 160 Church Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-577-3818 www.tommycondons.com • Have you ever been in an authentic Irish pub and restaurant? Well, tucked away on Church Street, just a half block off Charleston’s historic Market, you will find Tommy Condon’s, a pub that will delight your soul. At Tommy's you will very likely happen upon a bit of frolic, friendly conversation, laughter and song. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
Visit www.travelerofcharleston.com for coupons on tours, museums and attractions.
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EAT + DRINK
BBQ Tuna made with Fried Oysters prepared by Frank Lee of Slightly North of Broad
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Calendar of Events april – june 2013 Strawberry Festvial APRIL 1-7
Family Circle Cup – Female tennis greats head to the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island for the largest women’s tennis tournament in the world. More than 100,000 spectators and 70 world-class tennis players compete for the Cup. Players include Venus Williams, former World No. 1 and 2004 Cup Champion, along with World No. 9 Samantha Stosur. familycirclecup.com 843-849-5308
1-20
Festival of Houses and Gardens – historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405
5
Kiawah Island Art and House Tour – The tour features five Kiawah Island homes. It is sponsored by the Gibbes Museum of Art member auxiliary group, Gibbes, etc. gibbesmuseum.org | 843-722-2706
5-6
House and Garden Tours – Hosted by the Garden Club of Charleston, these two walking tours take visitors through private homes and gardens in Charleston’s historic district. thegardenclubofcharleston.org
5-27
“Anything Goes” – Performed at the Historic Dock Street Theatre, this is one of Broadway's most revived musical comedies. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-5967
5-7
YMCA Flowertown Festival – Visit the town of Summerville to see the azaleas in bloom and shop the goods of more than 200 artists who participate in this annual arts and crafts festival. Azalea Park and the surrounding streets are filled with food vendors, activities and rides for children. This event is consistently rated one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. flowertownfestival.org
6
Cooper River Bridge Run –The 10K is one of the world’s top races, attracting runners from around the world. The race is capped at 38,500. bridgerun.com
7
Lowcountry Cajun Festival – Soak up a full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children’s activities and all around ragin’ Cajun entertainment at James Island County Park. ccprc.com
11-27
“Hamlet” – When a father's murder prompts even the universe to cry for justice, Hamlet must learn to leave the sidelines of history and make a stand. Performed by Holy City Shakespeare. holycityshakespeare.org | 843-754-7267
13
Founders’ Day at Charles Towne Landing – Celebrate “the birth of South Carolina” at this annual event with living history programs, 17th-century re-enactors and demonstrations including the firing of blackpowder cannons and muskets, as well as cooking and other daily chores crucial to the colony’s survival. Site archaeologists will be available at the current excavation site to show visitors the latest research discoveries. charlestownelanding.travel 843-852-4200
14
Blues by the Sea – This free outdoor event will feature live performances by blues acts from across the country at Freshfields Village on Johns Island. freshfieldsvillage.com
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Lowcountry Strawberry Festival – This event has expanded to four days with evening hours. Visitors can choose from more than 30 attractions and amusement rides for all ages, plus magic shows, pig races, U-pick strawberries, jugglers and more. boonehallplantation.com
19-21
East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival – ccprc.com
20
Fam Jam – The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry transforms Marion Square into a giant playground. explorecml.org
21
Old Village Home, Garden and Art Tour – Explore the Old Village of Mount Pleasant on this self-guided tour of homes. lowcountryredcross.org
24-28
Charleston International Film Festival – Watch all genres of film, including sneak previews and premieres of some of the best new features, documentaries, shorts and animations. The festival includes after-parties, panels and workshops plus an awards gala to honor the finest in filmmaking and writing displayed during the film and screenplay competition. charlestoniff.org | 843-817-1617
28
Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Celebrate the start of shrimping season at this festival. Located at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. comeonovermp.com | 843-884-8517
MAY 3–5, 9–12, 16–19
“Oklahoma!” – The Footlight Players perform this story of love in the Wild West between Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a charming farm girl. footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487
3-11
North Charleston Arts Festival – This nine-day event highlights national, regional and local artists and performers in dance, music, theater, visual arts, crafts, photography, media arts and literature. northcharlestonartsfest.com
3-29
“Clybourne Park” – Pure Theatre performs this intensely topical satire that explores the fault line between race and property. puretheatre.org 843-723-4444
11
Winestock – Head to Irvin House Vineyards on Wadmalaw Island live music, food and a contest for the best 1970s costume. charlestonwine.com 843-559-6867
16-18
Hands-On Rice Painting at Middleton Place – Join a costumed interpreter and learn about the Carolina Gold rice planted on Lowcountry plantations, the African origins of rice and its cultivation in South Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020
Photo credit Timbur Productions
Charleston International Film Festival
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
18-21
Photo credit: Robert Donovan
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Charleston Beer Garden 18
Charleston Beer Garden – Inspired by the festive biergartens of Germany, Brittlebank Park will be transformed into Charleston’s largest popup beer garden. Enjoy craft brews, live music, beer school classes and Beer Olympics. charlestonbeergarden.com.
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First Flush FesTEAval – Celebrate the first growth of new leaves on the tea plants at the Charleston Tea Plantation. The “first flush” is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh and amazing cup of tea. The annual festival includes music, entertainment, art and local cuisine. charlestonteaplantation.com | 843-559-0383
19-20
Sculpture in the South – This is a one-of-a-kind event offering collectors and first-time art enthusiasts a chance to mingle and chat with 35 leading fine art sculptors in Summerville’s Azalea Park. sculptureinthesouth.com | 843-851-7800
23-26, “Chicago” – The Flowertown Players perform this musical tale of two rival 30-31 and vaudevillian murderesses who create a media storm in the 1920s. June 1-2 flowertownplayers.org | 843-875-9251 24-June 9 Spoleto Festival USA – For 17 days and nights this world-renowned festival fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by artists from around the world as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 37th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. spoletousa.org | 843-579-3100 24-June 9 Piccolo Spoleto Festival – The city of Charleston’s outreach program of Spoleto Festival USA, this festival highlights a number of local and regional artists and performers. piccolospoleto.com
JUNE 1
Sweetgrass Festival – This event celebrates the rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage and provides the most extensive showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry area. There will be handmade arts and crafts, paintings, live performances and documentary films. Festival-goers will enjoy entertainment that includes gospel songs and praise dance, storytelling and Gullah Geechee skits, basket-making demonstrations and the Adande African Drummers and Dancers. More than 15 Lowcountry restaurants and food vendors will be on site. sweetgrassfestival.org | 843-856-9732
9
Spoleto Finale at Middleton Place – Picnic on the lawn and enjoy a finale beer garden with local beer, music and food. That evening’s performance by the Red Stick Ramblers is followed by fireworks. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020
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Saturdays – Charles Towne Landing hosts special events each Saturday. The first Saturday is musket demonstrations. The second Saturday is a monthly theme (April is Animal Forest: Enrichment Day; May is Navigating a New World: Maritime History; June is Feast or Famine: Colonial Foodways). The third Saturday is cannon firings and the fourth Saturday is ranger’s choice. charlestownelanding.travel | 843-852-4200 Sunset Blues & BBQ Cruise – A casual harbor cruise with music by Shrimp City Slim and BBQ by Home Team, and the most breath-taking views of Charleston imaginable. May 2, 16, 30: June 6, 13, 20, 27: July 4, 11, 18, 25. 2 hour cruise, cash bar, departs from 10 Wharfside St, board at 7 p.m. cruise from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Call Zerve at 800-979-3370 charlestonharbortours.com 4/2–30, 5/4-28, 6/1-29 – “Pirate Mystery Show,” a family comedy where the audience is the star at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com 843-937-6453 4/7-28, 5/1-30, 6/5-28 – “Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery,” a hauntingly historical, hysterical whodunit for fans of the Master Sleuth at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | Call for schedule 843-937-6453 4/11-27, 5/2-30, 6/6-29 – “Inspector NoClue’s Murder Mystery,” a classic comic whodunit at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | Call for schedule 843-937-6453 Wine Strolls at Middleton Place – Each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. starting in April through June 26. Theme strolls are scheduled throughout the season. middletonplace.org 843-556-6020 Sweet Tea Trail – Browse the many antique shops of downtown Summerville from 1-4 p.m. the second Sunday of each month. visitsummerville.com 2nd Sunday on King Street – On the second Sunday of each month. Street is closed to vehicular traffic from Queen Street North to Calhoun Street. 2ndsundayonkingstreet.com Sippin’ Saturdays at Irvin House Vineyards – From noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays April 6 to May 4 on Wadmalaw Island. Enjoy music, food and wine tastings. charlestonwine.com 843-559-6867 Area Farmers Markets: Saturdays: Downtown at Marion Square from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Begins 4/19. Saturdays: Summerville next to Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Begins 4/13. Tuesdays: Mount Pleasant at Simmons & Coleman Streets from 3:30 p.m. to dusk. Begins 4/9. Party in the Park – Each Tuesday in June at Waterfront Memorial Park in Mount Pleasant, the town of Mount Pleasant and WEZL 103.5 FM team up to bring free music concerts featuring national country music recording artists. comeonovermp.com 4/27, 5/18, 6/15, 6/20 – Shagging on the Cooper – Put your dancing shoes for this party at Mount Pleasant Pier. ccprc.com 5/31, 6/31 – Shagging at Folly Beach – Put your dancing shoes for this party at Folly Beach Pier. ccprc.com Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead or check the listed website for confirmation.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @Traveler_Mag for more Charleston events, festivals and activities.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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HIT THE BEACH! Folly Beach • Laid-back barrier island beach frequented by locals and surfers. • Alcohol is not permitted on the beach. • Selection of restaurants and shops. Isle of Palms • Selection of shops, restaurants, bars and public restrooms. • Isle of Palms County Park has parking ($8), picnic tables, showers, restrooms and a playground. • Family friendly beach; alcohol is not allowed. Sullivan’s Island • Few short-term rentals and no hotels or motels. • No public parking lots; street parking only. • No public restrooms or showers; alcohol is not permitted. Be sure to visit our blog at travelerofcharleston.com for more information.
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ADVERTISER DISCOUNTS
Advertiser Discounts TOURS + ATTRACTIONS ■ Adventure Harbor Tours: $5 off per person on Morris Island Tours – page 29. ■ Angler Management Fishing: Mention “Traveler Mag” for special discounts – page 28. ■ Boone Hall Plantation: $2 off one regular adult admission – page 7. ■ Carriage & Harbor Tour Combo: Save $5 over purchasing separately – page 37. ■ Charleston Sailing & Fishing Charters: Mention “Traveler Mag” for special discounts – page 27. ■ Children’s Museum: One free admission with one paid admission – page 18. ■ Ghost Walking & Harbor Tour Combo: Save $4 over purchasing separately – page 22. ■ Harborview Charters: $10 off private charter tour – page. 26. ■ Isle of Palms Marina: Rent a powerboat for 2 hours, get 2 hours free – page 4. ■ Palmetto Carriage & Palmetto Tours: Free parking for 4 hours when taking a carriage or walking tour – page 2 & 4. ■ Plantation & Harbor Tour Combo: Save $4.50 over purchasing separately – page 32. ■ Sandlapper Water Tours: $2 off adult ticket, $1 off child ticket – page 27. SHOPPING ■ Charleston Winery: Present ad for Charleston Commemorative Wine Bottle Stopper or Lucky Little Turtle Charm with purchase of $20 or more – page 41. ■ Palmettoville: 10% off purchase when you mention “Traveler” – page 41. RESTAURANTS ■ Hyman’s Seafood: Free Crab Dip or Shrimp Salad with coupon from ad – page 55. ■ Joe Pasta: Free appetizer with purchase of 2 entrees with coupon – page 56. ■ Sweet CeCe’s: 20% off of cup when you show their ad – page 56.
Things to Love about the Lowcountry ■ Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: Spanning the Cooper River, this structure has become one of Charleston’s iconic images. The bridge also hosts the annual Cooper River Bridge Run with thousands of runners and walkers making the trek from Mount Pleasant, across the bridge and into downtown Charleston. Don’t worry if you miss this annual run, you can run, walk or bike the bridge’s pedestrian lane any time during your visit. ■ Flowers: Blooms are bursting forth all over town. From azaleas and wisteria to Confederate jasmine and crepe myrtles, the Lowcountry is awash in springtime color. ■ Arts and culture: The annual Spoleto Festival USA and its sister event, Piccolo Spoleto, delight locals and visitors with music, dance, theater and more with artists and performers from around the world as well from right here in our own backyard. ■ Shopping local: Farmers markets kick off in April, giving us a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as locally made arts, crafts, jewelry, soaps and lotions and pottery. Shopping never felt so good! 68 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013
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Web Extras...
Can’t get enough of Charleston? Check out these online extras for more Holy City happenings. Blooming Beauties Find out what’s blooming in Charleston parks and gardens this spring on our blog.
Beach Guide Are you a laid-back Folly gal, an Isle of Palms beach family or a Sullivan’s Island escape-to-thebeach kind of guy? Learn more about each of Charleston’s unique beaches and determine which one fits your interests. Plus: Know the rules and regulations for having pets on the beaches.
Pucker Up! Water views, cobblestone streets and a cozy corner table for dinner are just the right ingredients for a romantic getaway to Charleston. We have suggestions for adding some romance to your Charleston vacation.
More to See & Do You may have noticed the spring calendar for Charleston is jam packed. Guess what? There’s even more to do! Just head to our website for an expanded calendar of events.
Let’s Be Social We love connecting with Charleston visitors so join us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. We’re here to answer questions during your visit and we’d love to hear about your favorite Charleston spots, what you did on your trip and see some of your photos.
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WEB EXTRAS
TRAVELER
DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS
Directory Of Advertisers SEE + DO Adventure Harbor Tours Angler Management Fishing Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Barrier Island Eco Tours Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater Boone Hall Plantation Bulldog Tours Carolina Queen Riverboat Charles Towne Landing Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Sailing & Fishing Charters Charleston Tea Plantation Charleston Water Taxi Children’s Museum Culinary Tours of Charleston Drayton Hall Edmondston-Alston House Fort Sumter Tours Harborview Charters Isle of Palms Marina Lowcountry Loop Trolley Middleton Place Nature Adventures Outfitters North Charleston Fire Museum Palmetto Breeze/Aqua Safaris Palmetto Carriage Palmetto Tours Sandlapper Water Tours Schooner Pride Sharkin Charleston Fishing SpiritLine Harbor Cruise THEATRE Charleston THRILLER Charleston Tidewave Watersports USS Yorktown Ghost Tours
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SHOP + SAVOR Charleston Winery Citadel Mall KAPLA - Tom’s Toys “Mount Pleasant, Town of” Nice Ice Jewelry Northwoods Mall Palmettoville “Summerville, Town of” Terrace Oaks Antique Mall The Brass Pirate “Walterboro, SC”
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EAT + DRINK A.W. Dawgs A.W. Shuck’s Bocci’s Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill Charleston Crab House Cru Café Cupcake East Bay Deli Hyman’s Seafood Joe Pasta Mac’s Place Middleton Place Restaurant SpiritLine Dinner Cruise Sweet CeCe’s Tommy Condon’s
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