First-Time Visitors Guide
Discover the Romance of Charleston
Top Local Events
WINTER/SPRING 2022 ®
TRAVELER of Charleston
The Source For All Things Charleston
ATTRACTIONS | TOURS | DINING | COUPONS | EVENTS | MAPS
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travelerofcharleston.com COMPLIMENTARY MOBILE APP Exploring Charleston, SC #1 Ranked App for Charleston, SC
From the Publisher FEATURES 10 14 15
Traveler of Charleston Team
First-Time Visitors Guide Local Brews We Love Things to Do: Tours + Attractions Romantic Things to Do Where to Dine on Oysters Maps Charleston Area Events
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 three children. He enjoys fishing, kayaking and spending time with his family.
elcome to Charleston! We’re so glad you decided to visit one of the world’s best cities. It’s a great time of year to tour our historic attractions and museums while dining on meals prepared by some of the most sought-after chefs. If this is your first time in Charleston, be sure to check out our First-Time Visitors Guide on Page 10 for must-do activities. Celebrating a romantic occasion? Check out Page 18 for suggestions on tours and activities sure to get the sparks flying!
HOLLY FISHER Holly Fisher is a long-time writer and editor with a love of telling stories. She enjoys sharing the tales of Charleston with visitors and newcomers to the area. When she isn't at her computer, you'll find Holly spending time with her husband and daughter, reading mystery novels, or doing a CrossFit workout.
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TRAVELER
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 her graphic design business, Heineman Design, in 1992.
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of Charleston
Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.
Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Circulation................................. Jason Harris Cheral McCombs Cover Photographer ............... Doug Hickok
info@TRAVELERofCharleston.com | 843-410-2577 | 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.
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First-Time Visitors Guide
Charleston has so much to offer that it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to see and do first. If you only have a short time to visit or if it’s your first time in the Holy City, there are a few things you just can’t miss. We’ve compiled a list of the must-visit attractions and tours to experience while you’re here.
CARRIAGE TOUR Book a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown. Your tour guide is randomly assigned a route and will delight your tour group with stories and facts about Charleston from her earliest days to the present.
BUS TOUR Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still take in the sights with a bus tour. Board a climate-controlled bus to see some of historic Charleston’s best views from architecture to gardens.
HIT THE BEACH There are amazing public beaches in Charleston, each with its own vibe and amenities. Visit Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, or check out Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, both of which are located near Mount Pleasant. 10 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com WINTER/SPRING 2022
SHEM CREEK One of the most picturesque waterways in the area, Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is a great spot for kayaking or simply enjoying drinks and a fresh seafood dinner with a water view.
PLANTATION TOUR Area plantations have tours and special exhibits that offer visitors an eye-opening understanding and deeper education of slave life in the Lowcountry. Local plantations include Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, McLeod Plantation and Middleton Place.
RAINBOW ROW If you’re walking down Market or King streets, take a detour to Rainbow Row and Battery Park starting on East Bay Street. Rainbow Row includes a stretch of 13 brightly colored historic homes that you’ve probably seen in famous photographs. Rainbow Row also sits along the Battery, a Civil War-era defensive seawall and promenade along the Charleston harbor. Continue along the Battery to White Point Garden, a public park on the tip of the peninsula. Walk the park to see several statues and monuments.
WALKING HISTORY TOUR To fully immerse yourself in Charleston culture and history, walk the historic streets on a history tour. These guided tours offer a whole new perspective on the Holy City and afterward you’ll feel like a local with all your newfound Charleston knowledge.
HISTORIC HARBOR Take a harbor tour for a view of Charleston’s skyline and a closer look at the spot where the Civil War began. On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston's harbor. Union soldiers surrendered the fort 34 hours later and tried for nearly four years to take it back.
ANGEL OAK Take the picturesque drive to Johns Island to stand under the branches of the majestic Angel Oak tree. Part of a public city park, its canopy of branches spans 17,000 square feet. The tree is located at 3688 Angel Oak Road.
TO SAVE MONEY, EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE ATTRACTIONS AND MANY MORE VISIT TOURPASS.COM AND CHOOSE A 1, 2, 3, 4 OR 5-DAY PASS
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Local Brews We Love
Poke the Bear (5.5% ABV) by Revelry Brewing Co. This American pale ale strikes a balance between sufficient malt backbone and supporting hops. Brewpub location and hours: 10 Conroy St., Charleston. Mon-Thurs: noon-10 p.m., Fri-Sat: noon-11 p.m., Sun: noon-10 p.m. revelrybrewingco.com
Kick-Off IPA (6.8% APV) by Holy City Brewing Try this IPA paired with a delicious food menu and fun outdoor atmosphere. Brewpub location and hours: 1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston. Mon-Thu and Sun: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.11 p.m. holycitybrewing.com
Mexican Cake (10.5% ABV) by Westbrook Brewing Imperial Stout malt that's brewed with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon and habanero peppers. Brewpub location and hours: 510 Ridge Road, Mount Pleasant. Tue-Fri: 48 p.m., Sat: noon-6 p.m. westbrookbrewing.com
Green Door IPA (6.2% ABV) by Freehouse Brewery Generous additions of organic American hops – citrusy, grassy and herbal that's crisp, fresh and the perfect summer drink. Brewpub location and hours: 2895 Pringle St., Suite B, North Charleston. Tue-Thurs: 2-8 p.m., Fri: 2-9 p.m., Sat: noon-9 p.m., Sun: noon-7 p.m. freehousebeer.com Pub Ale (4.3% ABV) by Charles Towne Fermentory This English-style pub ale is served on nitro with notes of honey and biscuit balanced by classic European hops. Brewpub location and hours: 809 Savannah Highway, Charleston. Mon-Thu: 2-8 p.m., Fri: 2-10 p.m., Sat: noon-10 p.m., Sun: noon-7 p.m. chsfermentory.com 14 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com WINTER/SPRING 2022
For more info on breweries visit this page: travelerofcharleston.com/ sample-charlestons-craft-brews-spirits/ and also this page: charlestonbrewerydistrict.com/ Saturday free brewery trolley bus.
Bulldog Tours
AdventureSightseeing.com • 843-762-0088 “See it All” with Charleston’s top-rated bus tour company. With over 30 years of experience offering guided tours of Charleston, Adventure Sightseeing is a must do when visiting. 90minute city tours and plantation tours. The most available combination tours offer great savings on the most popular tours and activities. Departing from the Charleston Visitor’s Center. Free downtown hotel pick up available too!
18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com As seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted Places,” this walking tour company will have you exhilarated and entertained. Choose from four tours: Ghost & Graveyard, The Dark Side of Charleston, Ghost Dungeon and Haunted Jail Tour.
Barrier Island Eco-Tours 50 41st Ave • Isle of Palms Marina • (Map: N:6) 843-886-5000 • 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 and beach-side cookouts.
Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Rd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: L:4) • 843-884-4371 boonehallplantation.com • One of America’s oldest plantations with more than 320 years of history. Located 8 miles north of Charleston. The “Avenue of Oaks,” nine original slave cabins, house tours and shows included in admission. Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:30p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
Charleston Crab House Three locations to serve you: Downtown James Island - Mount Pleasant (see ad on page 22). charlestoncrabhouse.com Choose our rooftop dining location downtown on the Market or one of our waterfront dining locations in James Island or our newest location on Shem Creek. Family owned for over 27 years. All menu items are made with the freshest ingredients. Go where the locals go!
Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St., Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 843-722-1112 charlestonharbortours.com • Board the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s top-rated harbor tour. This 90-minute tour is live narrated by the Captain and covers over 75 points of interest and 300 years of history. See Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, Fort Moultrie, Castle Pinckney, The Battery, The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, dolphins, pelicans and much more! Offering great combination packages with other popular attractions saving you time and money!
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THINGS TO DO
Adventure Sightseeing
Romance Abounds FALLING IN LOVE WITH CHARLESTON By Holly Fisher
Photo credit: Zero George
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ith cobblestone streets, cozy inns, candlelight dinners and waterfront sunsets, Charleston feels like the set of a romantic Hallmark movie. Here in the Holy City, romance is in high supply. So, whether you’re looking for a place to pop the question, tie the knot, celebrate a golden anniversary,or simply get away for a romantic weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our top picks guaranteed to get the sparks flying. A carriage ride through the historic streets of downtown Charleston makes a perfect outing for two. Book a private evening carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works. Climb into an elegant vis-à-vis carriage at sunset and arrive at your romantic dinner in style. Tickets: palmettocarriage.com Ocean sunsets and lapping waves make for a magical setting as you and your sweetheart stroll hand in hand during a walk on a beach. A favorite is Folly Beach where the Morris Island Lighthouse stands majestically off the northeast end of Folly Beach. Plus, the lighthouse is the perfect photo background to commemorate a date night or special occasion. Take East Ashley Street until it ends. You can park there and then walk about a quarter mile to the beach. Or head toward Mount Pleasant to visit Sullivan’s Island near Fort Moultrie. Insider’s tip: Park at 201 Station 12. Stroll along this secluded area of beachfront to capture amazing photos of sunsets and dolphins playing in the surf. Then, dine on eclectic Southern cuisine at The Obstinate Daughter on Middle Street. It’s tough to beat eating a fantastic three-course meal while sailing around the Charleston harbor during a SpiritLine dinner cruise. Live music, bar service and sunset views from the Spirit of Carolina make this a truly romantic way to experience Charleston on the water. Info & tickets: spiritlinecruises.com Take a relaxing sail aboard The Schooner Pride, an 84-foot tall ship modeled after the 18th-century coastal trading schooners that once sailed the Charleston harbor. Book a sunset sail for added romance (available beginning in March). Tickets: schoonerpride.com Fun-loving foodies should reserve a spot in the cooking class at the Zero George Cooking School in downtown Charleston. It’s a unique way to expand your culinary skills and your palette. Join Zero George Executive Chef Vinson Petrillo and Sous Chef Tyler Chavis in the 1804 Carriage House for a memorable epicurean experience. Info: zerogeorge.com
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Deep Water Vineyard THINGS TO DO
6775 Bears Bluff Rd. • Wadmalaw Island (Area Map) • 843-559-6867 deepwatervineyard.com • Open: Tue Sat 10 am - 5 pm • After indulging in a tasting at Charleston's only winery, stay and relax. There are animals, a garden, outdoor games and 50 acres to explore. It's a full day of fun for the whole family.
GrayLine of Charleston 375 Meeting St. • Charleston graylineofcharleston.com • 843-722-4444 Explore 300 years of history with experienced licensed tour guided onboard their min-buses. Get a comprehensive tour of Charleston, do their Land & Sea Combo which includes Fort Sumter or visit a nearby Plantation. Free hotel pickup in the historic district.
Fort Sumter Tours 843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.com Walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers as you visit this National Historic Site. Cost includes tour of Charleston harbor onboard the boat plus an hour to explore the fort. The National Park Service maintains the Civil War era fortifications as well as restrooms, a gift shop and the Fort Sumter Museum. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and the only tour that stops at historic Fort Sumter.
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THINGS TO DO
Port of Call 99 S. Market St. • Charleston (Map H:7) portofcallchs.com This is not your typical restaurant. They are a food and brew hall that features food from a variety of cuisines while providing a large collection of beer, wine, spirits, with an emphasis on local craft beers.
Nature Adventures 1 Shrimpboat Ln. • Mount Pleasant (Map O:2) • 843-568-3222 kayakcharlestonsc.com • Our focus is on creating experiences! Take a guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour or rent the equipment. Located on picturesque Shem Creek where dolphins and wildlife are all around to experience up-close.
Land & Sea Combo Purchase online at: fortsumtertours.com or bulldogtours.com • Brought to you by Fort Sumter Tours and Bulldog Walking Tours, two iconic tours where you'll learn about more than 300 years of Charleston history from the streets to the harbor.
Palmetto Carriage Works 8 Guignard St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145 palmettocarriage.com • Departs 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 blocks of residential and historic districts. Guides are city licensed.
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Schooner Pride – Charleston’s Tall Ship 360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5) 843-722-1112 • schoonerpride.com • Board this beautiful, 49 passenger sailing vessel for a unique and breathtaking excursion on Charleston Harbor. Each 2-hour sail is unique as the Pride sails with the wind and tides, but you are sure to have an experience you won’t forget.
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 2037 Maybank Highway • James Island (area map) • 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. • terraceoaksantiques.com A leader in the Charleston area for multidealer antique shops since 1988. The 10,000-squarefoot, 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.
The Joggle Factory Purchase online at: thejogglefactory.com 843-200-2073 • Joggling boards are as Charleston as you can get! Take a piece of Charleston home with you or have it shipped! These beautifully hand-crafted boards are locally made using sustainable eco-friendly practices that are both elegant and timeless.
A visit to the coast is the perfect time to get your seafood fill, including oysters. Order a platter of oysters – raw, steamed or fried – at one of these Charleston restaurants. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar: This renovated space reflects the beautiful, original 1800s architecture in a comfortable, contemporary indoor and outdoor dining space. The menu features an extensive selection of oysters from South Carolina and beyond. 205 East Bay St. | amenstreet.com
Pearlz Oyster Bar: This eclectic oyster bar house has two Charleston area locations and serves up menu items like oysters on the half-shell and baked oysters Rockefeller along with a wide selection of regional oysters. 153 East Bay St. and 9 Magnolia Road pearlzoysterbar.com
Charleston Crab House: Enjoy waterfront dining on the intracoastal waterway at the James Island location or dine on Lowcounty seafood dishes while sitting on the rooftop patio at the downtown Charleston location. 145 Wappoo Creek Drive, 41 S. Market St or 508 Mill St. in Mount Pleasant charlestoncrabhouse.com
Red’s Ice House: A favorite among locals, Red’s is situated on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant where you can watch the sunset with a bucket of steamed oysters and an ice-cold beverage. Casual and laid-back, it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the views. 98 Church St. in Mount Pleasant redsicehouse.com
The Darling Oyster Bar: Located in a 115year-old storefront, this restaurant has a 14-seat raw bar fronting King Street. Or grab a table an order oyster shooters or baked oysters. 513 King St. | thedarling.com
Oyster House on Market: Located near the Charleston City Market, stop off for happy hour in the O-Bar on the patio lounge while sampling oysters from around the country. 35 S. Market St. | oysterhouse.menu 22 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com WINTER/SPRING 2022
Photo: Pearlz Oyster Bar
Leon’s Oyster Shop: This award-winning restaurant will not disappoint with its chargrilled oysters or a fried oyster sandwich – all washed down with a drink from the extensive beer, wine and cocktail menu. 698 King St. | leonsoystershop.com
THINGS TO DO Photo credit: Visit Summerville
TRAVELER Tidbit Visit the Town of Summerville to see Mason, the World’s Largest Sweet Tea (located at 200 S. Main St.). Mason is more than 15 feet tall and can hold up to 2,524 gallons of sweet tea. Summerville made history on June 10, 2016, by setting the Guinness World Record for the World's Largest (Sweet) Iced Tea on National Iced Tea Day. While you’re in town, follow the Sweet Tea Trail with shops, sips, and sights to see. Get your trail guide at www.visitsummerville.com.
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MAPS
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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, J:1 Battery, G:10 Charleston Museum, G:4 Charleston Place, G:7 Children’s Museum, G:4 Citadel Military College, B:1 College of Charleston, F:6 Dock Street Theatre, G:8 Four Corners of Law, G:8 Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, H:6 Gibbes Museum, G:H King Street Shopping District, G-6:7 Marion Square, G:5 Market Hall & City Market, H:7 Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, H:9 Old Slave Mart Museum, H:8 Rainbow Row, H:9 South Carolina Aquarium, J:5 St. Philip’s Church, H:8 St. Michael’s Church, G:9 The Powder Magazine, G:8 Visitor Center, G:4 Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain, I:8
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Getting Around Some transportation options for getting around downtown Charleston and the surrounding areas. ■ WATER TAXI: Transports visitors from downtown Charleston (Aquarium Wharf or Waterfront Park) to Mount Pleasant (Patriots Point or Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina). Taxi runs each hour; $12 for allday passes, 3 and under are free. No reservations needed. Call 843-330-2989 for pickup. charlestonwatertaxi.com ■ BUS: The CARTA bus system has regular routes that travel to major destinations. The DASH trolley service is available free of charge if you’re traveling around downtown Charleston. ridecarta.com | 843-724-7420 ■ RICKSHAWS AND PEDICABS: Available in downtown Charleston as are taxi cabs for transportation around the Lowcountry.
■ UBER AND LYFT Ride services are available in the area.
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MAPS
Charleston Area Map
Photo credit: Bennett Coleman, courtesy of Charleston Wine + Food
Charleston Area Events WINTER/SPRING 2022 LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL Feb. 6 at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant Grab your oyster knife and start shuckin’! This event –hosted by the Lowcountry Hospitality Association –puts 60,000 pounds of oysters front and center. Enjoy live music, wine, beer and a food court with bites from local restaurants (in case oysters aren’t’ your favorite). A portion of the event proceeds is donated to local charities. Tickets: lowcountryhospitalityassociation.com
Photo credit: SEWE
SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPOSITION Feb. 17-20 in downtown Charleston SEWE is a three-day celebration of wildlife and nature. Take part in a variety of events at venues all around Charleston: fine art exhibits, conservation exhibits, sporting demonstrations, galas and cooking demonstrations. Explore your wild side! Tickets: sewe.com CORK SHUCKIN' FESTIVAL Feb. 26 on Wadmalaw Island Deep Water Vineyard pays homage to the Lowcountry with an oyster roast and craft beers. Dog- and kid-friendly festival at Charleston’s only domestic winery. Info: deepwatervineyard.com 28 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com WINTER/SPRING 2022
COCKTAILS AND CAMELLIAS Feb. 26 at Middleton Place Mix and mingle at a cocktail party in America’ s oldest landscaped garden. Celebrate the vast expanse of camellias spectacularly performing through the winter across all 65 acres of the formal garden rooms at Middleton Place. Tickets: middletonplace.org CHARLESTON WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL March 2-6 in North Charleston In a new location at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival brings together top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for five days of food and fun. Tickets: charlestonwineandfood.com ARTFEST March 12 in Mount Pleasant Head to Mount Pleasant Towne Centre for a showcase of local and regional artistic talent, including music, dance and visual arts from artists of all ages. Plus, the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild presents a juried art show. Info: experiencemountpleasant.com FESTIVAL OF HOUSES AND GARDENS March 16 to April 9 in downtown Charleston Explore the city’s historic district in a series of tours showcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. A number of special events are also part of this springtime event, including morning history walks and educational luncheons. Tickets: historiccharleston.org Please visit each event’s website or call ahead to confirm details and to review the health and safety precautions. Many events have limited capacity as well as COVID protocols.
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