Traveler of Charleston SC Mag - Spring 2015

april – june 2015 ®

TRAVELER

of Charleston

THE SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS CHARLESTON

COMPLIMENTARY TRAVELERofCharleston.com

Visitor Magazine Tours Attractions Restaurants Shopping Events Articles Coupons Maps

FREE

Parking

Photo: Faith McDavid

Departing from the “RED BARN”

Charleston’s Oldest Carriage Company

Present this Ad for

FREE PARKING For 2 Hours While Taking a Tour.

We also offer a combination Harbor and Carriage tour for one low price

Tickets: 8 Guignard Street (in the Barn)

Try Palmetto’s newest Combo Tour

The Charleston Trot and Walk A 1 hour carriage tour followed by a 1-1/2 hour walking tour.

• the most comprehensive overview of the sites and history of the city • the same tour-guide for both ensures no repetitive information • includes entry into one of Charleston’s historic landmarks • $50.00 Adults, $25 Children

www.palmettocarriage.com | 843.723.8145 Complimentary golf cart pick-up + drop-off ! Call for details

Contents

DEPARTMENTS 6 16 44 50 58 63 64 69

Welcome to Charleston See + Do Shop + Savor Eat + Drink Calendar of Events Web Extras Maps Directory of Advertisers

FEATURES 10 12 46 56 62 62

Charleston History Timeline Go Wild with Nature Tours Shopping Guide Bring on the Barbecue!

Charleston in Bloom Deal Directory

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From the Publisher Welcome to Charleston! f this is your first time in Charleston, you've picked an incredible time of year to visit.

And if you’re a Charleston regular, welcome back! Spring is such a lovely season here in the Holy City. Trees, shrubs and flowers are blooming, the skies are blue and the sunshine is bright. It is absolute proof Charleston really is the No. 1 city in the country.

If you haven’t ventured much beyond the city’s borders, now’s the time to see all the natural beauty we have in the Lowcountry.

Our story on Page 12 offers several suggestions on eco-tours and nature adventures that showcase barrier islands, our local wildlife and ancient swamps.

Our events calendar is filled with festivals and activities perfect for the entire family.

Head to Page 58 to take part in one of the many events popular among visitors and locals alike. It’s your chance to experience life in the Lowcountry where there’s always something to do.

While you’re here, download our mobile app overflowing with visitor information, including maps, parking locations, public restroom listings, and details on attractions, restaurants and tours. Not only is it super helpful, but it’s free! Search “Charleston SC” on iTunes or Google Play.

Connect with us on Facebook (travelermag) and Twitter (@traveler_mag) and Instagram (travelerofcharleston) if you have questions during your visit and to share your photos and experiences. We love seeing how you’re enjoying #Charleston!

I

TRAVELER

®

of Charleston

Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.

Traveler of Charleston Team 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 sons.

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 three dogs. When she isn’t at her computer writing for work and for fun, you can find her reading or doing CrossFit.

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.

Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Distribution................................ Denise Fletcher Distribution................................ Brian Bean Distribution................................ Debbi Farrell Cover Image ............................. Paula Pindroh Nelson

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 June 1, 2015.

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to CHARLESTON

T

HIS AMAZING PLACE ONLY GETS BETTER WITH TIME. Each year more people flock to this historic port city to soak up the history, culture and architecture and bask in Southern goodness.

In recent years, Charleston has become a destination for shopping and its incredible culinary scene is attracting global attention.

From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, this is one city that truly offers something for everyone. But this Holy City has a storied past.

An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations.

As you’re visiting our beloved city, get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms and delight in all the amazing beauty Charleston has to offer.

1718

1672 English colonists settle Charles Town on the Ashley River

Blackbeard the Pirate sails into Charles Town Harbor with four ships; takes hostages for ransom

1740 Charles Town becomes most critical port in North America for exporting rice, indigo and cotton

1719 City is renamed “Charlestown”

1783 City renamed “Charleston”

1718 1680

Pirate Stede Bonnet is hanged at White Point Garden

Settlement is relocated to peninsula Charles Town – population 1,000

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1736 Dock Street Theatre opens, first building in U.S. used exclusively for theatrical performances

1775-1783

1790

Revolutionary War; Siege of Charleston in 1780

College of Charleston founded

1920

1824

Preservation Society founded to protect historic resources

Charleston Museum opens

1828-29 Young Army recruit named Edgar Allan Poe is stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island

1864 CSS Hunley sinks USS Housatonic in Charleston harbor

1989 Hurricane Hugo hits the city and surrounding areas with 135 mph winds

2006 Charleston Wine + Food Festival founded

1886 1861 1791 President George Washington visits, lodging at the Daniel Hayward House and attending a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom

Confederate troops fire the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter

Major earthquake hits Charleston, damaging 2,000 buildings, killing 110 people

2005 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River opens

1977 Spoleto Festival USA begins

april-june 2015 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 11

Go

Wild!

By Holly Fisher

Travel up Highway 17 North just past Mount Pleasant and into Awendaw where there are plenty of places to get up close and personal with nature.

credit Mac Stone

VISITORS COME TO CHARLESTON ready to hit the beach, tour a plantation and explore downtown’s shopping, restaurants and historic architecture. But they may not realize a natural paradise surrounds the city. From blackwater swamps and barrier islands to rich forests and animal habitats, the Charleston area is ripe for exploration.

credit Ron Wright

HE CENTER FOR BIRDS OF Prey is easily accessible from the highway and could be considered one of the area’s best kept secrets.

In addition to operating a professional avian medical clinic for injured birds of prey, the center offers on-site and outreach educational programs, conducts research and studies, and participates in international conservation efforts.

The 152-acre Avian Conservation Center site is surrounded by the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. The exhibit area features more than 40 species of eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, vultures and other birds of prey from all parts of the world.

The medicine and research area – closed to the public – has treated thousands of injured birds. Most are released back into the wild, but birds unable to be released are used in flight demonstrations and educational programs at the center, public events and at schools.

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Plan Your Visit The Center for Birds of Prey is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guided public tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by flight demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 children 6 to 16; free for children under 6. Info & tickets: thecenterforbirdsofprey.org

credit Mac Stone

Plan Your Visit Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center, 5821 Highway 17 North in Awendaw. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Info: 843-9283368 | fws.gov/seweecenter Francis Marion National Forest, 2967 Steed Creek Road in Huger.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Info: 843-336-3248 | fs.usda.gov/scnfs 14 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com april-june 2015

credit Mac Stone

Just down from The Center for the Birds of Prey is the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, the gateway to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest.

The Sewee Center offers a number of educational programs, including a monthly lecture series, hands-on conservation programs for children, guided wildflower walks, quarterly and seasonal guided kayak trips.

The center is also home to five Red wolves – one of the most endangered animals in the world.

Also, the nearby Francis Marion National Forest has 259,000 acres ready for exploration by hiking, biking or canoe. The forest is home to pine trees, swamps, marshes and bald cypress trees. In the last several years, the forest has been in the process of recreating its natural oasis. In 1989, more than a third of the forest was leveled by Hurricane Hugo and 130 mile per hour winds.

The Francis Marion National Forest is located in the coastal plain of South Carolina and is bounded to the north by Santee River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Located past Summerville off Interstate 26 West is the Francis Beidler Forest, an internationally recognized old-growth swamp. Within its 16,000 acres is the second oldest bald cypress tree in the world, native wildlife and multiple bird species.

Take a peaceful self-guided tour along the 1.75-mile boardwalk trail, venturing into the heart of the swamp.

Plan Your Visit Audubon Center & Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest, 336 Sanctuary Road in Harleyville.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; admission is $5-$10. Info: 843-462-2150 | beidlerforest.audubon.org

Be sure to explore boneyard beach, named for the tree skeletons and stumps left on the beach because of erosion and bleached white by the sun.

“People come to Charleston for the cultural history, but we have such a natural history too,” said Barrier Island Eco Tours owner Shane Ziegler. “The natural beauty of the undeveloped barrier islands is special.”

For a list of water tour companies offering eco-tours along with kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and surfing, see pages 38-40.

credit The CHART Group

If you’d like to catch a view of dolphins, search for shark’s teeth or wear out your camera snapping sunset photos, try an ecotour to Bulls Island or Capers Island.

A boat ride to Bulls Island is perfect for spotting sea turtles, dolphins and dozens of bird species. Then explore 16 miles of trails and 7 miles of beaches.

Or visit Capers Island, an undeveloped barrier island between Dewees Island and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

This government-owned island is protected from development so visitors have a chance to see an unspoiled coastal area.

credit Mac Stone

Check out these nature-based special events: ■ Photography Day at The Center for Birds of Prey: April 18, May 10 – Take close-up photos of live birds in natural settings; self-guided tour of center; photograph flight demonstrations.

■ Night Walks at Francis Beidler Forest: April 25, May 2, June 27 – Experience the nocturnal life of the swamp on this guided walk.

Reservations required; cost $12.

■ Painted Bunting Bird Walks at The Center for Birds of Prey: May 2, 16 and June 6, 13 – Two-hour guided walk and flight demonstrations. Space is limited.

■ Bulls Bay Nature Festival - From the Forest to the Sea: May 16 – Activities include photography workshops, bird walks, kayak paddles, Red wolf and reptile programs and children’s activities. fws.gov/seweecenter/ festival.html

■ Canoe/kayak trips at Beidler Forest: Friday through Sunday in April and May – Paddle the blackwater of the swamp on this guided tour.

Reservations required.

Explore Nature With These Tour Companies: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Adventure Harbor Tours Angler Management Charters Barrier Island Eco Tours Nature Adventures Outfitters (kayak, standup paddleboard tours) Sandlapper Tours Sharkin' Charleston Charters The Reel Deal Charters V.I.P. Adventures january-march 2015 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 15

See + Do Charleston is known for its beauty, history and fantastic harbor. Many experienced touring companies are ready to show you a great time.

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 64 through 68.

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. See a plantation home, tour the harbor, take a carriage ride or visit a museum.

SEE + DO

ART & THEATER ACTIVITIES The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre & Shoppe 164 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8) 843-WE SMILE (937-6453) charlestonmysteries.com • 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.

The Sound of Charleston 150 Meeting St. at Circular Congregational Church • (Map H:7) • 843-270-4903 soundofcharleston.com • Experience the unique sounds that define Charleston’s rich musical heritage – gospel, Gershwin, music of the Civil War, light classics & jazz – all presented by professional artists in a live 75-minute concert.

CARRIAGE TOURS 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.

See our ad on the inside front cover.

COMBO TOURS Carriage & Harbor Combo Tour Harbor Tours • 10 Wharfside St. • (Map :J:5/6) Palmetto Carriage • 8 Guignard Street 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 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.

Ghost Walking & Harbor Combo Tour For tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6) online at charlestonharbortours.com or 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 Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and 70+ other points of interest. Tours may be taken on different days.

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SEE + DO

COMBO TOURS

COMBO TOURS

Palmetto Tours

Plantation & Harbor Combo Tour

8 Guignard Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145 palmettocarriage.com Experience the best of Charleston on three amazing historic Walking Tours. The Trot + Walk tour includes a carriage tour, French Quarter or South of Broad tours. Call or book online.

For tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6) 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.

Gray Line & Fort Sumter Tour Combo Looking for things to do in Charleston?

It’s easy with our free mobile app!

Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.

843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.com, graylineofcharleston.com • Save $4 per person!

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Charleston’s historic district and take the only boat tour to Fort Sumter. Licensed and experienced tour guides lead a 90-minute exploration of Charleston’s rich history on air-conditioned mini-buses. The Gray Line tour features 100+ points of interest with a stop at the Battery. Tours depart every 30 minutes from the Charleston Visitor’s Center, 375 Meeting St. Free hotel pickup in historic district.

In 1788, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded the land where the Charleston City Market sits to the city for the express use as a public market. He also stipulated the land must remain in use as a market for perpetuity. Explore the Charleston City Market by day and at night. Evenings in the Market is 6:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through December. The area becomes a festive street fair with artists, designers and food vendors. thecharlestoncitymarket.com

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SEE + DO

FISHING CHARTERS

FISHING CHARTERS

Angler Management Fishing

Reel Deal Charter

843-259-1489 • anglermanagementsc.com Custom, year-round saltwater inshore fishing charters for families, groups, beginners and professionals. Fish in the Intracoastal Waterway, harbor and tidal creeks. Capt. Ethan will provide licenses, bait, tackle and ice. Eco and harbor tours available. See ad in this section.

Multiple area departure locations - some tours depart from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant 843-388-5093 • thereeldealcharters.com Join The Reel Deal Charters for year-round inshore/offshore, deep-sea, big game and saltwater fishing. Includes licenses, bait and tackle.

Operating several boats with the lowest prices for a “reel” fishing experience! Mention “Traveler” for discounts.

Sharkin Charleston 1 Shrimp Boat Lane • Mount Pleasant pick-up at RB’s Restaurant on Shem Creek • (Map: O:2) 843-557-6627 • 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. No experience necessary; great for families and kids. Shark charters are done in the protected waters of the harbor.

V.I.P. Adventures Located in Summerville, SC only 20 minutes from Charleston • 843-708-5473 vipadventures.net • We invite you to enjoy the best largemouth bass fishing in the Southeast on six private lakes. Marc Deschenes, owner and Master Guide, has been guiding for over 25 years.

Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant has a new Vietnam Experience Exhibit, incorporating various facilities such as a fire control bunker and mess hall with Vietnam-era artifacts. See a rare MK1 River Patrol Boat, a 105 Howitzer gun, Wilys M725 ambulance, and three different Vietnam-era helicopters. Guests can climb onto an observation tower and hear the sounds of jet aircraft and helicopters flying over their heads. Holograms bring Marine officers to life in a 3-D production. patriotspoint.org

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MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Adventure Sightseeing

Audubon Center at Beidler Forest

“See it all” with Adventure Sightseeing.

The most comprehensive motorized city tours daily via comfortable bus. Live narrated by the most experienced and professional guides!

Board our buses from the Charleston Visitor Center or let us pick you up. We offer hotel pick up and drop off for a nominal fee. The only bus tour that takes you through The Citadel military college. Fantastic combo tours available with house tours, harbor tours and more.

Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online at AdventureSightseeing.com

843-462-2150 • beidlerforest.com Francis Beidler Forest contains the largest stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gum swamp forest left in the world. See 1,000-yearold trees and native wildlife; walk the 1.75-mile boardwalk into the swamp. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m-5 p.m. Harleyville, S.C.

Gray Line of Charleston graylineofcharleston.com • 843-722-4444 Explore 300 years of history with experienced, licensed tour guides onboard our mini-buses.

Gray Line offers a comprehensive tour of Charleston’s Historic District with 100+ points of interest and a stop at Charleston’s Battery.

Take our 90 minute tour or add a visit to a fully restored antebellum home. Land & Sea Combo includes either a visit to Fort Sumter or a 90-minute tour of the harbor. Tours depart every 30 minutes from the Charleston Visitor’s Center, 375 Meeting St. Free hotel pickup in historic district.

Summerville Trolley Tour Depart from Summerville Dorchester Museum: 100 E. Doty Ave • Summerville • (Map: BB:2) summervilledream.org/events • 843-821-7260 Take a trip down the Sweet Tea Trail on a 1.5hour guided excursion through this small southern town where tea isn’t the only thing that’s sweet. Only on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Fridays of each month.

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry 25 Ann St. • Charleston (Map: G:4) 843-853-8962 • exploreCML.org • Nine interactive exhibits, including a two-story Medieval Castle, a pirate ship and a dedicated art room, allow your children to explore the arts, sciences and humanities through their own hands-on experiences. Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. Noon-5 p.m.; closed Mon.

City of North Charleston Only 6 miles from downtown Charleston northcharleston.org • The third largest city in the state with abundant shopping locales such as Tanger Outlets, Northwoods Mall as well as the business hub for the Lowcountry.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site 1500 Old Towne Road • Charleston (area map) • 843-852-4200 • Hours: daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • charlestownelanding.travel Established in the 1670, this is the birthplace of Charleston. 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 • middletonplace.org Built in 1825, the house is a repository of family treasures, including Alston family silver, furniture, books and paintings. Look seaward from the second floor piazza, where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter Tours

Situated about 300 yards off the shore of Folly Beach, Morris Island Lighthouse is visible from the northeast end of the island. Built in 1876, the lighthouse once sat on Morris Island with several buildings around it. Now, because of years of erosion, it is surrounded only by the ocean. Efforts are underway to preserve the lighthouse.

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. Tours depart Liberty Square in downtown Charleston (handicapped accessible) and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

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SEE + DO

MOTORIZED LAND TOURS

SEE + DO

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

North Charleston/American LaFrance Fire Museum

40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-884-2727 • patriotspoint.org Home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, WWII's Fighting Lady. Museum includes the destroyer USS Laffey, the submarine USS Clamagore, a re-creation of a Vietnam Naval Support Base, 28 historic military aircraft, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Museum. Free map for self-guided tours.

4975 Centre Point Dr • North Charleston (Map: KK:5) • 843-740-5550 northcharlestonfiremuseum.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.

Looking for Charleston’s famous landmarks?

Find them all with GPS directions on our free mobile app!

Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.

North Charleston Cultural Art Festival North Charleston & Surrounding Areas 843-740-5854 • northcharlestonartsfest.com Featuring nine full days of free and ticketed programming throughout the City and surrounding area. 200 high quality perform exhibits, and activities presented by local, regional, and national artists in the areas of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, media arts, and literature.

For the fourth year, Charleston was named the 2014 best city in the United States by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Charleston was also ranked No. 2 in the world, coming in just behind Florence, Italy.

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SEE + DO

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

PLANTATIONS

South Carolina Aquarium

Boone Hall Plantation

100 Aquarium Wharf • Charleston 843-720-1990 • scaquarium.org The South Carolina Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 animals found across the state.

Explore 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank or enjoy a movie in the interactive 4-D movie theater. Journey from the mountains to the sea and find family fun around every corner.

1235 Long Point Road • 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.

Town of Summerville

Charleston Tea Plantation

Visitor Center: 402 Main St., Summerville (see maps) •With over 700 homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the city is known for its historic character. A charming downtown is a must visit along with the "Sweet Tea Trail."

6617 Maybank Highway • Wadmalaw Island (area map) • 843-559-0383 charlestonteaplantation.com • Located on beautiful Wadmalaw Island 25 miles from downtown Charleston. 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.

Wild Blue Ropes 1595 Highland Ave • James Island (area map) 843-5024066 • wildblueropes.com If you’re looking for a something-to-writehome-about-holy-cow-I-can’t-believe-I-just-didthat adventure, you’ve come to the right place.

An aerial ropes course with 70+ challenge features reaching 35 feet above the ground.

Designed at 3 levels of difficulty that’s fun for the whole family. Imagine a jungle gym suspended 35 feet in the air.

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Need to quickly find a public restroom? It’s easy with our restroom GPS locator on our free mobile app!

Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.

SEE + DO

PLANTATIONS Drayton Hall 3380 Ashley River Road (Highway 61) Charleston • (area map) • 843-769-2600 draytonhall.org • Drayton Hall (circa 1738) is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. Admission includes tours river and marsh walks, the African-American cemetery and artisaninspired Museum Shop.

Middleton Place National Historic Landmark • 4300 Ashley River Road (Highway 61) • Charleston • (area map) 843-556-6020 • middletonplace.org • An 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. See the house museum, craftspeople in the stable yards or take an African-American focus tour.

Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

TRANSPORTION Charleston Water Taxi Downtown: Maritime Center • 10 Wharfside St. (Map: K:5/6) • Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point • (Map: O:2) 843-330-2989 • charlestonwatertaxi.com The water taxi runs on a continuous loop around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston.

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WALKING TOURS

Bulldog Tours

Yorktown Ghost Tours

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.

40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-277-0577 yorktownghosttours.com • Guided tour explores the unexplained mysteries of this WWII aircraft carrier. Hear stories of sacrifice and devastation as this tour ventures into areas normally restricted to the public.

Charleston Strolls Walk With History Departs from Mills House Hotel (corner of Meeting & Queen) • 843-766-2080 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.

Culinary Tours Of Charleston 18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-727-1100 • 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 restaurants. Go behind the scenes and visit with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers, chocolatiers and specialty shops.

Earlier this year, the City of North Charleston was named one of the 20 Coolest Town in the U.S. by online travel magazine MatadorNetwork.com.

Charleston’s northern neighbor is becoming a hot spot with its vibrant Park Circle area filled with restaurants, shops and nightlife. northcharleston.org

northcharlestonfiremuseum.org

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SEE + DO

WALKING TOURS

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SEE + DO

WATER TOURS Adventure Harbor Tours Tours Depart from the Charleston Harbor Marina • 56 Ashley Point Drive • (Map: A:5) 843-442-9455 • adventureharbortours.com Family fun for everyone. “Stormin’ the Beach,” a 3-hour excursion to Morris Island to search for shells and sharks’ teeth.

Or enjoy a 90-minute relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. Reservations encouraged.

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 or beach-side cookouts.

Carolina Queen Riverboat 17 Lockwood Blvd. at the City Marina • (Map: B:3) 800-344-4483 • charlestonharbortours.com Charleston’s only authentic paddle wheel vessel with three decks, two bars, an enclosed main salon and plenty of room for dining and dancing.

Thurs. nights: Murder Mystery Cruise. Fri. nights: Music and Craft Beer. Sat.: luncheon cruises.

Sun: Jazz Brunch Cruises.

Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St., Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 • 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 details the forts and landmarks that shaped Charleston’s historic harbor. Private charters and group dinner cruises available.

Isle of Palms Marina 50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms • (Map: N:6) 843-886-0209 • iopmarina.com • A full-service marina with 50 slips, a full-service store with a deli with groceries, beer, wine, bait and tackle. Powerboat rentals and customized excursions, group outings and fishing charters can be booked here.

Nature Adventure Tours 325 W. Coleman Blvd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2 at Shem Creek, on the water) 843-568-3222 • 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.

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SEE + DO

WATER TOURS

WATER TOURS

Sandlapper Water Tours

Tidalwave Watersports

Tour depart from the Maritime Center (by S.C. Aquarium) • 10 Wharfside St. • Charleston (Map K:4) • 843-849-8687 for info; 800-979-3370 for tickets • sandlappertours.com Take the haunted ghost & pirate tour or cruise the Charleston harbor with a history tour.

Go shelling on Morris Island and see dolphins on the nature tour or relax on the sunset tour.

Private charters available. Reservations recommended. See coupon in ad.

69 41st Ave • Isle of Palms (Map: N:6) tidalwavewatersports.com • 843-886-8456 Tidalwave offers the ultimate in parasailing, waverunner, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and banana boat ride the Charleston area has to offer. offers the ultimate in parasailing, waverunner, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and banana boat ride the Charleston area has to offer.

Velocity Aqua Sports Schooner Pride – Charleston’s Tall Ship 360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5) 888-245-9206 or 843-722-1112 schoonerpride.com • Marvel at the Holy City skyline while sailing by the forts where history was made. See dolphins playing and experience a Charleston sunset. Take an afternoon dolphin sail or a sunset sail; available for private charters. Combo tour available.

SpiritLine Charleston Harbor Tour 843-722-BOAT(2628) • spiritlinecruises.com Enjoy a 90-minute tour of Charleston’s harbor with 75+ points of interest narrated by City of Charleston licensed tour guides. Discounted Land & Sea Combo Tours available: include either a 90-minute Gray Line City Tour or a 60minute Old South Carriage Tour. Tours depart Aquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

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Dolphin Cove Marina: 2079 Austin Ave. • (Map NN:5) • 843-771-3017 • velocityaquasports.com Where you’re 100% guaranteed to have a blast!

Featuring water-sport rentals of Catamaran Craigcats and min-sport boat where you’re the driver! Safe, stable, fun and relaxing.

Waverunner/Jet-ski rentals as well. Mention "Traveler" for discounts.

Need to quickly find a public restroom? It’s easy with our restroom GPS locator on our free mobile app!

Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.

SEE + DO 42 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com april-june 2015

Shop + Savor 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.

Charleston Farmers Market This market in downtown's Marion Square is open each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for local produce, plants, arts and crafts.

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 S. Market St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-576-4772 charlestonwines.com • Daily wine tastings, unique gifts and accessories. Citrus and berry wines are made from 100% pure Florida citrus fruits and berries and natural ingredients.

Wines have won 200+ medals at national and international wine competitions. See coupon in ad.

Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry 84 N. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8) 843-853-0103 • dacubasjewelry.citymax.com Nestled in the heart of Charleston, Dacuba’s is a unique fine jewelry store with a wonderful selection of sterling silver and 14kt gold jewelry.

Its classic Charleston “Southern Gate” collection is fashioned after the wrought-iron work seen throughout this historical city.

Nice Ice Fine Jewelry 145 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) 843-577-7029 • Since 1974 they have been providing Charleston and visitors with the most exquisite and unique jewelry. Designers such as Rudolf Friedman, Judith Ripka, Slane & Slane, Jude Frances, Charriol and Nanis.

Charleston Old Time Photos 168 Church St., Charleston (Map H:7) 843-212-5859 • Located right around the corner from the historic downtown Charleston's Market, Charleston Old Time Photos is an amazing destination to come and take themed family photos!

Palmettoville 51 S. Market St. Shops at French Quarter (Map: H:7) • Assortment of sunglasses, postcards, handmade soaps and lotions, shot glasses, hand-painted tee towels, slap watches, local images, hats and wide selection of Charleston T-shirts for adults and children, produced locally by our family for more than 30 years.

Shades of Charleston 233 Mathis Ferry Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: N:2) • 843-388-4369 shadesofcharleston.com • Since 1979, this collection of polarized sunglasses is the largest in the Charleston metro area and includes such lines as Costa, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Oakley and much more.

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.

april-june 2015 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 45

From shopping to nightlife, Charleston has it all 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.

On the second Sunday of each month, several blocks of King Street are closed off to vehicles, and people (and pets) flood the streets for open-air dining, music, shopping and entertainment.

The City Market stretches from Meeting to East Bay Street and is home to more than 100 vendors. Dozens of businesses and restaurants line Market Street, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs, sweetgrass baskets, art and jewelry.

After the sun sets, head to Upper King Street, which in recent years has transformed into a hip design district with a bustling nightlife. The area stretches from Calhoun up to about Mary Street and is filled with trendy clubs and bars and highend restaurants, giving the street a sort of New York City vibe.

The Cocktail Club offers a refined atmosphere with its house-made drinks and rooftop terrace or stop off at The Belmont for a scotch and a cheese and charcuterie plate. Named a 2013 Best New Restaurant finalist by the James Beard Foundation, The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar from Chef Mike Lata, best known for his other Charleston restaurant, FIG (Food Is Good).

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 ■ Mount Pleasant Towne Centre on Highway 17 North is home to national retailers, local boutiques and restaurants.

Shop at Belk and Belk Men’s Store, Copper Penny Shooz, Palmetto Moon, Hairy Winston Pet Boutique, TrySports and more. mtpleasanttownecentre.com ■ 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 selection of specialty food items and cookware. shopbellehall.com After a full day of sightseeing and shopping, relax on Shem Creek – cold drink in hand and seafood platter on the table. Shem Creek’s laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind while watching the shrimp boats dock in the creek and the dolphins play in the water.

NORTH CHARLESTON ■ 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

Share your Charlestons shopping moments on our Facebook page at facebook.com/travelermag

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SHOP + SAVOR

SHOPPING The Summer’s End

by Mary Alice Monroe Book Three of the LOWCOUNTRY SUMMER TRILOGY -- out May 19! maryalicemonroe.com In the powerful and heartwarming conclusion to her bestselling Lowcountry Summer trilogy, New York Times author Mary Alice Monroe brings her readers back to the charm and sultry beauty of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, to reveal how the pull of family bonds and true love is as strong and steady as the tides.

Town of Mount Pleasant comeonovermp.com • Mount Pleasant is not your average place to visit. Filled with an 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.

Need a great Father’s Day gift?

Pick up a Brackish feather bow tie.

Every tie is handcrafted locally and every feather is hand selected.

Hey, even Bill Murray wears one! brackishbowties.com

Rainbow Row is probably one of the most photographed areas of downtown Charleston. This brightly colored stretch of 13 historic homes can be found from 83 to 107 East Bay Street (north of Tradd Street and south of Elliot Street).

april-june 2015 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 47

SHOP + SAVOR 48 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com april-june 2015

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Eat + Drink 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!

Charleston Cuisine If you like a little sweet and a little tart, top off dinner with a slice of key lime pie. It's on the dessert menu at most local restaurants.

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. Our desserts are claiming national recognition.

EAT + DRINK

FINE DINING Cru Cafe´ 18 Pinckney St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-534-2434 • 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. Lunch and dinner.

SpiritLine Dinner Cruise Departs from 40 Patriots Point Road Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628 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.

Call for reservations.

Middleton Place Restaurant 4300 Ashley River Road • Charleston (area map) • 843-556-6020 • 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. Dinner guests pay no admission after 5:30 p.m. and can stroll through the gardens prior to dinner.

After a day of exploring Charleston, order up a soft-shell crab sandwich and an ice cold beverage. If you have a view of the water, it’s even better!

april-june 2015 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 51

EAT + DRINK

CASUAL DINING

CASUAL DINING

A.W. Shuck’s

East Bay Deli

35 South Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-723-1151 • a-w-shucks.com • A.W. Shucks’ menu is inspired by classic Charleston Tradition with stuffed shrimp, the Lowcountry’s best shecrab soup, and seafood casserole that’s a legend among locals. Plus, an extensive selection of craft beers. Lunch and dinner served daily beginning at 11 a.m.

334 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-216-5473 • 1120 Oakland Market Road Mount Pleasant • (Map: L:5) • 843-216-5473 9135 University Blvd. • North Charleston 843-553-7374 • 4405 Dorchester Road North Charleston • (Map: W:4) • 843-747-1235 New York-style deli using 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.

Charleston Crab House Downtown: 41 S. Market St. (Map I:7) • 843-795-1963. James Island: 145 Wappoo Creek Dr. • (Area Map) 843-853-2900 charlestoncrabhouse.com Serving Fresh Lowcountry seafood everyday!

Indoor/patio, casual and family friendly.

Visit James Island for waterfront dining or Market Street for rooftop dining. Reservations recommended.

Charleston Donuts 1485 N. Highway. 17 • Mount Pleasant (Map: N:3) • 843-856-8626 charlestondonuts.com Donuts are always hot, fresh and made-to-order. Design your own masterpiece and let us create it. Also features local coffee, frappes, real fruit smoothies and more. See coupon in ad.

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Hyman’s Seafood 215 Meeting St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) 843-723-6000 • hymanseafood.com Voted No. 1 seafood restaurant in the Southeast

by Southern Living magazine nine years in a row. Lunch and dinner served daily. Parking and back entrance from Charleston Place.

No reservations; come early to avoid the wait.

See coupon in ad.

Joe Pasta 428 King St. (Corner of King & John streets) Charleston • (Map: F/G:4) • 843-965-5252 Menu features soups, salads, Parmesan sandwiches, pizza, pastas, 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.

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EAT + DRINK

Bring on the barbecue!

By Holly Fisher

S

outh Carolinians are nothing if not passionate about their barbecue. Go ahead, ask some locals, and they won’t hesitate to share their favorite barbecue joint. Here in the South, it’s all about pork that has been cooked low and slow in a smoky pit.

But before you can pile your plate with barbecue, baked beans and coleslaw, you’ll need to pick a sauce. There are four types of barbecue sauces, all of which you’ll find in South Carolina: mustard, vinegar and pepper, light tomato and heavy tomato.

Mustard sauce is unique to South Carolina and originated from German immigrants who settled in the middle of the state, combining their love of mustard with a love of pork, according to the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

The department of tourism also notes on its official barbecue website (bbq.discoversouthcarolina.com) that vinegar and pepper sauce are popular along the coast and add some heat to the barbecue. The light tomato sauce is basically a vinegar and pepper sauce with ketchup added for a little sweetness.

The heavy tomato is also sweet and is commonly found around the United States.

Now that your mouth is watering, head to one of these restaurants for a heaping plate of barbecue: ■ Bessinger’s Barbeque 1602 Savannah Highway Charleston, SC 29407, 843-556-1354 ■ Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ 1205 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29407, 843-225-7427 2209 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482, 843-883-3131 ■ JB’s Smokeshack (open Wed-Sat) 3406 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC 29455, 843-557-0426 ■ Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q 3406 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC 29455, 843-557-0426 4964 Center Pointe Drive N. Charleston, SC 29406, 843-747-3800 ■ Melvin’s Legendary Bar-B-Que 925 Houston Northcutt Blvd.

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-881-0549 538 Folly Road Charleston, SC 29412, 843-762-0511 56 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com april-june 2015

Charleston Area Events april – june 2015

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival

APRIL Through Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens – Explore the city’s historic district in a 24 series of tours showcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405 4-12

Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament – A tournament featuring some of the top women’s professional tennis players at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. The 2014 Family Circle Cup champion Andrea Petkovic will return to Charleston to defend her title. New this year, kids 15 and under will receive free admission and every junior that takes advantage of the free ticket will be provided one free lesson from MWTennis during the year at the Family Circle Tennis Center. familycirclecup.com | 800-677-2293

10-12

30th annual Grits Festival in St. George – This festival is about all things grits so get ready to eat grits, buy grits, learn how grits are made and even dive into a vat of grits for the Grits Rolling Contest. worldgritsfestival.com

11

Founders’ Day Festival at Charles Towne Landing – Groups of 17th-century re-enactors will interact with visitors in authentic encampments located within the reconstructed palisade wall that protected Charles Towne in the 1670s.

Demonstrations include the firing of blackpowder cannons and muskets, as well as cooking and other daily chores crucial to the colony’s survival. charlestownelanding.travel | 843-852-4200

16-19

The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall Plantation – Rides, a petting zoo, pig races, live music, a playground and strawberry pie-eating contests are all part of this family friendly event. Plus, new this year are acrobatic dogs performing on land and in a 13-gallon pool. Plus, there are plenty of strawberries ripe for the pickin' in the U-Pick Fields. boonehallplantation.com

17-19

East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival – With canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, slacklining, mountain biking, archery and disc golf, this event has something for everyone. ccprc.com | 843-795-4386

17 to 5/9

“Marie Antoinette” – A PURE Theatre performance. Marie Antoinette delights and inspires her French subjects with her 3-foot-tall wigs and extravagant haute couture.

But times change and even the most fashionable queens go out of style. puretheatre.org | 843-723-4444

18

Spring Jam Music Fest – Live music, performance art, visual art, food, beer and wine and artisan and craft vendors at The Grove at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

Enjoy music of Ed Roland & The Sweet Tea Project, Delta Spirit and Sol Black plus performances by Holy City Cirque, breakdancing by The Missing Links and hula hooping with Glitterzhoopz. springjammusicfest.com

18

Brew HaHa – Laughs and crafts are on tap for the first Brew HaHa, a celebration of Charleston craft beer and comedy at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

Tastings from local breweries, live music, food and comedy shows. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

58 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com april-june 2015

24-25

Hands-on Rice Planting – Join a costumed interpreter and learn how Carolina Gold rice was planted on Lowcountry plantations and about the African origins of rice and its cultivation in South Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

24-26 5/1-3 7-10

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” – The Footlight Players performs this musical comedy mystery that you solve yourself based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel. footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

26

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Pay tribute to Mount Pleasant's local shrimping and fishing industry at this event with a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. comeonovermp.com

26

Old Village Mount Pleasant Home, Garden and Art Tour – Stroll the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, visiting six properties and sampling food from local chefs while viewing local art work and watching plein air artists at work. tinyurl.com/qjnwkbj 843-764-2323

MAY 1-9

North Charleston Arts Festival – Concerts, street dances, fine art, photography, film, public art installations, lectures, workshops, antique show, kids' activities and fireworks finale. northcharlestonartsfest.com | 843-740-5854

2

Sheep Shearing at Middleton Place – The flock will be shorn between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and interpreters will demonstrate shearing as it was done in the past using steel-bladed hand shears. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

3

Bands, Burgers & Brews Burger Throwdown – Sixteen of the best burger chefs in Charleston will showcase their originality and creativity to compete for the Best Burger Throwdown title and a Golden Ticket to compete in the World Burger Competition this November in Kissimmee, Fla. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mount Pleasant. bandsburgersandbrews.com | 843-284-7022

13-3/1

“The Diary of Anne Frank” – Channeling her energy into her diary, Anne Frank captured not only the life of hiding that she and her family were forced to live, but provides remarkable insights into her own hopes, dreams and her faith in humanity.

Performed by Charleston Stage at the historic Dock Street Theatre. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-7183

15-17, 21-24, 28-31

“Little Shop of Horrors” – The Flowertown Players in Summerville perform this 1950s sci-fi hit. A down-and-out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. flowertownplayers.org. | 843-875-9251

photo: Family Circle Cup

Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

brewery/distillery article.

For more Charleston area events, online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

16

Charleston Beer Garden – Known as Charleston’s largest pop-up beer garden, brew lovers will converge on The Grove at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant for craft beer, live music and the Beer Olympics. charlestonbeergarden.com

22-6/7

Piccolo Spoleto – With more than 500 arts and cultural events, Piccolo Spoleto complements the international scope of Spoleto Festival USA with dozens of inexpensive programs around the area, including visual arts exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts and film. piccolospoleto.com | 843-724-7305

22-6/7

Spoleto Festival USA – Considered a premier international performing arts festival, this annual event fills Charleston historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with dozens of performances by world-renowned artists and performers in opera, theater, dance, chamber, symphonic, choral, bluegrass and jazz music. spoletousa.org 843-579-3100

24

First Flush FesTEAval – The Charleston Tea Plantation welcomes the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring after a winter of rest. Their “first flush” of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most amazing cup of tea. The festival on Wadmalaw Island includes music, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, food trucks and more. Headlining this year’s event is Grammy winner Sheryl Crow. charlestonteaplantation.com

JUNE 5, 26

Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series – Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series – This evening event features old school roots reggae with a new school attitude James Island County Park. ccprc.com

6

The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival – Head to Mount Pleasant’s Waterfront Park to experience the Gullah Geechee people's history and culture through the sounds of gospel songs, Gullah storytelling's and African drummers and dancers. Children’s activities available, including puppet shows, face painting, jump castles. sweetgrassfestival.org | 843-345-7849

11-14

Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival – Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month with four days of food, music and costumes at venues around the city. charlestoncarifest.com

ONGOING EVENTS Charleston RiverDogs – Season opens April 9 with games all summer. Take in some minor league baseball at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park on the banks of the Ashley River in downtown Charleston. Check the website for complete schedule and special promotions. riverdogs.com Good Eats on the Sweet Tea Trail – Learn about Summerville’s rich history while stopping off to sample desserts, sweet tea and more. Tours are at 10:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m. on 4/17 and 5/15. summervilledream.org

rewery/distillery article.

Follow us on Twitter @Traveler_Mag and on Facebook for more Charleston events, festivals and activities.

For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html 60 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com april-june 2015

photo: Middleton Place Foundation

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Middleton Place Rice Planting

Charles Towne Landing special events – 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 demonstrations. charlestownelanding.travel | 843-852-4200 The Sound of Charleston – Experience the unique sounds that define Charleston’s rich musical heritage: gospel, Gershwin, music of the Civil War, light classics and jazz, all presented by professional artists in a live, 75-minute concert at Circular Congregational Church. soundofcharleston.com | 843-270-4903 Shaggin’ on the Cooper – 4/25, 5/16 and 6/13. Local bands perform at the Mount Pleasant Pier while attendees dance the night away under the stars. ccprc.com “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 | 843-937-6453 “Captain Blackbeard’s Sing-Off Smackdown” – A witty, wacky, slapstick mystery where the only solution is to join ranks with dead pirates from Charleston’s history in an all-out battle for sing-a-long supremacy at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453 Charleston Farmers Market – Each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 4/4 through 11/28 in Marion Square, downtown Charleston. Open Sundays during Piccolo Spoleto Festival (5/24, 5/31, 6/7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). charlestonfarmersmarket.com Mount Pleasant Farmers Market – Each Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. until dusk beginning 4/7 at the Farmers Market Pavilion on Coleman Boulevard. comeonovermp.com Evenings in the Market – Each Friday and Saturday night, this street fair-style event showcases local artists, food vendors and designers the Historic Charleston City Market. thecharlestoncitymarket.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 Third Thursdays – Head to historic downtown Summerville from 5-8 p.m. every third Thursday. Shops and restaurants will be open late and some have special promotions. summervilledream.org

photo: Julie Lynn Photography

* Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead or check the listed website for confirmation.

Spoleto Festival USA

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

brewery/distillery article.

For more Charleston area events, online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

Charleston in Bloom On just about every street you’ll find trees in bloom, shrubs bursting with color and window boxes filled with fragrant flowers. You can see these beautiful blooms – and many more – by simply walking the Battery, the streets South of Broad and in many of Charleston’s parks.

Azaleas: With thousands of varieties of azaleas, they are a common shrub. You might not give them a second look most of the year but in the spring, they are certain to get your attention. Look for their mostly hot pink, red and white flowers in yards, gardens and parks all over town Wisteria: A high-climbing, trailing vine, wisteria can grow up to 70 feet long. In the spring, it drips clumps of lilac blooms in a showy display of springtime beauty.

Wisteria is an invasive plant because its dense growth can choke out trees and other plants.

Jasmine: This plant’s intoxicating scent is a true signal spring has arrived. Confederate jasmine is commonly found here in coastal South Carolina and its fragrant clusters of white and yellow flowers bloom on twining stems in spring and into the summer.

Crepe Myrtle: With its arching branches and flowers of bright pink, red and white, this tree is a Southern staple. Once the crepe myrtle shows its colors, you know spring is on its way.

Deal Directory Deal Directory Adventure Harbor Tours Adventure Sightseeing Tours Angler Management Charters Boone Hall Plantation Charleston Donuts Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Winery Children’s Museum Harbor Tour + Carriage Tour Combo Hyman’s Seafood Isle of Palms Marina Joe Pasta Palmetto Carriage Sandlapper Water Tours South Carolina Aquarium SpiritLine Dinner Cruise SpiritLine Harbor Cruise The Reel Deal Charters Velocity Aqua Sports

Offer $3 off ticket $3 off ticket Mention "Traveler" for discounts $2 off adult admission Free donut w/any purchase $2 off adult + $1 off child ticket Wine bottle stopper, purchase $20 or more One free with one paid admission Save 15% when booking together $5 off appetizer or 1 slice of key lime pie Rent boat for 2 hours get 2 hours free Buy one get one appetizer/2 entrees Free parking with tour $2 off adult + $1 off child ticket $3 off adult admission $10 off adult admission $4 off ticket Mention "Traveler" for discounts Mention "Traveler" for discounts

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Web Extras...

We can’t possibly fit everything there is to see and do in Charleston in one visitor guide so go to our website for more ways to make a memorable Charleston vacation.

Charleston bucket list: We created a list of 12 must-do activities Charleston – one for each month. It’s not too late to start planning the rest of your year!

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Spanish moss: You’ll find Spanish moss hanging from many a tree in the Lowcountry, but just what is this plant and how does it grow? We explore moss mysteries on our blog.

http://budurl.com/tc7e

Start saving: Head to our website for coupons for Charleston attractions, tours, restaurants and retailers. Who doesn’t like to save a few bucks?

http://budurl.com/rszd

More to See & Do There’s never a dull moment – or weekend – in Charleston. Head to our website for an expanded calendar of events and then comes the hard part: deciding what to do first. http://budurl.com/yec5

Let’s Be Social: We love connecting with Charleston visitors so join us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. We’re here to answer questions during your visit and we’d love to hear about your favorite Charleston spots and see your photos.

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WEB EXTRAS

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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, B:10 Battery, M:8 Charleston Museum, F:8 Charleston Place, I:7 Children’s Museum, F:7 Citadel Military College, B:1 College of Charleston, H:6 Dock Street Theater, J:8 Four Corners of Law, J:7 Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, G:9 Gibbes Museum, J:7 King Street Shopping District, G-J:7 Marion Square, G:7 Market Hall & City Market, I:8 Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, K:9 Old Powder Magazine, J:8 Old Slave Mart Museum, J:8 Rainbow Row, K:9 South Carolina Aquarium, F:11 St. Philip’s Church, J:8 St. Michael’s Church, K:8 Visitor’s Center, F:7 Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain, K:10

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Charleston Area Map

Getting Around Some transportation options for getting around downtown Charleston and the surrounding areas.

■ WATER TAXI: Transports visitors from downtown Charleston (Aquarium Wharf or WaterfrontPark) to Mount Pleasant (Patriots Point or Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina).

Taxi runs each hour; $10 for all-day pass. No reservations needed. Shem Creek route available; $20 round trip.

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 ■ LOWCOUNTRY LOOP TROLLEY: Go from downtown Charleston to attractions in Mount Pleasant and the beaches using this hop-on/hop-off trolley.

Cost is $15 for an individual roundtrip day pass. lowcountrylooptrolley.com 843-654-5199

■ RICKSHAWS AND PEDICABS: Available in downtown Charleston as are taxi cabs for transportation around the Lowcountry.

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SEE + DO Adventure Adventure Harbor Tours 42 Adventure Sightseeing Bus Tours 43 Angler Management Charters 34 Audubon Center at Beidler Forest 23 Barrier Island Eco Tours 28 Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater 18 Boone Hall + Harbor Tour Combo 31 Boone Hall Plantation 5 Bulldog Walking Ghost Tours 19 Carolina Queen 27 Carriage Tour + Harbor Tour Combo 37 Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site 39 Charleston Harbor Tours 3 Charleston Strolls Walking Tours 35 Charleston Tea Plantation 72 Charleston Water Taxi 40 Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry 24 Culinary Tours of Charleston 17 Drayton Hall 26 Edmondston-Alston House 30 Fort Sumter Tours 25 Isle of Palms Marina 29 Middleton Place 28 Nature Adventures Outfitters 38 North Charleston Cultural Arts Fest 20 North Charleston Fire Museum 35 Palmetto Carriage Works 2 Palmetto Walking Tours 7 Patriots Point Maritime Museum 41 Sandlapper Water Tours 34 Schooner Pride Sailing Tour 36 Sharkin’ Charleston Charters 18 South Carolina Aquarium 21 SpiritLine Harbor Tour 9 The Reel Deal Charters 22 The Sound of Charleston 38 Tidal Wave Watersports 29 Town of Summerville 33 USS Yorktown Ghost Tours 30 V.I.P. Adventures - Fishing 30 Velocity Water Sports 42 Walking + Harbor Tour Combo 32 Wild Blue Ropes 32

SHOP + SAVOR Charleston Old Time Photos Charleston Winery Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry Nice Ice Jewelry Palmettoville Boutique Shades of Charleston Terrace Oaks Antique Mall The Summer’s End Town of Mount Pleasant

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EAT + DRINK A.W. Shuck’s Charleston Crab House Charleston Donuts Cru Cafe East Bay Deli Hyman’s Seafood Joe Pasta Middleton Place Restaurant SpiritLine Dinner Cruise

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