First-Time Visitors Guide
See Charleston's Spooky Side
Our Picks for Holiday Events
october – december 2019 ®
TRAVELER of Charleston
The Source For All Things Charleston
ATTRACTIONS | TOURS | DINING | COUPONS | EVENTS | MAPS
travelerofcharleston.com COMPLIMENTARY MOBILE APP Exploring Charleston, SC #1 Ranked App for Charleston, SC
Contents
DEPARTMENTS 12 18 44 47 48 64 69
Welcome to Charleston See + Do Shop + Savor Shopping Guide Eat + Drink Maps Directory of Advertisers
FEATURES 14
Ghost Tours Delight with Spooky Stories
25
Charleston is All About Oysters
30
Must-Do Holiday Events in Charleston
34
First-Times Visitors Guide
44
Holiday Gift Guide
52
Raise a Pint at These Local Breweries
56
Love these Landmarks
60
Charleston Area Events
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Be sure to download our free mobile app, “Exploring Charleston SC.”
14
From the Publisher ere in Charleston we welcome the fall season with its cooler temperatures, seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations. It’s a wonderful time to visit! On Page 14, read about some of Charleston’s haunted spots and spooky stories. Then book a ghost tour for a thrilling – and chilling – look at Charleston’s past. From pumpkin patches and theater productions to Christmas parades and holiday markets, this fall season is packed with activities. Don’t miss our list of some of the best holiday events on Page 30. Plus, you can get all your holiday shopping done with our gift guide featuring local products on Page 44. If this is your first visit to Charleston, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to see and where to visit. To help you narrow down the options, we’ve created a first-time visitor guide available on Page 34. If you love trying new craft beers, don’t skip past our feature on Page 52 highlighting some of Charleston’s best local breweries. For more information, download our free mobile app with maps, parking locations, public restroom listings and coupons, plus details on attractions and tours. Search “Exploring Charleston SC” in the App Store or Google Play. To save money, time and hassle while you’re visiting, purchase a Charleston Tour Pass for access to some of the area’s best tours and attractions at a discounted price. Buy online at tourpass.com.
Traveler of Charleston Team
TRAVELER
Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Circulation................................. Brian Bean Cheral McCombs Cover Photography ................. hueandeye.com
H
®
of Charleston
Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.
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. HOLLY FISHER is a long-time writer and editor with a love of telling stories. She has lived in Charleston more than 15 years and enjoys sharing the tales of the Holy City with visitors and newcomers to the area. Holly lives in the Mount Pleasant area with her husband, daughter and two 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.
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.
The copy and advertising deadline for the next issue is December 1, 2019. 6 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
to CHARLESTON
T
HIS AMAZING PLACE ONLY GETS BETTER WITH TIME. Each year more people flock to this historic port city to explore 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 the 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
1670 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
1783 City renamed “Charleston”
1718 1680
Pirate Stede Bonnet is hanged at White Point
Charles Town relocates to the peninsula; population 1,000
1736 Dock Street Theatre opens, first building in colonial America used exclusively for theatrical performances
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1770
1775-1783
College of Charleston founded
Revolutionary War; Siege of Charleston in 1780
1824
1920
Charleston Museum opens to the public (founded in 1773)
Preservation Society founded to protect historic resources
1828-29 Young Army recruit named Edgar Allan Poe is stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island
1864
2016
H.L. Hunley sinks U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston harbor
1989 Hurricane Hugo hits the city and surrounding areas with 135 mph winds
In January Joseph P. Riley Jr. retires after 40 years as Charleston mayor
2006 Charleston Wine + Food Festival founded
1886 1861 1791 President George Washington visits, lodging at what is now the HeywardWashington 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
october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 13
Enter If You Dare Ghost tours delight with spooky stories of the past
Photo: Bulldog Tours
BY HOLLY FISHER
Photo: Bulldog Tours
The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Photo: Bulldog Tours
CIRCULAR CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 150 Meeting St., Charleston Visit this cemetery after dark and you just might catch a glimpse of the “trench ghost,” an unidentified woman in her late 20s wearing a haint blue dress. She’s constantly digging in what was a trench or mass grave used to bury those who died from a yellow fever outbreak in 1854. The ghost is looking for her two sons and desperately trying to reunite her family.
THE OLD EXCHANGE & PROVOST DUNGEON 122 East Bay St., Charleston The building dates to 1771 and has quite a past. The Declaration of Independence was presented on its steps, the U.S. Constitution was ratified in the Great Hall, and even President George Washington visited in 1791. That’s all great daytime history, but what’s spooky about this building is the cellar – or dungeon – that the British used to hold prisoners during the revolution. Pirates also were held captive on the site of what is now the Exchange Building in 1718. When you visit the dungeon after dark, stay alert.
Photo: Bulldog Tours
W
hen you arrive in Charleston, you expect to hear stories from the past. After all, Charleston is one of the country’s most historic cities. What visitors here might be surprised to find is that Charleston has a dark and torrid past teeming with spooky stories. From dark alleyways to dank dungeons, Charleston has plenty of spine-tingling tales. Here are a few of our favorite stories – and we bet you never heard these in history class.
Circular Church Graveyard october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 15
USS YORKTOWN 40 Patriots Points Road, Mount Pleasant Join Bulldog Tours for its Haunted Yorktown Tour where visitors are treated to stories of the American heroes who lived and died aboard the USS Yorktown. In fact, many of them are rumored to haunt the aircraft carrier to this day. Commissioned in 1943, the “Fighting Lady” was once manned by more than 3,000 people and designed to fight off enemies all over the globe during WWII. Hear stories of ultimate sacrifice during this exclusive nighttime tour. 16 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
Photo: Bulldog Tours
USS Yorktown Ghost Tours
Photo: USS Yorktown Ghost Tours
OLD CITY JAIL 21 Magazine St., Charleston This former jail housed thieves, murderers, pirates and other seriously scary folks in the 19th century. The jail operated from 1802 to 1939 and most of the original structure remains intact, including the very cells where the criminals stayed. In fact, the jail held some of Charleston’s most notorious criminals, including John and Lavinia Fisher, convicted of robbery and murder in the Charleston area in the 1800s, as well as 19th-century pirates who were held at the jail while awaiting hanging.
Magnolia Cemetery
Photo: Bulldog Tours
Old City Jail
Can’t get enough of Charleston’s spooky side? Take one of these tours for a dose of thrills and chills. Bulldog Tours: Ghost & Graveyard Walking Tour, Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour and the Dark Side of Charleston Walking Tour. Tours meet at 18 Anson St.; purchase tickets at bulldogtours.com.
Sisters from Poogan's Porch
POOGAN’S PORCH 72 Queen St., Charleston Stories abound of sightings of 19th-century schoolteacher Zoe St. Amand, who lived in the house at 72 Queen St. with her sister, Elizabeth. Legend has it that when Elizabeth died, Zoe became depressed, lonely and her mental health declined. In 1976, the house was converted to a restaurant – and a little neighborhood dog, Poogan, became a fixture on the porch, greeting the restaurant guests. Poogan died in 1979 and is buried on the property. Diners and restaurant staff have reported seeing Zoe’s ghost as well as the ghost of Poogan. Even guests who stay on the Queen Street side of the Mills House across the street have reported nighttime Zoe sightings. MAGNOLIA CEMETERY 70 Cunnington Ave., Charleston Previously unavailable to tourists, Bulldog Tours just this year started offering nighttime tours of Magnolia Cemetery. During this tour, you’ll walk among the graves of the 35,000 people buried in the cemetery, including authors and poets, artists, Confederate generals and soldiers, prominent politicians, bootleggers, prostitutes and socialites. Discover the grave sites for more than a thousand confederate soldiers, including the eight-member crew of the H.L. Hunley, the Confederate submarine sunk by Union forces in 1864. Tour guides delight visitors with stories of an unsolved murdered socialite, an outraged politician who ordered his butler’s execution and other scandalous tragedies. Special thanks to Randy Johnson and John LaVerne of Bulldog Tours for sharing some of these stories.
Sandlapper Tours: Hear the tales of lost fortunes, pirate ships and tragic death while riding Charleston’s dark waves. Purchase tickets at sandlappertours.com. Ashley on the Cooper: Participate in an interactive Murder Walk. Retrace the steps of a killer and unfold an unsolved crime. Purchase tickets at ashleyonthecooper.com. Tour Charleston LLC: Take a nighttime tour of the Unitarian Church Graveyard built in 1772, while hearing stories from the book, “The Ghosts of Charleston” by Julian T. Buxton III. Purchase tickets at tourcharleston.com. If you love a spine-tingling haunted house, Boone Hall Fright Nights is the place to be in October. It’s a Charleston twist on the traditional haunted house, featuring four new scary attractions. Not recommended for those under 12. Get ticket information at boonehallfrightnights.com.
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, be sure to join Bulldog Tours for its Ghosts of Christmas Past tour. For some unfortunate souls in Charleston’s past, Christmastime was a season of sorrow and tragedy. During this tour, visit the gates of St. Philip’s Cemetery to learn about the horror of a holiday dare gone terribly wrong. See Washington Square Park and listen to the tale of a young woman heartbroken at Christmas who continues to search for her long-lost love. This tour is at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in December only. Learn more and purchase tickets at bulldogtours.com.
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See + Do Charleston is known for her rich history, picturesque scenery and culinary excellence. 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 Sound of Charleston Show location: Circular Congregational Church: 150 Meeting St. • Charleston • (G:8) • 843-2704903 • soundofcharleston.com • A recent review by Frommers Travel Guide sums the show up perfectly: “The best night out in the city is this must-see performance of gospel, Gershwin, music of the Civil War, light classics and jazz - all the elements of Charleston's rich musical stew”.
BOAT & WATER Barrier Island Eco-Tours For the seventh consecutive year, the readers of Travel + Leisure ranked Charleston the No. 1 City in the United States in the World’s Best Awards 2019.
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.
TRAVELER Tidbit "It is impossible for me to enter Charleston from any side, whether by land or by sea, and not feel that here the land is precious; here is a place worth keeping..." -- Charleston artist Elizabeth O'Neill Verner (1883-1979)
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Visit the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park where more than 2 million lights shine throughout the season. Fun fact: An estimated 25,000 hot cocoas are sold on the festival grounds each year.
SEE + DO
BOAT & WATER 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! Fully stocked bar and snack bar with items for purchase on board. Call or go online for schedule and tickets or see our ad on page 2.
Charleston Water Taxi Downtown: Maritime Center • 10 Wharfside St. (Map: K:5/6) • Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point • (Map: O:2) Waterfront Park Pier • (Map J:8) • 843-330-2989 charlestonwatertaxi.com • The water taxi runs on a continuous loop around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston with pick-up/ drop-off points at the Maritime Center and Waterfront Park.
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 they can be rented. Located on picturesque Shem Creek where dolphins and wildlife are all around to experience up-close.
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. Rated as one of the top 10 things to do in Charleston and one of the top Sunset Sails in North America, the Pride is a great way to get out on the water! Beer, wine, champagne, sodas and water available for purchase on board. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, go online or call for tickets.
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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BLACK HISTORY IN AMERICA EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY AT BOONE HALL PLANTATION Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant presents "Black History in America" as part of the Boone Hall experience. What really makes this critically acclaimed exhibit unique is that this story is told using nine of the original slave cabins located on Boone Hall Plantation that were built between 1790 and 1810. Each of these buildings present different themes in telling the black history story and is part of Boone Hall's commitment to accurately inform and educate visitors about that history. Visitors see the different aspects of daily life, how black Americans worked and lived, struggles that were faced, as well as follow different periods of historical progression from the beginning all the way up to present day. Pre-recorded narratives, audiovisual presentations, photos, pictures, biographical information, and actual historical relics are interwoven and meshed together in displays throughout the structures presenting this exhibit. Themes for each cabin are: Cabin 1 – Praise House Cabin 2 – Heritage of Sweetgrass Baskets Cabin 3 – Their Life & Family Cabin 4 – Archaeological Discoveries Cabin 5 – Their Work and Life
Cabin 6 – Emancipation & Freedom Cabin 7 – Struggle for Civil Rights Cabin 8 – Heroes and Leaders Cabin 9 – Exploring the Gullah Culture
"Exploring the Gullah Culture" is presented throughout most of the year as part of this exhibit and according to visitors, is a must see when touring this historical venue. Through the only live presentations of this kind given on any plantation in the Lowcountry, actual descendants of the culture give real life perspectives on the history of their people and the adversity that was faced. But theirs is a message of hope as they emphasize that it is important to let go of the divisiveness of the past in order to move forward to accomplish a better future. The “Black History in America” exhibit is included with admission to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. Learn more at boonehallplantation.com. october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 23
SEE + DO
CARRIAGE TOURS
COMBO TOURS
Palmetto Carriage Works
Gray Line & Fort Sumter Tour Combo
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.
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.
COMBO TOURS Charleston Harbor Tours & Palmetto Carriage Combo Charleston Harbor Tours • Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside Street • (Map :J:5/6) Palmetto Carriage Works • Big Red Barn, 8 Guignard Street • 843-722-1112 • (Map: H:7) CharlestonHarborTours.com PalmettoCarriage.com • Join two of Charleston’s most reputable tour companies for the most popular combination tour. This is a great way to save time and money and get a great overview of the Holy City. Book tickets in advance and you can save $6 on adult tickets! You can even split the tours up over different days! Book online or call for tickets.
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Tour Pass Charleston & Savannah tourpass.com • Admission included for over 40 of Charleston's top tours, attractions and historic sites. Choose a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 day pass and instantly receive the Mobile Pass to begin attractions. Purchased online only. Smartphone required.
FISHING CHARTERS Reel Deal Charters 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!
Charleston is All About the Oysters With local oysters largely available year -round,visitors can dine on oysters at one of Charleston’s many seafood restaurants and oyster bars. While Carolina oysters may be the same species as other oysters along the East Coast, they are distinct in the fact they have a longer shell and a saltier taste. Here are a few places where you can get some excellent oysters.
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar 205 East Bay St. in Charleston 843-853-8600 amenstreet.com
Morgan Creek Grill 80 41st Ave. on Isle of Palms 843-886-8980 morgancreekgrill.com
Bowens Island Restaurant 1870 Bowens Island Road in Charleston (Folly Beach) 843-795-2757
Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant 7842 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston 843-824-1000 noisyoysterseafood.com
Charleston Crab House 41 S. Market St. in Charleston 843-853-2900 145 Wappoo Creek Drive in Charleston (James Island) 843-795-1963 charlestoncrabhouse.com
Oyster House 35 S. Market St. in Charleston 843-723-1151 oysterhouse.menu
Coast Bar and Grill 39-D John St. in Charleston 843-722-8838 holycityhospitality.com Folly Beach Crab Shack 26 Center St. on Folly Beach 843-588-3080 crabshacks.com Hank’s Seafood Restaurant 10 Hayne St. in Charleston 843-723-3474 hanksseafoodrestaurant.com Hyman’s Seafood 215 Meeting St. in Charleston 843-723-6000 hymanseafood.com Leon’s 698 King St. in Charleston 843-531-6500 leonsoystershop.com
Pearlz Oyster Bar 153 East Bay St. in Charleston 843-577-5755 9 Magnolia Road in Charleston (West Ashley) 843-573-2277 pearlzoysterbar.com Rappahannock Oyster Bar 701 East Bay Street, No. 110 in Charleston 843-576-4693 rroysters.com/restaurants/ rappoysterbarchs Shem Creek Bar & Grill 508 Mill St. in Mount Pleasant 843-884-8102 shemcreekbarandgrill.com The Darling Oyster Bar 153 King St. in Charleston 843-641-0821 thedarling.com 167 Raw 289 East Bay St. 843-579-4997 167raw.com/Charleston october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 25
SEE + DO
MOTORIZED LAND TOURS Adventure Sightseeing 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!
Photo: City of North Charleston
Gray Line of Charleston
Outside put Charleston on its 2019 list of the 112 Best Places to Live. The magazine gave special mention to North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood with its access to parks, restaurants and Commonhouse Aleworks with its large outdoor patio.
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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.
SEE + DO
MUSEUMS AND PARKS
MUSEUMS AND PARKS
Audubon Center at Beidler Forest
Edmondston-Alston House
336 Sanctuary Rd. • 336 Sanctuary Rd. 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-year-old trees and native wildlife; walk the 1.75-mile boardwalk into the swamp. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m-5 p.m. Harleyville, S.C.
21 East Battery • Charleston • 843-722-7171 edmondstonalston.com • Circa 1828; a gracious example of early 19th-century elegance, style and comfort. The only historic house downtown with a view of Charleston Harbor. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday & Monday 1-4:30 p.m. Tickets: $12/adult, $11/military, $8/student, 5 & under free. Combo tickets available with Middleton Place plantation.
Charleston Zip Line Adventures 1152 Guerins Bridge Rd. • Awendaw • (Map K:6) 843-928-3947 charlestonziplineadventures.com The only zip line canopy tour in the Charleston area! Canopy Tour: Fly through the trees on this guided tour. Kids Zip Line Tour: For beginners or ages 5-13. Climbing Wall: 60’ climbing wall with three difficulty levels. Reservations recommended. Enter or mention code TRVCHS10 for $5 off!
TRAVELER Tidbit The Circular Congregational Church cemetery is likely the oldest English burial ground still in existence in Charleston. The earliest unmarked grave dates from 1695.
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Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of downtown.
Must-Do Holiday Events in Charleston By Holly Fisher
Festival of Lights
he holiday season in Charleston is packed with tree lightings, markets, parades and performances guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Whether you love seeing your favorite holiday movie acted out on stage, singing along to classic Christmas carols or shopping locally made crafts, Charleston is the place to be as you celebrate the season. We’ve put together a few of our favorite holiday activities. For more seasonal fun, see our Calendar of Events on Page 60.
T
TWINKLE LIGHTS FOR MILES: Journey through 3 miles of 2 million shimmering lights at James Island County Park. The annual Holiday Festival of Lights is a Lowcountry tradition as holiday scenes and local landmarks come to life in the hundreds of displays lining the park. The Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening, rain or shine, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Drive through the light displays and then explore the Winter Wonderland with marshmallow roasting, train rides, old-fashioned carousel, gift shops and entertainment on select evenings. Info: holidayfestivaloflights.com Belmond Charleston Place
ALL ABOARD FOR THE HOLIDAY TRAIN: Beginning Nov. 22, stop off at Belmond Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St., to see the lobby transformed into a magical holiday wonderland. Situated among the beautifully decorated trees and garland-draped stairways is a miniature replica of the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress train. The display features miniature European alpine homes, tiny churches, realistic stables and a blacksmith shop. Three trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, complete with smokestacks and whistles run on different routes at average speeds of 70 MPH (scale speed).
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Photo: Piwakawaka Photo
Seasonal Favorites
Photo: Damon R. Smith
Christmas Special
CHRISTMASTIME, BABY: Join 34 West Theater on Meeting Street for “It's Christmas, Babe!” as a big city department store runs wild with holiday "moddness." With music from The Animals to Dusty Springfield, comes a delightful new 1960s comedy from the creators of “I Got You Babe.” Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Info: 34west.org
WINE UNDER THE OAKS: On Dec. 8, head to Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant for an afternoon of wine tastings, food, desserts and live music. This event is 21+ only. Info: boonehallplantation.com
MUSICAL MOMENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: If you love the sounds of the season mixed with dancing, comedy sketches and more talent than one stage can hold, the Charleston Christmas Special is for you. Seasoned producers Brad and Jennifer Moranz have created a brand-new show sure to delight all ages. Performances are Dec. 13-22 at the Charleston Music Hall in the heart of downtown Charleston. Info: bradandjennifermoranz.com
HILARIOUS HOLIDAY CLASSIC: Join Charleston Stage for “Elf: The Musical” at the historic Dock Street Theatre. On stage Dec. 4-22, this production is based on the 2003 Will Ferrell film. It’s the story of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised as an elf and unaware that he is actually a human, Buddy realizes he is different when he grows up to tower over the other elves and finds that he is a disastrous toy maker. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his true identity. Info: charlestonstage.com SHOP THE HOLIDAY MARKET: The Charleston Farmers Market is open select Saturdays and Sundays throughout December from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22). Head to Marion Square in downtown Charleston for locally made arts and crafts while enjoying special entertainment, music and food. Info: charlestonfarmersmarket.com
SET SAIL FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Gather on the shores of the Charleston harbor to watch boats of all shapes and sizes decorated for the holiday season. The Parade of Boats on Saturday, Dec. 14 begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Mount Pleasant side of the Cooper River and ends on the Ashley River at 8 p.m. Info: charlestonarts.org
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SEE + DO
MUSEUMS AND PARKS 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. Tours depart Liberty Square in downtown Charleston (handicapped accessible) and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant
North Charleston/American LaFrance Fire Museum 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.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum 40 Patriots Point Rd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-884-2727 • patriotspoint.org Walk in the steps of heroes at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, home of the USS Yorktown, and SC’s most unique attraction. With fresh exhibits, educational programming and other one-of-a-kind events, Patriots Point is the only Charleston-area historic attraction that offers exciting new experiences all year long. See ad for $3 off coupon.
Photo: Charleston Parks Conservancy
PLANTATIONS
TRAVELER Tidbit Head to one of Charleston’s most iconic public parks, Colonial Lake, on Dec. 6 for Light the Lake hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy. This free holiday-themed event is family and pet friendly.
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Boone Hall Plantation 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.
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.
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 few things you just can’t miss. We’ve compiled a list of the must-visit attractions and tours to see 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. 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 Visit one of Charleston’s many plantations to see how wealthy plantation owners lived and for a deeper understanding of slave life in the Lowcountry. Area plantations include Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall Plantation, Magnolia Plantation, McLeod Plantation and Middleton Place Plantation. 34 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
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
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, the Confederate artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston’s harbor. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later, and Union forces 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.
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SEE + DO
WALKING TOURS
WALKING TOURS
Bulldog Tours
The Spirits of Magnolia Cemetery Tour
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.
70 Cunnington Ave. Charleston 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com This 90-minute walking tour gives you exclusive access to Charleston’s most hauntingly beautiful Victorian burial grounds…at night! The 90-minute tour promises the best of Magnolia’s history, mystery, and spirits. Reservations Required.
Charleston Strolls Walk With History Mills House Hotel (corner of Meeting & Queen) 18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map H:7) 843-722-8687 • charlestonstrolls.com 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.
Haunted Yorktown Tour 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com | ome aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and hear stories of the American Heroes who lived, died and are still rumored to be there today. Exclusive night time access to area of the ship closed to the public.
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Stop by the Red Barn at Palmetto Carriage Works (8 Guignard St.) to visit the horses, mules and other animals. (Fee for tours but no charge to visit the barn.)
Photo: Andrew Cebulka
SEE + DO
A National Historic Landmark, the Fireproof Building at 100 Meeting St. is known as the oldest ďŹ re-resistant building in the United States. The structure was built in 1827 with the purpose of housing city records for ultimate safe-keeping. Now, the building houses the South Carolina Historical Society Museum.
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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.
Shop King Street On the second Sunday of each month, the street is closed so visitors and locals can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment.
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 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.
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.
Sweetgrass baskets are found throughout the City Market in downtown Charleston and along U.S. Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant. The baskets – brought to the area by West African slaves more than 300 years ago – are a piece of treasured art and Lowcountry culture. Pick one up for a souvenir or as a gift.
TRAVELER Tidbit Join the Charleston Gallery Association for a free evening Art Walk on the first Friday of each month. Stroll through some 40 galleries admiring paintings, sculpture and photography. Or visit charlestongalleryassociation.com to download a free map of area galleries and plan your own art walk.
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CHARLESTON Holiday Gift Guide
A visit to Charleston is the perfect time to do some holiday shopping for friends and family. Choose from specialty food items, arts and crafts, jewelry and other items completely unique to Charleston. We’ve selected a few favorites for our Holiday Gift Guide we think would make great presents. And be sure to pick up a little something for yourself!
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} For the hostess The pineapple is used in architecture and décor all around Charleston as a welcoming symbol of hospitality. According to the Historic Charleston Foundation, seafaring captains from East Coast ports, including Charleston, would impale fresh pineapples – souvenirs of their travels to tropical ports – atop the porch railings of their homes when they returned. It was a sign the man of the house was home and receiving visitors. Take some hospitality home with a Charleston Pineapple Brass Ornament available from the Historic Charleston Foundation Shop, 108 Meeting St. Price: $20 or order online at historiccharleston.org.
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For the oyster shucker It’s a two for one with this oyster knife. Pop open those oysters and a cold beverage with one handy knife. The Stowaway Shucker from Charleston Shucker Co. features a beveled stainless-steel blade with a built-in bottle opener that folds for safe, convenient storage. Price: $45 (personalized engraving available). Visit charlestonshuckerco.com to order online or for a list of local retailers. Special deal for Traveler of Charleston readers: save 15% off your online purchase of a Stowaway Shucker with code “Traveler.” Offer expires Dec. 31, 2019.
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For the pampered Old Whaling Co. makes bar soaps, bath bombs, body butter and salt scrubs so treat yourself – or a loved one – to soft and smooth skin. Try the body butter set for a blend of shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe vera perfect for all skin types. Choose from five different fragrances or go with the best-selling one, fruityscented Seaberry. Fun fact: Old Whaling Co. was featured in O: The Oprah Magazine in July 2018. Price: $50; order online at oldwhalingcompany.com or stop by their shop at 43 Broad St. or in the City Market at 188 Meeting St.
For the wine drinker At Deep Water Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island, you’ll find vines filled with muscadine grapes, a fruit native to the Southeastern United States. Those grapes are turned into authentic muscadine wine – five different labels from four varieties of grapes. Pick up a few bottles for friends or as a holiday party hostess gift. Deep Water Wine is available at retail locations around the Charleston area and at the vineyard; see deepwatervineyard.com for details (tours and tastings also available).
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For the baker From Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, the Cinnamon Stickies BiscuitBox comes with all the essentials needed to bake, transport and serve the perfect stickies. This ideal holiday gift includes one biscuit mix, a bag of pecans, a jar of honey, a jar of cinnamon topping and a recipe card. Price: $75.80; order online at calliesbiscuits.com
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For the craft beer connoisseur Experience Charleston's amazing brewery scene with the Brew Hop Pass. The free mobile app lists and describes Charleston's top breweries and includes maps and other helpful information. By purchasing a subscription (48-hour, monthly or an annual pass), you can take advantage of offers such as BOGO pint, free flights and more. Purchase online at brewhoppass.com
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SHOP + SAVOR 46 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
Shop your way around Charleston DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON ■ King Street is a shopper’s paradise lined with national retailers, locally owned boutiques with clothing, housewares and handmade items. 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 Street to East Bay Street and is home to more than 300 vendors selling everything from art and jewelry to T-shirts and sweetgrass baskets. ■ Visit the Night Market from 6:3010:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday for live music and local arts and crafts. SUMMERVILLE Take the main Summerville exit off Interstate 26 and follow the signs to the charming historic district and town square. There you’ll find loads of local boutiques and shops, including 12 antique stores, coffee shops and restaurants, a community theater and one of the top quilt shops in the country. From 5:30-8:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, businesses stay open later and the town square is filled with entertainment.
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, Palmetto Moon, Hairy Winston Pet Boutique, Athleta 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 or pick up something new to wear at II Brunettes. Shop for accessories, furniture and gifts at Lavender Hill Designs.. The Coastal Cupboard has a selection of specialty food items and cookware. shopbellehall.com NORTH CHARLESTON Tanger Outlets has dozens of nationally known retailers offering apparel for adults and children, shoes, accessories, housewares and jewelry. The area also has several restaurants and is easily accessible from both Interstates 526 and 26. tangeroutlet.com/charleston
Share your Charleston shopping moments on our Facebook page at facebook.com/travelermag october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 47
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!
From shrimp and grits and crab cakes to local craft beer and spirits, you’ll discover why Charleston food is fabulous.
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.
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 p.m. and can stroll through the gardens prior to dinner service, which begins at 6 p.m.
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.
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EAT + DRINK 50 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
Raise a pint at some of Charleston’s local breweries By Holly Fisher
If you love trying craft beers, you’ve come to the right city. Charleston’s beer scene has exploded in the last few years. Here are some pints to try. REVELRY BREWING CO. 10 Conroy St., Charleston revelrybrewingco.com We love this downtown Charleston brewery for its rooftop and dog-friendly atmosphere. Be sure to try the signature Gullah Cream Ale, brewed with grits from Geechie Boy Mill on Edisto Island. EDMUND’S OAST BREWING CO. 1505 King St., Charleston edmundsoast.com Featuring a 65-foot bar and more than 26 homemade beverages, Edmund’s Oast Brewing has a taproom and restaurant so you can grab some snacks to go with your beer. Try the Leather Jacket, an American porter expressing round notes of earthy chocolate and oak, brought together with a touch of sweet caramel. MUNKLE BREWING CO. 1513 Meeting St., Charleston munklebrewing.com Munkle’s laid-back atmosphere pairs nicely with a game of pool or while watching the big game. Be sure to give some rubs to Munkle’s shop dog, Brugge, while sipping the Brugge City Brune, a Belgian brown ale that’s malty and complex with a dry finish and lots of fruity Belgian yeast notes. FATTY’S BEER WORKS 1436 Meeting St., Charleston fattysbeerworks.com Each beer is inspired by brewmaster Fatty’s travels through time and around the world. Try the “First Show,” a classic West Coast IPA with an intense floral aroma, or the “Musket Mule,” a kettle sour with ginger and lime reminiscent of the Moscow Mule. COOPER RIVER BREWING 2201-B Mechanic St., Charleston cooperriverbrewing.com This brewery is hoppin’! Visit Cooper River Brewing for music, trivia and special events. Try the orange-infused blonde ale or the porter, which uses roasted and chocolate malt with hints of coffee to complement the burnt flavor for easy drinking.
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PALMETTO BREWING 289 Huger St., Charleston palmettobrewery.com The first licensed brewery to open in the state of South Carolina since the fall of Prohibition, Palmetto Brewery is a great place to hang out and watch a football game or listen to live music on the patio. Try the Huger Street IPA, their version of an India Pale Ale. TRADESMAN BREWING CO. 1647 King Street Extension, Charleston tradesmanbrewing.com The spacious outdoor patio at Tradesman Brewing Co. is the perfect place to enjoy a cold craft beer after a day of sightseeing around Charleston. Be sure to order a pint of “Transmission Fluid,” based on an American wheat beer with roasted beets and ginger. TWO BLOKES BREWING 547 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant twoblokesbrewing.com Open seven days a week, Two Blokes has plenty of special events and food trucks to enhance your visit. Leashed dogs and children are welcome. Try a pint of one of their flagship beers, “Drone,” a flavorful IPA that uses South Carolina wildflower honey from Bee Well Honey in Pickens, S.C. GHOST MONKEY 522 Wando Lane, Mount Pleasant ghostmonkeybrewery.com Open daily with live music, food trucks, trivia and other special events, head to Ghost Monkey for a pint of Cat's Meow, a pink peppercorn saison, or "Ice Ice Baby!", a coconut vanilla cream ale. INDIGO REEF BREWING 2079 Wambaw Creek, Charleston (near Daniel Island) indigoreefbrewing.com One of the area’s newer breweries, Indigo Reef is quickly becoming a local favorite. Pull up a bar stool and try the raspberry wheat or coffee blonde ale. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the “Butter Go Nuts,” a peanut butter porter also available on nitro.
RUSTY BULL BREWING CO. 3005 W. Montague Ave., North Charleston rustybullbrewing.com This is one busy brewery. Enjoy live music, trivia and Chucktown Axe Throwing. Order up sandwiches, wraps and appetizers from the kitchen while sipping on an India pale ale, porter or “Piece of Wit,” their take on a witbier style with a classic haze and citrus notes rounded out with bright kiwi and a light coriander finish.
Experience Charleston's amazing brewery scene with the Brew Hop Pass. The free mobile app lists and describes Charleston's top breweries and includes maps and other helpful information. By purchasing a subscription (48-hour, monthly or an annual pass), you can take advantage of offers such as BOGO pint, free flights and more. Purchase online at brewhoppass.com
SAMPLE SOME SPIRITS HIGH WIRE DISTILLING 652 King St, Charleston | highwiredistilling.squarespace.com High Wire produces a distinctive line of small batch spirits, including gin, rum, whiskey and vodka using premium, specialized ingredients. Tours are available Monday to Saturday. STRIPED PIG DISTILLERY 2225 Old School Drive A, North Charleston | stripedpigdistillery.com This small craft distillery creates premium vodka, gin, rum, spiced rum and whiskey. Tours are available Thursday to Saturday. CANNON DISTILLERY 813 A Savannah Highway, Charleston |cannondistillery.net Located in West Ashley’s Avondale community, Cannon Distillery uses locally sourced ingredients to produce three vodkas. Open 1-7 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. NIPPITATY DISTILLERY 4208 Pace St., North Charleston | nippitatydistillery.com Opened in 2017, Nippitaty Distillery uses a dual batch method, combining two different gin recipes to create one smooth, sweet spirit. Open Friday and Saturday afternoons. DEEP WATER VINEYARD 6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island | deepwatervineyard.com Relax under a canopy of live oaks while sipping wine made from muscadine grapes, a fruit native to the Southeast. Tours and tastings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
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EAT + DRINK
CASUAL DINING 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.
East Bay Deli 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 like Certified Angus Beef. The varied menu menu comes with many options: soups, chili, both hearty and heart-healthy sandwiches, wraps, giant spuds and desserts.
Oyster House on Market 35 S. Market St. • Charleston • (Map H:7) 843-723-1151 • oysterhouse.menu • Come get fresh with us! Oyster House on Market is the newest restaurant in downtown Charleston! We are a causal fine dining establishment with a focus on oysters and seafood. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
The Shelter Kitchen + Bar 202 Coleman Blvd. • Mount Pleasant • (Map O:2) 843-388-3625 • theshelterkitchenandbar.com One of Mount Pleasant's favorite restaurants and bars located by the hotspot known as Shem Creek. Locally sourced menu serving amazing brunch, lunch, dinner and a great place for a cocktail any time of day on their dog friendly patio.
DRINK + NIGHTLIFE Deep Water Vineyard 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 with us - we have many animals, a garden, outdoor games, and 50 acres to explore. It’s a full day of fun for the whole family.
TRAVELER Tidbit Benne Wafers are a uniquely Lowcountry snack. Dating back to Colonial times, the wafers came to America from East Africa during the slave trade era. “Benne” is the Bantu word for “sesame.” Sesame – with its mild, nutty taste – was wildly planted throughout the South. 54 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
Love these Landmarks Soak up Charleston history at these key attractions
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earn the history of Charleston and see some of the city’s most beautiful public spaces by visiting these area landmarks. These attractions are free or low cost. Be sure to download the free Traveler of Charleston mobile app for information and directions to all of these landmarks and more. (travelerofcharleston.com/download-the-app) Angel Oak Estimated to be 300-400 years old, the majestic Angel Oak is worth a visit. The oak tree towers 65 feet high and has a circumference of 25.5 feet. Its area of shade is 17,000 square feet and its largest limb has a circumference of 11.5 feet, and a length of 89 feet. No admission to visit the park and take photos, plus there’s a gift shop and picnic area. Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Opened in July 2005, this cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River has become an iconic symbol of Charleston. This architectural marvel has a 2-mile bike/pedestrian lane called Wonders’ Way. Free parking is available on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston and also on the Mount Pleasant side at Memorial Waterfront Park so you can walk the bridge for a bird’s eye view of the Charleston harbor.
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Fort Moultrie Visit Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island for a greater understanding of history from the American Revolution through World War II. Insider tip: Walk the beach there for stunning views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston skyline from a distance. Address: 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island
Fort Sumter Calling all history buffs! Visit the spot where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Located in the Charleston harbor, Fort Sumter also played key roles in the Revolutionary War against the British and was Charleston’s main defense from seaside attacks. In 1966, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit the fort via ferry operated by Fort Sumter Tours. Tours depart from the Aquarium Wharf downtown or at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 57
Marion Square Spanning more than 6 acres in the heart of downtown Charleston, Marion Square was established as a parade ground for the state arsenal under construction on the north side of the square. It is best known as the former Citadel Green because The Citadel occupied the arsenal from 1843 until 1922, when the military college moved to Charleston’s west side. The name was then changed to Marion Square, in honor of Francis Marion. This city park hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year. Address: 329 Meeting St., Charleston
Pitt Street Bridge Once a trolley bridge that connected Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant, the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village is a beautiful spot for walking and jogging. Fish from the pier or kayak in the Charleston harbor. The park is also a spectacular spot for catching the sunset with the Ravenel Bridge in the background.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon The Old Exchange is a must-see for all Charleston visitors. During your visit, you will discover this building’s integral role in our country’s quest for independence and its important service to our young nation. The Old Exchange began its existence as a public building and remains so today. Take a tour (admission: $5-$10) to see various aspects of Charleston history during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras and put into context the people and events of the period. Address: 122 East Bay St., Charleston
Rainbow Row Rainbow Row is the name for a series of colorful historic houses located north of Tradd Street and south of Elliot Street on East Bay Street. It is referred to as Rainbow Row for the pastel colors used to paint the houses. It is a common tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed areas of Charleston. You may hear a number of tales as to why the houses are painted so colorfully. One is so intoxicated sailors coming in from the port could remember which house to bunk in.
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The Battery The Battery is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade in Charleston, famous for its stately antebellum homes. Named for a Civil War coastal defense artillery battery at the site, it stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper rivers. Address: 2 Murray Blvd., Charleston
St. Michaels Church & Graveyard St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church edifice in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. In the 1680s, a small wooden church – the first in the new town of Charles Town – was built on this spot for the families of the Church of England and named St. Philip’s. John Rutledge, the first governor of South Carolina and signer of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution is buried in the graveyard here. Address: 80 Meeting St., Charleston
Riley Waterfront Park Riley Waterfront Park is a 12-acre park along a one-half mile stretch of the Cooper River in Charleston. The public park has a pier with swings and it’s a great place to see some dolphins and snap some photos of the harbor. Be sure to dip your toes in the Pineapple Fountain – another iconic Charleston symbol. Address: 1 Vendue Range, Charleston
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Visitor Center Charles Pinckney was a principal author and a signer of the U.S. Constitution. This historic site is a 28-acre remnant of Pinckney's Snee Farm, a rice and indigo plantation. Located on site is an 1828 coastal cottage that serves as a museum and visitor center. Exhibits tell the story of Pinckney and his contributions to the United States as a young and emerging nation as well as detailing 18th-century plantation life for free and enslaved people at Snee Farm. Address: 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant
St. Philips Church & Graveyard Building and graveyard are open to the public Monday to Friday. Established in 1681, St. Philip’s is the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina. The first St. Philip’s Church, a wooden building, was built between 1680 and 1681 at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets on the present day site of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. It was damaged in a hurricane in 1710 and a new St. Phillip’s Church was begun a few blocks away on Church Street. Address: 146 Church St., Charleston october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 59
Charleston Area Events october – december 2019 Victory Cup OCTOBER Through Boone Hall Fright Nights – A Charleston twist on the traditional haunted house 10/31 All-new for 2019 with four new scary attractions. Not recommended for those (select under 12 years of age. boonehallfrightnights.com dates) 1-31
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch – Corn maze, hay mountain, play areas, rock climbing wall, goat walk and more at this family friendly event. Plus, visit the pumpkin patch to buy pumpkins by the pound. boonehallpumpkinpatch.com
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The Fall Tours: Homes, History & Architecture – Visit some of the most historic homes and gardens in America on these self-paced tours organized by the Preservation Society of Charleston. preservationsociety.org/falltours/
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Charleston Gallery Association Artwalk – Stroll the historic streets of Charleston, visiting more than 30 participating art galleries. charlestongalleryassociation.com
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Autumn on the Ashley Arts and Crafts Fair – Magnolia Plantation and Gardens hosts dozens of Lowcountry artisans selling wood carvings, paintings, textiles, jewelry, photography and more. magnoliaplantation.com
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Scarecrows on the Square – Visit the Town of Summerville’s historic downtown square area to see the many scarecrows created by local businesses, civic groups, individuals and schools. jslsummerville.com
13
Latin America Festival – Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Latin world with live salsa, bachata and merengue music, dance performances, authentic Latin American and Caribbean food at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. charlestoncountyparks.com
13-20
Free Verse Poetry Festival – The City of Charleston’s first poetry festival with eclectic poetry events and workshops at multiple venues around Charleston. freeversefestival.com
16-11/3
“Nevermore! Voyage Into the Netherworld” – This performance at the Dock Street Theatre speculates on what might have happened to Edgar Allan Poe on a nighttime voyage that ended in his death a few days later. charlestonstage.com
19
Piecing Together the Past with Archaeology – Dig into history at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. Discover how archaeologists see beyond written records and learn about past cultures based on artifacts left behind. charlestownelanding.travel
19
Harvest Festival & Block Party – Head to North Charleston’s Park Circle area for live musical performances, an artist market, costume contests, trick-or-treat on the street, a pop-up pumpkin patch and children’s activities. northcharleston.org
31-11/10 Coastal Carolina Fair – Enjoy more than 64 rides, photography and craft exhibits, entertainment and, of course, all the fair food you can eat. coastalcarolinafair.org
60 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com october-december 2019
NOVEMBER 2
FAM JAM – Join the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry for a free family festival in Marion Square featuring live music, entertainment and hands-on activities explorecml.org
2
Harvest Festival – Enjoy bluegrass music, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, archery and a crafters market along with plenty of Carolina barbecue and cold drinks at Johns Island County Park. charlestoncountyparks.com
3
Scottish Games & Highland Gathering – Boone Hall Plantation is home to this annual event with traditional Scottish sports, fiddling competition, Highland dancing, and a sheep dog demonstration. boonehallplantation.com
8-9
YALLfest: Charleston Young Adult Book Festival – 70 of the country's top young adult authors host presentations and signings at various locations around Charleston. yallfest.org
9-10
Plantation Days at Middleton Place – Craftworkers demonstrate the skills practiced by enslaved people as they prepared the antebellum plantation for winter. middletonplace.org
13
The Victory Cup – One of America’s largest equestrian events at Mullet Hall at Johns Island County Park. This event is kid- and pet-friendly with food, drinks and (weather permitting) hot air balloons. victorycup.org/charleston
15-12/31 Holiday Festival of Lights – With more than 700 displays and 2 million lights, this event has become a holiday tradition for many families throughout Charleston and beyond. Enjoy marshmallow roasting, train rides, gift shop, carousel and photos with Santa (select evenings). holidayfestivaloflights.com 28
Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K – Head to Marion Square for a run through the streets of downtown Charleston followed by live music, family activities, free food and drinks. turkeydayrun.com
29-30
Holiday Market at Middleton Place – Kick off the shopping season with an open-air market including local artisans and vendors, live musicians performing festive carols, complimentary hot cider and treats, and featured items in the Garden Market & Nursery and Museum Shop. middletonplace.org
Photo: Justin Falk Photography
29-12/14 “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas” – After being double-crossed by the county and having their township papers put in jeopardy, the residents of Doublewide look to prove their legitimacy by winning the county-wide “Battle of the Mangers” competition with their “Nativity at the Alamo” display. But can the new mayor keep everything afloat as the circumstances grow more and more ridiculous? flowertownplayers.org
Fall Tours
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
brewery/distillery article. For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
brewery/distillery article. area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events. For even more Charleston
DECEMBER 1
City of Charleston Holiday Parade – Begins at 2 p.m. at Broad Street and ends at Calhoun and Meeting streets. charlestonarts.org
1
City of Charleston Holiday Tree Lighting – Marion Square will be all aglow as the tree of lights in the center of the park comes to life and sets the tone for a month of holiday festivities around the city. charlestonarts.org
2
North Charleston Christmas Festival and Parade – From 3-8 p.m. enjoy a host of holiday festivities with children’s activities, food vendors, live music and visits with Santa. The Christmas Parade begins at 5 p.m. at the corner of East Montague and Mixson Avenues and winds through the Park Circle area. northcharleston.org
5-6
Christmas on the High Battery – Theatrical performances complement a candlelight tour of the Edmondston-Alston House. Adorned in period costumes, performers reflect on past Christmas events that not only touched the lives of the Alston family, but also the city of Charleston. edmondstonalston.com
7
Family Yuletide in the Stableyards – Visit Middleton Plantation as craftspeople ply their trades and interact with visitors. Fresh greenery, berries and other natural items gathered from the plantation will be provided to make wreaths and holiday décor. middletonplace.org
7
Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show – Head to Mount Pleasant for fresh produce, baked goods, hot food and homemade preserves as well as handcrafted gifts created by local artisans and plenty of holiday entertainment for the kids, including visits with Santa. experiencemountpleasant.com
8
Summerville Christmas Parade – Join the Town of Summerville for one of the largest parades in the state. With nearly 3,000 participants, this afternoon event is sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. summervilledream.org
8
Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade & Tree Lighting – The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting of the Town of Mount Pleasant Christmas Tree and fire works display at Moultrie Middle School, immediately followed by the parade. experiencemountpleasant.com
13-22
Charleston Christmas Special – Brand new for 2019, this family friendly show includes a variety of holiday songs, dancing and skits performed by some of the country’s best sings and musicians at the Charleston Music Hall. bradandjennifermoranz.com
14
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon – Full and half-marathon options plus an afterparty with food, beer and awards. kiawahmarathon.com
14
Holiday Parade of Boats – Boats of all shapes and sizes decorated for the holiday season sail the Charleston harbor, putting on quite a show for those on the shoreline. charlestonarts.org
22
Chanukah in the Square – A free event in Marion Square with music, dancing and the lighting of the 9-foot menorah by Charleston’s Holocaust survivors. Visitors can enjoy crafts and treats, including latkes and other traditional Chanukah foods. charlestonarts.org
31
Happy New Year Charleston – Head to Marion Square in downtown Charleston for this non-alcoholic and family friendly way to celebrate the New Year in Charleston. charlestonarts.org
31
Yorktown Countdown – This unique New Year’s Eve event aboard the USS Yorktown includes Charleston cuisine, top-shelf bar and multiple stages featuring live entertainment. yorktowncountdown.com
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ONGOING EVENTS Lights of Magnolia – Beginning Nov. 15 at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, this is a 9-acre experience of larger-than-life Chinese lanterns in the shapes of flowers, animals, traditional Chinese symbols, and more. lightsofmagnolia.com Defense of a Colony – First Saturday of the month. Feel the ground shake beneath your feet and smell the brimstone as the Charles Towne Militia fires replica, 17th-century cannons. Historic weapons demonstrated at 1p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the cannon platforms. charlestownelanding.travel Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre – Audience-interactive comic mysteries run most evenings; plus holiday-themed shows in December. charlestonmysteries.com Jazz Brunch Riverboat Cruise – Live jazz music, a gourmet buffet brunch and views of the Charleston harbor aboard The Carolina Queen. Fall dates: 10/6 and 10/20. charlestonharbortours.com The Sound of Charleston – Jazz, gospel, Gershwin, spirituals and Civil War songs at Circular Congregational Church (Wednesdays from 10/2-11/20). Special holiday concerts in December. soundofcharleston.com Charleston Farmers Market – Each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through 11/30 in Marion Square, downtown Charleston. The Holiday Market is Saturdays and Sundays in December with special holiday entertainment. charlestonfarmersmarket.com Charleston City Night Market – Friday and Saturday evenings at the Charleston City Market. The event features 120 talented artists and craftspeople and live entertainment. thecharlestoncitymarket.com * Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead or check the listed website for confirmation.
Lights of Magnolia
For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events october-december 2019 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 63
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
brewery/distillery article. For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.
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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DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS
Directory Of Advertisers SEE + DO Adventure Sightseeing Bus Tours Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Barrier Island Eco Tours Boone Hall Plantation Brew Hop Pass Bulldog Walking Tours Carriage & Harbor Combo Tour Charleston Food Tours Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Strolls Charleston Water Taxi Charleston Zipline Adventures Deep Water Vineyard Fort Sumter Tours GrayLine City Bus Tours Haunted Yorktown Ghost Tours Holiday Festival of Lights Middleton Place Nature Adventures North Charleston Fire Museum Palmetto Carriage Tours Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum SpiritLine Harbor Tour Spirits of Magnolia Tour The Reel Deal Fishing Charters The Schooner Pride The Sound of Charleston Tour Pass
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SHOP + SAVOR charleston.com Dacuba's Fine Jewelry Terrace Oaks Antique Mall
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EAT + DRINK Charleston Crab House Cru Cafe East Bay Deli Middleton Place Restaurant Oyster House Raw Bar SpiritLine Dinner Cruise The Shelter Kitchen + Bar
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