Traveler of Charleston Mag | 2018 Jan - March

Dig Deep Into Charleston's Past

15 Free Things to Do in Charleston

Best Places for a Seafood Dinner january - march 2018

TRAVELER of Charleston

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Contents

DEPARTMENTS 6 16 40 43 46 64 69

Welcome to Charleston See + Do Shop + Savor Shopping Guide Eat + Drink Maps Directory of Advertisers

FEATURES 10

Charleston History Timeline

12

Digging Deep into African-American Heritage

32 35

Winter Fun in the Holy City

38 48 52

15 Free Things to Do

56 60 63

Love These Landmarks

Taste of the South: Boiled Peanuts Recipe: Lowcountry Boil Oysters, Seafood Are on the Menu Charleston Area Events Charleston Area Festivals

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Be sure to download our free mobile app, “Exploring Charleston SC.”

12

From the Publisher elcome! We’re so glad you’ve decided to start 2018 with a visit to what we think is the best city in the world. There may be a little nip in the air, but thankfully, our winters are mild enough you still can get out and explore the city.

Millions of people visit Charleston each year eager to learn about area history. Yet, not all of Charleston’s past is pretty. On Page 12, you can read about how local museums and attractions are educating visitors on African-American heritage and slave history. We’ve also included a list of must-visit sites to learn more about this period in the South.

On Page 32, you’ll find our suggestions for wintertime fun in the Holy City, including some great indoor activities for a chilly or rainy day.

And no winter visit to Charleston is complete without eating some oysters. In season during the cooler months, be sure to attend a local oyster roast or grab a seat at a raw bar (see our suggestions on Page 52) for a true taste of Charleston.

If you need 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.

Be sure to visit travelerofcharleston.com where you can purchase tickets for tours and attractions right from our website. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media – we love seeing how you’re enjoying Charleston!

Traveler of Charleston Team

TRAVELER

Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Writer........................................... Bailey Laskowski Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Circulation................................. Brian Bean Cheral McCombs Cover Photographer ............... Doug Hickok

W

®

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 February 28, 2018 6 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com january-march 2018

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

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1736 Dock Street Theatre opens, first building in colonial America used exclusively for theatrical performances

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

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Digging Deep Multiple sites, attractions offer detailed history of African-American heritage

BY HOLLY FISHER s director of The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Tony Youmans remembers when visitors to Charleston cringed at the mention of slavery.

It was an ugly part of American history many people didn’t want to discuss.

In the last several years, more attractions and museums have started to address the issue of slavery head on with exhibits and tours that bring to light slave trade in Charleston, detail the lives of slaves working on area plantations and highlight the many cultural contributions of African-American slaves and free blacks in the South.

Visitors, too, are much more eager to learn about what Youmans describes as African-American heritage tourism. It doesn’t mean people feel better about slavery, he said, but they are interested in learning about this piece of American history. It also provides an opportunity for Charleston area historic sites and museums to provide historically accurate information and to correct misperceptions of the South.

One of the most common assumptions is that every white Southerner owned slaves in antebellum America, Youmans said. In truth, only 3 percent of the white population owned 95 percent of the slaves.

Visitors also wonder about the origins

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of the Civil War with most people believing it was a war over state’s right and the right of self-determination, Youmans said. But whose “self”? And what about the idea that all men are created equal?

“Those are the questions that still have to be asked and the only way to answer those is by having a better understanding of history and human history,” Youmans said.

The Old Exchange has added to its displays more details about the domestic slave trade and the many slave auctions that took place around the building – a hub of activity on the waterfront in the 18th century. The site also has the only contemporary image of a slave auction in Charleston – a 1854 reproduction of a painting by Eyre Crowe.

It is estimated that 40 percent of African Americans can trace their ancestry back to Charleston, Youmans explained. The area around The Old Exchange Building was where the vast majority of slaves were bought and sold, tearing apart families and subjecting people to a life with no rights whatsoever.

The Old Exchange Building, The Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, local plantations, the Avery Research

Wampacheone Creek. Boone Hall – spanning 738 acres – provides a variety of tours and exhibits detailing plantation life, including black history and details on the slaves who lived at the plantation.

“Black History in America” is a selfguided tour told using eight of the original servant quarters located on Boone Hall Plantation that were built between 1790 and 1810. Each cabin highlights a different historic theme – including praise house, sweetgrass baskets, work and life, emancipation and freedom, civil rights – using life-size figures, photos, relics and prerecorded narratives.

Center and the International African American Museum set to open in Charleston in 2020 are just some of the many places visitors can go to learn about this critical piece of history.

“Charleston, I think, is really on the tip of the spear in discovering African-American heritage tourism,” Youmans said. “The majority of sites realize this is a part of history visitors want to know.”

Learn more about African-American heritage at these Charleston area attractions and museums:

Boone Hall Plantation Englishman Maj. John Boone established Boone Hall Plantation in 1681 when he started his plantation on the banks of

Drayton Hall Widower John Drayton moved to Drayton Hall with sons William Henry and Charles in the early 1750s. The 350-acre plantation served as the hub for Drayton’s vast commercial plantation empire. Over the course of his lifetime, he owned close to 100 different plantations across South Carolina and Georgia where enslaved Africans, Native Americans and their descendants grew rice and indigo.

“Connections: From Africa to America” is a 30-minute interactive program about the history of the slaves who lived and worked at Drayton Hall. Museum interpreters use images and artifacts to tell the story of the enslaved people and their descendants. (Presented twice daily.)

Drayton Hall’s African-American Cemetery is one of the oldest documented African-American cemeteries in the nation still in use. The earliest surviving record dates from about 1790 and it remains the final resting place for at least 40 people – enslaved and free. Many of the original markers have deteriorated so fewer than 10 graves have been identified. january-march 2018 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 13

Magnolia Plantation Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation is home to the oldest public gardens in America. Several years ago, Magnolia Plantation embarked on a project to preserve five 1850s slave dwellings as part of its Magnolia Cabin Project. Visitors can experience the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, a 45-minute presentation on African-American history. Explore each cabin to appreciate how long they were actively occupied – from the 1850s to the late 1990s.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site McLeod Plantation Historic Site provides a detailed history of the slaves who worked its cotton fields and their struggle for freedom following the Civil War. The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission operates the 37-acre site, which is opened to the public in April 2015 after four years of work to ready the site for tours.

William Wallace McLeod purchased the 1,700 acres in 1851 for $11,500, turning the land into a sea island cotton plantation and using as many as 100 slaves to work the land and tend to the farm animals and gardens.

James Island was a strategic location for Charleston’s defense during the Civil War, and McLeod Plantation became the headquarters for Confederate and Union troops. Following the Civil War, the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, a regiment made up of free African Americans, set up a field office at McLeod and the row of small houses – once occupied by the slaves – were now homes for the freedmen and their families.

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Much of the site’s interpretive history and tours focus on the transition following the Civil War, highlighting the slaves who worked the plantation and their struggle for freedom.

Middleton Place Middleton Place – home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens and a house museum – offers a “Beyond the Fields” tour detailing extensive history of the slaves who lived and worked on the plantation as well as the freedmen at Middleton Place and other plantations.

A key stop on the tour is Eliza’s House, once occupied by former Middleton slaves.

The house has historical exhibits and a list of the 2,800 enslaved people who worked on the Middleton’s various plantations around the Lowcountry. The house is named for Eliza Leach, a South Carolina African American born in 1891 and the last person to live in the building. Along the “Beyond the Fields” tour, guides discuss domestic life at Eliza’s House, the labor at the rice mill and spring house as well as spirituality at the Plantation Chapel and slave cemetery.

The Old Slave Mart Museum Owned by the City of Charleston, The Old Slave Mart Museum was the largest of some 40 sites that opened near Chalmers Street following the 1856 ban on outdoor auctions. In the 70 years between the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the Civil War, more than 1 million American-born slaves were sold away from plantations in the upper South to work on fast-growing cotton and sugar plantations in the lower South.

This two-story museum provides significant details about the domestic slave trade, including the prices paid for slaves depending on their age and if they were male or female, living conditions and the struggle for freedom.

Visit McLeod Plantation 325 Country Club Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 843-762-9514 | ccprc.com Open Tuesday – Sunday Included with admission are 45-minute guided tours at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Visit Middleton Place 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414 843-556-6020 middletonplace.org Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-4371 | boonehallplantation.com Open daily; hours vary by season Visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414 843-571-1266 | magnoliaplantation.com Open daily; hours vary by season Visit Drayton Hall 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414 843-769-2600 | draytonhall.org Open daily The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon 122 East Bay St., Charleston, SC 29401 843-727-2165 | oldexchange.org Open daily The Old Slave Mart Museum 6 Chalmers St., Charleston, SC 29401 843-958-6467 Open Monday to Saturday

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 Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre & Shoppe 164 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8) 843-WE SMILE (937-6453) charlestonmysteries.com • Live comedy theatre in a cozy setting -- clean comic whodunit shows, volunteer audience participation, a la carte appetizers, drinks and desserts. Featuring Inspector NoClue's Murder Mystery (one of Charleston's longest continually running shows), Sherlock Holmes & the Charleston History Mystery, Heist, Heist Baby, and Church Street Daughters of the Late Unpleasantness Garden, Gun & Gin Club, and many more. 1/2 block off City Market.

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”.

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 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.

Gray Line & Fort Sumter Tour Combo 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.

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OH, SO DELICIOUS! Book a Culinary Tour for a Taste of the Lowcountry harleston is where chefs are made.

And now visitors can get an insider’s look at where many of the city’s famous foodies are trained. Award-winning Bulldog Tours has partnered with the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College for a “Taste of the Lowcountry” food tour.

Visitors get an exclusive look at a local culinary institution – the brains behind the ever-evolving restaurant scene in Charleston.

Using locally-sourced products, the chef will create a culinary masterpiece filled with seasonal flavors to fulfill your palate.

The Culinary Institute of Charleston has been a key component in Charleston’s culinary renaissance, helping turn the Holy City into a foodie destination.

“We know people are coming to Charleston to eat. They want to know about the best restaurants, the award-winning chefs and secret behind why Charleston’s cuisine is so special,” said Bulldog Tours founder John LaVerne. “Partnering with the Culinary Institute of Charleston allows us to give visitors a first-hand look at Southern cooking while showcasing an organization that is training up the next generation of incredible Charleston chefs.”

The tour begins at Mercantile and Mash, 701 East Bay St., located inside the historic Cigar Factory. Built in 1881 as a cotton manufacturing facility, the building changed hands in the early 1900s and was leased to the American Cigar Co., where as many as 1,400 employees made cigars.

In 1980 the Cigar Factory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For several years, it was home to famed culinary

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school Johnson and Wales, which relocated to Charlotte, N.C., in 2006. In recent years, the Cigar Factory has been transformed into a mixed-use property with offices and retail shops, restaurants and an event space.

Visitors can grab a latte at Mercantile and Mash as the Taste of the Lowcountry tour kicks off with an introduction to culinary history before making the short walk to the Culinary Institute of Charleston for a cooking demonstration.

Taste of the Lowcountry is offered each Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $60 per person and reservations are required; book online at bulldogtours.com or call 843722-8687.

Since 2001, Bulldog Tours has been educating and entertaining visitors with its history and ghost tours, as well as a series of culinary tours that showcase Charleston’s reputation as a must-visit city for foodies and culinary connoisseurs. Bulldog Tours offers five other culinary tours, including a chef's kitchen tour, a dessert tour and a tour that highlights the trendy Upper King Street restaurants.

SEE + DO

BOAT & WATER

BOAT & WATER

Barrier Island Eco-Tours

Charleston Water Taxi

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Stay connected to Charleston all year long with our blog. We regularly post about the best things to see and do around the area, activities for families and new attractions and restaurants: travelerofcharleston.com/blog.

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.

Estimated at more than 300 years old, the Angel Oak on Johns Island stands 65 feet tall.

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SEE + DO

MOTORIZED LAND TOURS Adventure Sightseeing AdventureSightseeing.com • 843-762-0088 “See it all” with Adventure Sightseeing.

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. Fantastic combo tours available with house tours, harbor tours and more.

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.

Want to know about Charleston landmarks, tours and access money-saving coupons? Download our free mobile app, Exploring Charleston SC!

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SEE + DO

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Audubon Center at Beidler Forest

Charleston Zip Line Adventures

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.

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 $10 off!

Caw Caw Interpretive Center 5200 Savannah Hwy • Ravenel, SC 29470 843-889-8898 • charlestoncountyparks.com/ cawcaw • Explore colonial era rice plantations and a principle site of the 1739 Stono Rebellion, seven miles of walking trails and boardwalks, guided bird walks, wildlife preserve, butterfly garden and more.

City of North Charleston 843-554-5700 • northcharleston.org North Charleston is a lively center of hospitality.

There’s plenty to see and do from waterfront parks, art galleries and gardens to historical sites, museums and shopping centers. Book a tee time for golf, dine at a local restaurant or buy tickets for a show.

Stand at the intersection of Meeting and Broad streets and you’re at the “Four Corners of the Law.” The buildings on each corner represent city, state and federal law with St. Michael’s Church representing God’s law.

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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.

South Carolina Aquarium 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.

Wild Blue Ropes 1595 Highland Ave • James Island (area map) 843-5024066 • wildblueropes.com Experience Charleston’s premier High Climbing Ropes & Challenge Course Adventure – featuring 72 suspended obstacles – up to 35 ft. in the air! 4 difficulty levels – ranging from beginner to expert. Conquer high and low elements expertly designed for maximum thrills! Located less than 10 minutes from Downtown Charleston.

Riley Waterfront Park is a favorite spot to relax and enjoy the views of the Charleston harbor. While you're there, visit the City Gallery, which regularly has exhibits of contemporary art from local, regional, national and international artists. The gallery, 34 Prioleau St., is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free.

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SEE + DO

PLANTATIONS

PLANTATIONS

Boone Hall Plantation

Middleton Place

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.

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.

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.

McLeod Plantation Historic Site 325 Country Club Dr. • Charleston • (Area Map) 843-795-4386 • Hours: Tues - Sun 9 am - 4 pmcharlestoncountryparks.com • Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation has borne witness to some of the most significant periods of Charleston’s - and our nations - history. Today it is an important 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site that has been carefully preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance.

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TRANSPORTATION 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.

SEE + DO

WALKING TOURS

WALKING TOURS

Bulldog Tours

Taste of the Lowcountry Tour & Cooking Demonstration

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.

Charleston Food Tours 18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-727-1100 • charlestonfoodtours.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.

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.

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Departs from Mercantile and Mash • 701 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map H:2) 843.727.1100 charlestonfoodtours.com Join us as we take an exclusive look at Charleston’s gourmet food emporium followed by a cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute of Charleston! The tour starts with learning the history of Lowcountry cuisine while tasting some locally made delicacies in a local historical landmark. The finale is a cooking demonstration by an award winning chef that prepares a mouthwatering dish to be shared with all the participants.

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. patriotspoint.org

Winter Fun in the Holy City Too cold for the beach? No problem, there are plenty of things to do around Charleston during cooler weather. So, grab your jacket and check out some of these wintertime favorites for an unforgettable time in the Holy City.

By Bailey Laskowski

STARE AT THE SEA TURTLES Everyone loves sea turtles and they are a main attraction at the South Carolina Aquarium.

Take time to see the new Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery area of the aquarium, which walks visitors along the path of a rescued sea turtle as it moves through treatment and rehabilitation and ultimately to release back into the ocean. Visitors can watch a live surgery through a glass window and on a TV monitor. Tour the rest of the aquarium with thousands of aquatic animals from river otters to sharks in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Info: scaquarium.org

WALK MUSEUM MILE Along a one-mile section of Meeting Street you will find six museums, five nationally renowned historic houses, four scenic parks, a Revolutionary War powder magazine, and an array of historic houses of worship and public buildings, including Charleston City Market and City Hall. During the month of January, access participating Museum Mile sites with one discounted ticket. Purchase an adult ticket for $25 and a child’s ticket for $10 to access 11 different sites. Info: charlestonsmuseummile.org

LOSE YOURSELF IN A PLAY As much as we love movies and television, there’s still something magical that comes from watching a live performance and seeing a story come alive right before your eyes. Spend an evening in one of Charleston’s theaters and you’ll be mesmerized from the moment the curtain opens. Visit theatrecharleston.com for details on upcoming productions and plays.

BROWSE ART GALLERIES Charleston is home to dozens of art galleries where you can find everything from European fine art to contemporary and modern pieces. Browse the galleries and take home a piece of Charleston’s charm. Or simply take an art walk and enjoy the collection of masterful works by artists from the Lowcountry and beyond. Visit charlestongalleryassociation.com for a list of galleries and details on upcoming art walks.

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Photo : Marie Rodriguez

Photo: David Gilbert

JUMP AROUND AT INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARKS Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Mount Pleasant and Velocity Air Sports in North Charleston are great winter activities for the whole family. Get your exercise while having a jumpin’ good time! Both offer special promotions and deals. Info: skyzone.com/charleston or velocityairsports.com/charleston

CELEBRATE NATURE AT SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPOSITION This annual event is a three-day celebration of wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, social events and various exhibits. From Feb. 16-18, SEWE hosts hundreds of artists and exhibitors, plus experts in wildlife and nature art – all eager to share their work and insights with more than 40,000 attendees. Info: sewe.com

BE ADVENTUROUS Coastal Climbing Gym, 708 King St., has 3,000 square feet of indoor bouldering with more than 100 boulder problems suitable for a variety of levels and abilities. You can also put your climbing and balance skills to the test at Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park, featuring 72 suspended obstacles up to 35 feet in the air. Or check out Charleston Zip Line Adventures, located just north of Mount Pleasant. Zip from a 65-foot tower through the trees, going between tree platforms, towers, three swinging bridges and a grande finale zip of 750 feet.

CHEERS! HAVE A DRINK Deep Water Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island is Charleston's only working vineyard and winery. Plan a visit to sample one of the nine wines made from four types of muscadine grapes grown at the vineyard. Don’t miss Weekend Wine-Down on Saturdays with food, music and wine tastings. Prefer a cold pint of craft beer instead? You’re in luck! Charleston is home to more than a dozen local breweries serving up craft beers and frothy concoctions.

Head to our blog for a list of breweries: http://bit.ly/2Bf1CjZ.

STUFF YOURSELF AT CHARLESTON WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL Fueled by a contagious passion for the people and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, the annual festival infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event from Feb. 28 to March 4. Attend one of 100 events all around the Charleston area with the anchor of the festival, The Culinary Village, taking place in Marion Square Friday through Sunday. Info: charlestonwineandfood.com january-march 2018 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 33

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Taste of the South Want to get a true Southern experience while visiting Charleston? Order a bag of boiled peanuts and start eating them straight from the bag. Talk about a Southern treat!

PEANUT PERFECTION Boiled peanuts were most likely brought here by African slaves. During the summer months, the slaves would harvest peanut crops and the surplus peanuts would be boiled – an opportunity for families and neighbors to gather and socialize. Boiled peanuts became mainstream in the South in the early 1900s.

Boiled peanuts are made using green peanuts that are recently harvested and haven’t been dried. You can also use raw peanuts, which are uncooked but dried. They have to be soaked in water overnight before boiling. The water is salted and in go the peanuts. Some people add Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

On May 1, 2006, boiled peanuts became the official snack food of South Carolina. Read more about the history of boiled peanuts at nationalpeanutboard.org.

GET ‘EM FRESH: PEANUT DUDE 883 Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mount Pleasant • peanutdude.com TIMBO’S PEANUTS 2484 Ashley River Road in Charleston • facebook.com/Timbos-Peanuts310457123524 BOONE HALL FARMS 2521 Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant • 843-856-8154 boonehallfarms.com

15 Free Things to Do 1 Riverfront Park in North Charleston sits on the bank of the Cooper River. Stop by and see the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial honoring the many military personnel and civilians who served our country and the Charleston region at the former Charleston Navy Base.

2 The architectural marvel that is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spans the Cooper River and has a 2-mile bike/pedestrian lane called Wonders’ Way. Free parking is available on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston and on the Mount Pleasant side at Memorial Waterfront Park.

3 For iconic Charleston views walk the Battery. Once a defensive seawall, the area is now known for its historic homes and nearby White Point Garden and Battery Park at the intersection of Murray Boulevard and East Battery Street.

4 Charleston is home to numerous art galleries and several regular walks that are free to anyone wanting to browse the paintings, sculptures and photography.

For a printable map: charlestongalleryassociation.com.

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5 Admire the majestic Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island, part of a public city park.

Its canopy of branches spans 17,000 square feet.

6 Visit Charleston's historic City Hall (80 Broad St.), constructed in the early 1800s. Also, the picturesque Washington Square Park is located by City Hall and features beautiful architecture, memorials and ironwork.

7 Summerville’s quaint town square is lined with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and antique stores. Go window shopping before stopping in Guerin’s Pharmacy – the oldest pharmacy in South Carolina – for an old-fashioned ice cream float.

8 The Circular Congregational Church cemetery is likely the oldest English burial ground still in existence in Charleston. The earliest unmarked grave dates from 1695.

Around Charleston 9 Charleston is home to America’s only tea garden. Visit the Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island and take a complimentary factory tour and browse the gift shop.

12 To see the Morris Island Lighthouse, drive as far north as possible on East Ashley Avenue, park, and then prepare for a 1/4mile walk, following the signs to the lighthouse. Built in 1876 and situated about 300 yards off shore, the lighthouse is visible from the northeast end of the island.

10 On most Fridays, The Citadel cadets parade the grounds, sometimes presenting awards and recognizing notable individuals. Parade schedule: citadel.edu/root/parade-schedule.

13 Visit Riley Waterfront Park in the heart of downtown Charleston for views of the harbor. Grab one of the bench swings where you can relax and take in the sights.

11 Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park is located at the base of the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy the large lawn, pier that stretches out into the Cooper River and nautical-themed playground. Also stop by the Sweetgrass Basket Pavilion, a cultural arts exhibit on the history of sweetgrass basket making.

14 Stop by the Red Barn at Palmetto Carriage Works, 8 Guignard St., to visit the horses, mules and other animals. There’s a fee for tours, but no charge to visit the barn.

15 Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mount Pleasant highlights the work of Charles Pinckney, a principal author and a signer of the U.S. Constitution. This remnant of his coastal plantation is preserved to tell of a life of public service and to highlight the lives of enslaved African Americans on Lowcountry plantations and their influences on Pinckney.

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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.

SHOPPING

Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry

Town of Mount Pleasant

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.

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.

Monster Music 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.

946 Orleans Rd. • Charleston • 843-571-4657 monstermusicsc.com • The largest independent record store in the Carolinas. Carries a vast selection of new & used CDs, DVDs & Vinyl, as well as a lot of other cool stuff! Mention "Traveler" to save $5 off of $25 or more purchase.

We know it’s really hard to leave Charleston. But don’t worry! You can stay connected with the world’s best city in between visits! Come follow us on Twitter @traveler_mag and on Instragram @travelerofcharleston where we share beautiful photos and cool stories year-round.

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SHOP + SAVOR

SHOPPING

SHOP + SAVOR

Find Musical Favorites at Monster Music & Movies

f you love the classic sound of vinyl on a turntable, plan to visit Monster Music & Movies, an independent retail store here in Charleston. In business for 30 years, the store has an extensive selection of music and movies.

Search for your current favorites and obscure musical finds among the new and used CDs, DVDs and vinyl records. The shop also carries turntables, so you can go fully retro with your music tastes.

The staff at Monster Music & Movies is experienced and knowledge, providing personalized customer service and expertise to help shoppers find the music they love or explore new sounds.

Stop by to browse more than 100,000 titles and more than 50,000 units of new and used vinyl – the largest selection of new and used vinyl in the Southeast.

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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 100 vendors selling everything from art and jewelry to T-shirts and sweetgrass baskets.

■ Visit the Night Market from 6:3010:30 p.m. Thursday, 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, a children’s book store, coffee shops and restaurants, a community theater and one of the top quilt shops in the country. From 5-8 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 and gifts or pick up something new to wear at Escapada Living or II Brunettes. Carolina Girls carries gift items, jewelry and stationery. 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.

Share your Charleston shopping moments on our Facebook page at facebook.com/travelermag january-march 2018 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 43

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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!

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 5:30 p.m. and can stroll through the gardens prior to 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.

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Charleston Recipe LOWCOUNTRY BOIL Lowcountry Boil is considered a Lowcountry classic. Also known as frogmore stew, it’s all about the shellfish. In our area, shrimp is a key ingredient.

Ingredients: 6 quarts water 3/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning 2 pounds new red potatoes 2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2 inch pieces 12 ears corn - husked, cleaned and quartered 4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled

Directions: Bring water and Old Bay Seasoning to boil in a large stockpot. Add potatoes and cook for 15 minutes. Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes more. Add corn and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and cook until shrimp are pink, about 5 minutes. Drain immediately and serve.

Serves 15.

EAT + DRINK

CASUAL DINING

CASUAL DINING

Charleston Crab House

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

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.

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.

East Bay Deli

DRINK + NIGHTLIFE

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.

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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.

Republic Garden Lounge 462 King St. • Charleston • (Map G:4) 843-724-7400 • republicreign.com Premium, innovative lounge and nightlife setting for every day enjoyment or any special occasion located in the heart of Charleston’s upper King Street district. A modern venue setting the Gold Standard in hospitality through great food, great drinks, luxurious surroundings and exceptional personalized service.

On the Menu this Winter: Charleston Oysters and Seafood

By Bailey Laskowski

ool weather in Charleston ushers in a favorite Lowcountry tradition: oyster season. The season begins in October and runs through mid-May. A good rule of thumb on remembering when oysters are in season is if there’s an “r” in the month.

The flavor profile of South Carolina oysters varies based on where they were grown.

Whether you like them sweet, salty or earthy, you can find your preference in many seafood restaurants and oyster bars around Charleston. It takes about three years for oysters to grow and reach a harvestable size. Oyster season brings many oyster enthusiasts and plenty of celebration to these parts. You can find an oyster roast just about every other weekend and the Holy City is chock full of raw bars and oyster specials.

If your palate isn’t suited for oysters, don’t worry. Charleston has plenty of other seafood options, including fresh shrimp served in a variety of ways: with grits, mixed with pasta or as a sandwich. Plus, Charleston area restaurants are well known for creating their own unique twist on that classic Lowcountry dish: shrimp and grits.

Check out some of these local restaurants for incredible seafood dishes and a true taste of the Lowcountry:

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Charleston Crab House 41 S. Market St. charlestoncrabhouse.com Grab a table at this Charleston favorite and watch the hustle and bustle of Market Street while indulging in Lowcountry crab cakes, grilled shrimp or baked oysters topped with garlic butter, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Or visit the James Island location at 145 Wappoo Creek Drive on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant 10 Hayne St., Charleston hanksseafoodrestaurant.com A long-time crowd pleaser, Hank’s is a Charleston staple. The caught-that-day entrees and warm wood interior has won this Charleston eatery plenty of accolades over the years. Hank’s Seafood is focused on three pillars: excellent fresh local ingredients, a passion for Lowcountry cuisine and upscale dining.

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop 698 King St., Charleston leonsoystershop.com Located inside an old body shop, Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop is a local favorite with its industrial feel, working garage doors and concrete floors. Serving up inexpensive drinks and savory soul food, Leon’s invites travelers to try tastes of Charleston’s waters and farms in an old-fashioned rustic setting.

NICO 201 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant nicoshemcreek.com This Shem Creek hot spot is new to the Charleston oyster scene, however, it’s making quite a splash. The French cuisine paired with a delectable oyster bar offers a different spin on common seafood recipes. You won’t want to miss the wood-fired seafood from French Master Chef Nico Romo.

Oyster House on Market 35 S. Market St., Charleston oysterhouse.menu Enjoy fresh seafood and Lowcountry favorites at this restaurant right in the heart of the French Quarter. Stop off at the OBar for happy hour cocktails crafted from local ingredients. Then order bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp, Lowcountry shrimp boil or fried oysters from the extensive seafood menu.

OYSTER ROASTS While you’re in town, take part in a true Lowcountry tradition and attend an oyster roast: Oyster Roast on Jan. 7 at Bowen’s Island.

This event benefits Save the Light, a group of concerned citizens working to protect and preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse at Folly Beach. Tickets and info: savethelight.org/events.html Lowcountry Oyster Festival on Jan. 28 at Boone Hall Plantation. Be part of the 35th annual event featuring oyster shucking and oyster eating contests plus live music and a children’s area. Tickets and info: charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Pearlz Oyster Bar 9 Magnolia Road, Charleston pearlzoysterbar.com Pearlz has won over the hearts of Charleston locals with its fresh seafood selection and its eclectic atmosphere. The full-service bar stands at the epicenter of the restaurant’s lively environment, and the menu is filled with oyster shooters, crispy oyster tacos, seafood gumbo and shrimp and grits. A second location is in downtown Charleston at 153 East Bay St. Rappahannock Oyster Co. 701 East Bay St. No. 110, Charleston rroysters.com/restaurants/ rappoysterbarchs Deemed “fresh” and “inventive” by The Post and Courier, Rappahannock is another upand-coming oyster bar quickly making a name for itself. Housed in a former 19thcentury cigar factory along Charleston’s Cooper River, Rappahannock offers guests a “pantry” concept that includes an in-house seafood market with fish and shellfish.

The Darling Oyster Bar 513 King St., Charleston thedarling.com This 14-seat raw bar is one for the books.

The Darling offers fresh seafood selections daily and the food presentation is Instagram worthy. The storefront dates back 115 years, offering a historic Charleston ambiance as soon as you come through the door.

photo: Pearlz Oyster Bar

LOCAL SEAFOOD MARKETS Interesting in hosting your own oyster roast or cooking up a seafood dinner?

Shop these seafood markets: Charleston Oyster Co. (for delivery to your event) Localoysters.com Crosby’s Seafood Retail 2019 C Cherry Hill Lane, North Charleston crosbysseafood.com Huff’s Seafood 765 Folly Road on James Island huffsseafood.com Mt. Pleasant Seafood Co. 1402 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant mtpleasantseafood.com

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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. january-march 2018 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 area 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 january-march 2018 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 59

Charleston Area Events january – march 2018

Oyster Festival

JANUARY 1-31

Museum Mile Month – During the month of January, enjoy access to participating Museum Mile sites with the purchase of one ticket price. Spend the month learning about Charleston’s rich history and culture at six museums, five historic homes and more along a 1-mile stretch of Meeting Street. charlestonsmuseummile.org

6-7

Lowcountry Civil War Show & Sale – Swords, knives, old guns plus bottles and coins will be available for purchase at this event in Mount Pleasant. She show also includes free appraisals and seminars. americandiggerevents.com

9-10

Riverdance – The 20th Anniversary World Tour comes to the Gaillard Center.

Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. gaillardcenter.org | 843-242-3099

10-21

Charleston Restaurant Week – Dozens of restaurants all over the Charleston area offer specially priced menus. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com | 843-577-4030

13

Charleston Marathon – This 26.2-mile run showcases the beauty and the history of the Lowcountry, starting in downtown Charleston and ending in North Charleston.

Half-marathon and 5K run options are available. charlestonmarathon.com

18-21

Charleston Jazz Festival – Celebrate Charleston’s rich jazz heritage as more than 100 local, regional and nationally recognized jazz musicians come together to share their talent and love of jazz. charlestonjazz.com/festival/

19-2/4

“Vanya & Sonia & Marsha & Spike” – The Footlight Players perform this 2013 Tony Award Winner for Best Play. Worldly Marsha visits her small Pennsylvania home with her new boy toy, Spike, sending her two homebody sisters into utter upheaval. footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

23-2/24 “I Got You Babe” – A Minnesota girl finds a job and a little more in a big-city 1960s department store. It's “Big Bang Theory” meets “Mad Men” in this all new production from the creators of “Groovy Kinda Love.” 34west.org | 843-901-9343 20-21

“The Giver” – One of the most beloved young adult novels from recent years, “The Giver” tells the story of Jonas, a boy who lives in a perfect world — free of poverty, crime, war and strife. When he is given the prestigious role as this utopian society’s Receiver of Memory, he discovers all his society had to give up to achieve this conflict-free world. Performed by Charleston Stage at the historic Dock Street Theatre. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-718

24-27

Charleston Wedding Week – The four-day event will feature a series of workshops, signature experiences, fashion events, venue tours, trunk shows and more produced by the team that creates Charleston Weddings magazine and The Wedding Row blog. charlestonweddingweek.com

25

Exclusive Storeroom Tour at the Charleston Museum – Learn about early medical equipment and pharmaceuticals from the 18th and 19th centuries when Charleston's diseases and life-threatening ailments severely hampered the local population and its economic growth. Take an evening tour with chief curator Grahame Long. charlestonmuseum.org

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Lowcountry Oyster Festival – Join in the world’s largest oyster festival at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. More than 80,000 pounds of oysters are part of this favorite winter event that includes oyster shucking and oyster-eating contests as well as live music, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a children’s area and a food court. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com | 843-577-403

FEBRUARY 7-25

“Helium” – The uplifting story of Mrs. Kingsley, a brilliant, humorous and beloved former chemistry teacher who braves the trials of frailty and aging, all the while keeping her imagination, charm and dignity intact. charlestonstage.com 843-577-7183

9-10

Kiawah Comedy Weekend – Get away to Kiawah Island Golf Resort for two nights of nonstop laughter with some of the nation’s most acclaimed comedians. Packages include exclusive table seating and a Q&A with select comedians. kiawahcomedyweekend.com | 800-654-2924

10

Bacon and Bourbon – Enjoy unlimited samples of bacon dishes and bourbon tastings plus live music, bull riding championship, laser skeet shooting and a cigar cabana at the North Charleston Convention Center. baconandbourbonsc.com

16-18

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition – Conservationists, art collectors and nature enthusiasts come from all over the country for this three-day celebration of art, animal demonstrations, environmental education and culinary events. sewe.com 843-723-1748

17, 21, 24 Carolina Challenge Cup – The Charleston Battery welcomes Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, Columbus Crew SC, and Minnesota United FC to MUSC Health Stadium for the 14th staging of the tournament. charlestonbattery.com 28-3/4

Charleston Wine + Food Festival – Food lovers won’t want to miss this annual celebration of culinary excellence. Enjoy the flavors of Charleston’s culinary scene and renowned culture at numerous events featuring outstanding chefs from around the country as well as pastry chefs, authors, beverage professionals and food writers. charlestonwineandfood.com | 843-727-9998

MARCH 4-8

Kiawah National Pro-Am – PGA club professionals from all across the U.S., along with three of their members, will tee it up during this 72-hole stroke play event on four of Kiawah Island Golf Resort's championship courses. kiawahresort.com 800-768-2860

7-25

“Avenue Q” – A raucous musical puppet show for adults and one of Charleston Stage’s top-grossing musicals ever, returns for an encore run as part of the 40th anniversary season. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-7183

9-25

“Dial M for Murder” – Tony Wendice has married his wife, Margot, for her money and now plans to murder her for the same reason. He arranges the perfect murder.

He blackmails a crook he used to know into strangling her for a fee and arranges a brilliant alibi for himself. But what happens when the murderer gets murdered, and the victim survives? footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

10

Celebrate L’Italia – Celebrate both old and new Italian music as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus and guest soloists as they perform the greatest Italian opera choruses plus some fun classics like "That's Amore," "Mambo Italiano," and The Godfather theme. gaillardcenter.org | 843-242-3099

10

Mount Pleasant ArtFest – Artists of all kinds gather for this event at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Local dance and music groups perform and the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild presents a juried art show. Free arts activities for children. experiencemountpleasant.com

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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.

For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.

10

St. Paddy’s Day Block Party & Parade – Wear green and celebrate with live music, street vendors, a kids’ zone and more in the Olde Village of North Charleston. The parade begins at noon and festivities continue until 7 p.m. northcharleston.org 843-740-5854

13-17

Charleston Fashion Week – Pack the tents in Marion Square in the heart of Charleston for runway shows, bridal shoes, interactive entertainment, parties and the Emerging Designer Competition: East and more. charlestonmag.com/fashionweek

15-4/21 Festival of Houses and Garden – Explore the city’s historic district in a series of tours showcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture.

A number of special events are also part of this springtime event, including morning history walks, educational luncheons, musical concerts and more. historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405 16-18

Charleston International Antiques Show – Collectors and enthusiasts will enjoy this range of English, European and American period furnishing, decorative arts and fine art plus architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry and silver – all from the late 17th to 20th centuries. historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405

25

Pet Fest – Bring your four-legged and leashed friends to Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park for exhibits, demonstrations, experts and entertainment.

Pet-related organizations and businesses will showcase their causes, products and services. ccprc.com

31

The Hat Ladies 17th Annual Easter Promenade – The Hat Ladies 17th annual Easter Promenade returns to Broad Street. Whatever the weather, The Hat Ladies will "reign" and shine in their 17th elegant Easter Promenade down Broad Street as in the days of yore. Grab your camera and a curbside seat as The Hat Ladies and their families exit the Park next to City Hall, stroll down Broad to East Bay then back again to Meeting. hatladies.org

ONGOING EVENTS Weekend Wine Down – Each Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Deep Water Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island. Enjoy food, music and wine tastings. deepwatervineyard.com Free camellia walks at Magnolia Plantation and Garden – Enjoy the 20,000 camellias blooming at this historic plantation. Walk are offered daily through March. magnoliaplantation.com/camellias.html Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre – Audience-interactive comic mysteries run most evenings. charlestonmysteries.com Night Market – From 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, this event showcases local artists, food vendors and designers in 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 are open late and some have special promotions. summervilledream.org First Friday of each month First Friday’s On Broad Art Walk – 5-8 p.m. at art galleries along Broad Street in downtown Charleston. charlestongalleryrow.com Charles Towne Landing special events – Special educational event on the second Saturday of the month; cannon demonstrations the third Saturday of the month (except January). southcarolinaparks.com | 843-852-4200 * Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead or check the listed website for confirmation.

For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.

62 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com january-march 2018

Charleston Area Festivals Compiled by Bailey Laskowski Charleston Jazz Festival: Jan. 18-21 From legends of jazz to emerging artists, to Charleston’s most celebrated home-grown talent, artists of the fourth annual Charleston Jazz Festival perform a wide range of styles including swing, salsa, blues, Brazilian, the American songbook and more. Events take place all around Charleston including restaurants, clubs and performance venues. Info: charlestonjazz.com Lowcountry Oyster Festival: Jan. 28 Join in the world’s largest oyster festival at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. This event has been named one of the “top 20 events in the Southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society.

Highlights include the oyster shucking and oyster eating contests as well as live music, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a children’s area and a food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants. A portion of the proceeds benefit local charities. Info: charlestonrestaurantassociation.com Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: Feb. 16-18 Conservationists and nature enthusiasts come from all over the country for this three-day celebration of art, animal demonstrations, environmental education and culinary events. TV personality Jack Hanna returns for special events plus enjoy retriever demos, birds of prey flight demonstrations and the high-flying DockDogs event at Brittlebank Park. Events take place at Marion Square, Brittlebank Park, Belmond at Charleston Place, and various other venues. Info: sewe.com Charleston Wine + Food Festival: Feb. 28-March 4 Celebrate 13 years of this foodie festival in 2018. Enjoy the flavors of Charleston’s culinary scene and renowned culture at numerous events featuring outstanding chefs from around the country as well as pastry chefs, authors, beverage professionals and food writers. The event also benefits scholarship programs for the culinary and hospitality workplace. Info: charlestonwineandfood.com Charleston Fashion Week: March 13-17 Showcasing emerging designer and model talent across the East Coast, this annual event has become one of the premier fashion weeks in North America. Pack the tents in Marion Square in the heart of Charleston for runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition and more.

Info: charlestonmag.com/fashionweek 70th annual Festival of Houses & Gardens: March 15-April 21 Explore the city’s historic district in a series of tours showcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. A number of special events are also part of this springtime event, including morning history walks, musical celebrations and conservation discussions. The Food for Thought Luncheon series includes lunch and a brief guided walk or experience related to the day’s topic. Info: historiccharleston.org PLAN AHEAD FOR SPRING Flowertown Festival: April 6-8 - The Town of Summerville celebrates spring with this annual festival, ranked one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by Southeast Tourism Society. Stroll through downtown and Azalea Park to catch a colorful show of pink azaleas, purple wisteria and white dogwood all in full bloom. The festival features more than 200 jury-selected artists and their wares, food from local restaurants, rides and activities for children and more. Free admission. Info: flowertownfestival.org Cooper River Bridge Run: April 7 - Thousands of runners and walkers make their way across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spanning the Cooper River for one of the largest 10K races in the world. In addition, the event includes an expo and events that further its mission of a healthy lifestyle. Info: bridgerun.com

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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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SEE + DO Adventure Sightseeing Tours Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre Boone Hall Plantation Bulldog Walking Tours Carriage + Harbor Tour Combo Charleston Food Tours Charleston Harbor Tours Charleston Strolls Charleston Water Taxi Charleston Zipline Adventures Drayton Hall Fort Sumter Tours GrayLine Bus Tours Middleton Place Mount Pleasant, Town of North Charleston Fire Museum Palmetto Carriage South Carolina Aquarium SpiritLine Harbor Tour Summerville, Town of Taste of the Lowcountry The Schooner Pride The Sound of Charleston USS Yorktown Ghost Tours Wild Blue Ropes

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SHOP + SAVOR charleston.com Dacuba’s Jewelry Monster Music & Movies North Charleston, City of Terrace Oaks Antique Mall

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EAT + DRINK Charleston Crab House Cru Café Deep Water Vineyard East Bay Deli Middleton Place Restaurant Oyster House on Market SpiritLine Dinner Cruise The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

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DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Directory Of Advertisers

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The Local Scene at Park Circle Charleston locals know one of the hottest spots in the area is North Charleston’s Park Circle.

This trendy neighborhood is home to restaurants, retail stores, wine bars and a coffee shop.

Plan to spend a day exploring this vibrant community.

Retail: Park Pets is a pet supply store with food, treats and toys for your favorite furry friend.

Roadside Blooms offers a unique mix of plants, bouquets, handmade jewelry and candles.

The Pink Crocodile is a fun boutique with clothes, jewelry, accessories, children’s gifts and home décor. Iola Modern has a wide selection of furniture, lighting and accent pieces.

Dinner: LoLA is a blend of Lowcountry cuisine and Louisiana seafood (think gumbo or shrimp creole). You’ll never think about the pizza the same way after dining at EVO Pizzeria for wood-fired pizzas. Plus, pick up dessert at EVO’s bakery. Lotus offers Vietnamese cuisine in a chic atmosphere.

Drinks: Stop by Accent on Wine for a selection of fine wines, craft beers and 20 varieties of cheese and a dozen types of cured meats and pâtés. Stems & Skins is a neighborhood bar serving natural wines, classic cocktails and beer along with a nightly selection of charcuterie and cheese plus Mediterranean-style bar snacks. Look for a new brewery opening in January: Commonhouse Aleworks. If a caffeine pick-me-up is what you need, The Orange Spot is Park Circle’s go-to coffeehouse for coffee, tea and smoothies. If fitness is your relaxation, try Barefoot Yoga Studio or drop in at Park Circle Athletic Club, a 24-hour fitness center.

70 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com january-march 2018