PaulaL

Hello!

My husband and I are headed to Charleston for the first time in about a week for a 6 day visit. We'll be celebrating our wedding anniversary while there. I've been researching, reading posts here, and have a Charleston Visitor's Guide in my possession which I requested from the Chamber, so I do have lot's of great info.


But I'd love to get some 'fresh' recommendations on restaurants - particularly reasonably priced ones and ones where the local folks wish to visit, vs. just all touristy locations.

I'm pretty sure for the special anniversary celebration we'd like to try the Peninsula Grill. How far in advance should I make a reservation?

We haven't decided which homes we'd like to tour yet - so many to choose from. Also would like to visit a plantation, the aquarium, Ft. Sumter, take a carriage tour, walk, oogle and take lots of photo's!!

Also hoping it will be warm enough to visit a beach or two as well.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!! And GoTravel, if you're out there -I sure hope to hear from you as well since your recommendation for my hubby's birthday dinner at Margaux's (Raleigh) was just terrific! Regards, Paula

GoTravel

Hi Paula:

Thanks for the nice compliments!

I'd stick to Penninsula Grill for the anniversary dinner!

Many restaurants downtown Charleston are frequented by locals and tourists so don't let that scare you off!

Have drinks on the rooftop of the Vendue Inn and the Market Pavillion.

Dinner choices:

SNOB
Hanks
Poogans Porch (better for brunch)
Jestine's Kitchen (favorite brunch/lunch)
Hominy Grill

And my mind is drawing a blank.

Moderate eats:

T-Bonz

Cheap:

Andolinis Pizza

I did an extensive Charleston review about a year or so ago I'll try and pull up for you.

GoTravel

I live near Charleston but this trip I made a lot of notes and paid attention.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...Most+Excellent

BetsyinKY

Charleston is my favorite city and in fact, we were just there last week. Since you'll have six days, I'm sure you'll make it across the new bridge to Mt. Pleasant, so I'm going to toss out a restaurant or two on that side of the river. We ate at the Village Post House for the first time last week and really enjoyed it. It is in the "old village" section of Mt. Pleasant, which is filled with beautiful old homes. It is like a step back in time, almost more so than downtown Charleston, because this area is almost all private homes and/or churches. Anyway, the Post House is owned by the same restaurant group that owns SNOB and we found the food and service to be on a par with SNOB. Another Mt. Pleasant favorite of mine is the Boulevard Diner, on Coleman Blvd. This is in an old Dairy Queen, but don't let the appearance fool you! They serve some of the best Southern comfort food anywhere. Just the thought of their Cajun meatloaf makes me drool, and don't get me started on their grouper sandwich with homemade remoulade...yum!

My favorite plantation to visit is Drayton Hall, because the guides are so knowledgable and the house is the only Ashley River plantation house that survived both the American Revolution and the Civil War. I would definitely go to Fort Sumter and if you're out wandering around, Fort Moultrie is pretty interesting, as well. You can combine Ft. Moultrie with a beachwalk on Sullivan's Island, followed by a very tasty burger at Poe's Tavern.

Enjoy Charleston! It's a beautiful place.

dcd

Here's my report from our getaway weekend last Feb: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34773403

Have fun! You picked a great city.

barnumbailey

My favorite restaurant in Charleston is COAST. The food is divine and the atmosphere is definitely romantic.

PaulaL

Thank you all for your recommendations and terrific trip reports. We're getting to the VERY excited stage as we depart in a few days.

I'll be sure to write a report upon our return. Thanks again, Paula

Athenian

Paula,

You're beating my wife and I by just a couple of weeks - We're heading there in mid-November. This is our first visit as well, and like you we're celebrating our anniversary. I'll be very interested to hear your opinion of all that you see and do. We've gotten a lot of good advice and are still thinking and planning on where to go. Have a great trip!

Athenian