cangel

I am a Western Mass. landscape photographer planning a long weekend trip to Charleston, SC early March, 2014; staying across the Ashley river from the City of Charleston, north of James Island. I am looking for general photo locations in that area, and culinary suggestions, or any cultural recommendations that you may offer a northerner traveling in the South. I would appreciate the help.

SeaF

SNOB restaurant. Get the "Local clam chowder."

DRJ

You certainly should visit Middleton Inn, just north of Charleston. And while you will probably be a few weeks early, there are a million azaleas on the walk between the old plantation and Middleton Inn. And the inn, IMO, is one of the finest examples of contemporary architecture in SC.

Also, consider dining at McCrady's, just off Bay Street, Charleston.

DebitNM

I haven't been to Inn at Middleton Place but have been to Middleton Place and it is lovely. Not sure about what all will be blooming, but even I got some spectacular photos while there in Sept.

https://www.middletonplace.org/

volcanogirl

Bookmarking.

Maggi

I always visit the Angel Oak on Johns Island. It is a challenge to convey the size on a photograph. It is reputed to be between 400-1500 years old.

suewoo

The Angel Oak is a great suggestion. Bull Island is an undeveloped reserve. There's a ferry that goes there but take your supplies. The maritime forest there is stunning.

If you go south to Beaufort, you could visit Sheldon Church ruins then drive out to Hunting Island.

The azaleas usually begin blooming in mid March. They are everywhere.

Since you're staying in West Ashley, try Glass Onion for lunch or dinner.

ahotpoet

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DRJ

If your travels do take you to Beaufort I highly recommend a lunch at Griffin Market. Its downtown and is, IMO, the best Italian restaurant in SC. You can also view their million dollar wine collection.

Sheldon church is very photographic as is the old residential section of Beaufort.

Maggi

I got some good shots visiting a local shrimpery, of the boats and the bucketloads of fresh shrimp, followed up by the finished product at home: shrimp and grits! They cost a pittance compared to where I come from.

suewoo

I'm not sure the shrimp will be running in March. It may be too early. Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant is a good place to see the boats.

JanetKMR

Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant is a good place to see the boats.
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We had some good seafood there too!

cangel

Thank you, folks! Probably too early for the bloom on Middleton Place, but thanks to DRJ and DebitNM, I will get there, as well as Johns and Bull Islands for forest images (thanks, Maggi and suewoo!). JanetKMR, Shem Creek will be a target location, thanks. SNOB and The Glass Onion seem like a must for food. Any more, either food or photo spots, that you may suggest would be appreciated. Any Kiawah Island recommendations? Any info re. traffic nuances, especially getting on and off Rte. 17?

suewoo

If the azaleas aren't blooming yet the camellias will still be in bloom. Maybe, lol.

Kiawah is private and gated. You can make a reservation at one of the restaurants if you want to get in. You might want to check out Rockville and Wadmalaw Island as well.

Getting on and off 17 can be busy, depending on where you are. Avoid rush hours.

You can usually see dolphin from the bridge at Breach Inlet between IOP and Sullivan's.

If the azaleas are starting to bloom drive out to Edisto through Hollywood. The big ones in the woods are beautiful.

The are some restaurants with nice views on Shem Creek. In my experience olaces with views don't always have great food-they don't have to work at it. But it's fun to have drinks there. Just across the street toward Sullivans is Page's Okra Grill. You won't see tourists there.

There are so many good restaurants in Charleston you'll have a hard time choosing. My very favorite is FIG. But I've often enjoyed Cru Cafe, Magnolia's, Cypress, Tristan, High Cotton (sister to SNOB), Ile Cortile del Re, Peninsula Grill, the Ordinary, Grocery, the list is huge. Check out menus online.

JanetKMR

FIG is outstanding. But we have not had a disappointing meal at any price point in Charleston. There are also so many places we want to try.

CindyA

Bookmarking

Maggi

We enjoyed our meal at Crave in Mt. Pleasant. They try to use locally sourced foods and accomodate gluten free diets as well.

chucktown_dobbs

Cangel,

You're going to love Charleston. We've traveled all over the world (and enjoy it immensely), but we absolutely love coming back home to Charleston!

We have so many awesome restaurants, it's really hard to go wrong. King Street is our shopping and restaurant mecca.

I was surprised that no one has mentioned walking to the high point of the beautiful Ravenel Bridge for some wonderful photo ops. Great aerial views over the harbor, the USS Yorktown, and the Charleston peninsula.

I agree with SueWoo that the shrimp may not be running yet in March, but the oyster season will be in full swing. The local oysters are so salty and delicious. It would be worth your while to find an "oyster roast" to go to around town. Maybe around the Folly Beach area, which is at the end of James Island. Doing that (oyster roast) would knock out 2 birds with 1 stone: great food and photo ops.

In my opinion, the best spot for panoramic views/photos of Charleston, the harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and Mount Pleasant (and beyond!) is from "Sunrise Park" (it's now technically named "Melton Peter Demetre Park" on James Island. It's an awesome, little-known gem.

Have fun in Chucktown!

Robbie

Dickie_Gr

Anyone looking for photo locations, absolutely must visit Botany Bay Plantation on Edisto Island. It has an incredibly photogenic approach and a beautifully haunting beach with a dead forest falling into the sea. The huge shells which cannot be removed also make for good photographs.

JanetKMR

We had an incredible view from the rooftop of the hotel where we stayed, Wentworth Mansion.