Charleston, SC
 

We are going to have some friend come and visit us on Labor Day weekend. We are going to visit Charleston, SC. Could anyone recommend different things to do in the town. What about restaurants, shopping, etc. Where to the locals go to eat? Anything to do around Charleston?
Thanks for the feedback!
Tede

I have topped a previous thread on this subject for you. It will give you some great ideas.

tede, for a wealth of information about Charleston in the search box type in GoTravel. She who is a native of that area gave so much information last year..it sure added to my time in Charleston.

Stay at Charleston Place which is in the historic district and an easy walk to lots of restaurants, sightseeing, etc. Have dinner at Charleston Grill and Peninsula Grill just across the street. Also try McCrady's and Circa 1886. Walk down King street next door to Charleston Place and shop for antiques. Take a walking sightseeing trip in the historic district with a guide. Great city.

Thanks everyone! Has anybody stayed at the B&B named The Phillips Yates-Snowden House? Where would a good place be, not fancy, to eat seafood? Would there be any good restaurants in Isle of Palm or Sullivans Island? Could someone name a night spot that plays jazz or oldies, someplace not too roudy? Someone mentioned the restaurant "Hominy Grill", what do you think, more for breakfast, lunch or dinner? Where would a good place be for shopping for antiques that aren't very expensive, perhaps an antique mall someplace not too far away? Thanks a bunch!

If you're looking for a place to eat outside of Charleston, Shem Creek Bar and Grill in Mt. Pleasant is good local food. It's off the main drag (Hwy. 17) and kind-of one of those places that you have to know about to know it exists.

Go get a plate of fried lobster tails at Hymans. It's by the Market, so you can't miss it. People will be lined up outside to get in. It's not fancy. Very casual, but great seafood. Have fun! My husband and son love to go to Bubba Gumps to get a Boatload of Trash (which has 2 fried lobster tails in it), but it's a chain...good, but a chain.

Hyman's is just not good. And, with all due respect, why would I order lobster tails in Charleston with all the good FRESH local seafood. It is like the "all you can eat seafood buffets" in Myrtle Beach that feature crab claws.
So not SC beach/Low Country cuisine.

Thanks for all of your suggesstions. If anyone could give anymore information I sure would appreciate it. I'd rather not eat lobster in SC, I've been to Maine and I would be disappointed if I ordered it. Was spoiled in Maine!!!! Are they any other restraurants around Charleston that would be good, where the locals go? The historic district is probably going to be expensive. Thanks

The rooftop bar at The Vendue Inn is an excellent venue for drinks and live music. Plus the cool harbor breezes and excellent birds-eye view make it a favorite for locals and tourists.

I don't know of the B&B and have never heard of but that doesn't mean it isn't great. I would be Charleston has more B&Bs than any other city in the country. Just tons of them.

Fantastic food:
Penninsula Grill
SNOB
Jestine's Kitchen
Poogan's Porch (brunch)
Hominy Grill

PS locals eat at all of the above restaurants.

I had bad food at Hyman's!
Try some She-Crab soup in Charleston...Mmmmmmm!!
My favorite experiences were visiting Drayton Hall, the Old Market, strolling the Battery and a harbor boat tour. Great city! Have a wonderful visit!

Can you golf in Feb anywhere near Charleston? Considering it as a destination for our 20th anniversary but I know DH would like to golf if possible.

You're right next to Kiawah Island, one of the premier golf locales on the East Coast.

Golf? February? The Carolinas? That would be a match!! ANY month, ANY DAY!!

I found a matchbook in a summer purse this weekend -

Is "Slightly North of Broad" still open?

Hi starrsville, OWJ and I ate at SNOB last April and I loved that restaurant. I just went onto Google and typed in their name. Yes, they sure are still there!! Again, think of me when eating there.

Hey, Lovey. I wondered about you earlier tonight and checked to make sure you had posted recently. When I found a post from earlier tonight I felt better. I didn't remember reading a post from you for the past couple of days.

I found the matchbook on Saturday, but honestly can't remember the restaurant. I must have enjoyed it because I picked a matchbook to jog my memory.

Glad to know it's still open and that you enjoyed it. Kinda funny that the response is from a California gal! :-)

We just returned from the Charleston area and had a great dinner at The Mustard Seed on Maybank Highway (James Island). As we have an 8 year old, we arrived a little on the early side for Friday evening and got a table right away. By the time we left, people were waiting on the porch. They had about 6 specials that evening, of which our party tried two (I had the Pad Thai off the regular menu). Everything was really good. The desserts are large enough for 4 people to share. Especially good was the coconut cake. The prices were reasonable - $16 for the Sea Bass special, I think around that for the pork rib shop stuffed with Carolina peaches and boursin and mine was $12. They have several choices that are kid friendly also (not on the printed menu).

Some more casual seafood restaurant suggestions are The Boathouse(East Bay St), or the restaurants along Shem Creek in Mt Pleasant. I think Hominy Grill is better for breakfast or lunch. I agree with the rooftop at Vendue Inn - they have jazz or some type of music and a beautiful, casual setting.
In Mt Pleasant you will find some antique shopping at a place called Page's Thieves Market. It looks interesting, but I haven't been there. There are many antiques in downtown CHS along King St.- I think kinda $$$.
Walk along the Battery, or take a carriage ride for more info about the homes, etc along the battery.
If you drive out to West Ashley(about 20 mins from downtown), you will find Middleton, Magnolia and Drayton Hall plantations.