Does anyone have suggestions for restaurants in Charleston, SC over the Christmas holiday? We'd be interested in getting the "flavor" of Charleston during our first trip

Here's a good place to start reading:

http://www.charleston.net/top20/

Most all the favorite restaurants in Charleston are listed there and websites are available for most restaurants. Click on the restaurant name to read the details.
You won't find universal agreement on any of these, but my personal favorites are S.N.O.B., Peninsula Grill, Charleston Grill, McCrady's and Circa 1886.
Places I find overrated: Poogan's Porch, Aaron's Deli, Hyman's seafood (please avoid), Magnolia's, Cafe Lana, Robert's.

My personal vote would be for Charleston Grill and Circa 1886. I totally agree with Ted Turner and his list of over-rated restaurants. There are some great restaurants here though. I haven't tried all of them, but you could also go to http://www.chowhound.com/main.html and go to the "South" board. They've always got some good input on the restaurants.

You might enjoy lunch at Woodlands, located in Summerville, S. C. Summerville is a short distance from Charleston and it is a lovely town with many beautiful homes. Be sure and call ahead for reservations.

Just started looking at this forum. Charleston is a spot I plan to visit next fall. Ted Turner I love your caribbean posts-we are sympatico! What hotels etc. would you recommend. Also any comments on Fripp Island. I will be meeting friends for a college reunion.

True, Penny, as I've read your posts and we seem to gravitate to the same places. I've spent a lot more time in the Caribbean than in Charleston, but the trips I've made there have been very enjoyable. The historic area is very well kept, compact, architecturally very interesting and Charleston has culinary options which overall are better than Anguilla (though you certainly won't find any of those stunning turquoise-water-over-white-sand views in South Carolina ).
The history of the city and tours/museums etc add a very unique dimension.

As for hotels, depends on whether you want B&B or full service hotel. Charleston offers nice options either way. I'm very picky about hotels and am not a B&B fan, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. The best B&B IMO (which we walked through last trip but didn't stay at) is 2 Meeting Street (twomeetingstreet.com). Location is along the Battery, and it's a very well maintained and historic home. It's frequently sold out. The photos on 2MS's website provide nice insight into what to expect there.

As for FS hotels, Charleston Place is the best all around hotel in town. It was built in 1986 as an Omni, has over 400 rooms, top location in town, attached shopping and great restaurant, also great afternoon tea if that's your thing (my wife twisted my arm). Many of the rooms are getting a little frayed around the edges. It's not ever going to be in the same category as the US's very best hotels, but it provides a nice overall experience.
Market Pavilion is new, well located and has nice rooms, but service is iffy. Has a nice rooftop bar for an evening drink.
The others you'll want to research are Planters Inn, Vendue Inn and Lodge Alley Inn.

Worth mentioning, the best overall lodging in the area is the Woodlands about 18 miles northwest in Summerville SC. It also has arguably the best restaurant in the state. It's not convenient for absorbing Charleston, but for a special occasion, that's the place. It is in fact, the only Mobil 5 star lodging and the only 5 star restaurant in SC for 2004. VERY high praise considering there are only 13 5 star restaurants in the entire USA and 29 5 star lodgings.

Charleston's a great weekend destination. It's really unlike any other city in the US.

Wish I could help you out with Fripp Island but I haven't visited. Like Kiawah, Isle of Palms and Hilton Head I'm sure it's a great place for a get together though.

Our kids loved Hank's when they were in Charleston this summer.

Thanks Ted! I am not a B&B person either. I tend to stay away from historic old houses-as I live in one myself. Or should I say it owns us!
I will check out Charleston Place and the other spots you mentioned. I am off to the beach again, Jumby in late January.

Let me know if anything's changed at Jumby Bay.
We're heading back there in April.
Now if I could just figure out a way to buy one of those beautiful homes on the western or SW coast of the island.....

Ted, thanks for the web site, I'll start looking. Have you tried either Hominy Grill, Justines, or the Boathouse at IOP? Someone suggested these as not to be missed? I have read that many of the pricey downtown restaurants are overrated, so I'll keep that in mind