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Dining Out on Daniel Island

February 1, 2012 by

Daniel Island offers a wide variety of wonderful restaurants and eateries that cater to every taste. Following is just a small sample of the gourmet delights that await you.

Ali Baba

186 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 500, 843-377-8666

http://www.alibabacharleston.com/

According to their website, Ali Baba Mediterranean Deli & Catering gives the people of Charleston an opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine from the Mediterranean region. Featured on the menu are Shawerma, Kebobs, Gyros, and Stuffed Grape Leaves. While many of the dishes contain lamb, beef, or chicken, Ali Baba has an extensive vegetarian menu, including a Grilled Veggie Pita, Tyropita (cheese puffs), and Greek Salad.

Et Cetera Gourmet Food Shoppe

245 Seven Farms Drive, 843-377-8510

http://www.etceteragourmet.com/

This amazing family-owned gourmet food shop offers hand painted chocolates, imported cheeses, homemade pastas and sauces, maple products, various types of meats, and artisan breads. It also serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. The menu includes fresh, crisp salads such as a Smoked Chicken Caesar Salad, Sicilian Tuna Salad, and a delicious Pear and Apple Salad.

Sandwiches come on a baguette or multi-grain sliced bread, or you can choose to have a wrap. Some of the delightful choices include Eggplant Florentine, Pork Barbeque, and Mediterranean Turkey Melt.

Queen Anne’s Revenge

160 Fairchild Street, 843-216-6868

http://www.qarevenge.com/

If you want a truly gourmet dining experience, look no further than Queen Anne’s Revenge, Daniel Island’s original restaurant. The menu includes prime rib and steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, and delectable burgers. The kids will love the children’s menu. In addition to delicious cuisine, diners may choose craft ales, a wide selection of wines, and unique handmade cocktails.

What makes Queen Anne’s Revenge a truly magical place is its collection of historic pirate artifacts in its on-site museum. Treasures include weapons, grenades, booty chests, coins, and authentic art. The museum also features a re-creation of a ship’s hull and a custom model of the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

Vespa Pizzeria

224 Seven Farms Drive, 843-881-0101

http://vespapizzeria.com/

According to the website, Vespa Pizzeria uses traditional cooking methods to create the most authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas in the Charleston area. They use only locally sourced produce and hormone free meats. Pizzas are cooked in an Italian Mugiani wood-fired oven—the same type of oven that has been used in Italy for centuries. In addition to Prosciutto, Shrimp, and Margherita pizza, you’ll find plenty of salads, sandwiches, and pasta on the menu.

The owners have a passion for running their business as a sustainable venture, and to that end, they use recycled Vespa tires and recycled butcher-block dining tables as part of the décor.

Sermet’s Courtyard

115 River Landing Drive, 843-471-1777

http://sermetscourtyard.com/2101.html

Located just one block from the river, Sermet’s Courtyard is a beautiful place to enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends. Each course is a Mediterranean delight, from Baked Artichoke Torta to Stuffed Breaded Eggplant and Shrimp Couscous. Sermet’s makes its own mozzarella cheese, dipping oil, vinaigrettes, and sauces and sells only locally made desserts.

Sermet’s opens for dinner every night at 5 pm, and reservations are recommended. During the non-winter months, Sermet’s has live music in its courtyard, and publishes a schedule on its website and Facebook page.

Have you tried any of these restaurants, and if so, which was your favorite?

 

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Dining Out in Downtown Charleston

January 4, 2012 by

downtown charlestonDowntown Charleston is a dining nirvana. You can find everything from Southern comfort food to the finest French and Japanese cuisine. Following are some of our favorite restaurants.

Cru Café
http://crucafe.com/
Quaint Lowcountry Dining $$$$
18 Pinckney Street, Charleston, SC 29401-2006, (843) 534-2434
Lunch and Dinner

Known for its motto, “Comfort Served Daily,” Cru Café features amazing entrees such as Thai Seafood Risotto, Poblano and Mozzarella Fried Chicken, and barbecued beef brisket. Run by famed Le Cordon Bleu Chef John Zucker, Cru Café has been one of Charleston’s top restaurants since its opening in 2002.

Mercato
http://www.mercatocharleston.com/
Fine Italian Dining $$$
102 North Market Street, Charleston, SC  29401, (843) 722-6393
Dinner

Voted Charleston’s Best New Restaurant by the City Paper, Mercato is noted for its incredible Italian dishes, such as Veal Picatta, Housemade Potato Gnocchi, and Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza. Mercato’s atmosphere transports you to Italy with its Venetian plaster walls, fine Italian leather seats, and 60-year-old Italian chandelier.

39 Rue de Jean
http://www.39ruedejean.com/
French $$$
39 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403, (843) 722-8881
Lunch, dinner

According to its website, 39 Rue de Jean is “a refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine.” Enjoy delicious wine from France’s finest vineyards as you dine on Trout Beurre Blanc with almond rice pilaf, Lamb Shank with brandied figs, and Duck Confit with goat-cheese potato croquette.

Wasabi of Charleston
http://wasabiofcharleston.com/
Wasabi Sushi and Japanese Fusion Bar $$$
61 State Street, Charleston, SC  29401, (843) 577-5222
Lunch, dinner

With professional chefs trained in Japan, Wasabi of Charleston is quickly becoming the place to go for sushi and fine Japanese cuisine. You’ll have a difficult time deciding what to order with entrees such as Nabe Yaki Udon and Hibachi Steak and Shrimp and over 45 varieties of sushi and sashimi, including tamago (egg custard) and saba (Japanese king mackerel).

Hominy Grill
http://hominygrill.com/
Southern (excellent for brunch and breakfast) $$ – $$$
207 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403-5864, (843) 937-0930
Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

For some good old Southern comfort food, go to the nationally acclaimed Hominy Grill. Everything is prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and you’ll love the hearty breakfast with housemade sausage and hominy grits for breakfast. For brunch, try the salmon potato cakes with poached eggs, and for lunch or dinner, indulge in the Low Country Purloo, rice casserole with ham, sausage, chicken wings, and shrimp.

Which amazing downtown Charleston restaurants have you tried?

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Top 3 Holiday Related Activities to Enjoy in Charleston

December 21, 2011 by
festival of lightsImage to the left taken from the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission website.

 

Charleston comes alive during the holidays, and enchanting activities for all ages abound. Here are just a few of the festive holiday celebrations to enjoy right now.

Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island County Park, November 10, 2011–January 1, 2012

With over 2 million lights, the Holiday Festival of Lights is a must-see event. Set up as a 3-mile driving tour or a fun-filled train ride, the Festival of Lights also offers several activities besides twinkling lights, such as marshmallow roasts, gift shops, carousel rides, life-size greeting cards, and a tree lighting.

The driving tour is $12 per car, and the train ride is $3 per person. Children under 2 are admitted free.

Charleston Christmas Sleigh Ride 2011
Charleston Harbor, December 1–31, 2011

Every night in December excluding Christmas, Thriller Charleston hosts sleigh rides by boat to look at the Christmas lights and decorations. You’ll depart from Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant and see the sights in Charleston, James Island, and Mt. Pleasant. As you drink hot cocoa, you’ll hear charming stories of Charleston’s Christmas customs. You keep your travel mug and rain poncho.

Sleigh rides are $45 for adults and $35 for children ages 5–12. Children under 5 are admitted free, but do not receive the hot chocolate or rain poncho.

What’s your favorite Charleston holiday tradition?

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Enjoying the Glorious Outdoors of Charleston: Best Parks in Charleston County

November 23, 2011 by

charleston county parksCharleston County parks offer some of the best scenery, activities, and fishing in the area. With water parks, dog parks, play areas, and campgrounds, the opportunities for quality family time are limitless. The following parks are three of our favorites.

James Island County Park:

A short drive from downtown Charleston, the James Island County Park is open year-round, with something for everyone. Kids love the Splash Zone Waterpark, while adults enjoy the Climbing Wall and boat and bicycle rentals. With over 100 sites and 10 cottages, the Campground offers peace and quiet among the beauty of the park, and anglers will find plenty of opportunity for crabbing and saltwater fishing. Dogs and their owners enjoy the freedom and open space of the off-leash dog park.

The park’s location also makes it ideal for events such as concerts and festivals. Highlights include the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series, the Lowcountry Cajun Festival, and the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands Park:

With its tropical beauty and lush nature trails, Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands Park is almost like a trip to Hawaii. Ideally suited for groups and families, this 943-acre park was designed around nature and its splendor, and the peaceful tranquility of Nature Island is well worth the price of admission.

In addition to the island, visitors can ascend to the top of the 50-foot observation tower and take in the spectacular view while the kids enjoy themselves in the tower’s play area. With Splash Island Waterpark, nature trails, tidal creek fishing and crabbing, boat rentals, and volleyball courts and horseshoe pits, the park offers hours of fun and excitement.

Mount Pleasant Pier:

Over 1250 feet long, the Mount Pleasant Pier gives visitors an amazing view of Charleston Harbor and the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge. Kids and adults alike enjoy fishing off the pier, and the Cooper River Challenge fishing tournament takes place several times during the summer and fall. Prizes are awarded for largest game fish catch in several categories. Rods and tackle are available at the Pier, and after the tournament, you can grab a bite at the River Watch Café and Gift Shop.

Throughout the summer, the Pier shows classic movies at sundown, and admission is free. Spring and summer are the time for Shaggin’ on the Pier, the perfect opportunity to dance the night away to live music.

All of Charleston County’s parks offer amazing views of the beauty of the Lowcountry. Which park is your favorite and why?

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Hearts for the Arts Foundation: Helping the Creative Children of the Lowcountry

November 9, 2011 by

hearts for the arts foundationToday’s post is very dear to me. I’ve interviewed Morgan Downing of the Hearts for the Arts Foundation, an amazing initiative, based in the Charleston area of South Carolina, that works to financially and emotionally support artistic children.

See below for the interview and learn how you can help the Hearts for the Arts Foundation and cause:

1. Tell us a little bit about Hearts for the Arts. Specifically, who are the leaders and founders behind it, and what is the foundation’s mission?

The Hearts for the Arts Foundation was established by Kelly James, Jared James, Shelly Downing, and myself, Morgan Downing. We have set out to fund one of the most attacked activities offered by public schools: the Arts. From ballet to creative writing, we support any form of expression.

2. What was the inspiration behind starting the Hearts for the Arts initiative? In other words, what moved you to start this project?

Kelly James, one of the founders, teaches at an arts-infused school. The money for the programs runs on grants, state money, and donations. However, in the recent economic crisis, the state sees their programs like “finger painting” if you will. Thus, the funding is cut short—yet AGAIN. I, Morgan Downing, am an avid representative for the vitality of the arts in children’s growth and development. We knew there was a need so we all found a solution, the Hearts for the Arts Foundation.

3. The Hearts for the Arts foundation is in direct affiliation with The Art Closet Thrift Store, which is opening soon on Dorchester Rd. in Charleston. What types of things can individuals purchase from The Art Closet Thrift Store, and how does their contribution support the Hearts for the Arts initiative?

The Art Closet Thrift Store is currently the blood and life of our foundation. 80-85% of the money made from our store is directly given to the foundation. We have absolutely fabulous items of all variations there. We have seasonal items, clothing, furniture, books, house ware, jewelry, and much more! However, we must have support from the community to keep this wonderful organization up and running.

4. How can individuals become involved with the Hearts for the Arts foundation and support its cause?

For anyone who has fallen in love with our cause, here are some ways to help:

  • Bring your donations to us! We need all that we can get.
  • If you or the company you work for would like to give, they can. We take monetary donations as well.
  • VOLUNTEER!!!
  • Spread the word and tell EVERYONE. Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement!

If anyone has questions or would like to donate, you can contact us at 843.460.0001 or 843.789.5544. Our e-mail is hearts4thearts@ymail.com.

Thank you for being a part of “The key to a creative education.”

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Top 5 Yoga Studios in Charleston

October 12, 2011 by

charleston yogaYoga is one of the most effective ways to develop a mind-body connection and improve health and flexibility. Following are five of the top yoga studios in the Charleston area.

Charleston Power Yoga: www.charlestonpoweryoga.com

A Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga affiliate studio, Charleston Power Yoga promises to provide a “challenging, dynamic combination of strength, sweat, and flexibility sure to push you to your edge, yet accessible to all body types.”

In addition to an amazing yoga experience, Charleston Power Yoga offers a unique boutique with One of a Kind Yoga Bags from The Rose Knot and handmade jewelry from yogi Stella Maris. Yoga gear includes Manduka mats and Yogitoes.

Bikram Yoga Charleston: www.bikramcharleston.com

With two locations in downtown Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, Bikram Yoga offers hot yoga for all levels and abilities. Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises and works every muscle in your body.

Many clients say they feel more positive and have strengthened their bodies and calmed their minds. Others say yoga has helped them lost weight and change their spirit and soul. Between the two studios, over 50 classes a week are available.

Daniel Island Yoga: www.danielislandyoga.com

Diane Zalka’s YogaFit® and Sadhana Yoga Chi holistic style flow in her sessions, which according to the website “strive to create holistic balance, personal growth, and harmony by focusing on flexibility, strength, balance, breath, body awareness, alignment, relaxation, healing the body, calming the mind, and lifting the spirit.”

Zalka, a retired teacher and Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher, believes yoga is for everyone and offers a range of classes at Pierce Park Pavilion, Daniel Island Park Club, and The Field House. Sessions include YogaFit for Kids, Sunrise Yoga, and Restorative Therapeutic Yoga.

Holy Cow Yoga and Artistic Center: www.holycowyoga.com

Holy Cow Yoga has been a fixture in the Charleston area for 12 years and offers a variety of yoga classes including Vinyasa flow, gentle-restorative, yin, children’s, and prenatal. These classes range from challenging to relaxing, and the environment is supportive and dynamic.

Workshops offered include Hip Helper with Steven Willard, Meditation Immersion with Trace Sahaja Bonner, Yoga and the Pelvic Floor with Leslie Howard, and Food for Life with Ayla Sarnoff. Holy Cow Yoga’s Om Store features organic yoga clothes, Kulae eco mats, and eye pillows.

Serenity Now Yoga: www.serenitynowyoga.net

Located near Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and downtown Charleston, Serenity Now Yoga focuses on not only yoga, but also offers free meditation instruction and special workshops and events. Their philosophy is that yoga should be accessible to anyone, no matter the fitness level or the age, and their mission is to serve all students who wish to develop a yoga practice.

The instructors at Serenity Now recognize the spiritual component of yoga and are careful to respect that everyone has a different spiritual path. While every session includes the traditional aspects of yoga such as yama, niyama, and pranayama, every instructor leaves room for students to include them in their practice as they wish.

Come visit us on Facebook to join the conversation!

 

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Dining Out in The Charleston Area: Mount Pleasant

August 17, 2011 by

charleston restaurantsCharleston is famous for its restaurants! From succulent Lowcountry fine dining to zesty Italian bistros, and quaint barbecue hot spots to vibrant Mexican eateries, Charleston truly is a culinary melting pot.

For many of you who are visiting from out of state, you may not be aware that Charleston is segmented into various different areas that include downtown Charleston, Folly Beach, James Island, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, West Ashley, and Daniel Island (there are a few other neighboring cities, towns, and islands thrown in there, but these are the main ones). Each and every area in Charleston is home to exciting restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs that naming them all in one blog post would be way too much. This is why we’ve decided to create a series on Charleston restaurants. Each post in the series will focus on a different area of Charleston and some of the best restaurants found in that area.

This first post will focus on Mount Pleasant, which is located right across the Ravenel Bridge from downtown Charleston.

Below are just 5 of our favorite restaurants and cafes in Mount Pleasant:

Crave: Serving up artisan sandwiches, pasta, steak, and seafood, Crave provides an eclectic mix of various foods that are sure to delight your palette. The atmosphere is casual and the food is moderately priced. One of our favorite dishes is the turkey club sandwich complimented by a mermaid martini!

1968 Riviera Dr # O, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 / (843) 884-1177 / brunch, lunch, dinner

Mustard seed: For some great food, a casual atmosphere, and excellent service, take a trip to the Mustard Seed. This quaint restaurant features everything from creamy pasta dishes to fresh salads, chicken entrees to mussels and linguine, and much more. The bread that they put on your table at the beginning of dinner is also exceptional and is covered in seasoning and cheese.

1036 Chuck Dawley Boulevard,Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-4178 / (843) 849-0050 / lunch, dinner (not open Sundays)

Yamato: If you love Hibachi-style cooking as much as we do then you’ll definitely want to check out Yamato. With a fun and social atmosphere, great food, huge portions, and silly chefs, Yamato will instantly steal your heart. This restaurant is particularly great for larger groups.

1993 Riviera Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 / (843) 881-1190 / dinner

Red Drum: With somewhat of a Tex-Mex thing going on Red Drum will add a flair to your night. Serving up excellent culinary masterpieces such as lamb shank, fresh seafood, and enchilada appetizers this elegant restaurant is sure to knock your socks off. Note that Red Drum is considered fine dining and we suggest calling in advance to book a reservation.

803 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 / (843) 849-0313 / sunday brunch, dinner (closed Mondays)

Mozzo: This deli is a must when visiting the Charleston area. With a huge selection of artisan sandwiches, pasta salads, cole slaws, and desserts, it can be easy to go overboard when dining at Mozzo. They’re a deli that definitely knows what they’re doing. Some of our favorite sandwiches include the Roma, The Godfather, Fusion, Dig the Fig, and Fat Boy.

730 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 / (843) 388-5755 / breakfast, lunch

Some other Mount Pleasant restaurants that we love include Opal, Langdon’s, Jacob’s Kitchen, Basil, Next Door, Sette, and Uno Mas (great margaritas).

Have you ever been to Mount Pleasant? What’s your favorite restaurant in the area?

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4 Must-Try Outdoor Activities

August 1, 2011 by

outdoor fitnessExercise can be a dirty word, so we prefer to talk about being active. When you’re active, you’re doing things you enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore. During the summer, you have a wide range of outdoor options to have fun, keep your weight down, elevate your mood, and get some fresh air. We’ve discovered a few outdoor activities you might like to try . . .

Kayaking

A highly enjoyable water sport, kayaking is similar to canoeing, but a kayak typically has a closed deck. The kayaker sits with legs in front and uses a double-bladed paddle. Any body of water, from a river to an ocean, is suitable for kayaking. If you like excitement, kayaking down swift-moving rivers, waterfalls, and rapids—also known as whitewater kayaking—is for you.

Kayaking works most of the muscles of the body, especially the torso and arms. You can certainly purchase everything you need to kayak, but kayaking companies will also outfit you on a rental basis.

Surfing

Another water sport, surfing has always been synonymous with ocean waves, but it can be done anywhere waves occur, such as lakes or rivers. The surfer rides a surfboard, a 5-foot or longer flat platform, and maneuvers the board toward a wave hoping it will carry him or her forward, called catching the wave. Once the surfer has caught the wave, he or she stands up on the board to ride the wave. Surfing takes patience and practice.

Surfing works all the major muscle groups, especially the muscles of your upper body while catching the wave, and the muscles of your core, legs, and buttocks while riding the wave. The only equipment you need is a surfboard, which may be purchased or rented.

Paddleboarding

Similar to surfing, paddleboarders ride a board, but instead of catching waves far from shore, the rider stays nearer to shore, sits or kneels on the board, and uses a swimming motion or an oar to move the board. Variations including paddle surfing and doing yoga on the paddleboard make this sport fun and accessible for almost anyone.

Like kayaking and surfing, paddleboarding is a full-body workout and is an excellent cardiovascular activity. Paddleboards tend to be longer than most surfboards, up to 15 feet or more, and can be purchased or rented.

Hiking

For those who prefer dry land or exploring, hiking offers a fun way to stay active and see the outdoors. Most serious hikers are environmentally conscious, and they walk trails in mountainous or hilly areas. Hikers receive a double benefit: exhilarating activity and incredible views. Many people get away from the hustle and bustle of their lives by hiking, and they enjoy the peace of being one with nature.

Hiking works most major muscle groups, and the higher hikers climb, the better workout they get. Equipment is simple: good hiking boots, thick socks, protective clothing, and a backpack stocked with food, water, a compass, and a map of the area. If the hike is going to be longer than a few hours or in areas without trails, the hikers should have other essentials such as a knife, fire starter, flashlight, and GPS device.

Have you tried any of these activities, and did you enjoy them? Any tips for the rest of us?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Visiting Charleston? Here’s What You Should Do: Part II

July 18, 2011 by

charleston scIf you missed Part I of this post, click here.

See below for the rest of our top 10 things to see and do in Charleston list:

6. Golf: World-renowned for its exceptional golfing scene, Charleston has been attracting avid golfers to its lush greens for years. In fact, Charleston is so well-known for its golf that The PGA of America’s 94th PGA Championship in August 2012 will be held at the famous Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, located just outside Charleston.

7. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Explore the stunning gardens and manicured landscapes of Magnolia Plantation as you learn about the area’s history that dates back to the Civil War. You can even enjoy a trip around the plantation on a nature train or boat tour. And after you’ve explored all that the plantation has to offer, stop by their petting zoo!

8. Shopping on King Street: Boutiques galore, King Street is one of the hottest shopping districts in all of Charleston. With a variety of shoe, accessory, jewelry, and clothing boutiques to visit, you’ll always find something new and exciting that you can’t find anywhere else. In addition to one-of-a-kind boutiques, King Street also features some well-known stores including Gucci, Lacoste, Pottery Barn, Sunglass Hut, J.Crew, and more.

9. Downtown Carriage Ride: Take in the sights, sounds, and aromas of downtown Charleston on a charming carriage ride through the historic district. Whether you want your own personal Charleston carriage ride or would prefer to embark on a group tour, the option is up to you. During these tours, your guide will point out some interesting and unique facts about Charleston’s history that you would have never known by simply walking around downtown on your own.

10. Art Walks: Every first Friday of the month, downtown Charleston plays host to a delightful art walk. Depending on where the art walk is held that month, people can visit a variety of galleries (after hours between 5:30 and 8 p.m.), while sipping on free wine, cheeses, and light snacks. The artistic creations found in the art galleries throughout Charleston range everywhere from photography to colored pencil, and various painting mediums to intricate sculptures. And for art walks happening on Broad Street, keep an eye out for Zan Smith, an artist who creates unique frog sculptures that are unique to Charleston!

Have you ever been to Charleston? If so, what’s your favorite part about this wonderful city?

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Visiting Charleston? Here’s What You Should Do: Part I

July 13, 2011 by

Charleston vacationWhether you’re a Charleston resident, visiting Charleston for some rest and relaxation, or coming to Charleston to visit The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, there are tons of wonderful activities to take part in, no matter your special interests.

Here is our list of top 10 things to do and see while visiting Charleston, SC:

1. The Aquarium: For all ages, the South Carolina Aquarium is an aquatic wonderland! Filled with exotic species and local creatures alike, the Aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to view a nice assortment of some of the world’s most enchanting animals. One of our favorite features of the South Carolina Aquarium is their Sea Turtle Hospital, where they house injured sea turtles and rehabilitate them before releasing them back into their natural habitat. We also love the river otter and albino alligator exhibits.

2. Ghost Tours: For a little spook, embark on an exciting ghost tour around downtown Charleston to get a feel for why Charleston is known as a haunted city. Some of the ghost tours include dungeon, graveyard, and old jail tours.

3. Wine Strolls at Middleton Plantation: Every Wednesday, up until November 16, Middleton Plantation hosts an exciting Wine Stroll where visitors can delight in tasting a broad selection of wines and stroll through the plantation’s pristine gardens. Tickets are $15 per adult and are a bargain, in our minds!

4. Relaxing on the Beach: From Folly Beach to Isle of Palms, there is a nice selection of beaches to find pure bliss on. Each beach has its own ambiance and nearby attractions, which makes Charleston perfect for all travelers. No matter which beach you choose to visit, you can’t go wrong!

5. Downtown Dining: When it comes to downtown dining, there are dozens upon dozens of options to choose from. It’s impossible to pick one as your favorite. But, some of our absolute favorites include: Cru Café, Hominy Grill, Carolina’s, Peninsula Grill, Fleet Landing, Mercato, Rue de Jean, and the list goes on and on! There are lots of options when it comes to pricing, as well. Restaurants range everywhere, from fine dining to casual eateries.

Stay tuned for Part II of this post where we share five more of our favorite things to do while visiting Charleston.

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