Traveler of Charleston SC Mag - Jan - Mar 2015

TRAVELERof Charleston

january – march 2015

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TRAVELERof Charleston.com

®

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Exploring Charleston SC.Ranked #1 in the city!

THE SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS

CHARLESTON

The City of SeafoodFROM SHRIMP AND GRITS TO OYSTER ROASTS AND CRAB CRACKS....

Visitor Magazine

Departing from the “RED BARN”

Present this Ad for

FREE PARKINGWITH YOUR TOUR

We also offer a combination Harborand Carriage tour for one low price

Tickets: 8 Guignard Street (in the Barn)

www.palmettocarriage.com | 843.723.8145Complimentary golf cart pick-up + drop-off ! Call for details

Charleston’s Oldest Carriage Company

Photo: Faith McDavid

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Try Palmetto’s newestCombo TourThe Charleston Trotand WalkA 1 hour carriage tour followed bya 1-1/2 hour walking tour.• the most comprehensive

overview of the sites and history of the city

• the same tour-guide for both ensures no repetitive information

• includes entry into one of Charleston’s historic landmarks

• $40.00 Adults, $26 Children

Contents

4 TRAVELERofCharleston.com january-march 2015

DEPARTMENTS

6 Welcome to Charleston16 See + Do42 Shop + Savor50 Eat + Drink58 Calendar of Events64 Maps69 Directory of Advertisers

FEATURES

10 Charleston History Timeline

12 The City of Seafood

27 Spotlight on South Carolina Aquarium

32 Romance in Charleston

34 Only in Charleston

38 Spotlight on USS Yorktown

40 Golfing in Charleston

44 Shopping Guide

48 Charleston Area Festivals

53 Charleston Recipe: Lowcountry Boil

55 History of Charleston Cuisine

62 Things to Love about the Lowcountry

32

THE CITY OF SEAFOOD

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34

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Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.

Publisher/Founder.................... Keith SimmonsEditor........................................... Holly FisherGraphic Designer...................... Heineman DesignDistribution................................ Denise FletcherDistribution................................ Brian BeanDistribution................................ Debbi FarrellCover Photo .............................. Jason Bennett

TRAVELER of Charleston is produced by the Traveler Communications Group, LLC, and is published four times yearly anddistributed to various locations throughout the Charleston area, including all visitors centers, hotels, airports, beach rentals,grocery stores, high-traffic areas, advertiser locations and many other points throughout the surrounding area. Concept,design and contents of TRAVELER of Charleston are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. www.travelerofcharleston.com.

The copy and advertising deadline for the next issue is March 1, 2015.

[email protected] | 843-580-9054 | TRAVELERofCharleston.com

From thePublisher


®

KEITH SIMMONS has an exten-sive publishing, marketing andadvertising background andfounded Traveler Magazine in2005. His purpose was to develop an affordable and effective visitor medium wherebusinesses could advertise theirservice. Traveler is now one ofthe leading visitor resources inthe city. Keith lives in MountPleasant with his wife and sons.He enjoys fishing, kayaking andspending time with his family.

HOLLY FISHER is a long-timewriter and editor with a love oftelling stories. She has lived inCharleston more than a decadeand enjoys sharing the tales ofthe Holy City with visitors andnewcomers to the area. Hollylives in the Mount Pleasant areawith her husband, daughter andthree dogs. When she isn’t at hercomputer writing for work andfor fun, you can find her readingor doing CrossFit.

SALLY HEINEMAN honed herknack for graphic design at theUniversity of the Arts in Philadel-phia, PA where she received aBFA in Graphic Design. Drawnto the South and the love ofeverything Lowcountry, Sallyopened the doors of her graphicdesign business, Heineman Design, in 1992.

Traveler of Charleston Team

Welcome to Charleston!

Turning the calendar to a new year isalways exciting. There are 12 months ofpossibilities ahead and another year to

explore the incredible City of Charleston andits surrounding communities. In 2014, we werethrilled to see Charleston once again top thelist of the best U.S. cities in Condé Nast Travelermagazine. We know visitors adore our historiccharm, beaches, restaurants and arts andculture. Who wouldn’t?

February kicks off festival season here as area parks and venues are filled with everythingfrom wildlife and art to fashion and flowers(Page 48). We’re also getting cozy for Valentine’sDay or maybe you’re here to celebrate an an-niversary or for a romantic getaway. Check outour favorite romantic spots on Page 32.

No trip to Charleston is complete without adelicious meal at one of our world-class restau-rants. But before you dive into that bowl of she-crab soup or shuck an oyster, learn moreabout our local seafood industry on Page. 12.

While you’re here, download our mobile appoverflowing with visitor information, includingmaps, parking details and lists of attractions,restaurants and tours. Not only is it superhelpful, but it’s free! Search “Charleston SC”on iTunes or Google Play.

Connect with us on Facebook (travelermag)and Twitter (@traveler_mag) and Instagram(travelerofcharleston) if you have questionsduring your visit and to share your photos andexperiences. We love seeing how you’reenjoying #Charleston!


1680Settlement is relocated to peninsulaCharles Town –population 1,000

1736 Dock Street Theatre opens, first building in U.S. used exclusively for theatrical performances

1740 Charles Town becomes mostcritical port in North America forexporting rice, indigo and cotton

1775-1783 RevolutionaryWar; Siege of Charlestonin 1780

1783City renamed“Charleston”

1790College ofCharlestonfounded

1672English colonists settle Charles Townon the Ashley River

HIS AMAZING PLACE ONLY GETS BETTER WITH TIME.Each year more people flock to this historic port city to soak up the history, culture and architecture and bask in Southern goodness. In recent years, Charleston has become a destination for shopping and its incredible culinary scene is attracting global attention.

From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, this is one city that truly offers something for everyone. But this Holy City has a storied past. An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations.

As you’re visiting our beloved city, get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms and delight in all the amazing beauty Charleston has to offer.

CHARLESTONto

T

1718Blackbeardthe Pirate sailsinto CharlesTown Harborwith fourships; takeshostages forransom

1718Pirate Stede Bonnetis hanged at WhitePoint Garden

1719City is renamed “Charlestown”

january-march 2015 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 11

1824CharlestonMuseumopens

1861 Confederatetroops fire thefirst shots of theCivil War uponFort Sumter

1886 Major earthquakehits Charleston,damaging 2,000buildings, killing110 people

1920Preservation Societyfounded to protecthistoric resources

1989Hurricane Hugo hits thecity and surrounding areaswith 135 mph winds

2005Arthur Ravenel Jr.Bridge over theCooper River opens

1864 USS Hunley sinksUSS Housatonic inCharleston harbor

1977SpoletoFestivalUSA begins

1791 President GeorgeWashington visits, lodging at the Daniel Hayward Houseand attending a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom

1828-29Young Armyrecruitnamed EdgarAllan Poe isstationed atFort Moultrieon Sullivan’sIsland

2006 Charleston Wine+ Food Festivalfounded


If you want to hear the tales of long ago,the behind-the-scenes story of theSouth Carolina Lowcountry and es-

pecially of the food we love to eat, get ashrimper or an oysterman on the water.

Trawlers returning to the docks after along, hard day of work on the water, shal-low-bottomed bateaux slipping off into theearly morning mists, and hard-workingmen casting drop nets into the water: theseare scenes that have shaped the historyand the thinking of the people of Charlestonand the surrounding islands as much asany historic building.

People raised on the water usually can’timagine doing anything else. There’s a cer-tain gleam that gets in their eyes whenthey talk of days out on the open water,riding the steady roll of the waves.

That gleam is shaped by geography. Anabundance of meandering intracoastal wa-terways, marshes, rivers and ocean watersmake the area pitch perfect for harvestingsucculence from the deep. Whether thepassion is saltwater angling for red drum,

From shrimp and grits to oyster roasts and crab cracks, seafood is a Charleston traditionCity

SeafoodofBy Jason A. Zwiker


THE

casting for largemouth bass in freshwater,or just dropping a line baited with a chickenneck into the water and waiting, net at theready, for a big, tasty crab to latch on, thisis the place to be if you love fish or shellfish.From signature dishes such as shrimp andgrits to seasonal traditions like oyster roastsand crab cracks, seafood is an integral partof life in Charleston.

Ask a few locals about blue crab, the “sa-vory beautiful swimmer,” and you will hearstories aplenty about the Jimmies (maleblue crab) and Sooks (female). If you’relucky, you may even get a few deliciousrecipes for crab cakes, she-crab soup orpan-fried soft-shell crabs.

Charleston has been enjoying a culinaryrenaissance for several years now, one thatshows no signs of slowing down. Rightnow, nationally recognized chefs are prepar-ing everyone’s favorite fish dishes in brandnew ways, making it an exciting time to bea seafood lover in Charleston.

Seafood lovers love to stick together andsupport the causes that keep the fisherieshealthy and vibrant. When research re-vealed that certain fish were in danger ofbeing overharvested, several organizations,including the South Carolina Aquarium,Coastal Conservation League, and othergroups, chefs and restaurants united forthe cause.

It didn’t take long for “sustainability”to become a hallmark of the local foodscene. The term simply refers to food that’sharvested with respect for the long-termviability of either the individual speciesor the overall ecosystem.

Researchers monitor the impact thatcommercial and recreational fishing hason different kinds of fin or shellfish and, ifthe species seems to be in danger of beingdepleted, recommendations are made toavoid that particular species on the menuuntil such time as it can be replenished.

In other words, both chefs and dinersalike can “vote with the plate.”

“Given a choice, I think that peoplewould want fresh and local every time,”local fisherman L. David Thomas once toldTraveler of Charleston while he was un-loading a fresh catch from his boat, ChinaGirl, to Crosby’s Fish and Shrimp, a locallyowned seafood market on Folly Road. “Butyou have to know what you’re getting andyou have to make your choice known. That’sthe only way the local seafood industry isgoing to keep going.”

“ People raised on the water usually

can’t imagine doing anything else.”

A side benefit of the emphasis on sus-tainability and choosing local foods in gen-eral is that it added an extra boost to thealready flourishing culinary creativity inCharleston kitchens. Instead of simplyworking with the “old standbys,” chefs craftnew and fascinating plates made from fishsuch as triggerfish, rainbow trout or stripedbass, with absolutely delicious results.

The most immediate benefit of buyinglocal, sustainably harvested seafood is thatit is the freshest seafood available. Tastewild-caught shrimp fresh from crisp, clearAtlantic waters and you’ll never look at afrozen bag of imported product the sameway again. There are health benefits forthe consumer, benefits for the environment,and benefits for the economy when local,sustainable product is chosen. It’s a win-win situation all around when you can feelreally good about eating really good food.

That’s important in a place that pridesitself on its traditions. Shem Creek in


Mount Pleasant has long been famed forits fleet of shrimp boats, as is McClellanville,a fishing town several miles up Highway17 North. Cherry Point Seafood nearRockville is one of the few remaining fishhouses and maintenance docks in the area.

There are only a few who remain fromthe golden era of commercial fishing inCharleston, and you will still see those vet-erans of the industry mending nets andpatching sails near the docks they love sowell. They’re the ones who remember howit was in days gone by.

Today, the City Market in the heart ofdowntown Charleston is a great place tobuy art, crafts and gifts.

But turn the hands of time back a hun-dred years or so and Market Street was avery different place. Fishermen unloadedtheir catch at the east end of the street andvendors carted it up to roll through themarket area. This was the era of the fabled“Mosquito Fleet,” when fish, shrimp, oystersand crab were usually purchased fresh offthe boat or from a street vendor.

Those days, and the flotilla of small fish-ing vessels that harvested the seafood, areimmortalized in Charleston’s favorite opera,“Porgy & Bess.”

Families who make their living harvest-ing the coastal waters will tell you: it isvery hard work. It takes muscle to crackthe clusters out of the oyster beds and heftthe weight back to shore. The work is laborintensive. It keeps the back strong, thehands calloused, and must be done whetherthe sun is hot or the rain is cold.

Keeping that fresh, local seafood on ourtables means long, hard days out on thewater with the sun and the salt and thewaves.

And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“ It’s a win-winsituation all aroundwhen you can feelreally good about eating really good food.”

See+ DoCharleston is known forits beauty, history andfantastic harbor. Manyexperienced touringcompanies are ready toshow you a great time.

WHETHER YOU’RE A HISTORY BUFF, WATER ENTHUSIAST OR SIMPLYENJOY STROLLING THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF CHARLESTONYOU’LL FIND PLENTY OF WAYS TO EXPLORE THE HOLY CITY. See aplantation home, tour the harbor, take a carriage ride or visit a museum.

How to use this magazine:

You’ll find each type of tourand attraction categorizedfor easy reference. Many

listings include a map gridlocator. Find the grid

location, then reference the maps on pages

64 through 68.


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ART & THEATER ACTIVITIES

Theatre Charleston843-813-8578 • theatrecharleston.comTheatre Charleston, a nonprofit organizationcomprised of the area’s leading local theaters,is dedicated to helping you easily find out what’splaying when and where. Check the website fora calendar of this season’s live productions.

The Black Fedora Comedy MysteryTheatre & Shoppe164 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8)843-WE SMILE (937-6453)charlestonmysteries.com • FeaturingSherlock Holmes and the Charleston HistoryMystery, the family oriented Pirate MysteryShow, and the classic whodunit InspectorNoClue’s Murder Mystery. Live entertainmentmost evenings and some “beat-the-heat”matinees. Audience participation. Appetizers,desserts, beer/wine. Mystery books/gifts.

The Sound of Charleston150 Meeting St. at Circular CongregationalChurch • (Map H:7) • 843-270-4903soundofcharleston.com • Experience the uniquesounds that define Charleston’s rich musical heritage – gospel, Gershwin, music of the CivilWar, light classics & jazz – all presented by professional artists in a live 75-minute concert.


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COMBO TOURS

Carriage & Harbor Combo TourHarbor Tours • 10 Wharfside St. • (Map :J:5/6) Palmetto Carriage • 8 Guignard Street888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 charlestonharbortours • Harbor Tours departs from the Maritime Center three timesdaily with a 90-minute live narrated sightseeingcruise aboard the 1920s style Bay Steamer –Carolina Belle. Palmetto Carriage tour departsfrom the Big Red Barn every 20-30 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. The one-hour tour covers 25 to 30 blocks of the historic and residentialdistricts. Adults $36.50, Children 4-11 $2.

CARRIAGE TOURS

Palmetto Carriage Works8 Guignard St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145 palmettocarriage.com • Departs from The Big Red Barn every 15 to 20 minutes, rain orshine, beginning at 9 a.m. Tours are one hourlong, covering about 25 blocks of residential and historic districts. Guides are city licensed. See our ad on the inside front cover.

COMBO TOURS

Palmetto Tours8 Guignard Street at the “Big Red Barn” • (Map:H:7) • 843-723-8145 • palmettocarriage.comCharleston’s premier carriage tour company offers additional combination tours for one discounted price. Choose a Charleston Harbor, Culinary Walking, History Walking or Ghost Carriage Tours. Combine these tours and saveup to $11 per person.

Gray Line & Fort Sumter Tour Combo843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.com,graylineofcharleston.com • Save $4 per person!Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Charleston’s his-toric district and take the only boat tour to FortSumter. Licensed and experienced tour guideslead a 90-minute exploration of Charleston’s richhistory on air-conditioned mini-buses. The GrayLine tour features 100+ points of interest with astop at the Battery. Tours depart every 30 min-utes from the Charleston Visitor’s Center, 375Meeting St. Free hotel pickup in historic district.

For the fourth year, Charleston was named the 2014 best city in the United Statesby the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Charleston was also ranked No. 2 in theworld, coming in just behind Florence, Italy.


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MOTORIZED LAND TOURS

Gray Line of Charlestongraylineofcharleston.com • 843-722-4444Explore 300 years of history with experienced, licensed tour guides onboard our mini-buses.Gray Line offers a comprehensive tour ofCharleston’s Historic District with 100+ points of interest and a stop at Charleston’s Battery.Take our 90 minute tour or add a visit to a fully restored antebellum home. Land & SeaCombo includes either a visit to Fort Sumter or a 90-minute tour of the harbor. Tours departevery 30 minutes from the Charleston Visitor’sCenter, 375 Meeting St. Free hotel pickup in historic district.

Summerville Trolley TourDepart from Summerville Dorchester Museum:100 E. Doty Ave • Summerville • (Map: BB:2)summervilledream.org/events • 843-821-7260Take a trip down the Sweet Tea Trail on a 1.5-hour guided excursion through this small southern town where tea isn’t the only thingthat’s sweet. Only on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Fridaysof each month.

MOTORIZED LAND TOURS

Adventure Sightseeing“See it all” with Adventure Sightseeing. The most comprehensive motorized city toursdaily via comfortable bus. Live narrated by themost experienced and professional guides!Board our buses from the Charleston VisitorCenter or let us pick you up. We offer hotel pick up and drop off for a nominal fee. The onlybus tour that takes you through The Citadel military college. Fantastic combo tours availablewith house tours, harbor tours and more. Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online at AdventureSightseeing.com

Looking forCharleston’s famous landmarks?Find them all withGPS directions on our free mobile app!Search “Charleston”in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.

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MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Audubon Center at Beidler Forest843-462-2150 • beidlerforest.com Francis Beidler Forest contains the largest stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gumswamp forest left in the world. See 1,000-year-old trees and native wildlife; walk the 1.75-mileboardwalk into the swamp. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m-5p.m. Harleyville, S.C.

City of North CharlestonOnly 6 miles from downtown Charlestonnorthcharleston.org • The third largest city in the state with abundant shopping locales such as Tanger Outlets, Northwoods Mall as well as the business hub for the Lowcountry.

Charles Towne LandingState Historic Site1500 Old Towne Road • Charleston (area map) • 843-852-4200 • Hours: daily 9a.m.-5 p.m. • charlestownelanding.travel Established in the 1670, this is the birthplace of Charleston. Experiences include a museum, outdoor exhibits along the History Trail with an accompanying audio tour, cannondemonstrations and special events, an Animal Forest zoo and the “Adventure,” a reproduction 17th-century trading vessel.

Edmondston-Alston House21 East Battery • Charleston • (Map: H:9)843-722-7171 • middletonplace.orgBuilt in 1825, the house is a repository of familytreasures, including Alston family silver, furniture,books and paintings. Look seaward from thesecond floor piazza, where Gen. Beauregardwatched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter Tours843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.comWalk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers as you visit this National Historic Site. Cost includestour of Charleston harbor onboard the boat plusan hour to explore the fort. The National ParkService maintains the Civil War era fortificationsas well as restrooms, a gift shop and the FortSumter Museum. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized concessionaire of the National ParkService and the only tour that stops at historicFort Sumter. Tours depart Liberty Square indowntown Charleston (handicapped accessible)and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.


Share your Charlestonphotos on Instagram and tag us: @travelerofcharleston.


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MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-884-2727 • patriotspoint.org Home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown,WWII's Fighting Lady. Museum includes the destroyer USS Laffey, the submarine USS Clamagore, a re-creation of a Vietnam NavalSupport Base, 28 historic military aircraft, theCongressional Medal of Honor Society’s Museum. Free map for self-guided tours.

South Carolina Aquarium100 Aquarium Wharf • Charleston843-720-1990 • scaquarium.orgThe South Carolina Aquarium is home to morethan 5,000 animals found across the state. Explore 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank or enjoy a movie in the interactive 4-D movie theater. Journey from the mountains to the sea and find family fun around every corner.

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Town of Summerville Visitor Center: 402 Main St., Summerville (see maps) •With over 700 homes and buildingson the National Register of Historic Places, the city is known for its historic character. Acharming downtown is a must visit along withthe "Sweet Tea Trail."

Wild Blue Ropes1595 Highland Ave • James Island (area map)843-5024066 • wildblueropes.comIf you’re looking for a something-to-write-home-about-holy-cow-I-can’t-believe-I-just-did-that adventure, you’ve come to the right place. An aerial ropes course with 70+ challengefeatures reaching 35 feet above the ground. Designed at 3 levels of difficulty that’s fun for the whole family. Imagine a jungle gym suspended 35 feet in the air.

Where are the Charleston area planta-tions located? Find plantations and otherattractions on our free mobile app!Search “Charleston” in the app stores orvisit m.travelerofcharleston.com on yoursmartphone.

PLANTATIONS

Drayton Hall3380 Ashley River Road (Highway 61)Charleston • (area map) • 843-769-2600draytonhall.org • Drayton Hall (circa 1738) is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. Admission includes tours river and marsh walks, theAfrican-American cemetery and artisan-inspired Museum Shop.

Middleton PlaceNational Historic Landmark • 4300 Ashley RiverRoad (Highway 61) • Charleston • (area map)843-556-6020 • middletonplace.org • An 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. See the house museum, craftspeople in the stable yards or take an African-American focus tour. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

TRANSPORTION

Charleston Water TaxiDowntown: Maritime Center • 10 Wharfside St.(Map: K:5/6) • Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point • (Map: O:2)843-330-2989 • charlestonwatertaxi.com The water taxi runs on a continuous looparound Charleston Harbor between PatriotsPoint (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston.

PLANTATIONS

Boone Hall Plantation1235 Long Point Road • Mount Pleasant(Map: L:4) • 843-884-4371boonehallplantation.com • One of America’s oldest plantations with more than 320 years ofhistory. Located 8 miles north of Charleston.The “Avenue of Oaks,” nine original slave cabins,house tours and shows included in admission.Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:30p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

Charleston Tea Plantation6617 Maybank Highway • Wadmalaw Island(area map) • 843-559-0383charlestonteaplantation.com • Located on beautiful Wadmalaw Island 25 miles from downtown Charleston. Visitors can experiencehow tea is planted, grown, nurtured and harvested from the raw leaf to finished black tea – made possible by the farm’s thousands of historic tea bushes.

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Need to quickly find apublic restroom? It’seasy with our restroomGPS locator on ourfree mobile app!Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.comon your smartphone.


Located on the Charleston harbor, theSouth Carolina Aquarium gives visi-tors a chance to experience a vast ar-

ray of ocean creatures from turtles to sharkswhile learning about conservation and theenvironment.

The aquarium provides a habitat-by-habi-tat look at many of South Carolina’s nativeanimals and plants that stretch from themountains to the coast. The 15,000-gallonCarolina Seas tank houses a collection ofcolorful fish found around reef habitats offthe coast.

A crowd favorite is the two-story, 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank – home to sharksand a 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle namedCaretta. Divers interact with visitors duringdaily dive shows.

PLAN YOUR VISITHours: ■ Through February: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

daily (building closes at 5 p.m.)■ March: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

(building closes at 6 p.m.)■ Tickets are $24.95 for adults and

$17.95 for children 3-12; free for children under 3. Additional tickets may be required for Sea Turtle Hospital tours and the 4-D theater.

■ A parking garage is located at 24 Calhoun St. in Charleston, across the street from the aquarium. Metered parking is located along Washington Street and Concord Street.

■ Info: scaquarium.org or 843-577-3474

Spotlight On... South Carolina Aquarium TURTLES, SHARKS, FISH ARE ALL ON DISPLAY


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WALKING TOURS

Bulldog Tours18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7)843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.comAs seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’sMost Haunted Places,” this walking tourcompany will have you exhilarated and entertained. Choose from four tours: Ghost & Graveyard, The Dark Side of Charleston,Ghost Dungeon and Haunted Jail Tour.

Charleston Strolls Walk With HistoryDeparts from Mills House Hotel (corner of Meeting & Queen) • 843-766-2080charlestonstrolls.com • Featured in The NewYork Times, this two-hour tour is the best way to see Charleston’s Historic District. Famouslandmarks, historic highlights, antebellum mansions, quaint alleys and hidden gardens.Everyday at 10 a.m. Requires reservation.

Culinary Tours Of Charleston18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-727-1100 • culinarytoursofcharleston.comWalk, talk and taste your way throughCharleston while experiencing history throughLowcountry cuisine. Daily tasting tours introduce guests to tasty bites at many greatrestaurants. Go behind the scenes and visit with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers,chocolatiers and specialty shops.

Yorktown Ghost Tours40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant(Map: O:2) • 843-277-0577yorktownghosttours.com • Guided tour explores the unexplained mysteries of this WWII aircraft carrier. Hear stories of sacrifice and devastation as this tour ventures into areas normally restricted to the public.

Founded in 1770, the College ofCharleston located in the heart of historic Charleston is a public liberalarts and sciences university. The college has more than 10,000 undergraduates and about 1,200 grad-uate students from around the world.


WATER TOURS

Barrier Island Eco-Tours50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms Marina • (Map: N:6)843-886-5000 • nature-tours.com • Naturalistguided boat excursions to Capers Island Preserve. Travel the salt marsh creeks, see dolphins and wildlife up close, explore the“boneyard beach” and walk inland trails.Morning and sunset eco-tours, creek fishing,crabbing, kayaking or beach-side cookouts.

Charleston Harbor ToursCharleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St.,Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 888-224-5037 or843-722-1112 • charlestonharbortours.comBoard the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s onlylive narrated harbor history tour. Relax andenjoy a beverage from the snack bar as thecaptain details the forts and landmarks thatshaped Charleston’s historic harbor. Private charters and group dinner cruises available.

Nature Adventure Tours325 W. Coleman Blvd. • Mount Pleasant(Map: O:2 at Shem Creek, on the water)843-568-3222 • kayakcharlestonsc.comCharleston’s outstanding naturalist-guidedkayak, canoe and paddle-board tour service.Tour salt-water marshes, swamps, rice plantations. See dolphins, pelicans and a wide variety of wildlife. Families and beginners are welcome; rentals also available.

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The General Assembly adopted the current version of South Carolina’s flag on January 28, 1861. The palmetto tree symbolized Col.William Moultrie’s heroic defense of the palmetto-log fort on Sullivan’s Island against the attack of theBritish fleet on June 28, 1776.

WATER TOURS

Schooner Pride –Charleston’s Tall Ship360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5)888-245-9206 or 843-722-1112schoonerpride.com • Marvel at the HolyCity skyline while sailing by the forts where history was made. See dolphins playing and experience a Charleston sunset. Take an afternoon dolphin sail or a sunset sail; availablefor private charters. Combo tour available.

SpiritLine Charleston Harbor Tour843-722-BOAT(2628) • spiritlinecruises.comEnjoy a 90-minute tour of Charleston’s harborwith 75+ points of interest narrated by City ofCharleston licensed tour guides. DiscountedLand & Sea Combo Tours available: include either a 90-minute Gray Line City Tour or a 60-minute Old South Carriage Tour. Special eventsand a “Live & Local” Dinner Cruise are available.Tours depart Aquarium Wharf in downtownCharleston and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.Look for our coupon on Page 29.

St. Michael’s Church, 71 Broad St., isthe oldest church edifice in the City ofCharleston. It stands on the site of thefirst Anglican Church built south ofVirginia. St. Michael’s 186-foot steepleis one of many church steeples dottingthe Charleston skyline and giving thecity her nickname as the “Holy City.”

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Where Sparks FlyCHARLESTON IS FILLED WITH ROMANTICSETTINGS, SECLUDED SPOTSBy Holly Fisher

There’s something about Charlestonthat stirs the heart. Maybe it’s the cob-blestone streets, the water views or thecandlelight dinners … whatever it is,this city has plenty of romance. In fact,it’s become one of the country’s hotspots for weddings. So whether you’relooking for a place to pop the question,tie the knot, celebrate a golden anniver-sary or simply get away for a romanticweekend, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve highlighted a few spots thatare sure to get the sparks flying.Many a proposal has taken place

at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Dur-ing the early winter, the azaleas, camelliasand daffodils are blooming so the gardenis breath-taking. Plus, there are so manytrails through the garden, it’s easy to finda secluded spot to steal a kiss.

Magnolia is actually one of the lastlarge-scale “romantic gardens” left in theUnited States. This garden style tracesback to the industrial revolution in Europe.It’s tied to the empowerment of the commonman, who worked in the factories andtherefore wanted to design gardens tohelp him forget the dreary workday. Ro-mantic gardens are designed to help youforget everyday life and feed your soul.(magnoliaplantation. com)

If you need a romantic place to stay,Wentworth Mansion, 149 WentworthSt., is tough to beat. This stately 21-roominn is teeming with luxury and romance.The rooms all feature gas-lit fireplaceswith original marble mantels, king-sizesleigh beds and whirlpool tubs. Built in1886, the inn has a restaurant, Circa 1886,on the grounds. Plus, The Spa at WentworthMansion is housed in the mansion’s formerstables (think couple’s massage). You donot want to miss one of the mansion’s bestfeatures: the rooftop cupola with incredibleviews of the city. If that doesn’t impressyour sweetie, nothing will. (wentworth-mansion.com)

A carriage ride through the historicstreets of downtown Charleston makes aperfect outing for two. And if the weatheris a little cool it's all the better – a perfectexcuse to snuggle. Check Charleston Coach(charlestoncoach.com) or Palmetto Car-riage (palmettocarriage.com) for privatetour options.

White Point Garden is a 5-acre publicpark on the Charleston peninsula at theintersection of E. Battery Street and

Murray Boulevard. The park is home to sev-eral military relics and monuments. Abandstand pavilion is located in the parkand is often used for weddings. A favoritesculpture is a bronze statue of a dancinggirl. It was created in the 1960s by sculptorWillard Hirsch and gifted to the city. It sitson a low granite base so it’s easily accessibleto children.

Ocean sunsets and the calming soundsof the waves make for a magical setting asyou and your sweetheart take an eveningwalk on a beach. A favorite is Folly Beachwhere the Morris Island Lighthouse makesfor a beautiful selfie background to com-memorate a date night. The best spot to seethe lighthouse is from the northeast end ofFolly Beach. Take East Ashley Street untilit ends. You can park there and the walkabout a quarter mile to the beach. Folly hasplenty of restaurants where you can grab adrink after your evening beach stroll.

The cobblestone streets and alleyways ofhistoric downtown Charleston are beau-tiful, quiet spots for a hand-holding stroll.Pause to look at the historic homes or ven-ture on to King Street for some windowshopping and dinner. Enjoy a nightcap atthe Thoroughbred Club in BelmondCharleston Place, 205 Meeting St. It hasan extensive beverage menu and a selectionof tapas, appetizers and desserts. Plus youcan wind down the evening listening to thelive music. (belmond.com/charleston-place)


Love is even reflected in some historic Charlestongates like this one at 91 Anson St. by Philip Simmons.

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Ironwork: Charleston is filled withthe ornamental ironwork of Philip Sim-mons, one of the most celebrated iron-workers of the 20th century. He wasborn in the Charleston area in 1912 andlived to the age of 97. An accomplishedblacksmith, he created more than 500decorative pieces for gates, fences, bal-conies and window grills. Pieces of hiswork have been acquired by museumsaround the country, including theSmithsonian Institution. See his work atsuch places as the Governor’s Mansion,Liberty Square and the Charleston VisitorCenter. Find a map of Simmons’ work atphilipsimmons.us.

Let’s face it, Charleston is prettydarn special. Voted the No. 1 cityin the United States four years

running by the readers of Condé NastTraveler, there’s no denying people aroundthe world have fallen in love with theHoly City. We have amazing restaurants,a wealth of history, arts and culture, shop-ping and incredible views everywhereyou turn. But Charleston also has a num-ber of unique features that make the vis-itor experience like no other trip you’veever taken.

We’ve compiled a (short) list of someof the things we think make Charlestonspecial.

Tea Plants: Located on Wadmalaw Island,the Charleston Tea Plantation is the onlyworking tea farm in North America. Thatmeans we have the market cornered ontea plants. In fact, the tea plant (CamelliaSinensis) arrived in Summerville in thelate 1700s imported by Andre Michaux, aFrench explorer and botanist. In 1888, Dr.Charles Shepard was the first to success-fully propagate and produce tea for con-sumption on his Summerville plantation.After his death, surviving plants were re-located to Wadmalaw on what is now theCharleston Tea Plantation.

Fort Sumter: History buffs can truly ex-perience the days of the Civil War with atour of Fort Sumter. Confederate forcesfired the first shots of the Civil War at Fed-eral troops at Fort Sumter at 4:30 a.m. onApril 12, 1861. Fort Sumter surrendered34 hours later. Throughout the war’s du-ration, Fort Sumter would play an impor-tant role as Union forces spent nearly fouryears trying to take it back.

Only inCharleston...By Holly Fisher

Angel Oak: Also near Wadmalaw Islandis one of the most majestic trees you’veever seen. The Angel Oak is thought to beone of the oldest living things east of theMississippi River. For centuries, the AngelOak has grown up to 65 feet and mostlyout (as live oaks do) to create a canopy ofbranches spanning 17,000 square feet. Someof the limbs are so heavy they rest on theground. Be sure to take your camera to thispublic park.

Waterfront Park: Benches, swings anda long pier make this a wonderful place tostop, sit a spell and just take in the viewsof the Charleston harbor. Located in theheart of downtown, it has plenty of greenspace to stretch out or let the kids run freeafter a long day of traveling. Be sure tosnap a photo in front of the iconic PineappleFountain (if you need help, one of ourfriendly local folks will step in and takethat photo for you).

Bow Ties: How can you spot a true South-ern gent? By his bow tie of course. Bowties aren’t so common outside the South,but we think a fella sporting a bow tie isdownright dapper. Check out Brackish(brackishbowties.com), a line of handmadefeather bow ties made here in Charleston,and Social Primer, bow ties of all stylesand colors sold locally (socialprimer.com).

Sweetgrass Baskets: These handmadeworks of art can be traced back to WestAfrica, brought to the S.C. coast by Africanslaves. One of the oldest art forms of Africanartwork in the United States, Charlestonis the only place where this craft is practicedin its original form. Sweetgrass basketsmake great souvenirs; look for them at theCharleston City Market downtown and atroadside stands all along Highway 17 Northin Mount Pleasant.

Now that you’ve experienced Charleston,we’d love to know what you think makesCharleston so special. What did you discoveronly in Charleston? Share with us on Twitterand Instagram with hashtag #onlyincharleston.


36 TRAVELERofCharleston.com october-december 2014


Military history lovers will want toblock out a few hours to exploreevery nook and cranny of the USS

Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval and Mar-itime Museum. The USS Yorktown is a com-manding presence in the Charleston harborand a visible reminder of Charleston’s rolein historic events and wars.

The USS Yorktown was the 10th aircraftcarrier to serve in the U.S. Navy. Visitorshave quite a bit of ground to cover as theship stretches to almost 900 feet. Weighing27,000 tons, it’s a massive vessel; yet crewsbuilt the Yorktown in less than 17 monthsat Newport News, Va. Commissioned onApril 15, 1943, the Yorktown played a sig-nificant role in the Pacific Offensive thatbegan in late 1943 and ended with the defeatof Japan in 1945.

Patriots Point is also home to the USSLaffey, which supported the D-Day landingsat Normandy and participated in the U.S.offensive against Japan, along with the USSClamagore, a submarine used for 30 yearsduring the Cold War.

The kids should keep their eye out forScrappy, the Yorktown’s mascot. The dogmascot was created in honor of a real dogthat lived aboard the USS Yorktown for ayear when the aircraft carrier was in serviceduring WWII in the South Pacific.

According to Patriots Point, Scrappy wasroaming the docks of Pearl Harbor alonewhen the ship pulled in to port in 1943.Yorktown sailors spotted the dog and smug-gled him aboard the ship in a trash can,knowing that the ship’s captain Jocko Clarkwould not approve of having an animalaboard. The little gray Airedale Terrier’sreal name was Scrapper Shrapnel, but mostcalled him by the nickname “Scrappy.” Thecrew had a small life vest and helmet madefor him. With Scrappy aboard, the tensionsof warfare were eased.

PLAN YOUR VISITPatriots Point is located at 40 PatriotsPoint Road in Mount Pleasant, justacross the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridgefrom downtown Charleston. It is opendaily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

■ Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for seniors and military; $12 for children 6 to 11. Active duty military in uniformare admitted free. Parking is $5 perday per vehicle. Purchase tickets at the Patriots Point ticket office between 9a.m. and 5 p.m. Info: patriotspoint.org

The museum has two snack bars,Sticky Fingers Smokehouse Express,with barbecue and burgers servedlandside and in the Hanger Bay. The Fighting Lady Café serves lunch Monday through Saturday but is closed through Feb. 1.

Upcoming Event: The Boys from Liberty Hill Symposium:Feb. 2 on the USS Yorktown. As part ofBlack History Month, local author andCharleston County Councilman HenryE. Darby will discuss his book, “LibertyHill’s Vietnam Fighting Men.” Duringthe Vietnam War, a disproportionate number of residents of the small community of Liberty Hill, S.C., servedtheir country in Vietnam. Of the 64who served, eight were killed in action.Darby’s book voices the experiences of four of the veterans from LibertyHill and shows the tremendous contribution this small communitymade to our nation.

3 You can also reach Patriots Pointby water. Charleston Water Taxiruns seasonally. Contact them for taxi schedules and prices:charlestonwatertaxi.com

Spotlight On... USS YorktownNAVAL AIRCRAFT CARRIER, SUBMARINES ON DISPLAY AT PATRIOTS POINT


Charleston knows a thing or twoabout golf. In fact, Charleston laysclaim to the first golf club when

Scottish merchants formed the S.C. GolfClub back in 1786.

Fast forward a couple hundred years andCharleston is still widely regarded as agreat place to hit the links. Locals and vis-itors enjoy picturesque and challenginggolf games on the area’s many courses.

In 2012, Charleston hosted the 94th an-nual PGA Championship at the famedOcean Course on Kiawah Island, makingit only the fifth course to host each of ThePGA of America’s major championships –the Ryder Cup (1991), the Senior PGAChampionship (2007) and the PGA Cham-pionship (2012).

Located on the eastern-most end of Ki-awah Island, The Ocean Course has moreseaside holes than any other course in theNorthern Hemisphere; 10 are right alongthe Atlantic Ocean.

Tee it Up InCharleston...


If golf is on your vacation agenda, checkout one of these area courses:

Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms hastwo courses. The Wild Dunes Resort LinksCourse, a Tom Fazio course, has a finishinghole overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Alsodesigned by Fazio, the Harbor Course isknown for its challenging design and viewsof lagoons, marshes and the IntracoastalWaterway. wilddunes.com

Located at the foot of the Cooper RiverBridge in Mount Pleasant, Patriots PointLinks on Charleston Harbor has views ofCharleston, Fort Sumter, ships and Patriots

Point. With four sets of tees ranging from5,100 to 7,000 yards, players of all skilllevels will enjoy this Willard Byrd-designedcourse. patriotspointlinks.com

Surrounded by 300-year-old live oaktrees and towering pines, Legends OaksGolf Course in Summerville was namedthe 2010 South Carolina Golf Course ofthe Year by the Golf Course OwnersAssociation. In 2014, Legend Oaks replacedits greens with Diamond Greens turf.The Scott Pool championship golf courseis challenging for all levels of players.legendoaksgolf.com

Charleston National Country Club,designed by Rees Jones and located inMount Pleasant, is open to the public yearround. It was rated by Golf Digest as thebest non-resort course in the Charlestonarea. charlestonnationalgolf.com

Situated along the Intracoastal watersof South Carolina, the Links at StonoFerry is a semi-private club open for mem-bership as well as to local and golf vacationplay. The course sits on a the site of Revo-lutionary War battle – the Battle at StonoFerry was fought on these grounds in 1779.stonoferrygolf.com

Wescott Golf Club in Summerville wasbuilt on one of the Lowcountry’s oldestplantations with a design by Dr. MichaelHurdzan captures the traditional flavor oflow flowing earthworks and classic bunker-ing. The three 9-hole courses are Oak For-est, Burn Kill, and Black Robin – each witha distinct look and feel. Wescott is one ofonly a handful of South Carolina coursesto maintain TifEagle putting surfaces andTifSport fairways. wescottgolf.com

Charleston knows a thing or twoabout golf. In fact, Charleston laysclaim to the first golf club when Scottish merchants formed the S.C.Golf Club back in 1786.

Charleston National Golf Course

The Ocean Course at Kiawah, Hole 14

Patriots Point Links

Shop+ SavorCharleston was founded in the late 1600s as a portcity, and it has remained athriving place to buy goodsever since! Buy local andenjoy the rewards.

Explore King Street

Don’t miss 2nd Sunday onKing Street when the streetis closed to vehicular traffic

from Queen Street North to Calhoun Street. Enjoy entertainment, shopping

and dining.

WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS, A DRESS FOR DINNER OR A BOX OF BENNE WAFERS, YOU’LL FIND JUST WHAT YOUWANT IN THE CITY’S MANY RETAIL OUTLETS. The Charleston peninsulahas boutiques, national retailers and a market full of Southern charm.

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Charleston Winery63 S. Market St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-576-4772charlestonwines.com • Daily wine tastings,unique gifts and accessories. Citrus and berrywines are made from 100% pure Florida citrusfruits and berries and natural ingredients. Wines have won 200+ medals at national and international wine competitions. Seecoupon in ad.

Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry84 N. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8) 843-853-0103 • dacubasjewelry.citymax.comNestled in the heart of Charleston, Dacuba’s is a unique fine jewelry store with a wonderful selection of sterling silver and 14kt gold jewelry. Its classic Charleston “Southern Gate” collectionis fashioned after the wrought-iron work seenthroughout this historical city.

Nice Ice Fine Jewelry145 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7)843-577-7029 • Since 1974 they have been providing Charleston and visitors with the mostexquisite and unique jewelry. Designers such as Rudolf Friedman, Judith Ripka, Slane & Slane,Jude Frances, Charriol and Nanis.

Palmettoville51 S. Market St. Shops at French Quarter(Map: H:7) • Assortment of sunglasses, postcards, handmade soaps and lotions, shot glasses, hand-painted tee towels, slapwatches, local images, hats and wide selectionof Charleston T-shirts for adults and children, produced locally by our family for more than 30 years.

Shades of Charleston233 Mathis Ferry Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: N:2) • 843-388-4369 shadesofcharleston.com • Since 1979, this collection of polarized sunglasses is the largestin the Charleston metro area and includes suchlines as Costa, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Oakley andmuch more.


At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens,the azaleas, camellias, daffodils, pansies and violas are blooming inJanuary and February. In March, even more azalea varieties fill the gardens with pink, red and whiteblooms plus you’ll see flowering trees,forsythia and tulips.

44 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2014

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON Spend the day walking King Street withits clothing boutiques, shoe stores, giftshops and more. Start near CharlestonPlace Hotel and head toward Calhoun Streetfor a wide selection of local boutiques, giftshops and national retailers. If you’re inthe market for rare finds, make your waydown Lower King Street (south of MarketStreet), the city’s antique district.

On the second Sunday of each month,several blocks of King Street are closed offto vehicles, and people (and pets) flood thestreets for open-air dining, music, shoppingand entertainment.

The City Market stretches from Meetingto East Bay Street and is home to morethan 100 vendors. Dozens of businessesand restaurants line Market Street, makingit a great place to pick up souvenirs, sweet-grass baskets, art and jewelry.

After the sun sets, head to Upper KingStreet, which in recent years has trans-formed into a hip design district with abustling nightlife. The area stretches fromCalhoun up to about Mary Street and isfilled with trendy clubs and bars and high-end restaurants, giving the street a sort ofNew York City vibe.

The Cocktail Club offers a refined at-mosphere with its house-made drinks androoftop terrace or stop off at The Belmontfor a scotch and a cheese and charcuterieplate. Named a 2013 Best New Restaurantfinalist by the James Beard Foundation,The Ordinary is a Southern seafood halland oyster bar from Chef Mike Lata, bestknown for his other Charleston restaurant,FIG (Food Is Good).

SUMMERVILLESummerville’s Town Square is filled withlocal boutiques and shops, including 12antique stores, a children’s book store andone of the top 10 quilt shops in the country.

MOUNT PLEASANT ■ Mount Pleasant Towne Centre onHighway 17 North is home to national re-tailers, local boutiques and restaurants.Shop at Belk and Belk Men’s Store, CopperPenny Shooz, Palmetto Moon, Hairy Win-ston Pet Boutique, TrySports and more. mtpleasanttownecentre.com■ Belle Hall Shopping Center is locatedon Long Point Road ( just off Interstate526). Stop by Wonder Works for a largeselection of children’s toys and gifts orvisit Princess of Tides for costumes andtutus. Carolina Girls carries gift items, jew-elry and stationery. The Coastal Cupboardhas a selection of specialty food items andcookware. shopbellehall.com

After a full day of sightseeing and shop-ping, relax on Shem Creek – cold drink inhand and seafood platter on the table. ShemCreek’s laid-back atmosphere makes it theperfect spot to unwind while watching theshrimp boats dock in the creek and thedolphins play in the water.

NORTH CHARLESTON ■ Tanger Outlets has dozens of nationallyknown retailers offering apparel for adultsand children, shoes, accessories, house-wares and jewelry. Tanger is easily acces-sible from both Interstates 526 and 26.tangeroutlet.com/charleston

From shopping to nightlife,Charleston has it all

Share your Charlestons shopping moments on our Facebook page at facebook.com/travelermag


SHOPPING

Tom’s Toys LLC125 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7)Kapla is a unique wooden building toycomposed of identical blocks. Children put one block on top of the other and let their imagination run free, creating all kinds of animals, buildings, vehicles and bridges. Suitable for children of all ages.

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall2037 Maybank Highway • James Island(area map) • 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. terraceoaksantiques.com A leader in the Charleston area for multidealerantique shops since 1988. The 10,000-square-foot, climate-controlled shop houses 90+ booths with all different tastes and styles. When it comes to antiques, they have just about anything your heart desires.

Town of Mount Pleasantcomeonovermp.com • Mount Pleasant is not your average place to visit. Filled with an array of restaurants, taverns, activities and accommodations, the vacation you’re anticipating will be more than just a trip fromhome; itwill be an experience of indescribablemagic and warmth.

In between visits to Charleston, stay connected to the Holy Citythrough our social media. Find us on Facebook (facebook.com/travelermag), on Twitter (twitter.com/traveler_mag)and on Pinterest(pinterest.com/travelermag).

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1/25 32nd annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival Join in the world’s largest oyster festival at Boone HallPlantation in Mount Pleasant. This event has beennamed one of the “top 20 events in the Southeast” by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the oyster shucking and oyster eating contestsas well as live music, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a children’s area and a food courtshowcasing a variety of local restaurants. A portion of the proceeds benefit local charities. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com | 843-577-4030

2/13-15 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Conservationists and nature enthusiasts come from all over the country for this three-day celebrationof art, animal demonstrations, environmental education and culinary events. New this year is a program with Richard Wiese, host of “Born to Explore with Richard Wiese,” an Emmy Award-winningtravel and adventure program on ABC. Wiese has circled the globe and will share his stories at theCharleston Music Hall. Annual favorites include the retriever demos, birds of prey flight demonstrationsand the high-flying DockDogs event at BrittlebankPark. Events are at Marion Square, Brittlebank Park,Belmond at Charleston Place and various other venues. sewe.com | 843-723-1748

Charleston Area FestivalsFebruary kicks off festival season in Charleston as visitors flock to the city to experience wildlife and art, food and wine, fashion and flowers. These are some of the must-do events this winter and early spring.

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3/4-8 BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Celebrate 10 years of this foodie festival in 2015. Enjoy the flavors of Charleston’s culinary scene and renowned culture at numerous events featuringoutstanding chefs from around the country as well as pastry chefs, authors, beverage professionals andfood writers. The event also benefits scholarship programs for the culinary and hospitality workplace.The festival has been praised as one of the top fivefood and wine festivals in the U.S. by Forbes Traveler. charlestonwineandfood.com | 843-727-9998

3/17-21 Charleston Fashion Week Showcasing emerging designer and model talentacross the East Coast, this annual event has becomeone of the premier fashion weeks in North America.Pack the tents in Marion Square in the heart ofCharleston for runway shows, the Emerging Designer Competition and more. charlestonmag.com/fashionweek | 843-971-9811

3/19-4/1968th annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens Explore the city’s historic district in a series of toursshowcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. A number of specialevents are also part of this springtime event, includingmorning history walks, Circa 1886 Wine Tastings, Mimosas at Middleton Place and Harbor of HistoryBoat Cruises. The Food for Thought Luncheon. Seriesincludes lunch and a brief guided walk or experiencerelated to the day’s topic. There are also several musical concerts that allow visitors to experience period music in historic settings. historiccharleston.org843-722-3405

3/27-29 Flowertown Festival The Town of Summerville celebrates spring with thisannual festival, ranked one of the top 20 events in theSoutheast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Stroll thorugh downtown and Azalea Park to catch a colorfulshow of pink azaleas, purple wisteria and white dogwood all in full bloom. The festival features morethan 200 jury-selected artists and their wares, foodfrom local restaurants, rides and activities for childrenand more. Free admission. flowertownfestival.org 843-871-9622

3/28Cooper River Bridge RunThousands of runners and walkers make their way across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spanning theCooper River for one of the largest 10K races in theworld. In addition, the event includes an expo andevents that further its mission of a healthy lifestyle.bridgerun.com

brewery/distillery article.For more Charleston area festival, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html.

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Eat+ DrinkCharleston’s diverse culinary scene is amazing. Innovative chefs and theirdishes will dazzle the tastebuds and warm the heart.Charleston has great taste!

Charleston CuisineTry a piping hot bowl of

Lowcountry Boil, also knownas Frogmore Stew. This dish

includes shrimp (or crab),corn on the cob, sausage

and red potatoes.

TRUST US, YOU WON’T LEAVE CHARLESTON HUNGRY. In fact youmight spend half your vacation simply deciding which delectable restau-rant to try next. Our city has world-class chefs cooking up plates filled withSouthern goodness. Our desserts are claiming national recognition.

FINE DINING

Cru Cafe´18 Pinckney St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7)843-534-2434 • crucafe.com • In an18th-century home on Pinckney Street,Charlestonians sip mint julep tea on the porch and dine on upscale comfort food at John Zucker’s Cru Cafe. “Do it right and use the best possible ingredients” is his mantra. Lunch and dinner.

SpiritLine Dinner CruiseDeparts from 40 Patriots Point RoadMount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628spiritlinecruises.com • The SpiritLine DinnerCruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina features fine cuisine prepared to order onboard, entertainment, dancing, fully stocked bar and a magnificent cruise on Charleston Harbor. Call for reservations.

Middleton Place Restaurant4300 Ashley River Road • Charleston (area map) • 843-556-6020 • middletonplace.orgSavor Lowcountry cuisine while taking in viewsof America’s oldest landscaped gardens. For lunch, visitors enjoy a three-course, prix fixe menu. Lunch served daily. Dinner guests pay no admission after 5:30 p.m. and can strollthrough the gardens prior to dinner.

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CASUAL DINING

Charleston Donuts1485 N. Highway. 17 • Mount Pleasant (Map: N:3) • 843-856-8626charlestondonuts.com Donuts are always hot,fresh and made-to-order. Design your own masterpiece and let us create it. Also features local coffee, frappes, real fruit smoothies andmore. See coupon in ad.

East Bay Deli334 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5)843-216-5473 • 1120 Oakland Market Road Mount Pleasant • (Map: L:5) • 843-216-5473 9135University Blvd. • North Charleston 843-553-7374 • 4405 Dorchester Road North Charleston • (Map: W:4) • 843-747-1235 New York-style deli using only quality productssuch as Thumann’s deli meats and HebrewNational deli dogs. The varied menu comeswith many options: soups, chili, both hearty andheart-healthy sandwiches, wraps, giant spudsand desserts.

Hyman’s Seafood215 Meeting St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7)843-723-6000 • hymanseafood.comVoted No. 1 seafood restaurant in the Southeastby Southern Living magazine nine years in a row. Lunch and dinner served daily. Parking and back entrance from Charleston Place. No reservations; come early to avoid the wait. See coupon in ad.

Joe Pasta428 King St. (Corner of King & John streets)Charleston • (Map: F/G:4) • 843-965-5252 Menu features soups, salads, Parmesan sandwiches, pizza, pastas, desserts and a full liquor, wine and beer bar. The restaurant provides a laid-back and cozy atmosphere that is family friendly. See coupon in ad.

The Press19 Vendue Range • Charleston • (Map: H:8) Proudly serving Starbucks, The Press is a placeto grab your favorite coffee drink and a quickbite before hitting the streets of Charleston.

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Middleton Place hosts camellia walksat 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays andSaturdays from Feb. 10 to March 21.On this 90-minute guided tour, ad-mire hundreds of varieties, includingthe 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of thefirst camellias planted in America.

Lowcountry Boil is considered aLowcountry classic. Also known as frogmore stew, it’s all about the shellfish. In our area, shrimp is a key ingredient.

Ingredients:6 quarts water3/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning 2 pounds new red potatoes2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2 inch pieces12 ears corn - husked, cleaned and quartered4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled

Directions:Bring water and Old Bay Seasoning toboil in a large stockpot. Add potatoes andcook for 15 minutes. Add sausage and cookfor 5 minutes more. Add corn and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the shrimpand cook until shrimp are pink, about 5minutes. Drain immediately and serve.Serves 15.

Charleston RecipeLOWCOUNTRY BOIL


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428 King Street & JohnDowntown Charleston 843-965-5252

Great Italian FoodFamily Friendly Atmosphere

FREE Appetizer w/Purchase of 2 Entrees!

up to $10.99 valueNot Valid w/other Offers - Traveler Magazine

In between visits to Charleston, stay connected to the Holy Citythrough our social media. Find us on Facebook (facebook.com/travelermag), on Twitter (twitter.com/traveler_mag)and on Pinterest(pinterest.com/travelermag).


Charleston Area Eventsjanuary – march 2015

JANUARY7-18 Charleston Restaurant Week – More than 100 restaurants all over the Charleston

area offer specially priced menus. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com843-577-4030

24, Oysters on the Point – Music, chili, oysters and a Bloody Mary bar from 2-6 p.m. at 2/21 Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mount Pleasant.

facebook.com/OystersOnThePoint

10 The Medal of Honor Bowl – All-star game featuring some of the nation’s top draft eligible college football players at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium. mohbowl.com

16-18, “Moonlight and Magnolias” – Join the Flowertown Players for a fun, farcical look at22-25 the behind-the-scene birth of one of the most beloved films of all time. Performances

at the James F. Dean Theater in Summerville. flowertownplayers.org | 843-875-9251

17 Charleston Marathon – 26.2-mile run starting in downtown Charleston and ending inNorth Charleston. Additional weekend activities include a half marathon, 5k and health & fitness expo. charlestonmarathon.com

23, 24, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” – The Footlight Players perform this chilling29-31 2013 Tony award-winning drama with a devastating deep buried secret.2/1, 5-8 Performance at 20 Queen St. in Charleston. footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

23-24 Kiawah Comedy Weekend – Get away to Kiawah Island Golf Resort for two nights of nonstop laughter with some of the nation’s most acclaimed comedians. Packages include exclusive table seating and a Q&A with select comedians on Saturday afternoon. kiawahcomedyweekend.com | 800-654-2924

23-25 “Anne of Green Gables” – When Matthew and Marilla decide to adopt an orphan boy to help on their farm, everything seems fine until the boy turns out to be the incorrigible, rambunctious, redheaded girl Anne Shirley. Performed by Charleston Stage at the historic Dock Street Theatre. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-7183

24 Braise & Brew – The Middleton Place Restaurant hosts an evening of braised meats and vegetables specially paired with seasonal beers and micro-brews from Holy City Brewing in the Pavilion. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

FEBRUARY7 Camellia Walk + Workshop – Join Sidney Frazier, Middleton Place VP of horticulture,

for a camellia workshop and guided walk through Middleton’s camellia collection. Reservations required. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

7 Bacon and Bourbon – Enjoy unlimited samples of bacon dishes from local chefs and bourbon tastings plus live music, bull riding championship, laser skeet shooting and acigar cabana. Event is at Memminger Auditorium in downtown Charleston. baconandbourbonsc.com

8 Camellia Lecture + Walk – Join Middleton Place Guide Jan MacDougal for a presentation on camellias in the Middleton Place Pavilion followed by a guided walk. Reservations required. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

Moonlight and Magnolias

Bacon and Bourbon

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captured not only the life of hiding that she and her family were forced to live, but provides remarkable insights into her own hopes, dreams and her faith in humanity. Performed by Charleston Stage at the historic Dock Street Theatre. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-7183

19-3/7 “Charlotte’s Web” – The Crabpot Players in Mount Pleasant perform this classic book by E.B. White, the story of a little pig named Wilbur and his best friend, a spider named Charlotte. crabpotplayers.com | 888-303-0763

27, 28 “Bus Stop” – The Footlight Players perform this coming-of-age story of a “boy”3/5-8, and the girl who makes him a man. Performance at 20 Queen St. in Charleston.3/12-14 footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

MARCH5-8 Friendship Cup – A two-man tournament for male amateur players at the Ocean

Course and Turtle Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. kiawahresortevents.com | 800-654-2924

6-22 “The Underpants” – Just as the King of Prussia passes by, Louise, a Dusseldorf housewife, reaches up to wave and discovers to her horror that her underpants havefallen to her ankles. Soon Louise’s madcap mishap is the talk of the town and a full-fledged farce ensues. Performed by Charleston Stage at the historic Dock Street Theatre. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-7183

8 Teddy Bear Picnic – Free afternoon event for families in Hampton Park with entertainment and children’s activities. charlestonparksconservancy.org.

8-12 Kiawah National Pro-Am – PGA club professionals from all across the U.S., along with three of their members, will tee it up during this 72-hole stroke play event on four of Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s championship courses. kiawahresortevents.com 800-654-2924

13-14 Charleston Tells Storytelling Festival – Gather round to hear from the best local, regional and national storytellers as they celebrate this art form and the Lowcountry’sstorytelling heritage. Events are at Wragg Square on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. ccpl.org/charlestontells | 843-805-6930

brewery/distillery article.For more Charleston area events, online calendar at http://travelerofcharleston.com/events.html


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rewery/distillery article.Follow us on Twitter @Traveler_Mag and on Facebook for more Charleston events, festivals and activities.

For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at http://travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

14 12th annual St. Paddy’s Day Block Party and Parade – The Olde Village of North Charleston is filled with people dressed in green, celebrating with bagpipe music, a mechanical bull, arts and crafts, food vendors, parade and a kid's zone with jump castles and face painting. northcharleston.org

14 Mount Pleasant Art Fest – Artists of all kinds gather for this event at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Local dance and music groups perform and the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild presents a juried art show. Plenty of free arts activities for children. comeonovermp.com

17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Wear your green and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Irish flag raising plus corned beef-cabbage feasts, Irish entertainment and more. charlestonirish.com | 843-556-3578

20-22 Charleston International Antiques Show – A must-see for collectors and enthusiasts interested in learning about incorporating antiques into modern-day deco. The Antiques Show is a showcase of English, European and American period furnishings, decorative arts and fine art, architectural elements, garden furniture, vintage jewelry and silver dating from the late 17th to 20th centuries. historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405

20-22, “Dearly Departed” – Not since “Steel Magnolias” has a more colorful and 26-29 dysfunctional group of Southern eccentrics gathered below the Mason-Dixon Line.

Join the Flowertown Players at the James F. Dean Theater in Summerville. flowertownplayers.org | 843-875-9251

29 Lowcountry Cajun Festival – Head to James Island County Park for an afternoon of Zydeco music, kids’ activities and Cajun and Creole foods like jambalaya, alligator, etouffe, andouille sausage and crawfish. ccprc.com

ONGOING EVENTS Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 2/10 through 3/21 Camellia Walks at Middleton Place – Specialguided tours focus on camellias throughout the original gardens as well as the “new” camelliagarden of the 1950s. Admire hundreds of varieties, including the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one ofthe first camellias planted in America. Reservations required. middletonplace.org 843-556-6020

Good Eats on the Sweet Tea Trail – Travel the Town of Summerville sampling everything fromboiled peanuts to sweet tea from local restaurants and gourmet shops. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.on the second and third Friday of the month. visitsummerville.com

Evenings in the Market – Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from March to December this event showcases local artists, food vendors and designers in the historicCharleston City Market. thecharlestoncitymarket.com

2nd Sunday on King Street – On the second Sunday of each month. Street is closed to vehicular traffic from Queen Street North to Calhoun Street. 2ndsundayonkingstreet.com

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brewery/distillery article.For more Charleston area events, online calendar at http://travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

Third Thursdays – Head to historic downtown Summerville from 5-8 p.m. every third Thursday. Shops and restaurants will be open late and some have special promotions. summervilledream.org

First Friday of each month First Friday’s On Broad Art Walk – 5-8 p.m. at art galleries along Broad Street in downtown Charleston. charlestongalleryrow.com

Charles Towne Landing special events – On the second Saturday of the month: Life of aColonist (1/10), Exploration & Discovery (2/14), Archaeology Day (3/14). The third Saturday is cannon demonstrations (except January). 843-852-4200| charlestownelanding.travel

1/16, 24; 2/11, 27; 3/4, 11, 19, 23, 25, 30 “From Gospel to Gershwin” – The Sound ofCharleston performs the sounds that define Charleston and its unique southern charm.From jazz and gospel to Gershwin and spirituals, all come alive at the historic Circular Congregational Church. soundofcharleston.com | 843-270-4903

“Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery,” a hauntingly historical, hystericalwhodunit for fans of the Master Sleuth at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre.charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

“Church Street Daughters of the Late Unpleasantness Garden, Gun & Gin Club Mystery,” a mystery that has the crème of Charleston’s ladies dirtying their white gloves with murder at Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

“Inspector NoClue’s Murder Mystery,” a classic comic whodunit at the Black Fedora ComedyMystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

“Heist, Heist Baby,” a comic stage caper where you can play a part yourself or just sit backand try to crack the case of what’s really going down before the gig is up at the Black FedoraComedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

“Captain Blackbeard’s Sing-Off Smackdown,” a witty, wacky, slapstick mystery where theonly solution is to join ranks with dead pirates from Charleston’s history in an all-out battle for sing-a-long supremacy at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

* Event details are subject to change. Please call ahead or check the listed website for confirmation.

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Things to Loveabout the Lowcountry■ Charleston Green: A color seen often on historic properties that looks more

like black at first glance.

■ Weddings in Charleston: We love catching a glimpse of a wedding party being photographed downtown. For even more fabulous wedding fun, Charleston Fashion Week has expanded its bridal fashion show into a full week of trunk shows and events.

■ Beaches in the winter: That’s right! We do go to the beach in the winter. It might be a bit chilly for a dip in the ocean, but there’s no better way to shoo away the winter blues than with a sunny day walking on the beach.

■ Festival season: Almost every weekend beginning in mid-February, the Charleston area is hosting a weekend festival or a major event, including the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, Charleston Wine + Food Festival and the Flowertown Festival.

■ She-crab soup: On a cold day, nothing tastes better than a steaming bowl of this Charleston favorite – a bisque made with blue crab and a dash of sherry.


Web Extras...We can’t possibly fit everything there is to see and do in Charleston in one visitor guide so go to our website for more ways to make a memorable Charleston vacation.

Spanish moss: You’ll find Spanish moss hanging from many a tree in the Lowcountry, but just what is this plantand how does it grow? We explore mossmysteries on our blog.

Let’s Be Social: We love connecting with Charleston visitors so join us on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. We’re here to answer questions during your visit and we’d love to hear about your favorite Charleston spots and see your photos.

Friendly faces: Charleston was namedthe friendliest city in the United Statesand we have a few thoughts on whyCharleston residents are so warm andwelcoming. Head to our blog to chime in with your ideas.

Pile on BBQ: A bit like politics, religion and football, folks in the Southare passionate about their barbecue. Visit our website for everything you need to know about getting a deliciousplate of South Carolina barbecue.

More to See & DoHere in Charleston we don’t let a little thing called “winter” get us down. There’s still plenty of activities andevents to keep you busy. Head to our website for an expanded calendar of events.


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Getting AroundSome transportation options for getting arounddowntown Charleston and the surrounding areas.

■ WATER TAXI: Transports visitors fromdowntown Charleston(Aquarium Wharf or Water-frontPark) to Mount Pleasant(Patriots Point or CharlestonHarbor Resort and Marina).Taxi runs each hour; $10 forall-day pass. No reservationsneeded. Shem Creek routeavailable; $20 round trip.Call 843-330-2989 for pickup.charlestonwatertaxi.com

■ BUS: The CARTA bus system has regular routes that travel to ma-jor destinations. The DASHtrolley service is available freeof charge if you’re travelingaround downtown Charleston.ridecarta.com | 843-724-7420

■ LOWCOUNTRY LOOP TROLLEY: Go from downtown Charlestonto attractions in Mount Pleasant and the beaches usingthis hop-on/hop-off trolley.Cost is $15 for an individualroundtrip day pass. lowcountrylooptrolley.com843-654-5199

■ RICKSHAWS AND PEDICABS: Available in downtownCharleston as are taxi cabsfor transportation around the Lowcountry.


Charleston Metro Area Maps

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Directory Of AdvertisersSEE + DO Adventure Sightseeing Tours 21Audubon Center at Beidler Forest 23Barrier Island Eco Tours 28Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater 8Boone Hall Plantation 5Bulldog Tours 19Carriage + Harbor Tour Combo 37Charles Towne Landing 22Charleston Harbor Tours 3Charleston Tea Plantation 72Charleston Water Taxi 20City of North Charleston 31Culinary Tours of Charleston 17Drayton Hall 23Edmondston-Alston House 23Fort Sumter Tours 25GrayLine Fort Sumter Combo 8Middleton Place 24Nature Adventures Outfitters 30Palmetto Carriage 2Palmetto Tours 7Patriots Point Maritime Museum 39Schooner Pride 36South Carolina Aquarium 27SpiritLine Harbor Tour 9The Sound of Charleston 28THEATRE Charleston 8Town of Summerville SC 29USS Yorktown Ghost Tours 30Wild Blue Ropes 26

SHOP + SAVORPalmettoville 43The Brass Pirate 43Charleston Winery 43KAPLA - Tom’s Toys 45Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 45Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry 47Town of Mount Pleasant 48Nice Ice Jewelry 71Shades of Charleston 69

EAT + DRINKCru Café 51The Press 51Middleton Place Restaurant 51SpiritLine Dinner Cruise 51East Bay Deli 54Charleston Donuts 56Joe Pasta 56Hyman’s Seafood 57


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Traveler of Charleston SC Mag - Jan - Mar 2015

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Transcript of Traveler of Charleston SC Mag - Jan - Mar 2015