We only lived in this amazing city for one year, but we definitely took advantage of all of the amazing experiences {and food!} it has to offer. Here's a list of some of our favorite Charleston-area restaurants:
The Peninsula Grill - This is probably my all-time favorite restaurant. Everything I've tasted that has come out of this kitchen has been absolutely incredible. Chef Robert Carter and his amazing staff were also responsible for the out-of-this-world food at our wedding. I can't say enough great about this establishment. I'm not usually a fan of coconut cake, but the coconut cake here is downright unbelievable. The mojitos aren't too shabby either :) If you could visit just one restaurant while in Charleston, I would say this should be the one, hands-down.
McCrady's - A progressive take on traditional food. We had a really amazing, blow-away meal here.
Basil - If you like Thai food, this is some of the best around. My favorite is the Basil Beef, it's outstanding.
Magnolia's - This was our favorite spot for brunch. The stand-out dish in my opinion is the Southern Egg Roll with tasso ham in a peach mustard sauce. Oh my gosh, it's so incredible. After tasting this dish, I bought the cookbook on the spot.
F I G - Go here. You won't be sorry.
High Cotton - Traditional Southern food with an elegant twist, done very well.
S.N.O.B - We had a solid meal here, but the stand-out item for me was the Charleston Cocktail--Firefly (a sweet tea-flavored vodka, a must-have while in Charleston) and lemonade with infused mint simple syrup.
Cypress - Chic ambiance, great for date night. My husband loves the rock shrimp and grits here. Be sure to visit the upstairs bar and lounge area.
For lunch, I adore Hank's. People love Jestine's for down-home Southern cooking, but I truly think my husband's cooking is better + I got food poisoning from here once, so I have a hard time recommending it.
In Mount Pleasant, I love:
The Old Village Post House in the Old Village--great food, nice bar area.
While you're there you can walk down charming Pitt street and check out Out of Hand, an amazing boutique and florist--they were responsible for our beautiful wedding and they have some wonderful treasures in that shop!
Red Drum - We had a lovely meal here--fresh Southern food with a Texas twist.
A Charleston visit would not be complete without a trip to Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island. We ate here quite frequently and never had a bad meal or bad experience. Everything from the salads to the quesadillas to the cheeseburgers of course, was always on point and so delicious. Bonus points for being named for Edgar Allan Poe, one of my favorite writers, who served down the street at Fort Moultrie.
Must-sees and do's:
I highly recommend checking out Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant. I learned so much on the tour and just loved soaking up all of the history. Boone Hall also puts on fabulous events so be sure to check their web site for any big happenings during your stay. It's the most photographed plantation in America and is featured in The Notebook.
Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter- Fort Sumter is only accessible by boat, but Fort Moultrie is easy to get to, located on Sullivan's Island.
Other popular destinations are Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place, Patriot's Point and the SC Aquarium. And of course, don't forget to stop by King Street to get your shopping fix :)
Charleston is such a sweet and savvy city with rich history and tradition. We miss it so much and loved every minute of our time there. I hope you enjoy your visit!
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