Low Country Lowdown
There’s much to offer the traveler to this historic coastal city.
By Laura McAlister Photos courtesy of Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Blue crab dip. Handmade pasta. Boutique shopping. Designer labels galore. Update your expectations of Charleston, S.C. The historic city still embodies much of its old South image—Southern mansions, trees draped in Spanish moss and horse-drawn carriages—but over the years, Charleston has also become a Mecca for dining and shopping.
STAY
Discover the city’s charm at a historic downtown inn. There are a number to choose from, most offering Southern hospitality just steps away from the city’s hotspots.
Located in the heart of the historic district, the Kings Courtyard Inn (kingscourtyardinn.com) is one of Charleston’s oldest. The restored 250- year-old building offers 41 distinct rooms, many with canopied beds and fireplaces, and three courtyards. Guests are treated to complimentary wine and cheese in the evenings.
PLAY
Great shopping is just outside your doorway if you’re staying downtown. Take a stroll down King Street for brand-name favorites as well as unique boutiques.
Women’s clothing stores like Luna (shopluna.com) and Hampden Clothing (hampdenclothing.com) carry all the top designers. For footwear, try Bob Ellis (bobellisshoes.com), a King Street staple that carries the latest designer shoes for men and women.
Then head to Lower King Street, also known as the antique district. You’ll find anything from estate chandeliers to oriental rugs and antique furniture from around the world.
The Charleston City Market (thecharlestoncitymarket.com) on Market Street is the place to find a gift that says “Charleston.”Hundreds of vendors peddle their goods, ranging from jewelry and clothing to sauces, grits and more. Handmade sweetgrass baskets are a market staple. The art of making sweetgrass baskets dates back to the days of slavery in the Low Country. For some 300 years, descendants of freed African slaves have sold the baskets.
EAT
Start the day with Low Country cuisine at Poogan’s Porch (poogansporch.com).The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and for weekend brunches. The restaurant’s buttermilk biscuits are a must and are served during every meal. Make sure to ask your server about the restaurant’s history, too. Located in a historic home on Queen Street, The Travel Channel voted it the “Third Most Haunted Place in America”in 2003.
For fresh seafood and waterfront dining, try Fleet Landing Restaurant (fleetlanding.net). Located on the Charleston Harbor, the restaurant used to be a Navy deportation site and now serves up local seafood in a nautical atmosphere. Don’t miss the famous blue crab dip or she crab soup.
The Pavilion Bar (marketpavilion.com) is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail. This rooftop bar offers a 360-degree view of the Holy City complete with a pool and lounge chairs. Try signature drinks like the Pavilion Sweet Tea Martini, made with Charleston’s own Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and freshly-squeezed lemonade.
For dinner try a new Charleston favorite,Tratorria Lucca (luccacharleston.com). To start, Lucca offers a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables as starters, and you shouldn’t miss its handmade pastas.
While Charleston may be better known for its rich Southern history, in just a short visit you’ll understand why foodies and fashionistas alike are adding the charming town to their must-see list.
