What to See, Do and Eat
Charleston offers so much, you will not be able to do it all! But here is a small list to help you get started.
What to See and Do
Shopping - Upper and Lower King Street offers shopping for antiques, clothing, home furnishings, and more. The Old Market offers a variety of tourist finds.
Walking Tours/Ghost Tours - Check out Charleston Walks at www.charlestonwalks.com
Golf - If you are interested there are a number of public courses in the area. The closet to downtown is Patriot's Point Links across the bridge in Mt. Pleasant. http://www.ginnbelvidere.com/patriots-point-links.aspx
Historic Home Tours - We recommend the Nathanial Russell House. Contact the Historic Charleston Foundation for tickets. http://www.historiccharleston.org/
Waterfront Park - A beautiful point to see Sullivan's Island, Ft. Sumter and swing under the arbor.
White Point Gardens - At the end of King Street, White Point Gardens wraps around the Battery, where you will find stately waterfront homes.
Carriage Rides - Carolina Polo and Carriage is the company to call. Carriage rides last about 45 minutes and will take you past a variety of locations on the peninsula. http://www.cpcc.com/
SC Aquarium - One of the highlights of downtown Charleston and most importantly air-conditioned! This is a great place to see the harbor, check out a few stores, and explore the SC sea and marsh life. Its fun for adults and kids. http://www.scaquarium.org/
Where to Eat
Charleston is known for history, but its also known for its food. All of the restaurants below are located on King Steet or less than one block off King Steet. We encourage you to make reservations for Friday night, but make them a little early so that you can join us at the Welcome Party beginning at 8:30pm.
Reservations Needed:
39 Rue de Jean http://www.39ruedejean.com/ - Our favorite restaurant! Serving French with a Charlestonian flair, its a local favorite. Its also located next door to the Hampton Inn. Be sure to try the potato soup or the mussels with basil and fries. The chocolate pate is so very good. Rue can get a bit loud, so ask for a table by the window or outside.
Coast - http://www.coastbarandgrill.com/ - Just behind Rue de Jean, this carribean style restaurant has a great bar, a community table and the freshest fish in town.
Sermet's - http://www.americascuisine.com/southcarolina/charleston/sermetscorner.aspx - A little Mediterranean, a little Charleston and alot of flavor. The best things on the menu are the sweet potato fries and lavendar porkchop. Sermets is located next to the Marriott at the corner of Wentworth and King.
Hanks's Seafood - http://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/ - Upscale seafood dining right off the Market, Hank's specializes in local seafood. Hank's takes reservations as well as walk-ins (who can sit at the community table). Known for the tower of seafood, a 1940's atmosphere and waiters in white dinner jackets ...Hank's is a great spot for a special meal.
No reservations needed:
Juantia Greenberg's Nacho Royale Palace - http://www.juanitagreenbergs.com/ - Yep, that's the name. Want something quick, cheap and plenty of cheesy goodness? Grab a burrito or quesadilla at Juanita's.
Basil - http://www.basilthairestaurant.com/ - A Thai restaurant, Basil is located in an renovated Huddle House. Best Pad Thai in town and its cooked right in front of you.
Vickery's - http://www.vickerys.com/index_2.html - A downtown tradition. Dollar beer, artichoke dip and black-eyed pea fritters. They also have the best hamburger downtown. Charleston casual dining at its best.
