Charleston SC Spring - Traveler Mag - Spring Issue 2013

TRAVELERof Charleston

april–june 2013

T H E S O U R C E F O R A L L T H I N G S C H A R L E S T O N

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COMPLIMENTARYTRAVELERofCharleston.com

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Contents

6 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2013

10SOAKING UP CHARLESTON’S HISTORY

DEPARTMENTS

8 Welcome to Charleston14 See + Do40 Shop + Savor48 Eat + Drink58 Calendar of Events62 Maps68 Advertiser Discounts 69 Web Extras70 Directory of Advertisers

FEATURES

10 Soaking up Charleston’s history38 Eco adventures abound42 Charleston area shopping guide

46 Take Home a Reminder of Charleston

52 In the kitchen with Charleston chefs

68 Things to love about the Lowcountry

38ECO ADVENTURES ABOUND


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

Publisher/Founder.................... Keith SimmonsEditor........................................... Holly FisherGraphic Designer...................... Heineman DesignDistribution................................ Mike DerrickDistribution................................ Brian BeanDistribution................................ Debbi Farrell

TRAVELER of Charleston is produced by the Traveler Communications Group, LLC, and is published four times yearly and dis-tributed 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, designand 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 May 28, 2013.

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

From thePublisher


®

Keith Simmons has an extensivepublishing, marketing and advertising background andfounded Traveler Magazine in2005. His purpose was to developan affordable and effective visitormedium where businesses couldadvertise their service. Traveleris now one of the leading visitor

resources in the city. Keith lives in Mount Pleasant withhis wife and son. He enjoys fishing, kayaking and spend-ing time with his family.

Holly Fisher is a long-time writerand editor with a love of telling stories. She has lived in Charlestonmore than a decade and enjoyssharing the tales of the Holy Citywith visitors and newcomers to the area. Holly lives in the MountPleasant area with her husband,daughter and two Labrador retriev-

ers. When she isn’t at her computer writing for work and for fun, you can find her reading, doing CrossFit and piddling in her flower beds.

Sally Heineman honed her knack for graphic design at the University of the Arts in Philadel-phia, PA where she received a BFAin Graphic Design. Drawn to theSouth and the love of everythingLowcountry, Sally opened thedoors of Heineman Design in 1992.

ContributorsWELCOME TO CHARLESTON!

Here we are in our favorite time of yearin Charleston – spring! We just can’t getenough of the outdoor festivals and events, warm sunshine and colorful flowersand trees.

One of the main reasons visitors come to Charleston is for the area’s history andSouthern charm. In this issue we give you our top picks for places to visit that provide some of the best information about Charleston’s history and a true look at Southern life in the 18th and 19th cen-turies. What are your favorite historic sites in Charleston? We’d love to hear your feedback via Twitter and Facebook.

A great new tool for Charleston visitors isour app. Available for free from both iTunesand the Google Play store, the app has information on places to visit, coupons, parking, events and much more. Check itout and let us know what you think! (Search “Charleston SC” in the app stores or visit travelerofcharleston.com for links.)

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook(travelermag) and Twitter (@traveler_mag)and on Pinterest (travelermag) if you havequestions during your visit and to share your photos and experiences.

april-june 2013 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 9

Few U.S. cities have the kind of history that Charleston does. Her pastencompasses 300 years worth of stories with a cast of characters thatincludes Indians, English settlers, politicians, armies and slaves. The

settings range from a thriving seaport to spacious plantations to a downtownat times bustling with business while also recovering from devastating earth-quakes and hurricanes. Yet Charleston has risen up from any obstacle.Today, the city is revered as one of the best in the world with visitors from allover flocking to this coastal town to soak up the history and European influence.

Whether you’re a die-hard history buff or just want to learn more aboutCharleston’s roots, these are some must-see places to visit.


Soaking upCharleston’shistory

COMPILED BY HOLLY FISHER

Fort Sumter National MonumentNot many cities can lay claim to beingthe site of a major war, but here inCharleston, the Civil War erupted onApril 12, 1861, when Confederate troopsopened fire on Fort Sumter in theCharleston Harbor. Fort Sumter surren-dered 34 hours later. Union forceswould spend four years trying to take itback. Fort Sumter Tours provides theferry service to and from the nationalmonument. The 30-minute cruise toFort Sumter includes a narrated tour of historic points of interest and factsabout the War Between the States. Visitors spend an hour at the fort beforereturning to Charleston.

The Fort Sumter museum exhibitstell the story of the construction of thefort and island, the events leading to theApril 1861 battle, and the subsequentbombardment and reduction of FortSumter by artillery later in the war.

What the locals know: The firstUnion shot of the Civil War was fired by Capt. Abner Doubleday. He was thesecond senior officer at Fort Sumter,under Maj. Robert Anderson.

411: Tours depart from the Aquarium Wharf downtown and alsofrom Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.Call 843-722-2628 for info.

The Provost Dungeon is particularlyspooky. Nighttime tours are availablethrough Bulldog Tours, part of its Ghost& Dungeon Walking Tour. East Bay &Broad Streets, 843-727-2165

What the locals know: PresidentGeorge Washington spent a week in May 1791 in Charleston. From the west elevation of the Old Exchange he ad-dressed the citizens of Charleston uponhis arrival. The building also hosted four lavish events for the president, including a ball and concert.


The Old Exchange & Provost DungeonSituated at the foot of Broad Street atthe intersection of East Bay Street, theOld Exchange represents Charleston’searly heyday as a thriving port city – a reputation it maintains today. Con-struction on the building began in 1768and it was designed in a symmetricalPalladian architectural style.

The Old Exchange building housedthe Charleston Post Office from 1815 to 1896 with brief interruptions because of the Civil War and the 1886earthquake. In 1913, Congress passedthe building to the Order of Daughters of the American Revolution for preser-vation of the building and its history. In 1976, the building’s administrativecare was assigned to the newly formedOld Exchange Commission and, shortly thereafter, renovations on thehistoric structure began. It opened asthe Old Exchange & Provost Dungeonin 1981. Today, docents lead visitors ontours, sharing the tales of pirates and patriots during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras.

The Holiest of CitiesYou may have heard Charleston referred to asthe “Holy City” and wondered how it got that

nickname. One reason is Charleston’s skyline is dotted with church steeples. Another is thatCharleston has a diverse religious mix – French Huguenots, Jews, and Episcopalians –and a host of historic churches and graveyardsthroughout downtown Charleston. And some mayeven argue that a visit to Charleston is such a glorious experience it borders on religious.


Drayton Hall is a National HistoricLandmark and a property of the NationalTrust for Historic Preservation. The1738 historic plantation house stands on a 630-acre site and is one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladianarchitecture in America. After sevengenerations, the Revolutionary and CivilWars, and numerous hurricanes andearthquakes, the main house remains innearly original condition. 3380 AshleyRiver Road, 843-769-2600.

Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant offers several tours on blackhistory in America, Gullah culture andslave history. Open to the public since1956, Boone Hall is also one of America'soldest working, living plantations. Theycontinue to grow crops on the land anditems are sold in the Boone Hall Farmsmarket and during U-pick seasons. 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant,843-884-4371 – See coupon on page 7.

What the locals know: Middleton, Magnolia and Drayton are all located onthe scenic Ashley River Road so pack alunch and make a day of plantation tours.

PLANTATION LIFEOne of the best ways to understand howthe people of Charleston lived in the 18thand 19th centuries is with a visit to oneof the area plantations. They each pro-vide a unique look at the houses, gardensand agriculture of the time.

Deemed America’s oldest landscapedgardens, Middleton Place has 65 acres of centuries-old camellias, azaleas, roses and more. Built in 1755,the Middleton family home showcases furniture, silver, porcelain, rare booksand portraits. 4300 Ashley River Road, 843-556-6020.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardensoffers tours of the Drayton family homewith 10 rooms open to the public andfurnished with early American antiques,porcelain, quilts and other Drayton family heirlooms. In recent years, Magnolia Plantation has been workingto preserve five 1850 historic structuresthat were former slave dwellings. Theynow serve as the focal point for anaward-winning 45-minute program inAfrican-American history. Don’t missthe gardens – parts of which are morethan 325 years old. 3550 Ashley RiverRoad, 843-571-1266.


The Charleston Museum The Charleston Museum not only recounts historic periods in Charleston’shistory but the museum itself has a place in American history. Establishedin 1773, by the Charleston Library Society, the museum is regarded as“America’s First Museum.”

Many of the original collections weredestroyed by fire in 1778, and operationswere suspended during the AmericanRevolution; however, collecting resumedin the 1790s. Today, The Charleston Museum houses the oldest and mostcomprehensive collection of South Carolina materials.

Current exhibits highlight uniformsof yesteryear, shoes from the 18th, 19thand 20th centuries, early 20th- centuryquilts and “Brethren,” an original exhibi-tion examining artifacts associated with militia units that served in andaround Charleston during the Civil War.360 Meeting St., 843-722-2996.

What the locals know: TheCharleston Museum offers a number of classes and programs for both children and adults. Watch for thesweetgrass basket making class and tryyour hand at this uniquely local art form.

HISTORIC HOMESCharleston is home to countless historichomes and a few are open to the publicfor tours, giving visitors a peek into thelifestyle of Charleston’s elite families.

The Edmondston-Alston House, built in 1825, sits on East Battery Streetwith a view of the Charleston Harbor.From its piazza, Gen. P. T. Beauregardwatched the bombardment of FortSumter and the start of the Civil War. A guided tour of the home’s public rooms and piazzas highlight its Federaland Greek revival design and the vastcollection of family silver, decorativearts, furniture and even an original print of the Ordinance of Secession. 21 E. Battery, 843-556-6020.

The Calhoun Mansion is indeed amansion. At 24,000 square feet, it’s the largest residence in Charleston. The mansion has 35 rooms, a grand ballroom, Japanese water gardens, 35 fireplaces, a 75-foot domed stairhallceiling, khoi ponds, a private elevator,three levels of piazzas, ornate chande-liers and a 90-foot cupola. A baronialItalianate manor house built in 1876 onMeeting Street, the Calhoun Mansion is regarded as one of the greatest post-Civil War houses on the East Coast. 16 Meeting St., 843-722-8205.

Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russellbuilt a grand Federal townhouse onMeeting Street in 1808. Set amid spa-cious formal gardens, the NathanielRussell House is a National HistoricLandmark and is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. This year, theHistoric Charleston Foundation com-pleted renovations at the house to betterpreserve the free-flying staircase andenhance the visitor experience with anelevator, ground-floor restrooms and anexpanded gift shop. 51 Meeting St.,843-724-8481

The Aiken-Rhett House on ElizabethStreet was built for Charleston mer-chant John Robinson in 1820. He livedthere for eight years but was forced tosell the house after losing five ships atsea. William Aiken Sr. acquired thehouse in 1827 and his descendants continued to live there for many genera-tions. William Aiken Jr. became gover-nor of South Carolina, a member of theU. S. House of Representatives, and oneof the state’s largest slaveholders. 48 Elizabeth St., 843-723-1159.

What the locals know: Gen. RobertE. Lee stayed at the Edmondston-AlstonHouse on Dec. 11, 1861, when a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel.

See+ Do

Charleston is known for its beauty, history and fantastic harbor. Many experienced touring companies are ready to show you a great time.

WHETHER YOU’RE A HISTORYBUFF, WATER ENTHUSIAST ORSIMPLY ENJOY STROLLING THECOBBLESTONE STREETS OFCHARLESTON YOU’LL FINDPLENTY OF WAYS TO EXPLORETHE HOLY CITY. Tour historic plantation homes, learn about thecity’s spooky side with a ghosttour or Charleston from the water.

How to use this magazine: You’ll find each type of tour and attraction categorized for easy reference. Many listings include a map grid locator. Find the grid location, then reference the maps on pages 62 through 67.

CARRIAGE TOURS

Palmetto Carriage Works8 Guignard Street at the “Big Red Barn” • (Map:H:7) • 843-723-8145 • www.palmettocarriage.comCharleston’s premier carriage company. Weleave from The Big Red Barn every 15 to 20 minutes, rain or shine, beginning at 9 a.m. Tours are one hour long, covering about 25 to30 blocks of the residential and historic districts.All our guides are city licensed, entertaining and informative. See our ad on the inside front cover.


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Charleston’s French Quarter is hometo some 30 art galleries – all withinwalking distance of each other. Thedesignated area is bordered by SouthMarket, Tradd and Meeting streets.

ART & THEATER ACTIVITIES

Theatre Charleston843-813-8578 • www.theatrecharleston.comTheatre Charleston, a nonprofit organizationcomprised of the area’s leading local theaters,is dedicated to helping you easily find outwhat’s playing when and where. Check the website for a 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) www.charlestonmysteries.com • Welcoming Welcoming all who love a good MYSTERY andthose who could use a good LAUGH! FeaturingSherlock Holmes and the Charleston HistoryMystery, the family-oriented Pirate MysteryShow, and the classic whodunit Inspector NoClue's Murder Mystery. Live entertainmentmost evenings and some “beat-the-heat” matinees. Audience participation. Appetizers,desserts, beer/wine. Mystery books/gifts. Mereshoe prints from downtown City Market.

Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park


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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 www.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.

Plantation & Harbor Combo TourFor tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6)www.charlestonharbortours.com or Zerve ticketing: 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 Tour a spectacular Southern plantation, the newSlave Museum and beautiful grounds paired with a 90-minute “Harbor of History” tour. FortSumter, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Batteryand downtown landmarks. Tours may be takenon different days. Adults $35, children $22.

COMBO TOURS

Ghost Walking & Harbor Combo TourFor tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6) onlineat www.charlestonharbortours.com orwww.bulldogtours.com • Zerve Ticketing at 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 • Take one ofCharleston's best Ghost Tours and a Harbor ofHistory Tour aboard the Carolina Belle. You getto choose from the spooktacular “Ghost andGraveyard” walking tour OR the Haunted JailTour and you get a harbor tour featuring Ft.Sumter, Ft. Moultrie, The Arthur Ravenel Jr.Bridge and 70+ other points of interest. Toursmay be taken on different days. Adults $33.50 --Kids $21.50.

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Audubon Center At Beidler Forest843-462-2150 • www.beidlerforest.comThe Lowcountry’s “real swamp” experience.The Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forestcontains the largest stand of virgin baldcypress and tupelo gum swamp forest left inthe world. See 1,000-year old trees and nativewildlife in this untouched sanctuary. Walk the1.75-mile boardwalk deep into the heart of theswamp. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m-5 p.m. Harleyville, S.C.,I-26 W to exit 187, follow “Beidler Forest” signs.

“It is impossible for me to enterCharleston from any side, whether byland or by sea, and not feel that herethe land is precious; here is a placeworth keeping...” – Charleston nativeElizabeth O’Neill Verner


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MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site1500 Old Towne Rd. • Charleston • (area map)843-852-4200 • Hours: daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Web: www.charlestownelanding.travel • CharlesTowne Landing is the birthplace of Charlestonand South Carolina. Established in 1670, this is where your visit to historic Charleston begins. Charles Towne Landing experiencesinclude a museum, outdoor exhibits along theHistory Trail with an accompanying audio tour,cannon demonstrations 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 • www.middletonplace.org A witness to many dramatic events inCharleston’s history, the house is a classicexample of the city’s architecture. Built in 1825,the house is a repository of family treasures, including Alston family silver, furniture, booksand paintings that remain in place much as they have been for more than a century and a half. Look seaward from the second floor piazza, where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter ToursDeparts from two locations: Liberty Square,Charleston • (Map: J:5) or Patriots Point Mount Pleasant (Map: P:1) • 843-722-2628www.spiritlinecruises.com • Charlestonis full of history at every turn and one of its most famous claims to fame is Fort Sumter National Monument, the site where the Civil Warbegan. We provide the only commercial boattransportation to Fort Sumter. Tours include a 30-minute narrated cruise through CharlestonHarbor and back plus an hour to tour the fortand its on-site museum.

Town of SummervilleVisitor Center • 402 N. Main St. • Summerville(Map: BB:3) • 843-873-8535 www.visitsummerville.com • It’s true. Southernhospitality began in Summerville. Just 24 milesfrom Charleston, we invite you to experience our original Southern hospitality for yourself. But please take your time and enjoy all thischarming, historic town has to offer. You’ll soonfind yourself feeling relaxed, rejuvenated andthinking this is exactly how life should be.

North Charleston/American LaFranceFire Museum4975 Centre Point Dr • North Charleston • (Map:V:4) • 843-740-5550 • www.legacyofheroes.orgThe Fire Museum, located adjacent to TangerOutlet Center, is home to the largest collectionof fully restored American LaFrance fire trucksand antique fire equipment in the country. It is awonderful museum for the firefighter in all ofus. Great demonstration for kids and people ofall ages.


PLANTATIONS

Boone Hall Plantation1235 Long Point Rd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: L:4) • 843-884-4371 www.boonehallplantation.com • One ofAmerica’s oldest plantations with more than320 years of history and heritage, it is located8 miles north of Charleston on Highway 17.The famous “Avenue of Oaks,” nine originalslave cabins, house tours and shows are all offered for one price. Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:30p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

Charleston Tea Plantation6617 Maybank Hwy. • Wadmalaw Island (area map) • 843-559-0383 www.charlestonteaplantation.com • TheCharleston Tea Plantation is located on quietand beautiful Wadmalaw Island, just 25 milesoutside downtown Charleston. Traveling throughthe tranquil beauty and endless sea of green,visitors can experience how 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.

PLANTATIONS

Drayton Hall3380 Ashley River Rd. (Hwy 61) • Charleston, (area map) • 843-769-2600www.draytonhall.org • Circa 1738 • Drayton Hall(circa 1738) has survived the centuries and is theoldest unrestored plantation house in Americaopen to the public. Admission includes hourlytours, daily programs, river and marsh walks, theAfrican-American Cemetery, rental of an interac-tive landscape tour on DVD and artisan-inspiredMuseum Shop. A National Historic Landmarkand a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Open to the public dailyexcept major holidays.

Middleton Place National Historic Landmark • 4300 Ashley River Rd. (Hwy 61) • Charleston • (area map)843-556-6020 • www.middletonplace.orgAn 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. A tour ofthe House Museum highlights family collectionsand the Middletons’ role in American history. Explore the stable yards, where craftspeople re-create the activities of a self-sustaining Lowcountry plantation. African-American focustours, carriage rides, garden market and nursery.Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Visit www.travelerofcharleston.comfor coupons on tours, museums and attractions.


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WALKING TOURS

Culinary Tours Of Charleston40 N. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) • 843-727-1100 • www.culinarytoursofcharleston.com Walk, talk and taste your way throughCharleston while experiencing history throughLowcountry cuisine. Daily tasting tours introduceguests to tasty bites at many great “food finds.”Go behind the scenes and visit with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers, chocolatiers and specialty shops.

Palmetto Tours8 Guignard Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-628-3053www.palmettotours.com • Explore Charleston'shistory and beauty with the premier walking tourcompany – Palmetto Tours. Four tours to choosefrom - Slave History, Charleston and the CivilWar, Historic Charleston and Historic Homes &Architecture. All tours include entry into famoushistorical sites. Receive four hours of parkingwith any tour.

Yorktown Ghost Tours40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-277-0577 www.yorktownghosttours.comThis exclusive guided tour explores the unex-plained mysteries of this legendary WWII aircraft carrier. Hear stories of sacrifice and devastation as this tour ventures into areas normally restricted to the public. Learn of thestrange activity that has been documented bySyfy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters.”

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TRANSPORTATION

Lowcountry Loop Trolley Call for departing locations • 843-654-5199www.lowcountrylooptrolley.comA hop-on, hop-off narrative tour and specialevent charter, providing a continuous loop toand from Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms,Sullivan’s Island and Visitor’s Center indowntown Charleston. Stops include: PatriotsPoint, Charleston Water Taxi, Boone HallPlantation, restaurants, shops and beaches.

WALKING TOURS

Bulldog Tours40 North Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-722-TOUR • www.bulldogtours.com As seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’sMost Haunted Places,” this premier walking tourcompany will have you exhilarated and enter-tained at the same time. 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) • 843-766-2080 www.charlestonstrolls.com • Featured in theNew York Times, this two-hour tour is the bestway to see Charleston’s Historic District. Famous landmarks, historic highlights, antebel-lum mansions, quaint alleys and hidden gardens.Everyday at 10 a.m. Requires reservation.


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WATER TOURS

Adventure Harbor ToursTours Depart from the Charleston Harbor Marina • 20 Patriots Point Rd. • (Map: O:2) 843-442-9455 • www.adventureharbortours.comFamily fun for everyone. Tours “Stormin’ theBeach,” ($55/$25), a more than two-hour tourwith shell and sharks’ teeth expeditions to MorrisIsland. Want more action? Schedule a day ofinshore fishing with one of our pros. Coupons,pictures directions and more information avail-able on our website. Reservations encouraged.

Angler Management Fishing843-259-1489 • www.AnglerManagementSC.com • Custom, year-round saltwater inshorefishing charters that cater to families, groups,beginners and professionals. Fish in the Intra-coastal Waterway, harbor and tidal creeks,catching redfish, trout, flounder, kings, jacks,sharks and more. U.S. Coast Guard Certifiedlicensed and insured, Capt. Ethan will provideall licenses, bait, tackle and ice to pack up theday’s catch. Eco and harbor tours are availableas well. See ad in this section.

WATER TOURS

AquaSafaris24 Patriots Point Road, A-Dock at CharlestonHarbor Marina • Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) 843-886-8133 • www.aqua-safaris.comEnlist Charleston’s premier source for all your boating adventures! Head out for an action-packed day of fishing, charter a luxurymotor yacht for your private or corporate event,sit back and relax watching dolphin on an affordable sunset cruise through Charleston Harbor. Offers Charleston’s largest fleet withthe spacious catamaran Palmetto Breeze.

Barrier Island Eco-Tours50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms Marina • (Map: N:6)843-886-5000 • www.nature-tours.com Naturalist guided boat excursions to CapersIsland 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.

Isle of Palms Marina50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms • (Map: N:6) 843-886-0209 • www.iopmarina.comA full service marina with 50 slips, a full servicestore with a deli where groceries, beer, wine, bait and tackle can be found. Powerboat rentalsand also customized excursions, group outingsand fishing charters can be booked here.

Livability.com listed Charleston No. 3on its list of top spring break vacationdestinations for families, callingCharleston one of the “most familyfriendly cities on the East Coast.”


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WATER TOURS

Carolina Queen Riverboat17 Lockwood Blvd at the City Marina • (Map: B:3)800-344-4483 • www.charlestonharbortours.comCharleston’s only authentic Paddle Wheel vessel.This riverboat style vessel boasts three decks,two bars, an enclosed main salon, and plenty ofroom for dining and dancing! Thurs nights: Murder Mystery Cruise. Friday nights: Music andCraft Beer. Sat nights: luncheon cruises. Sun:Jazz Brunch Cruises. Call to reserve your nextevent; limited to 400 passengers.

Charleston Harbor ToursCharleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St.,Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 888-224-5037 or 843-722-1112 • www.charlestonharbortours.comBoard the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s onlylive narrated harbor history tour. Relax and enjoy a beverage from the snack bar as the captain informs you about the forts and land-marks that shaped Charleston’s historic harbor.Private charters and private group dinner cruises are available. $19 .50 adult, $18 .50 senior, $14.50 child 4-11, under 4 are free.

Charleston Water TaxiDowntown: Maritime Cntr. • 10 Wharfside St. (Map: K:5/6) • Mt. Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Pt. • (Map: O:2) • 843-330-2989 • www.charlestonwatertaxi.com • Linking Mt. Pleasant and historic downtown Charleston.Relax and enjoy views of the Ravenel Bridge,while dolphins and pelicans feed alongside theboat. The water taxi runs on a continuous looparound Charleston Harbor between PatriotsPoint (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston.

Charleston Sailing and Fishing ChartersSailing charters leave from Cooper River MarinaFishing charters leave from Wappoo boat landing or Folly boat landing • 843-834-2558www.charlestonsailingfishing.comCaptain D will take you offshore fishing whereyou will troll for big game fish or bottom fish,all tackle is provided and he will even cleanyour fish! If sailing is what you want, it doesn’tget any better than on the 42' Miss Ann III withher big center cockpit. See Charleston from thewater - they tailor their sail to you.

Harborview ChartersDeparts from various locations; call for details843-324-3183 • www.harborviewcharters.comIndulge in our city's marine wildlife, history andestuaries on your own private tour boat. See dolphins and experience Charleston’s historyfrom the water. Relax on the water, look forshells, fish or simply enjoy a sunset cruise, girls’day out or family time at the beach. HarborviewCharters can accommodate and customize anyboat charter to fit your needs.

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WATER TOURS

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

Schooner Pride – Charleston’s Tall Ship360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5) 888-245-9206 or 843-722-1112 www.schoonerpride.com • Marvel at the HolyCity’s unique skyline as we sail by the forts,going where history was made. Listen to thewind filling the sails, see dolphins frolicking and experience the magnificent colors of aCharleston sunset. Sail aboard the Pride for an afternoon dolphin sail or a sunset sail or special event. Available for private charters orevent booking Combo Carriage Tour Listing:Harbor & Carriage

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WATER TOURS

Sharkin Charleston1 Shrimp Boat Lane • Mount Pleasant Pick-up at RB's Restaurant on Shem Creek • (Map: O:2)843-557-6627 • www.sharkincharleston.comFeel the pull of the line and the scream of thereel dragging as you catch 3- to 6-foot sharks on light tackle. $89 per person with up to six an-glers on the boat. No experience is necessary;great for families and kids. Shark charters arecarried out in the protected waters of the harbor,which is just minutes from the pick-up point.

SpiritLine Charleston Harbor TourDeparts from two locations: Aquarium Wharf,Charleston • (Map: J:5) or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628www.spiritlinecruises.com • The 90-minute cruise passes by Charleston’s famous Battery,the Cooper River Bridge, WaterfrontPark, Patriots Point, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

Thriller CharlestonTours depart from 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-276-4203www.ThrillerChar leston. com • ExperienceCharleston’s only offshore adventure tour boat.Feel the rush of adrenaline as we burst throughthe jetties and surf the waves on our way to theMorris Island Lighthouse. Feel the wind, sun andspray on your face as great music plays and yousee forts, the lighthouse and Charleston.

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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COMPILED BY HOLLY FISHER

Eco adventuresabound in Charleston area


Throw off the gray of winter andsoak up the springtime sunshine.Charleston visitors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy thewater, beaches, natural resourcesand parks. Here are a few of oursuggestions for getting outdoors:

Wild on the waterTry your hand at kayaking, canoeing or standup paddle boarding. Plenty ofadventure companies offer guided tours,lessons and rentals so you can exploreareas like Shem Creek, blackwaterswamps, the Edisto River and more.

Eco explorationNature and eco-tour companies take visitors on explorations of barrier islands and salt marshes on the out-skirts of Charleston. Visitors can learnabout the plants and animals that in-habit those areas while getting a chanceto collect shells and shark’s teeth.

Nuts for natureThe Lowcounty is home to a variedecosystem that provides habitat for a variety of marine life, birds and other animals. The Center for Birds of Prey provides educational and out-reach programs on bird conservation issues. The center also operates anavian medical clinic for injured birds. Guided tours are available Thursdaythrough Saturday and include flightdemonstrations featuring hawks,falcons, owls and eagles. The center is located in Awendaw, north of MountPleasant. For information: thecenterforbirdsofprey.org or843-971-7474.

The Sewee Visitor & EnvironmentalEducation Center in Awendaw is awealth of eco opportunities. The centeris home to two young red wolves andhosts a number of educational events.The center is the gateway to both CapeRomain National Wildlife Refuge andFrancis Marion National Forest. CapeRomain, established in 1932 as a migra-tory bird refuge, encompasses morethan 66,000 acres in a 20-mile segmentof the Atlantic coast.

The Francis Marion is a 258,000-acrenational forest with a history that tracesback 10,000 years. Native Americansharvested wildlife and plants there.Later, Europeans settled the area andcleared land for small farms and riceplantations. Following the Civil War,wide-scale lumbering cleared much of the forest land for timber products.President Franklin Roosevelt estab-lished the land as a national forest in 1936. Today, visitors can enjoy 120miles of trails for canoeing, hiking,horseback riding and mountain biking.Recreational areas for camping, picnick-ing and boating are also available. For information: fws.gov/seweecenter.

Charles Towne Landing State HistoricSite is a nature retreat in the heart of the city. The park marks the site of thefirst permanent European settlementin South Carolina. Visitors can immersethemselves in 80 acres of English parkgardens and 7 miles of nature trails(open to bikes) – with a good chance of spotting wood storks, alligators andcoastal wading birds. The park is alsohome to an Animal Forest zoo withbison, puma, black bears, otters, birds,wild turkeys and more. For more infor-mation: charlestownelanding.travel or843-852-4200.

See our list of tour companies beginning on page 24 to schedule your water, natureor adventure tour.

Shop+ Savor

Charleston was foundedin the late 1600s as a portcity, and it has remaineda thriving place to buy goods ever since! Buy localand enjoy the rewards.

WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPINGFOR SOUVENIRS, A DRESS FOR DINNER OR A BOX OFBENNE WAFERS, YOU’LL FINDJUST WHAT YOU WANT IN THE CITY’S MANY RETAIL OUTLETS. The Charleston peninsula has boutiques, national retailers and a market full of Southern charm.

About Charleston On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed to vehicular traffic from Queen StreetNorth to Calhoun Street for 2ndSunday on King. Enjoy shoppingand restaurant specials.


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Charleston Winery63 South Market Street • (Map H:7) 843-576-4772 • www.charlestonwines.comFeaturing daily wine tasting, a diverse collectionof wines, unique gifts and wine accessories.Their citrus and berry wines are made from thehighest quality 100% pure Florida citrus fruitsand berries and finest natural ingredients. Todate, their wines have won over 200 medals at national and international wine competitions.See coupon in ad!

Citadel MallWest Ashley on Sam Rittenberg & I-526 -area map) • 843-766-8511 • www.citadelmall.net Shop, eat and play at Citadel Mall - home to allyour favorite stores like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears,Target and JCPenney, as well as other greatshops like American Eagle, The Limited, KingStreet Grille, LOFT, Palmetto Moon, Victoria’s Se-cret, Sesame Burgers and Beer, Citadel Stadium16 IMAX Theater and an indoor play area for thekids. Mon-Sat: 10am-9 pm | Sun: Noon- 6pm

Northwoods MallNorth Charleston on Ashley Phosphate & I-26(Map: R:3) • 843-797-3060 www.shopnorthwoodsmall.comHome to all your favorite stores like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, and the Lowcountry’sonly Sephora, Hollister Co and Hot Topic plus all of your favorites. A great shopping place with over 100 stores, 20 eateries including King Street Grille, Jason’s Deli, Olive Garden,O’Charleys, an indoor play area and a thirteen-screen stadium theater, making it truly a total ex-perience. Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: Noon-6pm

Nice Ice Fine Jewelry145 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) 843-577-7029 • Exclusive boutique to suchrenowned designers as Slane & Slane, Charriol,Jude Frances, Philip Stein Watches, MarcoBicego, Dominique Cohen and Bellarri. Offersan extensive and unique collection of finejewelry, engagement rings and pearls. Customdesigns are a specialty for this charming shopwith a knowledgeable, friendly staff and extraordinarycustomer service. See ad on inside back cover.

Palmettoville 51 S. Market St. Shops at French Quarter(Map: H:7) • Palmettoville has a large assortmentof sunglasses, postcards, handmade soaps andlotions, shot glasses, hand-painted tee towels,slap watches, local images, hats and the bestselection of Charleston T-shirts for adultsand children, produced locally by our family for more than 30 years, at prices no one canmatch. Trust you will only find the best selectionand quality here at Palmettoville.

Mention this ad and receive 10% off your purchase

DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON Spend the day walking King Street withits clothing boutiques, shoe stores, giftshops and more. Start near CharlestonPlace Hotel and head toward CalhounStreet for a wide selection of local boutiques, gift shops and national retailers. If you’re in the market for rare finds, make your way down LowerKing Street (south of Market Street),the city’s antique district.

The City Market stretches from Meeting Street to East Bay Street and is home to more than 100 vendors – plus dozens of businesses and restau-rants line Market Street on either sideof the City Market shed. This is a greatspot to pick up souvenirs, sweetgrassbaskets, artwork and jewelry.

SUMMERVILLESummerville’s Town Square is filledwith local boutiques and shops, includ-ing 12 antique stores, a children’s bookstore and one of the top 10 quilt shops in the country.

MOUNT PLEASANT • Towne Centre on U.S. Highway 17 is home to national retailers plus several local boutiques, including Palmetto Moon, Hairy Winston PetBoutique, KikiSol Resort, Teal and The Southern Curator. 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 or visit Princess of Tides for costumes and tutus. Carolina Girls carries giftitems, jewelry and stationery. TheCoastal Cupboard has a large selectionof specialty food items and cookware.shopbellehall.com

WEST ASHLEY Citadel Mall, located off Interstate 526 and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, includes mostly national retailers like Belk, Dillard’s, Sears, Target and JCPenney plus an IMAX Theater.citadelmall.net

NORTH CHARLESTON • Northwoods Mall on Rivers Avenuehas more than 120 stores, includingBelk, Dillard’s, Sears, Palmetto Moon,Books-a-Million and Bath & BodyWorks. shopnorthwoodsmall.com

• Tanger Outlets has dozens of nationally known retailers offering apparel for adults and children, shoes, accessories, housewares and jewelry. Tanger is easily accessible from bothInterstates 526 and 26. tangeroutlet.com/charleston

Your guide to shopping in and around Charleston


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Summerville, South Carolina402 N. Main Street • Summerville • (Map: BB:3)843-873-8535 • www.visitsummerville.comSummerville, South Carolina is just 24 miles out-side of Charleston, making it the perfect day triplocation to add to your itinerary. Great shoppingand dining establishments add to Summerville’scharacter, and you'll be pleased with the varietyof accommodations (including quaint bed-and-breakfasts and charming inns). Follow their“Sweet Tea Trail”! Visit website for more info.

Tom’s Toys LLC125 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7)Kapla is a unique wooden building toy composed of identical blocks. Children put oneblock on top of the other and let their imagina-tion run free, creating all kinds of animals, buildings, vehicles and bridges. Kapla is suitablefor children of all ages.

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall2037 Maybank (Hwy. 700) • James Island (area map) • 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. www.terraceoaksantiques.comSince 1988, Terrace Oaks Antique Mall has been the leader in the Charleston area for multi-dealer antique shops. The 10,000-square-foot,climate-controlled shop houses 90+ booths with all different tastes and styles. When itcomes to antiques, they have just about any-thing your heart desires.

Town of Mount PleasantMount Pleasant, S.C., is not just your averageplace to visit. Offering an escape from youreveryday life, the taste you crave, and therelaxation you desire, Mount Pleasant won’tdisappoint. Filled with an unbelievable array ofrestaurants, taverns, activities and accommoda-tions, the vacation you’re anticipating will bemore than just a trip from home; it will be anexperience of indescribable magic and warmth.

Walterboro, South Carolina249 E. Washington Street • Walterboro SC 843-538-4353 • www.walterborosc.orgConveniently located on I-95 and a short drivefrom I-26 – Walterboro is a great place to spendthe day touring local attractions, visiting greatrestaurants and antique vendors.

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).


Take Home a Reminder of Charleston

We guarantee you’ve never had a Popsicle quite like this. King of Popsmakes fresh, all-natural frozen treatsso you don’t feel guilty about indulgingin flavors like chocolate sea salt, keylime pie or the Arnold Palmer (sweettea and lemonade). Look for the King of Pops cart around downtownCharleston, Folly Beach and at majorevents and festivals. Check out wherethe pop cart will be next or place a bulkorder at kingofpops.net.

Nothing says “Southern” like a big ‘olplate of barbecue topped with BigEd’s Heirloom BBQ Sauce. Theflagship product of Pigtail Brands,this sauce is a tangy, vinegar-basedheirloom barbecue sauce and mari-nade with just a hint of pepper and aslight sweet undertone. Made from a 30-year family recipe, it works as a topping for pork, steak, poultry,seafood, wild game, tofu, vegetablesand even as a salad dressing. Price:$6.75 per bottle | Available at grocerystores and retailers around the stateor shop online at pigtailbrands.com.

Don’t you wish you could pack up the sights, sounds and tastes ofCharleston? Well, it might be tough to put a horse-drawn carriage in your suitcase, but there are some great Charleston items that allow you to take home a piece of the Holy City (and they’re less messy to pack). Pick up one of these items for a gift or as a memento of a visit to the world’s best city.

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If you’ve passed over the ArthurRavenel Jr. Bridge into downtownCharleston and caught the intoxicat-ing scent of roasting coffee beans, locals know that’s Charleston Coffee Roasters. The company uses premium Arabica beans carefullyselected from farms around the worldthat use traditional, sustainable growing practices. The beans are slowroasted and each bag is dated to ensurethe freshest of beans. Price: $13.95 perbag | Available at area retailers and online at charlestoncoffeeroasters.comor stop by the roasting facility at289 Huger St.

Journal your Charleston adventures with apen and notebook from Campo Marzio Design. The company - with roots in 1930sRome – sells writing instruments, leatherportfolios and desk accessories that combinequality craftsmanship with trendy designs.Shop the Charleston boutique (one of justfour in the United States) at 318 King St. campomarziocharleston.com

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} }The children can continue to explore the sights of Charleston long after the suitcases have beenunpacked. “Rosebud Roams Charleston” by SallyHughes Smith is the story of horse Rosebud whoraces into downtown Charleston to explore the historic city. Price: $15.95 | Available at Blue BicycleBooks, 420 King St. or contact Legacy Publications at legacypublications.com.

}}Take home a package of Callie’s Biscuits and friends will be clamor-ing for a dinner invitation. Withseven varieties – such as countryham, cheese and chive, buttermilkand cinnamon – these biscuits are a mouth-watering meal themselves.Available at Charleston area retailersand grocery stores. For a list or toorder online, visit calliesbiscuits.com.

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Eat + Drink

Charleston’s diverse culinary scene is amazing. Innovative chefs and their dishes will dazzle the taste buds and warm the heart.Charleston has great taste!

TRUST US, YOU WON’T LEAVECHARLESTON HUNGRY. In factyou might spend half your vacation simply deciding whichdelectable restaurant to try next.Our city has world-class chefscooking up plates filled withSouthern goodness. And evenour desserts are claiming nationalfame and recognition.

About Charleston April is Eat Local Month inCharleston – a celebration of localfood, farms and seafood in the area.Check lowcountrylocalfirst.org fordetails on special events.


FINE DINING

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill14 N. Market St • Charleston • (Map: I:7) 843-737-8700 • www.burwellscharleston.comCharleston’s first and only Modern Steakhouse:“The Next Generation of the Steakhouse”. A cutabove everything you expect: cleaner, leanercuts served with generous sides - an effort to-ward sustainability and humane standards - premium proteins sourced by “our” standards,not a lobbied agency - locally driven fish andseafood program - local, seasonal sides and farmfresh salads.

Cru Cafe´18 Pinckney St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-534-2434 • www.crucafe.com • In an18th-century home on Pinckney Street,Charlestonians sip mint julep tea on the porchand dine on upscale comfort food at JohnZucker’s Cru Cafe. “Do it right and use the bestpossible ingredients” is his mantra. Servinglunch Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinnerTues.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.

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SpiritLine Dinner CruiseDeparts from 40 Patriots Point Blvd Mount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628 www.spiritlinecruises.com • The SpiritLine DinnerCruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina features finecuisine prepared to order onboard, entertainment,dancing, fully stocked bar and a magnificent cruiseon Charleston Harbor. Departs Patriots Point Navaland Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant. Call forinformation and reservations.

Middleton Place Restaurant4300 Ashley River Rd. • Charleston • (area map)843-556-6020 • www.middletonplace.orgSavor Lowcountry cuisine while taking in viewsof America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Forlunch, visitors enjoy a three-course, prix fixemenu. Lunch served daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Dinner guests pay no admission after 5:30 p.m.and can stroll through the gardens prior to anelegant, candlelit evening. Dinner servedSun., Tues.-Thurs. 6-8 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 6-9 p.m.

Benne Wafers are a uniquely Low-country snack. Dating back to Colo-nial times, the wafers came toAmerica from East Africa during theslave trade era. “Benne” is the Bantuword for “sesame.” Sesame – with itsmild, nutty taste – was wildly plantedthroughout the South.

Charleston is one hip city! Travel +Leisure rated it No. 22 on its list of“America’s Best Cities for Hipsters,”calling out Upper King Street for itsshopping and local goods.


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A.W. Shuck’s35 South Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7)843-723-1151 • www.a-w-shucks.comCharleston’s original raw bar and restaurant righton historic Market Street. A.W. Shucks has cre-ated a new menu inspired by classic Charlestontradition that includes award-winning stuffedshrimp, the Lowcountry’s best she-crab soup,and seafood casserole that’s a legend among locals. The only thing you’ll enjoy as much as thefood is the company of friends and the extensiveselection of craft beers from our bar. Lunch anddinner served daily beginning at 11 a.m.

Bocci’s158 Church Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-720-2121www.boccis.com • USA Today mentioned Bocci’sas one of the leading Italian restaurants in theUnited States! Featuring full Italian fare at afford-able prices, this family restaurant brings every-thing that is right about Italian food to the table.Open for dinner only.

Charleston Crab House41 S. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-853-2900 • 145 Wappoo Creek Dr. James Island • 843-762-4507 www.charlestoncrabhouse.com • Servinglunch and dinner daily. Celebrating 20 years,the Charleston Crab House serves fresh localseafood including S.C. shrimp year-round.A favorite for locals and visitors with roof-top

dining downtown.


Frank LeeSlightly North of Broad 192 East Bay St. Charlestonslightlynorthofbroad.net843-723-3424

Frank Lee has been cooking up culinary creations for 40 years,delighting diners with his passion for combining French technique withhis beloved Southern ingredients. Lee, who still spends at least three to fourhours a day at the stove, spreads thegospel of sustainability. Under his direction, Maverick Southern Kitchenschefs are encouraged to source as much produce and meat from regionalgrowers as possible.

In 1992, restaurateur Richard Elliott recruited Lee to The Colony House,Charleston’s then oldest restaurant. In time, Lee became a partner with Elliott and David Marconi in MaverickSouthern Kitchens Inc. “I really love thedoing,” Lee said. “There’s a Tao aboutcooking. For us chefs, the kitchen is theonly place where things make sense.”

Lee’s philosophy and talents have beenhighlighted in Food Arts, Food & Wine,The New York Times, Southern Livingand The Washington Post. He’s appeared on “ABC’s Good MorningAmerica” and served as guest chef at the James Beard House. His MaverickGrits earned a Golden Dish award fromGQ Magazine, and he is featured on the“Great Chefs of the South” televisionseries and its corresponding cookbook.

Eric HuffBurwell’s Stone Fire Grill14 N. Market St., Charleston |burwellscharleston.com 843-737-8700

A member of the Burwell’s openingteam, Charleston native Eric Huff is no stranger to the burgeoning local culinary scene. Raised on the farms of the Lowcountry, Huff developed apassion for food that he has since pursued with great success.

Before joining Burwell’s, Huff was Aramark executive chef at the Univer-sity of North Carolina Wilmington. He garnered gold, silver and bronzemedals in the American Culinary Federation’s Chef Excellence Competi-tion and successfully raised awarenessof farm-to-table culinary initiatives taking place locally and on campus.

Huff has developed his own culinaryphilosophy – pushing the envelope creatively in his dishes, while stayingtrue to his Lowcountry roots throughregional resourcing of products. As executive chef at Burwell’s, Huff putshis culinary philosophy to the test – embracing approachable portions, rare cuts and a respect for regionallysourced ingredients.

In the kitchen with Charleston chefs


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Cupcake433 King St. • Charleston • (Map: G:4) 843-853-8181 • 644 Long Point Rd., Belle Hall Shopping Center • Mount Pleasant (Map: M:3) • 843-856-7080 www.freshcupcakes.com • Featured by USAToday, Martha Stewart and also by Ellen as “thebest cupcakes in America!” Cupcakes are sweetand delicious, tiny works of art that bring backthe delights of childhood. Baked fresh daily, ourcupcakes are concocted from the finest all-nat-ural ingredients, like real vanilla beans, sweetcream butter, fresh fruit and rich chocolate andthen finished off with homemade icing and anassortment of toppings, creating a fun, swankyupdate of a vintage favorite.

East Bay Deli334 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-216-5473 • 1120 Oakland Market Rd.Mount Pleasant • (Map: L:5) • 843-216-5473 9135University Blvd. N. Charleston • 843-553-7374 4405 Dorchester Rd. • N. Charleston (Map: W:4) • 843-747-1235 • Charleston’s realNew York-style deli slices sandwich meats freshevery morning and uses 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.


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Hyman’s Seafood215 Meeting St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7) 843-723-6000 • www.hymanseafood.comHyman’s Seafood is a must when visitingCharleston. Reviewed by more than 30 nationalpublications and voted No. 1 seafood restaurantin the Southeast by Southern Living magazinenine years in a row. Lunch and dinner servedseven days a week. Parking and back entrancefrom Charleston Place. No reservations; comeearly to avoid the wait. See coupon in ad for free crab dip or shrimp salad.

Joe Pasta428 King (Corner of King & John St.) • Charleston(Map: F/G:4) • 843-965-5252 • Joe Pasta specializes in great Italian food at a great pricefor both lunch and dinner. Menu features fantas-tic soups, salads, Parmesan sandwiches, pizza, superb pastas, exquisite desserts and a fullliquor, wine and beer bar. The restaurant pro-vides a laid-back and cozy atmosphere that isfamily friendly. See coupon in ad.

Mac’s Place215 East Bay Street • Charleston • (Map: I:5) 843-793-4653 • www.macsplacecharleston.comMac’s Place is located in the heart of the historicdistrict. A “not so traditional” Irish Pub born thelove of food, Great drinks, and better beer!Offering over 50 beers on tap, in bottle, and incan! With 14 flat screen televisions you can findany sporting event you are looking for! Mac'sPlace is a Chicago fan’s home away from home.

Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt99 S. Market St., Charleston • (Map: G/H:7) 843-277-2108 • Facebook.com/SweetCeCes-SouthMarket.com Like no other frozen yogurt in Charleston, Sweet CeCe’s delights guests with its 14' tall “Walk-In Toppings Silo”! Localfarm-fresh berries, other natural and decadenttoppings (cheesecake, brownies, etc.) fill our“Cold Bar”. Sweet CeCe’s also has no-sugar-added, non-fat, vegan and gluten-free yogurt flavors! At up to 40% LESS per ounce than an icecream cone, Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt &Treats is the place for Charleston visitors to be!See coupon in ad.

Tommy Condon’s160 Church Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-577-3818www.tommycondons.com • Have you ever beenin an authentic Irish pub and restaurant? Well,tucked away on Church Street, just a half blockoff Charleston’s historic Market, you will findTommy Condon’s, a pub that will delight yoursoul. At Tommy's you will very likely happenupon a bit of frolic, friendly conversation, laugh-ter and song. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

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



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BBQ Tuna made with Fried Oysters prepared by Frank Lee of Slightly North of Broad


Calendarof Eventsapril – june 2013

APRIL

1-7 Family Circle Cup – Female tennis greats head to the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island for the largest women’s tennis tournament in the world. More than 100,000 spectators and 70 world-class tennis players compete for the Cup. Players include Venus Williams, former World No. 1 and 2004 Cup Champion, along with World No. 9 Samantha Stosur. familycirclecup.com 843-849-5308

1-20 Festival of Houses and Gardens – historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405

5 Kiawah Island Art and House Tour – The tour features five Kiawah Island homes.It is sponsored by the Gibbes Museum of Art member auxiliary group, Gibbes, etc. gibbesmuseum.org | 843-722-2706

5-6 House and Garden Tours – Hosted by the Garden Club of Charleston, thesetwo walking tours take visitors through private homes and gardens in Charleston’s historic district. thegardenclubofcharleston.org

5-27 “Anything Goes” – Performed at the Historic Dock Street Theatre, this is one of Broadway's most revived musical comedies. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-5967

5-7 YMCA Flowertown Festival – Visit the town of Summerville to see the azaleas in bloom and shop the goods of more than 200 artists who participate in this annual arts and crafts festival. Azalea Park and the surrounding streets are filled with food vendors, activities and rides for children. This event is consistently rated one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. flowertownfestival.org

6 Cooper River Bridge Run –The 10K is one of the world’s top races, attracting runners from around the world. The race is capped at 38,500. bridgerun.com

7 Lowcountry Cajun Festival – Soak up a full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, children’s activities and all around ragin’ Cajun entertainment at James Island County Park. ccprc.com

11-27 “Hamlet” – When a father's murder prompts even the universe to cry for justice, Hamlet must learn to leave the sidelines of history and make a stand. Performed by Holy City Shakespeare. holycityshakespeare.org | 843-754-7267

13 Founders’ Day at Charles Towne Landing – Celebrate “the birth of South Carolina” at this annual event with living history programs, 17th-century re-enactors and demonstrations including the firing of blackpowder cannons and muskets, as well as cooking and other daily chores crucial to the colony’s survival. Site archaeologists will be available at the current excavation site to show visitors the latest research discoveries. charlestownelanding.travel 843-852-4200

14 Blues by the Sea – This free outdoor event will feature live performances by blues acts from across the country at Freshfields Village on Johns Island. freshfieldsvillage.com

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18-21 Lowcountry Strawberry Festival – This event has expanded to four days with evening hours. Visitors can choose from more than 30 attractions and amusement rides for all ages, plus magic shows, pig races, U-pick strawberries, jugglers and more. boonehallplantation.com

19-21 East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival – ccprc.com

20 Fam Jam – The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry transforms Marion Square into a giant playground. explorecml.org

21 Old Village Home, Garden and Art Tour – Explore the Old Village of Mount Pleasant on this self-guided tour of homes. lowcountryredcross.org

24-28 Charleston International Film Festival – Watch all genres of film, including sneak previews and premieres of some of the best new features, documentaries, shorts and animations. The festival includes after-parties, panels and workshops plus an awards gala to honor the finest in filmmaking and writing displayed during the film and screenplay competition. charlestoniff.org | 843-817-1617

28 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Celebrate the start of shrimping season at this festival. Located at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. comeonovermp.com | 843-884-8517

MAY

3–5, “Oklahoma!” – The Footlight Players perform this story of love in the Wild West 9–12, between Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a charming farm girl. 16–19 footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

3-11 North Charleston Arts Festival – This nine-day event highlights national, regional and local artists and performers in dance, music, theater, visual arts, crafts, photography, media arts and literature. northcharlestonartsfest.com

3-29 “Clybourne Park” – Pure Theatre performs this intensely topical satire that explores the fault line between race and property. puretheatre.org 843-723-4444

11 Winestock – Head to Irvin House Vineyards on Wadmalaw Island live music, food and a contest for the best 1970s costume. charlestonwine.com843-559-6867

16-18 Hands-On Rice Painting at Middleton Place – Join a costumed interpreter and learn about the Carolina Gold rice planted on Lowcountry plantations, the Africanorigins of rice and its cultivation in South Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020


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18 Charleston Beer Garden – Inspired by the festive biergartens of Germany, Brittlebank Park will be transformed into Charleston’s largest popup beer garden. Enjoy craft brews, live music, beer school classes and Beer Olympics. charlestonbeergarden.com.

19 First Flush FesTEAval – Celebrate the first growth of new leaves on the tea plants at the Charleston Tea Plantation. The “first flush” is harvested to producewhat avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh and amazing cup of tea. The annual festival includes music, entertainment, art and local cuisine. charlestonteaplantation.com | 843-559-0383

19-20 Sculpture in the South – This is a one-of-a-kind event offering collectors and first-time art enthusiasts a chance to mingle and chat with 35 leading fine art sculptors in Summerville’s Azalea Park. sculptureinthesouth.com | 843-851-7800

23-26, “Chicago” – The Flowertown Players perform this musical tale of two rival 30-31 and vaudevillian murderesses who create a media storm in the 1920s. June 1-2 flowertownplayers.org | 843-875-9251

24-June 9 Spoleto Festival USA – For 17 days and nights this world-renowned festival fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by artists from around the world as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 37th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. spoletousa.org | 843-579-3100

24-June 9 Piccolo Spoleto Festival – The city of Charleston’s outreach program of Spoleto Festival USA, this festival highlights a number of local and regional artists and performers. piccolospoleto.com

JUNE

1 Sweetgrass Festival – This event celebrates the rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage and provides the most extensive showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry area. There will be handmade arts and crafts, paintings, live performances and documentary films. Festival-goers will enjoy entertainment that includes gospel songs and praise dance, storytelling and Gullah Geechee skits, basket-making demonstrations and the Adande African Drummers and Dancers. More than 15 Lowcountry restaurants and food vendors will be on site.sweetgrassfestival.org | 843-856-9732

9 Spoleto Finale at Middleton Place – Picnic on the lawn and enjoy a finale beer garden with local beer, music and food. That evening’s performance by the Red Stick Ramblers is followed by fireworks. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

Sweetgrass Festival

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Saturdays – Charles Towne Landing hosts special events each Saturday. The first Saturdayis musket demonstrations. The second Saturday is a monthly theme (April is Animal Forest:Enrichment Day; May is Navigating a New World: Maritime History; June is Feast or Famine:Colonial Foodways). The third Saturday is cannon firings and the fourth Saturday is ranger’schoice. charlestownelanding.travel | 843-852-4200

Sunset Blues & BBQ Cruise – A casual harbor cruise with music by Shrimp City Slim andBBQ by Home Team, and the most breath-taking views of Charleston imaginable. May 2, 16,30: June 6, 13, 20, 27: July 4, 11, 18, 25. 2 hour cruise, cash bar, departs from 10 Wharfside St,board at 7 p.m. cruise from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Call Zerve at 800-979-3370charlestonharbortours.com

4/2–30, 5/4-28, 6/1-29 – “Pirate Mystery Show,” a family comedy where the audience isthe star at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com843-937-6453

4/7-28, 5/1-30, 6/5-28 – “Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery,” a hauntingly historical, hysterical whodunit for fans of the Master Sleuth at the Black FedoraComedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | Call for schedule 843-937-6453

4/11-27, 5/2-30, 6/6-29 – “Inspector NoClue’s Murder Mystery,” a classic comic whodunitat the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. charlestonmysteries.com | Call for schedule843-937-6453

Wine Strolls at Middleton Place – Each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. starting in Aprilthrough June 26. Theme strolls are scheduled throughout the season. middletonplace.org 843-556-6020

Sweet Tea Trail – Browse the many antique shops of downtown Summerville from 1-4 p.m.the second Sunday of each month. visitsummerville.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

Sippin’ Saturdays at Irvin House Vineyards – From noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays April 6 to May4 on Wadmalaw Island. Enjoy music, food and wine tastings. charlestonwine.com 843-559-6867

Area Farmers Markets:Saturdays: Downtown at Marion Square from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Begins 4/19.Saturdays: Summerville next to Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Begins 4/13.Tuesdays: Mount Pleasant at Simmons & Coleman Streets from 3:30 p.m. to dusk. Begins 4/9.

Party in the Park – Each Tuesday in June at Waterfront Memorial Park in Mount Pleasant,the town of Mount Pleasant and WEZL 103.5 FM team up to bring free music concerts featuring national country music recording artists. comeonovermp.com

4/27, 5/18, 6/15, 6/20 – Shagging on the Cooper – Put your dancing shoes for this party atMount Pleasant Pier. ccprc.com

5/31, 6/31 – Shagging at Folly Beach – Put your dancing shoes for this party at Folly BeachPier. ccprc.com

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


Be sure to follow us on Twitter @Traveler_Mag for moreCharleston events, festivals and activities.


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HIT THEBEACH! Folly Beach• Laid-back barrier island

beach frequented by locals and surfers.

• Alcohol is not permittedon the beach.

• Selection of restaurants and shops.

Isle of Palms• Selection of shops,

restaurants, bars and publicrestrooms.

• Isle of Palms County Park has parking ($8), picnic tables, showers, restrooms and a playground.

• Family friendly beach; alcohol is not allowed.

Sullivan’s Island• Few short-term rentals

and no hotels or motels. • No public parking lots;

street parking only. • No public restrooms or

showers; alcohol is notpermitted.

Be sure to visit our blog attravelerofcharleston.com for more information.


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Things to Loveabout the Lowcountry■ Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: Spanning the Cooper River, this structure has become one of Charleston’s iconic images. The bridge also hosts the annualCooper River Bridge Run with thousands of runners and walkers making the trek from Mount Pleasant, across the bridge and into downtown Charleston.Don’t worry if you miss this annual run, you can run, walk or bike the bridge’spedestrian lane any time during your visit.

■ Flowers: Blooms are bursting forth all over town. From azaleas and wisteria to Confederate jasmine and crepe myrtles, the Lowcountry is awash in springtime color.

■ Arts and culture: The annual Spoleto Festival USA and its sister event, Piccolo Spoleto, delight locals and visitors with music, dance, theater and morewith artists and performers from around the world as well from right here in ourown backyard.

■ Shopping local: Farmers markets kick off in April, giving us a bounty of freshfruits and vegetables as well as locally made arts, crafts, jewelry, soaps and lotions and pottery. Shopping never felt so good!

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TOURS + ATTRACTIONS■ Adventure Harbor Tours: $5 off per person on Morris Island Tours – page 29.■ Angler Management Fishing: Mention “Traveler Mag” for special discounts – page 28.■ Boone Hall Plantation: $2 off one regular adult admission – page 7.■ Carriage & Harbor Tour Combo: Save $5 over purchasing separately – page 37.■ Charleston Sailing & Fishing Charters: Mention “Traveler Mag” for special discounts –

page 27.■ Children’s Museum: One free admission with one paid admission – page 18.■ Ghost Walking & Harbor Tour Combo: Save $4 over purchasing separately – page 22.■ Harborview Charters: $10 off private charter tour – page. 26.■ Isle of Palms Marina: Rent a powerboat for 2 hours, get 2 hours free – page 24.■ Palmetto Carriage & Palmetto Tours: Free parking for 4 hours when taking a carriage

or walking tour – page 2 & 4.■ Plantation & Harbor Tour Combo: Save $4.50 over purchasing separately – page 32.■ Sandlapper Water Tours: $2 off adult ticket, $1 off child ticket – page 27.

SHOPPING■ Charleston Winery: Present ad for Charleston Commemorative Wine Bottle Stopper

or Lucky Little Turtle Charm with purchase of $20 or more – page 41.■ Palmettoville: 10% off purchase when you mention “Traveler” – page 41.

RESTAURANTS■ Hyman’s Seafood: Free Crab Dip or Shrimp Salad with coupon from ad – page 55.■ Joe Pasta: Free appetizer with purchase of 2 entrees with coupon – page 56.■ Sweet CeCe’s: 20% off of cup when you show their ad – page 56.

Advertiser Discounts


Web Extras...Can’t get enough of Charleston? Check out these online extras formore Holy City happenings.

Blooming Beauties Find out what’s bloomingin Charleston parks andgardens this spring on our blog.

Let’s Be SocialWe love connecting with Charleston visitors so join us on Facebook, Twitterand Pinterest. We’re here to answer questions during your visit and we’d love to hear about your favorite Charlestonspots, what you did on your trip and seesome of your photos.

Beach GuideAre you a laid-back Folly gal, anIsle of Palms beach family or aSullivan’s Island escape-to-the-beach kind of guy? Learn moreabout each of Charleston’s uniquebeaches and determine which onefits your interests. Plus: Know therules and regulations for having pets on the beaches.

Pucker Up!Water views, cobble-stone streets and acozy corner table fordinner are just theright ingredients for aromantic getaway toCharleston. We havesuggestions for adding some romance to your Charleston vacation.

More to See & DoYou may have noticed the spring calendar forCharleston is jam packed.Guess what? There’s even more to do! Just head to our website for an expanded calendar of events.


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Adventure Harbor Tours 29Angler Management Fishing 28Audubon Center at Beidler Forest 18Barrier Island Eco Tours 26Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater 30Boone Hall Plantation 7, 32Bulldog Tours 17, 22Carolina Queen Riverboat 33Charles Towne Landing 25Charleston Harbor Tours 3, 22,

32, 37Charleston Sailing & Fishing Charters 27Charleston Tea Plantation 72Charleston Water Taxi 32Children’s Museum 18Culinary Tours of Charleston 14Drayton Hall 21Edmondston-Alston House 19Fort Sumter Tours 9Harborview Charters 26Isle of Palms Marina 24Lowcountry Loop Trolley 23Middleton Place 20Nature Adventures Outfitters 29North Charleston Fire Museum 21Palmetto Breeze/Aqua Safaris 28Palmetto Carriage 2, 37Palmetto Tours 5Sandlapper Water Tours 27Schooner Pride 36Sharkin Charleston Fishing 30SpiritLine Harbor Cruise 9THEATRE Charleston 16THRILLER Charleston 31USS Yorktown Ghost Tours 19

SHOP + SAVORCharleston Winery 41Citadel Mall 45KAPLA - Tom’s Toys 41“Mount Pleasant, Town of” 43Nice Ice Jewelry 70Northwoods Mall 45Palmettoville 41“Summerville, Town of” 35Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 44The Brass Pirate 41“Walterboro, SC” 34

EAT + DRINKA.W. Dawgs 56A.W. Shuck’s 53Bocci’s 53Burwell's Stone Fire Grill 49Charleston Crab House 50Cru Café 50Cupcake 54East Bay Deli 54Hyman’s Seafood 55Joe Pasta 56Mac’s Place 57Middleton Place Restaurant 49SpiritLine Dinner Cruise 51Sweet CeCe’s 56Tommy Condon's 53

TRAVELERofCharleston.com

Charleston SC Spring - Traveler Mag - Spring Issue 2013

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