In today’s Local Perspective, we’re exploring everything Charleston, South Carolina has to offer with Heather Hignutt, an ICU nurse at the Veteran Affairs Hospital and a 10-year Charleston resident. Charleston is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina. It’s known for its rich history and architecture, as well as it’s booming culinary scene. Have you considered paying a visit to this city full of southern charm? Read below for tips on how to do Charleston like a local!
I want to visit Charleston. What’s the best time of year to come?
In my opinion, summer is the worst time of year to visit Charleston. It is miserably hot, the pool and ocean water feel like bathwater, and there is a chance of thunderstorms every afternoon. If you prefer your ocean temps to feel more like, well, the ocean, we have great beach weather in April, May, September, and October. Are you an oyster aficionado? If so, plan your visit between September and February to enjoy one of the many oyster roasts or to just snag a table at any seafood joint and indulge in delicious freshly steamed local oysters.
Some cities are friendlier than others. On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate the friendliness of Charleston?
Charleston was rated the number one friendliest city in Conde Nast Travelers Top 10 Friendliest Cities. Those in the hospitality industry are extremely friendly here. In all my time in Charleston, I’ve never had a bad restaurant experience. However, some of the locals are becoming more reluctant to be friendly to tourists. It’s hard to blame them though. Our traffic is increasing and the best kept secrets of the south are being revealed, which I guess is great for you all, and overall great for Charleston, it just means the locals have to adapt to a slightly different way of life.
Do you have a recommended area of the city for lodging?
Although the prices for lodging in North Charleston are appealing, I would avoid that area or look at a crime map before you book lodging. You’re laughing right now, but I’m serious. North Charleston ranks amongst the highest for crime in the nation. But have no fear, the same does not hold true for the rest of the Charleston area. Mount Pleasant and James Island are ideal if you’d like easy access to visit beaches, downtown, and plantations.
Now that I’m here, how do I get around? Do I rely on public transportation, drive my own car, or walk?
If you are staying downtown you will be able to walk almost anywhere. There is also a bike-sharing company you can use downtown called Holy Spokes. Uber is a reliable form of transportation and available almost everywhere in the Charleston area. Charleston does have a bus system, CARTA. Personally, I have never used it but it would be worth considering if you deiced to go carless.
I’m a first-time visitor. What’s the one thing I must see/do?
You must take a walk on the Waterfront Park (1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401) to view the harbor and famed Pineapple Fountain. From there, continue down East Bay Street and check out the renowned Rainbow Row and admire the mansions at the bottom of the peninsula. Once you’re done, relax with a delicious seafood meal and cocktails at any restaurant on Shem Creek (located off Coleman Blvd in Mount Pleasant).
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Brunch is a must on the weekends! Charleston has some of the best Bloody Mary’s and brunch food I’ve ever had. My favorite spot for bottomless brunch is Red Drum (Mount Pleasant). If bottomless isn’t your thing, check out Shelter Kitchen and Bar (Shem Creek), Pages Okra Grill (Mount Pleasant), Fat Hen (John’s Island), Lost Dog Cafe (Folly Beach), and Poogan’s Porch (downtown Charleston) for delicious food and great atmospheres.
What is your favorite “touristy” thing to do?
My favorite “touristy” thing to do is visit the South Carolina Aquarium on the Charleston Harbor. It’s a cool opportunity to learn something new about our marine life, plus it’s nice to be indoors and get a break from the southern heat.
What’s one thing/place you think is over-rated and would tell someone to skip?
The Charleston City Market. It’s located in the heart of downtown so it’s easy to get drawn in when you’re walking around. However, in my opinion, it’s super crowded and overpriced. Still want to check it out? Summer months offer evening hours so wait until then for fewer crowds and slightly cooler temps.
What’s one thing you must do that’s under-rated?
You really should take a drive out towards John’s Island and Wadmalaw Island. There isn’t much to do there but the route consists of oak covered roads that are stunning. I love this drive. While you’re there, visit the Firefly Distillery to sample their famous Sweet Tea Vodka and various other products you can’t find in your local liquor store, or the Charleston Tea Plantation, the only tea plantation in North America. Admission to the grounds and factory tours are free. However, if you’d like to take a trolley tour of the plantation grounds, be prepared to pay a fee ($12, adults, $6, children under 12).
You’ve spent 10 years in Charleston. Tell us about your favorite thing to do there.
My favorite thing to do here is spending the day on the water. Every time I view Charleston from the water I fall in love with the area all over again. Check out Coastal Expeditions or Nature Adventures for kayak and paddleboard rentals, The Palmetto Breeze to enjoy the water via catamaran, or Charleston Harbor Tours for a 90-minute historic and scenic tour.
Let’s say I want to get out of the city for a while. What attractions are nearby?
Bulls Island. Full disclosure, I haven’t been here yet (seriously, I can’t believe I haven’t done this yet) but it is on my bucket list. The Bulls Island Ferry, which departs from Garris Landing: 498 Bulls Island Rd, Awendaw SC, offers a 30-minute ecotour as your head to the island. While there, visit Boneyard beach, a 1 ½ mile stretch of beach covered in live Oak and Red Cedar trees that, due to island erosion, have found themselves stranded in the surf.
Are there any local breweries, wineries, or distilleries you’d recommend?
Charleston is BOOMING with breweries right now. My favorite is Revelry Brewing Company (downtown Charleston). They have a rooftop that’s open year-round and offers a view of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, more commonly known as the Cooper River Bridge. I also enjoy Frothy Beard Brewery (1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston) mostly because my favorite pizza truck, Zombie Bob’s Pizza has a permanent set up there. Pizza and craft beer, what more could you ask for?!
Is Charleston known for a specific cuisine? If so, where’s your favorite place to get it?
Charleston is best known for its seafood, fried food, she crab soup, and grits. Honestly, you can’t get a bad meal anywhere. I’d recommend Pages Okra Grill. You’ll find a well-rounded taste of Charleston for a decent price. You will not be disappointed.
Sometimes the best places to eat are the places you’d never think to enter. Where’s the best “dive bar/restaurant”?
Tattooed Moose. It’s been featured on Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives. There are a few locations, all of which are great. Get the duck fat fries! Thank me later.
You should also swing by Moe’s Crosstown Tavern for Tuesday’s half-price burger night. Warning: it’s popular with the locals so plan to show up early if you want to snag a table!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about Charleston?
You are in the south. When you ask for tea it will be sweet unless you specifically ask for unsweet. Also, we are not in a big hurry around here and like to take our time, so come, relax, unwind, and enjoy our laid back southern lifestyle. By the end of your visit, you’ll wish you could stay forever!
Oh yeah, and if you are driving, watch out for the potholes. Our infrastructure wasn’t built for the types of winters we’ve had lately. Seriously Mother Nature, this is the south. What’s the deal with this snow and ice??
