traveler of charleston sc mag - spring 2015

TRAVELERof Charleston

april – june 2015

ToursAttractions

RestaurantsShopping

EventsArticles

CouponsMaps

TRAVELERof Charleston.com

®

Visitor Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

THE SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS

CHARLESTON

Present this Ad for

FREE PARKINGFor 2 Hours While Taking a Tour.

We also offer a combination Harborand Carriage tour for one low price

Tickets: 8 Guignard Street (in the Barn)

www.palmettocarriage.com | 843.723.8145Complimentary golf cart pick-up + drop-off! Call for details

Charleston’s Oldest Carriage Company

Photo: Faith McDavid

FREEParking

Try Palmetto’s newestCombo TourThe Charleston Trot and WalkA 1 hour carriage tour followed bya 1-1/2 hour walking tour.• the most comprehensive

overview of the sites and history of the city

• the same tour-guide for both ensures no repetitive information

• includes entry into one of Charleston’s historic landmarks

• $50.00 Adults, $25 Children

Departing from the “RED BARN”

Contents

4 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 2015

DEPARTMENTS

6 Welcome to Charleston16 See + Do44 Shop + Savor50 Eat + Drink58 Calendar of Events63 Web Extras64 Maps69 Directory of Advertisers

FEATURES

10 Charleston History Timeline

12 Go Wild with Nature Tours

46 Shopping Guide

56 Bring on the Barbecue!

62 Charleston in Bloom

62 Deal Directory

12


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

Publisher/Founder.................... Keith SimmonsEditor........................................... Holly FisherGraphic Designer...................... Heineman DesignDistribution................................ Denise FletcherDistribution................................ Brian BeanDistribution................................ Debbi FarrellCover Image ............................. Paula Pindroh Nelson

TRAVELER of Charleston is produced by the Traveler Communications Group, LLC, and is published four times yearly anddistributed 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,design and 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 June 1, 2015.

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

From thePublisher


®

KEITH SIMMONS has an exten-sive publishing, marketing andadvertising background andfounded Traveler Magazine in2005. His purpose was to develop an affordable and effective visitor medium wherebusinesses could advertise theirservice. Traveler is now one ofthe leading visitor resources inthe city. Keith lives in MountPleasant with his wife and sons.He enjoys fishing, kayaking andspending time with his family.

HOLLY FISHER is a long-timewriter and editor with a love oftelling stories. She has lived inCharleston more than a decadeand enjoys sharing the tales ofthe Holy City with visitors andnewcomers to the area. Hollylives in the Mount Pleasant areawith her husband, daughter andthree dogs. When she isn’t at hercomputer writing for work andfor fun, you can find her readingor doing CrossFit.

SALLY HEINEMAN honed herknack for graphic design at theUniversity of the Arts in Philadel-phia, PA where she received aBFA in Graphic Design. Drawnto the South and the love ofeverything Lowcountry, Sallyopened the doors of her graphicdesign business, Heineman Design, in 1992.

Traveler of Charleston Team

Welcome to Charleston!

If this is your first time in Charleston, you'vepicked an incredible time of year to visit.And if you’re a Charleston regular, welcome

back! Spring is such a lovely season here inthe Holy City. Trees, shrubs and flowers areblooming, the skies are blue and the sunshineis bright. It is absolute proof Charleston reallyis the No. 1 city in the country.

If you haven’t ventured much beyond thecity’s borders, now’s the time to see all thenatural beauty we have in the Lowcountry. Our story on Page 12 offers several sugges-tions on eco-tours and nature adventures that showcase barrier islands, our local wildlife and ancient swamps.

Our events calendar is filled with festivalsand activities perfect for the entire family.Head to Page 58 to take part in one of themany events popular among visitors and locals alike. It’s your chance to experience life in the Lowcountry where there’s alwayssomething to do.

While you’re here, download our mobileapp overflowing with visitor information, including maps, parking locations, public restroom listings, and details on attractions,restaurants and tours. Not only is it superhelpful, but it’s free! Search “Charleston SC”on iTunes or Google Play.

Connect with us on Facebook (travelermag)and Twitter (@traveler_mag) and Instagram(travelerofcharleston) if you have questionsduring your visit and to share your photos and experiences. We love seeing how you’reenjoying #Charleston!


1680Settlement is relocated to peninsulaCharles Town –population 1,000

1736 Dock Street Theatre opens, first building in U.S. used exclusively for theatrical performances

1740 Charles Town becomes mostcritical port in North America forexporting rice, indigo and cotton

1775-1783 RevolutionaryWar; Siege of Charlestonin 1780

1783City renamed“Charleston”

1790College ofCharlestonfounded

1672English colonists settle Charles Townon the Ashley River

HIS AMAZING PLACE ONLY GETS BETTER WITH TIME.Each year more people flock to this historic port city to soak up the history, culture and architecture and bask in Southern goodness. In recent years, Charleston has become a destination for shopping and its incredible culinary scene is attracting global attention.

From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, this is one city that truly offers something for everyone. But this Holy City has a storied past. An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations.

As you’re visiting our beloved city, get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms and delight in all the amazing beauty Charleston has to offer.

CHARLESTONto

T1718Blackbeardthe Pirate sailsinto CharlesTown Harborwith fourships; takeshostages forransom

1718Pirate Stede Bonnetis hanged at WhitePoint Garden

1719City is renamed “Charlestown”

april-june 2015 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 11

1824CharlestonMuseumopens

1861 Confederatetroops fire thefirst shots of theCivil War uponFort Sumter

1886 Major earthquakehits Charleston,damaging 2,000buildings, killing110 people

1920Preservation Societyfounded to protecthistoric resources

1989Hurricane Hugo hits thecity and surrounding areaswith 135 mph winds

2005Arthur Ravenel Jr.Bridge over theCooper River opens

1864 CSS Hunley sinksUSS Housatonic inCharleston harbor

1977SpoletoFestivalUSA begins

1791 President GeorgeWashington visits, lodging at the Daniel Hayward Houseand attending a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom

1828-29Young Armyrecruitnamed EdgarAllan Poe isstationed atFort Moultrieon Sullivan’sIsland

2006 Charleston Wine+ Food Festivalfounded

GoWild!

By Holly Fisher

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VISITORS COME TO CHARLESTONready to hit the beach, tour a plantation and explore downtown’sshopping, restaurants and historic architecture. But they may not realize a natural paradise surroundsthe city. From blackwater swampsand barrier islands to rich forests and animal habitats, the Charlestonarea is ripe for exploration.

Travel up Highway 17 North just past Mount Pleasant and into Awendaw where there are plenty ofplaces to get up close and personalwith nature.

Plan Your VisitThe Center for Birds of Prey is openyear-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Guided public tours are offered at10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed byflight demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults;$10 children 6 to 16; free for children under 6. Info & tickets: thecenterforbirdsofprey.org

THE CENTER FOR BIRDS OFPrey is easily accessible from thehighway and could be consideredone of the area’s best kept secrets.

In addition to operating a professionalavian medical clinic for injured birds ofprey, the center offers on-site and outreacheducational programs, conducts researchand studies, and participates in interna-tional conservation efforts.

The 152-acre Avian Conservation Centersite is surrounded by the Cape RomainNational Wildlife Refuge and the FrancisMarion National Forest. The exhibit areafeatures more than 40 species of eagles,falcons, hawks, owls, vultures and otherbirds of prey from all parts of the world. The medicine and research area – closedto the public – has treated thousands ofinjured birds. Most are released back intothe wild, but birds unable to be releasedare used in flight demonstrations and ed-ucational programs at the center, publicevents and at schools.

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Just down from The Center for theBirds of Prey is the Sewee Visitor andEnvironmental Education Center, thegateway to Cape Romain National WildlifeRefuge and Francis Marion NationalForest.

The Sewee Center offers a number ofeducational programs, including a monthlylecture series, hands-on conservation pro-grams for children, guided wildflower walks,quarterly and seasonal guided kayak trips.The center is also home to five Red wolves– one of the most endangered animals inthe world.

Also, the nearby Francis Marion Na-tional Forest has 259,000 acres ready forexploration by hiking, biking or canoe. Theforest is home to pine trees, swamps,marshes and bald cypress trees. In the lastseveral years, the forest has been in theprocess of recreating its natural oasis. In1989, more than a third of the forest wasleveled by Hurricane Hugo and 130 mileper hour winds.

The Francis Marion National Forest islocated in the coastal plain of South Car-olina and is bounded to the north by SanteeRiver, the Intracoastal Waterway and theAtlantic Ocean to the east.

Plan Your VisitSewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center, 5821 Highway 17North in Awendaw. Business hoursare 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdaythrough Saturday. Info: 843-928-3368 | fws.gov/seweecenter

Francis Marion National Forest,2967 Steed Creek Road in Huger.Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Monday through Friday. Info: 843-336-3248 | fs.usda.gov/scnfs

Located past Summerville off Interstate26 West is the Francis Beidler Forest,an internationally recognized old-growthswamp. Within its 16,000 acres is the sec-ond oldest bald cypress tree in the world,native wildlife and multiple bird species.Take a peaceful self-guided tour along the1.75-mile boardwalk trail, venturing intothe heart of the swamp.

Plan Your VisitAudubon Center & Sanctuary atFrancis Beidler Forest, 336 Sanctuary Road in Harleyville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdaythrough Sunday; admission is $5-$10. Info: 843-462-2150 |beidlerforest.audubon.org

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january-march 2015 TRAVELERofCharleston.com 15

Check out these nature-based special events:

■ Photography Day at The Center for Birds of Prey: April 18, May 10 – Take close-up photos of live birds in naturalsettings; self-guided tour of center; photograph flight demonstrations.

■ Night Walks at Francis Beidler Forest: April 25, May 2, June 27 – Experience the nocturnal life of the swamp on this guided walk. Reservations required; cost $12.

■ Painted Bunting Bird Walks at The Center for Birds of Prey:May 2, 16 and June 6, 13 – Two-hour guided walk and flight demonstrations. Space is limited.

■ Bulls Bay Nature Festival - From the Forest to the Sea: May 16 – Activitiesinclude photography workshops, bird walks, kayak paddles, Red wolf and reptile programs and children’s activities. fws.gov/seweecenter/festival.html

■ Canoe/kayak trips at Beidler Forest:Friday through Sunday in April and May – Paddle the blackwater of the swamp on this guided tour. Reservations required.

Explore Nature With These Tour Companies:■ Adventure Harbor Tours ■ Angler Management Charters ■ Barrier Island Eco Tours ■ Nature Adventures Outfitters

(kayak, standup paddleboard tours) ■ Sandlapper Tours■ Sharkin' Charleston Charters■ The Reel Deal Charters ■ V.I.P. Adventures

If you’d like to catch a view of dolphins,search for shark’s teeth or wear out yourcamera snapping sunset photos, try an eco-tour to Bulls Island or Capers Island.

A boat ride to Bulls Island is perfectfor spotting sea turtles, dolphins and dozensof bird species. Then explore 16 miles oftrails and 7 miles of beaches.

Or visit Capers Island, an undevelopedbarrier island between Dewees Island andthe Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.This government-owned island is protectedfrom development so visitors have a chanceto see an unspoiled coastal area.

Be sure to explore boneyard beach,named for the tree skeletons and stumpsleft on the beach because of erosion andbleached white by the sun.

“People come to Charleston for thecultural history, but we have such a naturalhistory too,” said Barrier Island Eco Toursowner Shane Ziegler. “The natural beautyof the undeveloped barrier islands isspecial.”

For a list of water tour companies offeringeco-tours along with kayaking, canoeing,paddleboarding and surfing, see pages38-40.

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See+ DoCharleston is known forits beauty, history andfantastic harbor. Manyexperienced touringcompanies are ready toshow you a great time.

WHETHER YOU’RE A HISTORY BUFF, WATER ENTHUSIAST OR SIMPLYENJOY STROLLING THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF CHARLESTONYOU’LL FIND PLENTY OF WAYS TO EXPLORE THE HOLY CITY. See aplantation home, tour the harbor, take a carriage ride or visit a museum.

How to use this magazine:

You’ll find each type of tourand attraction categorizedfor easy reference. Many

listings include a map gridlocator. Find the grid

location, then reference the maps on pages

64 through 68.


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ART & THEATER ACTIVITIES

The Black Fedora Comedy MysteryTheatre & Shoppe164 Church St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8)843-WE SMILE (937-6453)charlestonmysteries.com • FeaturingSherlock Holmes and the Charleston HistoryMystery, the family oriented Pirate MysteryShow, and the classic whodunit InspectorNoClue’s Murder Mystery. Live entertainmentmost evenings and some “beat-the-heat”matinees. Audience participation. Appetizers,desserts, beer/wine. Mystery books/gifts.

The Sound of Charleston150 Meeting St. at Circular CongregationalChurch • (Map H:7) • 843-270-4903soundofcharleston.com • Experience the uniquesounds that define Charleston’s rich musical heritage – gospel, Gershwin, music of the CivilWar, light classics & jazz – all presented by professional artists in a live 75-minute concert.

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 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.

Ghost Walking & Harbor Combo TourFor tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6) onlineat charlestonharbortours.com orbulldogtours.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 get to choose from the spooktacular “Ghost andGraveyard” walking tour or the Haunted Jail Tourand you get a harbor tour featuring Fort Sumter,Fort Moultrie, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and70+ other points of interest. Tours may be takenon different days.

CARRIAGE TOURS

Palmetto Carriage Works8 Guignard St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145 palmettocarriage.com • Departs from The Big Red Barn every 15 to 20 minutes, rain orshine, beginning at 9 a.m. Tours are one hourlong, covering about 25 blocks of residential and historic districts. Guides are city licensed. See our ad on the inside front cover.


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COMBO TOURS

Plantation & Harbor Combo TourFor tickets: 10 Wharfside St. • (Map: J:5/6)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.

Gray Line & Fort Sumter Tour Combo843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.com,graylineofcharleston.com • Save $4 per person!Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Charleston’s his-toric district and take the only boat tour to FortSumter. Licensed and experienced tour guideslead a 90-minute exploration of Charleston’s richhistory on air-conditioned mini-buses. The GrayLine tour features 100+ points of interest with astop at the Battery. Tours depart every 30 min-utes from the Charleston Visitor’s Center, 375Meeting St. Free hotel pickup in historic district.

COMBO TOURS

Palmetto Tours8 Guignard Street • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145palmettocarriage.com Experience the best of Charleston on threeamazing historic Walking Tours. The Trot + Walktour includes a carriage tour, French Quarter orSouth of Broad tours. Call or book online.

In 1788, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded the land where the Charleston CityMarket sits to the city for the express use as a public market. He also stipulated theland must remain in use as a market for perpetuity. Explore the Charleston City Market by day and at night. Evenings in the Market is 6:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through December. The area becomes a festive street fair with artists, designers and food vendors. thecharlestoncitymarket.com

Looking for things to do in Charleston?It’s easy with our free mobile app!Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.


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FISHING CHARTERS

Angler Management Fishing843-259-1489 • anglermanagementsc.com Custom, year-round saltwater inshore fishingcharters for families, groups, beginners and professionals. Fish in the Intracoastal Waterway,harbor and tidal creeks. Capt. Ethan will providelicenses, bait, tackle and ice. Eco and harbortours available. See ad in this section.

Sharkin Charleston1 Shrimp Boat Lane • Mount Pleasant pick-upat RB’s Restaurant on Shem Creek • (Map: O:2)843-557-6627 • sharkincharleston.comFeel the pull of the line and the scream of thereel dragging as you catch 3- to 6-foot sharkson light tackle. No experience necessary;great for families and kids. Shark charters aredone in the protected waters of the harbor.

Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant has a new Vietnam Experience Exhibit, incorporating various facilities such as a fire control bunker and mess hall with Vietnam-era artifacts. See a rare MK1 River Patrol Boat, a 105 Howitzer gun, WilysM725 ambulance, and three different Vietnam-era helicopters. Guests can climbonto an observation tower and hear the sounds of jet aircraft and helicopters flyingover their heads. Holograms bring Marine officers to life in a 3-D production. patriotspoint.org

FISHING CHARTERS

Reel Deal CharterMultiple area departure locations - some toursdepart from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant 843-388-5093 • thereeldealcharters.comJoin The Reel Deal Charters for year-round inshore/offshore, deep-sea, big game and salt-water fishing. Includes licenses, bait and tackle.Operating several boats with the lowest pricesfor a “reel” fishing experience! Mention “Traveler” for discounts.

V.I.P. AdventuresLocated in Summerville, SC only 20 minutesfrom Charleston • 843-708-5473 vipadventures.net • We invite you to enjoy thebest largemouth bass fishing in the Southeast on six private lakes. Marc Deschenes, owner and Master Guide, has been guiding for over25 years.

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MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Audubon Center at Beidler Forest843-462-2150 • beidlerforest.com Francis Beidler Forest contains the largest stand of virgin bald cypress and tupelo gumswamp forest left in the world. See 1,000-year-old trees and native wildlife; walk the 1.75-mileboardwalk into the swamp. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m-5p.m. Harleyville, S.C.

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry25 Ann St. • Charleston (Map: G:4) 843-853-8962 • exploreCML.org • Nine interactive exhibits, including a two-story Medieval Castle, a pirate ship and a dedicatedart room, allow your children to explore the arts,sciences and humanities through their ownhands-on experiences. Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;Sun. Noon-5 p.m.; closed Mon.

City of North CharlestonOnly 6 miles from downtown Charlestonnorthcharleston.org • The third largest city in the state with abundant shopping locales such as Tanger Outlets, Northwoods Mall as well as the business hub for the Lowcountry.

Charles Towne LandingState Historic Site1500 Old Towne Road • Charleston (area map) • 843-852-4200 • Hours: daily 9a.m.-5 p.m. • charlestownelanding.travel Established in the 1670, this is the birthplace of Charleston. Experiences include a museum, outdoor exhibits along the History Trail with an accompanying audio tour, cannondemonstrations 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 • middletonplace.orgBuilt in 1825, the house is a repository of familytreasures, including Alston family silver, furniture,books and paintings. Look seaward from thesecond floor piazza, where Gen. Beauregardwatched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

Fort Sumter Tours843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.comWalk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers as you visit this National Historic Site. Cost includestour of Charleston harbor onboard the boat plusan hour to explore the fort. The National ParkService maintains the Civil War era fortificationsas well as restrooms, a gift shop and the FortSumter Museum. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized concessionaire of the National ParkService and the only tour that stops at historicFort Sumter. Tours depart Liberty Square indowntown Charleston (handicapped accessible)and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

MOTORIZED LAND TOURS

Adventure Sightseeing“See it all” with Adventure Sightseeing. The most comprehensive motorized city toursdaily via comfortable bus. Live narrated by themost experienced and professional guides!Board our buses from the Charleston VisitorCenter or let us pick you up. We offer hotel pick up and drop off for a nominal fee. The onlybus tour that takes you through The Citadel military college. Fantastic combo tours availablewith house tours, harbor tours and more. Call 843-762-0088 for reservations or book online at AdventureSightseeing.com

Gray Line of Charlestongraylineofcharleston.com • 843-722-4444Explore 300 years of history with experienced, licensed tour guides onboard our mini-buses.Gray Line offers a comprehensive tour ofCharleston’s Historic District with 100+ points of interest and a stop at Charleston’s Battery.Take our 90 minute tour or add a visit to a fully restored antebellum home. Land & SeaCombo includes either a visit to Fort Sumter or a 90-minute tour of the harbor. Tours departevery 30 minutes from the Charleston Visitor’sCenter, 375 Meeting St. Free hotel pickup in historic district.

Summerville Trolley TourDepart from Summerville Dorchester Museum:100 E. Doty Ave • Summerville • (Map: BB:2)summervilledream.org/events • 843-821-7260Take a trip down the Sweet Tea Trail on a 1.5-hour guided excursion through this small southern town where tea isn’t the only thingthat’s sweet. Only on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Fridaysof each month.


Situated about 300 yards off the shoreof Folly Beach, Morris Island Light-house is visible from the northeastend of the island. Built in 1876, thelighthouse once sat on Morris Islandwith several buildings around it. Now,because of years of erosion, it is sur-rounded only by the ocean. Efforts areunderway to preserve the lighthouse.


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MUSEUMS AND PARKS

North Charleston/American LaFranceFire Museum4975 Centre Point Dr • North Charleston (Map: KK:5) • 843-740-5550 northcharlestonfiremuseum.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 a wonderful museum for the firefighter in all ofus. Great demonstration for kids and people ofall ages.

North Charleston Cultural Art FestivalNorth Charleston & Surrounding Areas 843-740-5854 • northcharlestonartsfest.comFeaturing nine full days of free and ticketed programming throughout the City and surrounding area. 200 high quality performexhibits, and activities presented by local, regional, and national artists in the areas of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, media arts,and literature.

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: O:2) • 843-884-2727 • patriotspoint.org Home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown,WWII's Fighting Lady. Museum includes the destroyer USS Laffey, the submarine USS Clamagore, a re-creation of a Vietnam NavalSupport Base, 28 historic military aircraft, theCongressional Medal of Honor Society’s Museum. Free map for self-guided tours.

For the fourth year, Charleston was named the 2014 best city in the United States bythe readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Charleston was also ranked No. 2 in the world,coming in just behind Florence, Italy.

Looking forCharleston’s famous landmarks?Find them all withGPS directions on our free mobile app!Search “Charleston”in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.com on your smartphone.

PLANTATIONS

Boone Hall Plantation1235 Long Point Road • Mount Pleasant(Map: L:4) • 843-884-4371boonehallplantation.com • One of America’s oldest plantations with more than 320 years ofhistory. Located 8 miles north of Charleston.The “Avenue of Oaks,” nine original slave cabins,house tours and shows included in admission.Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:30p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

Charleston Tea Plantation6617 Maybank Highway • Wadmalaw Island(area map) • 843-559-0383charlestonteaplantation.com • Located on beautiful Wadmalaw Island 25 miles from downtown Charleston. Visitors can experiencehow 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.

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Need to quickly find apublic restroom? It’seasy with our restroomGPS locator on ourfree mobile app!Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.comon your smartphone.

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

South Carolina Aquarium100 Aquarium Wharf • Charleston843-720-1990 • scaquarium.orgThe South Carolina Aquarium is home to morethan 5,000 animals found across the state. Explore 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank or enjoy a movie in the interactive 4-D movie theater. Journey from the mountains to the sea and find family fun around every corner.

Town of Summerville Visitor Center: 402 Main St., Summerville (see maps) •With over 700 homes and buildingson the National Register of Historic Places, the city is known for its historic character. Acharming downtown is a must visit along withthe "Sweet Tea Trail."

Wild Blue Ropes1595 Highland Ave • James Island (area map)843-5024066 • wildblueropes.comIf you’re looking for a something-to-write-home-about-holy-cow-I-can’t-believe-I-just-did-that adventure, you’ve come to the right place. An aerial ropes course with 70+ challengefeatures reaching 35 feet above the ground. Designed at 3 levels of difficulty that’s fun for the whole family. Imagine a jungle gym suspended 35 feet in the air.


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PLANTATIONS

Drayton Hall3380 Ashley River Road (Highway 61)Charleston • (area map) • 843-769-2600draytonhall.org • Drayton Hall (circa 1738) is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. Admission includes tours river and marsh walks, theAfrican-American cemetery and artisan-inspired Museum Shop.

Middleton PlaceNational Historic Landmark • 4300 Ashley RiverRoad (Highway 61) • Charleston • (area map)843-556-6020 • middletonplace.org • An 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. See the house museum, craftspeople in the stable yards or take an African-American focus tour. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

TRANSPORTION

Charleston Water TaxiDowntown: Maritime Center • 10 Wharfside St.(Map: K:5/6) • Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point • (Map: O:2)843-330-2989 • charlestonwatertaxi.com The water taxi runs on a continuous looparound Charleston Harbor between PatriotsPoint (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston.

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WALKING TOURS

Bulldog Tours18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7)843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.comAs seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’sMost Haunted Places,” this walking tourcompany will have you exhilarated and entertained. 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) • 843-766-2080charlestonstrolls.com • Featured in The NewYork Times, this two-hour tour is the best way to see Charleston’s Historic District. Famouslandmarks, historic highlights, antebellum mansions, quaint alleys and hidden gardens.Everyday at 10 a.m. Requires reservation.

Culinary Tours Of Charleston18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-727-1100 • culinarytoursofcharleston.comWalk, talk and taste your way throughCharleston while experiencing history throughLowcountry cuisine. Daily tasting tours introduce guests to tasty bites at many greatrestaurants. Go behind the scenes and visit with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers,chocolatiers and specialty shops.

WALKING TOURS

Yorktown Ghost Tours40 Patriots Point Road • Mount Pleasant(Map: O:2) • 843-277-0577yorktownghosttours.com • Guided tour explores the unexplained mysteries of this WWII aircraft carrier. Hear stories of sacrifice and devastation as this tour ventures into areas normally restricted to the public.

Earlier this year, the City of NorthCharleston was named one of the 20Coolest Town in the U.S. by onlinetravel magazine MatadorNetwork.com.Charleston’s northern neighbor isbecoming a hot spot with its vibrantPark Circle area filled with restaurants,shops and nightlife.northcharleston.org

northcharlestonfiremuseum.org

36 TRAVELERofCharleston.com october-december 2014


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WATER TOURS

Adventure Harbor ToursTours Depart from the Charleston HarborMarina • 56 Ashley Point Drive • (Map: A:5)843-442-9455 • adventureharbortours.comFamily fun for everyone. “Stormin’ theBeach,” a 3-hour excursion to Morris Islandto search for shells and sharks’ teeth. Or enjoy a 90-minute relaxing sunset dolphincruise. Reservations encouraged.

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

Carolina Queen Riverboat17 Lockwood Blvd. at the City Marina • (Map: B:3)800-344-4483 • charlestonharbortours.comCharleston’s only authentic paddle wheel vesselwith three decks, two bars, an enclosed main salon and plenty of room for dining and dancing.Thurs. nights: Murder Mystery Cruise. Fri. nights:Music and Craft Beer. Sat.: luncheon cruises.Sun: Jazz Brunch Cruises.

Charleston Harbor ToursCharleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St.,Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 888-224-5037 or843-722-1112 • charlestonharbortours.comBoard the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s onlylive narrated harbor history tour. Relax andenjoy a beverage from the snack bar as thecaptain details the forts and landmarks thatshaped Charleston’s historic harbor. Private charters and group dinner cruises available.

Isle of Palms Marina50 41st Ave. • Isle of Palms • (Map: N:6)843-886-0209 • iopmarina.com • A full-servicemarina with 50 slips, a full-service store with a deli with groceries, beer, wine, bait and tackle. Powerboat rentals and customized excursions, group outings and fishing charterscan be booked here.

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


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WATER TOURS

Sandlapper Water ToursTour depart from the Maritime Center (by S.C.Aquarium) • 10 Wharfside St. • Charleston (Map K:4) • 843-849-8687 for info;800-979-3370 for tickets • sandlappertours.comTake the haunted ghost & pirate tour or cruisethe Charleston harbor with a history tour. Go shelling on Morris Island and see dolphins on the nature tour or relax on the sunset tour. Private charters available. Reservationsrecommended. See coupon in ad.

Schooner Pride –Charleston’s Tall Ship360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5)888-245-9206 or 843-722-1112schoonerpride.com • Marvel at the HolyCity skyline while sailing by the forts where history was made. See dolphins playing and experience a Charleston sunset. Take an afternoon dolphin sail or a sunset sail; availablefor private charters. Combo tour available.

SpiritLine Charleston Harbor Tour843-722-BOAT(2628) • spiritlinecruises.comEnjoy a 90-minute tour of Charleston’s harborwith 75+ points of interest narrated by City ofCharleston licensed tour guides. DiscountedLand & Sea Combo Tours available: include either a 90-minute Gray Line City Tour or a 60-minute Old South Carriage Tour. Tours departAquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston andPatriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

WATER TOURS

Tidalwave Watersports 69 41st Ave • Isle of Palms (Map: N:6)tidalwavewatersports.com • 843-886-8456 Tidalwave offers the ultimate in parasailing, waverunner, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and banana boat ride the Charleston area has to offer. offers the ultimate in parasailing, waverunner, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and banana boat ride the Charleston area has to offer.

Velocity Aqua SportsDolphin Cove Marina: 2079 Austin Ave. • (MapNN:5) • 843-771-3017 • velocityaquasports.comWhere you’re 100% guaranteed to have a blast!Featuring water-sport rentals of CatamaranCraigcats and min-sport boat where you’re the driver! Safe, stable, fun and relaxing. Waverunner/Jet-ski rentals as well. Mention"Traveler" for discounts.

Need to quickly find apublic restroom? It’seasy with our restroomGPS locator on ourfree mobile app!Search “Charleston” in the app stores or go to m.travelerofcharleston.comon your smartphone.


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Shop+ SavorCharleston was founded in the late 1600s as a portcity, and it has remained athriving place to buy goodsever since! Buy local andenjoy the rewards.

Charleston Farmers Market

This market in downtown'sMarion Square is open each

Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for local

produce, plants, arts and crafts.

WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS, A DRESS FOR DINNER OR A BOX OF BENNE WAFERS, YOU’LL FIND JUST WHAT YOUWANT IN THE CITY’S MANY RETAIL OUTLETS. The Charleston peninsulahas boutiques, national retailers and a market full of Southern charm.


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Charleston Winery63 S. Market St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-576-4772charlestonwines.com • Daily wine tastings,unique gifts and accessories. Citrus and berrywines are made from 100% pure Florida citrusfruits and berries and natural ingredients. Wines have won 200+ medals at national and international wine competitions. Seecoupon in ad.

Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry84 N. Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7/8) 843-853-0103 • dacubasjewelry.citymax.comNestled in the heart of Charleston, Dacuba’s is a unique fine jewelry store with a wonderful selection of sterling silver and 14kt gold jewelry. Its classic Charleston “Southern Gate” collectionis fashioned after the wrought-iron work seenthroughout this historical city.

Nice Ice Fine Jewelry145 Market St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7)843-577-7029 • Since 1974 they have been providing Charleston and visitors with the mostexquisite and unique jewelry. Designers such as Rudolf Friedman, Judith Ripka, Slane & Slane,Jude Frances, Charriol and Nanis.

Charleston Old Time Photos168 Church St., Charleston (Map H:7) 843-212-5859 • Located right around the cornerfrom the historic downtown Charleston's Market,Charleston Old Time Photos is an amazing desti-nation to come and take themed family photos!

Palmettoville51 S. Market St. Shops at French Quarter(Map: H:7) • Assortment of sunglasses, postcards, handmade soaps and lotions, shot glasses, hand-painted tee towels, slapwatches, local images, hats and wide selectionof Charleston T-shirts for adults and children, produced locally by our family for more than 30 years.

Shades of Charleston233 Mathis Ferry Road • Mount Pleasant (Map: N:2) • 843-388-4369 shadesofcharleston.com • Since 1979, this collection of polarized sunglasses is the largestin the Charleston metro area and includes suchlines as Costa, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Oakley andmuch more.

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall2037 Maybank Highway • James Island(area map) • 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. terraceoaksantiques.com A leader in the Charleston area for multidealerantique shops since 1988. The 10,000-square-foot, climate-controlled shop houses 90+ booths with all different tastes and styles. When it comes to antiques, they have just about anything your heart desires.


DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON Spend the day walking King Street with itsclothing boutiques, shoe stores, gift shopsand more. Start near Charleston Place Hoteland head toward Calhoun Street for a wideselection of local boutiques, gift shops andnational retailers. If you’re in the marketfor rare finds, make your way down LowerKing Street (south of Market Street), thecity’s antique district.

On the second Sunday of each month,several blocks of King Street are closed offto vehicles, and people (and pets) flood thestreets for open-air dining, music, shoppingand entertainment.

The City Market stretches from Meetingto East Bay Street and is home to more than100 vendors. Dozens of businesses andrestaurants line Market Street, making it agreat place to pick up souvenirs, sweetgrassbaskets, art and jewelry.

After the sun sets, head to Upper KingStreet, which in recent years has trans-formed into a hip design district with abustling nightlife. The area stretches fromCalhoun up to about Mary Street and isfilled with trendy clubs and bars and high-end restaurants, giving the street a sort ofNew York City vibe.

The Cocktail Club offers a refined at-mosphere with its house-made drinks androoftop terrace or stop off at The Belmontfor a scotch and a cheese and charcuterieplate. Named a 2013 Best New Restaurantfinalist by the James Beard Foundation,The Ordinary is a Southern seafood halland oyster bar from Chef Mike Lata, bestknown for his other Charleston restaurant,FIG (Food Is Good).

SUMMERVILLESummerville’s Town Square is filled withlocal boutiques and shops, including 12antique stores, a children’s book store andone of the top 10 quilt shops in the country.

MOUNT PLEASANT ■ Mount Pleasant Towne Centre onHighway 17 North is home to national re-tailers, local boutiques and restaurants.Shop at Belk and Belk Men’s Store, CopperPenny Shooz, Palmetto Moon, Hairy Win-ston Pet Boutique, TrySports and more. 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 orvisit Princess of Tides for costumes andtutus. Carolina Girls carries gift items, jew-elry and stationery. The Coastal Cupboardhas a selection of specialty food items andcookware. shopbellehall.com

After a full day of sightseeing and shop-ping, relax on Shem Creek – cold drink inhand and seafood platter on the table. ShemCreek’s laid-back atmosphere makes it theperfect spot to unwind while watching theshrimp boats dock in the creek and thedolphins play in the water.

NORTH CHARLESTON ■ Tanger Outlets has dozens of nationallyknown retailers offering apparel for adultsand children, shoes, accessories, house-wares and jewelry. Tanger is easily acces-sible from both Interstates 526 and 26.tangeroutlet.com/charleston

From shopping to nightlife,Charleston has it all

Share your Charlestons shopping moments on our Facebook page at facebook.com/travelermag

SHOPPING

The Summer’s End by Mary Alice MonroeBook Three of the LOWCOUNTRY SUMMERTRILOGY -- out May 19! maryalicemonroe.comIn the powerful and heartwarming conclusion toher bestselling Lowcountry Summer trilogy, New York Times author Mary Alice Monroebrings her readers back to the charm and sultrybeauty of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, to reveal how the pull of family bonds and true loveis as strong and steady as the tides.

Town of Mount Pleasantcomeonovermp.com • Mount Pleasant is not your average place to visit. Filled with an array of restaurants, taverns, activities and accommodations, the vacation you’re anticipating will be more than just a trip from home; it will be an experience of indescribable magic and warmth.

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Rainbow Row is probably one of themost photographed areas of downtownCharleston. This brightly coloredstretch of 13 historic homes can befound from 83 to 107 East Bay Street(north of Tradd Street and south ofElliot Street).

Need a great Father’s Day gift? Pick up a Brackish feather bow tie.Every tie is handcrafted locally andevery feather is hand selected. Hey, even Bill Murray wears one!brackishbowties.com


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Eat+ DrinkCharleston’s diverse culinary scene is amazing. Innovative chefs and theirdishes will dazzle the tastebuds and warm the heart.Charleston has great taste!

Charleston CuisineIf you like a little sweet and a little tart, top off

dinner with a slice of keylime pie. It's on the

dessert menu at most local restaurants.

TRUST US, YOU WON’T LEAVE CHARLESTON HUNGRY. In fact youmight spend half your vacation simply deciding which delectable restau-rant to try next. Our city has world-class chefs cooking up plates filled withSouthern goodness. Our desserts are claiming national recognition.

FINE DINING

Cru Cafe´18 Pinckney St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7)843-534-2434 • crucafe.com • In an18th-century home on Pinckney Street,Charlestonians sip mint julep tea on the porch and dine on upscale comfort food at John Zucker’s Cru Cafe. “Do it right and use the best possible ingredients” is his mantra. Lunch and dinner.

SpiritLine Dinner CruiseDeparts from 40 Patriots Point RoadMount Pleasant • (Map: O:2) • 843-722-2628spiritlinecruises.com • The SpiritLine DinnerCruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina features fine cuisine prepared to order onboard, entertainment, dancing, fully stocked bar and a magnificent cruise on Charleston Harbor. Call for reservations.

Middleton Place Restaurant4300 Ashley River Road • Charleston (area map) • 843-556-6020 • middletonplace.orgSavor Lowcountry cuisine while taking in viewsof America’s oldest landscaped gardens. For lunch, visitors enjoy a three-course, prix fixe menu. Lunch served daily. Dinner guests pay no admission after 5:30 p.m. and can strollthrough the gardens prior to dinner.

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After a day of exploring Charleston, order up a soft-shell crab sandwich and an icecold beverage. If you have a view of the water, it’s even better!


CASUAL DINING

A.W. Shuck’s35 South Market St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7)843-723-1151 • a-w-shucks.com • A.W. Shucks’menu is inspired by classic Charleston Traditionwith stuffed shrimp, the Lowcountry’s best she-crab soup, and seafood casserole that’s a leg-end among locals. Plus, an extensive selectionof craft beers. Lunch and dinner served daily beginning at 11 a.m.

Charleston Crab HouseDowntown: 41 S. Market St. (Map I:7) • 843-795-1963. James Island: 145 Wappoo CreekDr. • (Area Map) 843-853-2900 charlestoncrabhouse.comServing Fresh Lowcountry seafood everyday! Indoor/patio, casual and family friendly. Visit James Island for waterfront dining or Market Street for rooftop dining. Reservationsrecommended.

Charleston Donuts1485 N. Highway. 17 • Mount Pleasant (Map: N:3) • 843-856-8626charlestondonuts.com Donuts are always hot,fresh and made-to-order. Design your own masterpiece and let us create it. Also features local coffee, frappes, real fruit smoothies andmore. See coupon in ad.

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East Bay Deli334 East Bay St. • Charleston • (Map: I:5)843-216-5473 • 1120 Oakland Market Road Mount Pleasant • (Map: L:5) • 843-216-5473 9135University Blvd. • North Charleston 843-553-7374 • 4405 Dorchester Road North Charleston • (Map: W:4) • 843-747-1235 New York-style deli using 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.

Hyman’s Seafood215 Meeting St. • Charleston • (Map: G:7)843-723-6000 • hymanseafood.comVoted No. 1 seafood restaurant in the Southeastby Southern Living magazine nine years in a row. Lunch and dinner served daily. Parking and back entrance from Charleston Place. No reservations; come early to avoid the wait. See coupon in ad.

Joe Pasta428 King St. (Corner of King & John streets)Charleston • (Map: F/G:4) • 843-965-5252 Menu features soups, salads, Parmesan sandwiches, pizza, pastas, desserts and a full liquor, wine and beer bar. The restaurant provides a laid-back and cozy atmosphere that is family friendly. See coupon in ad.

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South Carolinians are nothing if not pas-sionate about their barbecue. Go ahead,ask some locals, and they won’t hesitate

to share their favorite barbecue joint. Herein the South, it’s all about pork that has beencooked low and slow in a smoky pit.

But before you can pile your plate withbarbecue, baked beans and coleslaw, you’llneed to pick a sauce. There are four types ofbarbecue sauces, all of which you’ll find inSouth Carolina: mustard, vinegar and pepper,light tomato and heavy tomato.

Mustard sauce is unique to South Carolinaand originated from German immigrants whosettled in the middle of the state, combiningtheir love of mustard with a love of pork, ac-cording to the S.C. Department of Parks,Recreation & Tourism.

The department of tourism also notes onits official barbecue website (bbq.discover-southcarolina.com) that vinegar and peppersauce are popular along the coast and addsome heat to the barbecue. The light tomatosauce is basically a vinegar and pepper saucewith ketchup added for a little sweetness.The heavy tomato is also sweet and is com-monly found around the United States.

Now that your mouth is watering, head toone of these restaurants for a heaping plateof barbecue:

■ Bessinger’s Barbeque1602 Savannah HighwayCharleston, SC 29407, 843-556-1354

■ Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ1205 Ashley River RoadCharleston, SC 29407, 843-225-74272209 Middle St.Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482, 843-883-3131

■ JB’s Smokeshack (open Wed-Sat)3406 Maybank HighwayJohns Island, SC 29455, 843-557-0426

■ Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q3406 Maybank HighwayJohns Island, SC 29455, 843-557-04264964 Center Pointe DriveN. Charleston, SC 29406, 843-747-3800

■ Melvin’s Legendary Bar-B-Que925 Houston Northcutt Blvd.Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-881-0549538 Folly RoadCharleston, SC 29412, 843-762-0511

Bring on the barbecue!By Holly Fisher


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Charleston Area Eventsapril – june 2015

APRIL

Through Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens – Explore the city’s historic district in a 24 series of tours showcasing Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens

and culture. historiccharleston.org | 843-722-3405

4-12 Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament – A tournament featuring some of the top women’s professional tennis players at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. The 2014 Family Circle Cup champion Andrea Petkovic will return to Charleston to defend her title. New this year, kids 15 and under will receive free admission and every junior that takes advantage of the free ticket will be provided one free lesson from MWTennis during the year at the Family Circle Tennis Center. familycirclecup.com | 800-677-2293

10-12 30th annual Grits Festival in St. George – This festival is about all things grits so get ready to eat grits, buy grits, learn how grits are made and even dive into a vat of grits for the Grits Rolling Contest. worldgritsfestival.com

11 Founders’ Day Festival at Charles Towne Landing – Groups of 17th-century re-enactors will interact with visitors in authentic encampments located within the reconstructed palisade wall that protected Charles Towne in the 1670s. Demonstrations include the firing of blackpowder cannons and muskets, as well as cooking and other daily chores crucial to the colony’s survival. charlestownelanding.travel | 843-852-4200

16-19 The Lowcountry Strawberry Festival at Boone Hall Plantation – Rides, a petting zoo, pig races, live music, a playground and strawberry pie-eating contests are all part of this family friendly event. Plus, new this year are acrobatic dogs performing on land and in a 13-gallon pool. Plus, there are plenty of strawberries ripe for the pickin' in the U-Pick Fields. boonehallplantation.com

17-19 East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival – With canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, slacklining, mountain biking, archery and disc golf, this eventhas something for everyone. ccprc.com | 843-795-4386

17 to “Marie Antoinette” – A PURE Theatre performance. Marie Antoinette delights and5/9 inspires her French subjects with her 3-foot-tall wigs and extravagant haute couture.

But times change and even the most fashionable queens go out of style. puretheatre.org | 843-723-4444

18 Spring Jam Music Fest – Live music, performance art, visual art, food, beer and wine and artisan and craft vendors at The Grove at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy music of Ed Roland & The Sweet Tea Project, Delta Spirit and Sol Black plus performances by Holy City Cirque, breakdancing by The Missing Links and hula hooping with Glitterzhoopz. springjammusicfest.com

18 Brew HaHa – Laughs and crafts are on tap for the first Brew HaHa, a celebration of Charleston craft beer and comedy at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Tastings from local breweries, live music, food and comedy shows. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

Lowcountry Strawberry Festival

Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament

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brewery/distillery article.For more Charleston area events, online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

24-25 Hands-on Rice Planting – Join a costumed interpreter and learn how Carolina Gold rice was planted on Lowcountry plantations and about the African origins of rice andits cultivation in South Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

24-26 “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” – The Footlight Players performs this musical 5/1-3 comedy mystery that you solve yourself based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel.7-10 footlightplayers.net | 843-722-4487

26 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival – Pay tribute to Mount Pleasant's local shrimping and fishing industry at this event with a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. comeonovermp.com

26 Old Village Mount Pleasant Home, Garden and Art Tour – Stroll the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, visiting six properties and sampling food from local chefs while viewing local art work and watching plein air artists at work. tinyurl.com/qjnwkbj 843-764-2323

MAY

1-9 North Charleston Arts Festival – Concerts, street dances, fine art, photography, film, public art installations, lectures, workshops, antique show, kids' activities and fireworks finale. northcharlestonartsfest.com | 843-740-5854

2 Sheep Shearing at Middleton Place – The flock will be shorn between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and interpreters will demonstrate shearing as it was done in the past using steel-bladed hand shears. middletonplace.org | 843-556-6020

3 Bands, Burgers & Brews Burger Throwdown – Sixteen of the best burger chefs in Charleston will showcase their originality and creativity to compete for the Best Burger Throwdown title and a Golden Ticket to compete in the World Burger Competition this November in Kissimmee, Fla. Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mount Pleasant. bandsburgersandbrews.com | 843-284-7022

13-3/1 “The Diary of Anne Frank” – Channeling her energy into her diary, Anne Frank captured not only the life of hiding that she and her family were forced to live, but provides remarkable insights into her own hopes, dreams and her faith in humanity. Performed by Charleston Stage at the historic Dock Street Theatre. charlestonstage.com | 843-577-7183

15-17, “Little Shop of Horrors” – The Flowertown Players in Summerville perform this 21-24, 1950s sci-fi hit. A down-and-out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight 28-31 sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh

blood. flowertownplayers.org. | 843-875-9251

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Middleton Place Rice Planting

rewery/distillery article.Follow us on Twitter @Traveler_Mag and on Facebook for more Charleston events, festivals and activities.

For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

16 Charleston Beer Garden – Known as Charleston’s largest pop-up beer garden, brew lovers will converge on The Grove at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant for craft beer, live music and the Beer Olympics. charlestonbeergarden.com

22-6/7 Piccolo Spoleto – With more than 500 arts and cultural events, Piccolo Spoleto complements the international scope of Spoleto Festival USA with dozens of inexpensive programs around the area, including visual arts exhibits, classical music,jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic culturalpresentations, crafts and film. piccolospoleto.com | 843-724-7305

22-6/7 Spoleto Festival USA – Considered a premier international performing arts festival,this annual event fills Charleston historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with dozens of performances by world-renowned artists and performers in opera, theater, dance, chamber, symphonic, choral, bluegrass and jazz music. spoletousa.org843-579-3100

24 First Flush FesTEAval – The Charleston Tea Plantation welcomes the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring after a winter of rest. Their “first flush” of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most amazing cup of tea. The festival on Wadmalaw Island includes music, artisan vendors, kids’ activities, food trucks and more. Headlining this year’s event is Grammy winner Sheryl Crow. charlestonteaplantation.com

JUNE

5, 26 Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series – Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series – This evening event features old school roots reggae with a new school attitude James Island County Park. ccprc.com

6 The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival – Head to Mount Pleasant’s Waterfront Park to experience the Gullah Geechee people's history and culture through the sounds of gospel songs, Gullah storytelling's and African drummers and dancers. Children’sactivities available, including puppet shows, face painting, jump castles. sweetgrassfestival.org | 843-345-7849

11-14 Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival – Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month with four days of food, music and costumes at venues around the city. charlestoncarifest.com

ONGOING EVENTS Charleston RiverDogs – Season opens April 9 with games all summer. Take in some minorleague baseball at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park on the banks of the Ashley River in downtownCharleston. Check the website for complete schedule and special promotions. riverdogs.com

Good Eats on the Sweet Tea Trail – Learn about Summerville’s rich history while stopping offto sample desserts, sweet tea and more. Tours are at 10:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m. on 4/17 and 5/15.summervilledream.org

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brewery/distillery article.For more Charleston area events, online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events.html

Charles Towne Landing special events – The first Saturday is 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 demonstrations. charlestownelanding.travel | 843-852-4200

The Sound of Charleston – Experience the unique sounds that define Charleston’s rich musical heritage: gospel, Gershwin, music of the Civil War, light classics and jazz, all presentedby professional artists in a live, 75-minute concert at Circular Congregational Church. soundofcharleston.com | 843-270-4903

Shaggin’ on the Cooper – 4/25, 5/16 and 6/13. Local bands perform at the Mount PleasantPier while attendees dance the night away under the stars. ccprc.com

“Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery” – A hauntingly historical, hystericalwhodunit for fans of the Master Sleuth at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre.charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

“Captain Blackbeard’s Sing-Off Smackdown” – A witty, wacky, slapstick mystery where theonly solution is to join ranks with dead pirates from Charleston’s history in an all-out battle forsing-a-long supremacy at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre.charlestonmysteries.com | 843-937-6453

Charleston Farmers Market – Each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 4/4 through 11/28 in MarionSquare, downtown Charleston. Open Sundays during Piccolo Spoleto Festival (5/24, 5/31, 6/7from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). charlestonfarmersmarket.com

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market – Each Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. until dusk beginning 4/7 atthe Farmers Market Pavilion on Coleman Boulevard. comeonovermp.com

Evenings in the Market – Each Friday and Saturday night, this street fair-style event showcases local artists, food vendors and designers the Historic Charleston City Market.thecharlestoncitymarket.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

Third Thursdays – Head to historic downtown Summerville from 5-8 p.m. every third Thursday. Shops and restaurants will be open late and some have special promotions. summervilledream.org

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

Spoleto Festival USA

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62 TRAVELERofCharleston.com april-june 201562 TRAV?

Charleston in Bloom

Azaleas: With thousands of varieties of azaleas, theyare a common shrub. You might not give them asecond look most of the year but in the spring, theyare certain to get your attention. Look for their mostlyhot pink, red and white flowers in yards, gardens andparks all over town

On just about every street you’ll find trees in bloom, shrubs bursting with colorand window boxes filled with fragrant flowers. You can see these beautifulblooms – and many more – by simply walking the Battery, the streets South ofBroad and in many of Charleston’s parks.

Wisteria: A high-climbing, trailing vine, wisteria cangrow up to 70 feet long. In the spring, it drips clumps of lilac blooms in a showy display of springtime beauty.Wisteria is an invasive plant because its dense growthcan choke out trees and other plants.

Jasmine: This plant’s intoxicating scent is a true signalspring has arrived. Confederate jasmine is commonlyfound here in coastal South Carolina and its fragrantclusters of white and yellow flowers bloom on twiningstems in spring and into the summer.

Crepe Myrtle: With its arching branches and flowers of bright pink, red and white, this tree is a Southern staple. Once the crepe myrtle shows its colors, youknow spring is on its way.

Deal DirectoryDeal Directory Offer Page

Adventure Harbor Tours $3 off ticket 42Adventure Sightseeing Tours $3 off ticket 43Angler Management Charters Mention "Traveler" for discounts 34Boone Hall Plantation $2 off adult admission 5Charleston Donuts Free donut w/any purchase 55Charleston Harbor Tours $2 off adult + $1 off child ticket 3Charleston Winery Wine bottle stopper, purchase $20 or more 45Children’s Museum One free with one paid admission 24Harbor Tour + Carriage Tour Combo Save 15% when booking together 37Hyman’s Seafood $5 off appetizer or 1 slice of key lime pie 57Isle of Palms Marina Rent boat for 2 hours get 2 hours free 29Joe Pasta Buy one get one appetizer/2 entrees 55Palmetto Carriage Free parking with tour 2Sandlapper Water Tours $2 off adult + $1 off child ticket 34South Carolina Aquarium $3 off adult admission 21SpiritLine Dinner Cruise $10 off adult admission 53SpiritLine Harbor Cruise $4 off ticket 10The Reel Deal Charters Mention "Traveler" for discounts 22Velocity Aqua Sports Mention "Traveler" for discounts 42


Web Extras...We can’t possibly fit everything there is to see and do in Charleston in one visitor guide so go to our website for more ways to make a memorable Charleston vacation.

Charleston bucket list: We created alist of 12 must-do activities Charleston –one for each month. It’s not too late tostart planning the rest of your year!

Let’s Be Social: We love connecting with Charleston visitors so join us on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. We’re here to answer questions during your visit and we’d love to hear about your favorite Charleston spots and see your photos.

Spanish moss: You’ll find Spanish moss hanging from many a tree in the Lowcountry, but just what is this plantand how does it grow? We explore mossmysteries on our blog.

Start saving: Head to our website forcoupons for Charleston attractions, tours,restaurants and retailers. Who doesn’tlike to save a few bucks?

More to See & DoThere’s never a dull moment – or week-end – in Charleston. Head to our websitefor an expanded calendar of events andthen comes the hard part: deciding whatto do first.


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Famous Landmarks

· Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, B:10· Battery, M:8· Charleston Museum, F:8· Charleston Place, I:7· Children’s Museum, F:7· Citadel Military College, B:1· College of Charleston, H:6· Dock Street Theater, J:8· Four Corners of Law, J:7· Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, G:9· Gibbes Museum, J:7· King Street Shopping District, G-J:7· Marion Square, G:7· Market Hall & City Market, I:8· Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, K:9· Old Powder Magazine, J:8· Old Slave Mart Museum, J:8· Rainbow Row, K:9· South Carolina Aquarium, F:11· St. Philip’s Church, J:8· St. Michael’s Church, K:8· Visitor’s Center, F:7· Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain, K:10


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Getting AroundSome transportation options for getting arounddowntown Charleston and the surrounding areas.

■ WATER TAXI: Transports visitors fromdowntown Charleston(Aquarium Wharf or Water-frontPark) to Mount Pleasant(Patriots Point or CharlestonHarbor Resort and Marina).Taxi runs each hour; $10 forall-day pass. No reservationsneeded. Shem Creek routeavailable; $20 round trip.Call 843-330-2989 for pickup.charlestonwatertaxi.com

■ BUS: The CARTA bus system has regular routes that travel tomajor destinations. The DASHtrolley service is available freeof charge if you’re travelingaround downtown Charleston.ridecarta.com | 843-724-7420

■ LOWCOUNTRY LOOP TROLLEY: Go from downtown Charlestonto attractions in Mount Pleasant and the beaches usingthis hop-on/hop-off trolley.Cost is $15 for an individualroundtrip day pass. lowcountrylooptrolley.com843-654-5199

■ RICKSHAWS AND PEDICABS: Available in downtownCharleston as are taxi cabsfor transportation around the Lowcountry.


Charleston Metro Area Maps

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Tell us your favorite Charleston brew! Share on our Face-book page at facebook.com/travelermag

Directory Of AdvertisersSEE + DO Adventure Adventure Harbor Tours 42Adventure Sightseeing Bus Tours 43Angler Management Charters 34Audubon Center at Beidler Forest 23Barrier Island Eco Tours 28Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater 18Boone Hall + Harbor Tour Combo 31Boone Hall Plantation 5Bulldog Walking Ghost Tours 19Carolina Queen 27Carriage Tour + Harbor Tour Combo 37Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site39Charleston Harbor Tours 3Charleston Strolls Walking Tours 35Charleston Tea Plantation 72Charleston Water Taxi 40Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry 24Culinary Tours of Charleston 17Drayton Hall 26Edmondston-Alston House 30Fort Sumter Tours 25Isle of Palms Marina 29Middleton Place 28Nature Adventures Outfitters 38North Charleston Cultural Arts Fest 20North Charleston Fire Museum 35Palmetto Carriage Works 2Palmetto Walking Tours 7Patriots Point Maritime Museum 41Sandlapper Water Tours 34Schooner Pride Sailing Tour 36Sharkin’ Charleston Charters 18South Carolina Aquarium 21SpiritLine Harbor Tour 9The Reel Deal Charters 22The Sound of Charleston 38Tidal Wave Watersports 29Town of Summerville 33USS Yorktown Ghost Tours 30V.I.P. Adventures - Fishing 30Velocity Water Sports 42Walking + Harbor Tour Combo 32Wild Blue Ropes 32

SHOP + SAVORCharleston Old Time Photos 45Charleston Winery 45Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry 47Nice Ice Jewelry 71Palmettoville Boutique 45Shades of Charleston 69Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 48The Summer’s End 48Town of Mount Pleasant 49

EAT + DRINKA.W. Shuck’s 55Charleston Crab House 52Charleston Donuts 55Cru Cafe 51East Bay Deli 54Hyman’s Seafood 57Joe Pasta 55Middleton Place Restaurant 51SpiritLine Dinner Cruise 52


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traveler of charleston sc mag - spring 2015

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