Going to Charleston SC. Recommendations?

[GO DAWG GO]

My company is sending me to Charleston, SC. for 3 months. I leave Thursday morning. Just wondering if anybody has any good ideas for eats and sight seeing.

I will visit Fort Sumter for sure. Anybody have any recommendations?

Bob

[Heel n Toe]

PM me your email... I recently sent slodave some ideas for his dad who was headed there for a week or so.

Or if you want, I'll just paste the contents of that email right here in the thread.

Charleston is a great town... you're in for a treat with or without tips from me or anyone else... you just about can't go wrong no matter where you go or what restaurant you visit.

[GO DAWG GO]

John,

I sent my email address to you, but if you don't mind, post some of your ideas here so others can chime in.


Thanks

Bob

[Heel n Toe]

Bob, I don't have time to edit this, so you'll see it just as I sent it to Dave for his dad, who was there for about a week to participate in a photography class/seminar/tour (and his mom was joining him for a few days at the end). Dave had asked for some ideas for his mom and dad for walking/hiking as well as restaurants, art, and sightseeing.

Dave, if you see this, please add anything your parents told you... even if it contradicts any of my recommendations. I'd like to know for future reference.
_______________________________________________
This is in no particular order... I'll start with the restaurants first. Likely as not, if your dad socializes with some of the people who are there for the photography thing, he might even hit a few of these places with them during that time. He should pick up a map somewhere… these places will be very easy to find in the downtown area.

One of my favorite places is Hyman's Seafood on 215 Meeting St. It has a very laidback, informal atmosphere, but the service and food have been great every time I've been there. A little photo album here will give you an idea of what they're like:
http://www.hymanseafood.com/photos.html As far as I know, they don't take reservations, and they get really busy at certain times, so it might be a good idea to call and ask what time they usually get busy on a given night and show up earlier... otherwise, you could be waiting a while to get a seat. It has been my experience that once you’re seated, the wait staff gets to you quickly and the food comes relatively quickly once you order. Menu: http://www.hymanseafood.com/HymansMenu.pdf Review: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=1792

Hank’s Seafood, at the Corner of Church and Hayne is much more upscale… fantastic food and impeccable service… you can tell what you’re in for when you take a look at these photos: http://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/photos.cfm

Vickery’s Bar and Grill downtown on 15 Beaufain St. is a great place to eat brunch… they make great spicy and flavorful Bloody Marys and have some very interesting and tasty menu items: http://www.vickerysbarandgrill.com/

Mistral at 99 S. Market is probably my favorite place to dine out in Charleston. “French cuisine with a Southern flair” may sound crazy, but it’s not. Smallish place with a knock-your-socks-off menu and very skilled and attentive wait staff. The wine list is amazing. http://www.mistralcharleston.com/

A brief departure from restaurants for a minute because there are some worthy destinations across the Cooper River… after driving across the bridge to Mt. Pleasant… amazing in itself… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Ravenel_Jr._Bridge ...and merging onto Coleman Boulevard… at the first light, make a right and that road takes you to Patriot’s Point… your dad may be more interested than your mom unless she likes military stuff. http://www.patriotspoint.org/ Check out these planes and choppers that are exhibited there: http://www.patriotspoint.org/exhibits/planes/ The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum is there, also: http://www.patriotspoint.org/exhibits/medal_honor/

Okay, now back to dining… Shem Creek is an area a short hop further down Coleman Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant where you can dine indoors or out at a lot of cool restaurants and watch the shrimp boats come in… around sunset, it’s very scenic. http://www.charlestoncocktail.com/shem_creek.html There’s also a Vickery’s over there.

If you keep driving past Shem Creek, Sullivan’s Island is a great place to walk on the beach, and historic Ft. Moultrie is there… also some WWII gun emplacements. http://www.sullivansisland-sc.com/

For art, there’s the Gibbes Museum downtown: http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/

Also there are many smallish and medium sized art galleries everywhere… especially up and down King Street where there are also lots of interesting shops full of antiques and unique gifts. A few look like they have been there a long time and are a lot of fun to rummage through. Old postcards and photographs, etc. Just walking around downtown uncovers lots and lots of hidden treasures that can use up an entire afternoon or two.

Fort Sumter is very interesting and probably a must-see… your dad may be going there as part of the photography thing: http://www.nps.gov/fosu/

Boone Hall Plantation provides lots of photography opportunities and hiking/walking and is amazing… again, it could be something your dad sees the first week: http://boonehallplantation.com/

Likewise with Charlestowne Landing: http://www.charlestowne.org/index.shtml

I’ve never done the Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour, but my bud Pete says it’s well worth the time: http://www.charlestondungeon.com/

I ran across this online just now… looks like it would be worth printing out… it includes several maps… one of the downtown area, too: http://www.travelerofcharleston.com/DownloadGuide.html

Charleston is one of those places that is difficult not to love. I can never get enough of it, and it’s been awhile since I’ve spent any time there… I miss it. I hope your mom and dad find it enjoyable, too.

[MRM]

You scored huge. I just completed a case in Charleston and very impressed with the place. I can offer some suggestions.

Try to stay at the French Quarter Inn. It is reasonably close to everything and is very nice. I stayed there three different times and got different rates each time, but they were all competetive. It is an outstanding hotel, especially for the money. Tell me what other hotels you're thinking of and I'll tell you what I know of them, at least from the outside. I did also stay at the Elliott Inn, and do not recommend it.

Hank's Seafood is excellent. My local counsel brought me to a bunch of places the locals patronize. I'll email him and get some of the names.

Go see the Citadel. It's not worth the day, but it's worth a nice drive through. Patriot's Point with the Lexington aircraft carrier and a bunch of other stuff is a full day's activities. Ft. Sumter, of course. You can do a package deal with both Patriot's Point at Ft. Sumter.

Pretty much anywhere you stay at will be within walking distance of the waterfront, and everything in the downtown area is within easy walking distance of everything else. Spend as much time as you can just walking up and down Market Street and Meeting Street and Broad Street. Check out the market in the French Quarter, I think it's just off Meeting Street, near King Street. It's just down the street from The French Quarter Inn.

Check out the old churches and graveyards. Most are open and welcome tourists. The arcitecture of the old buildings is fabulous. Some very famous people are burried in the church graveyards.

I'll think about other stuff and post some more later.

[Sunroof]

Head over to the Aquarium just north of downtown (signs everywhere), there you can do several things often in a package deal. The new aquarium is a worthwhile stop as well as taking in the Harbor Cruise, which gives you a great perspective from the water. Next door to the Aquarium is the IMAX theater.

Charelston is a fantastic city to walk around. The main historic residential district is South of Broad Street toward the Battery. You can walk the miles of streets lined with gorgeous restored homes going back to the early 1700's. Stop at Battery Park and check out the view of the harbor and Fort Sumter. Place never ceases to surprise! At the park is a plague where they hung the Pirate Stede Bonnet who helped Blackbeard try to take the city. Or just a few yards away take one on many tours of antellum era homes open to the public along the waterfront.

See it from horse and carriage view, which is a must. Head over to the old market north on East Bay Street and get on a carriage tour (Red Sashed folks are best) of the city.

Besides the fantastic restaurants already listed (Hyman's definitely worth the trip), check out the Confederate Submarine, the Hunley at the conservatory on the old Naval base. I believe its still on display.

Charleston for me is one of those great hidden treasures rich in history and culture that is absolutely beautiful. So much to do and see, but your lucky as three months should be about right to take it all in................

enjoy

Bob

[GO DAWG GO]

MRM-

I'm staying at the Marriott by the airport/Charleston AFB.

I have heard that its a nice place and am looking forward to the visit. The only reservations I have is that it is for 3 months! Thats along time being away from my Wife and kids. I'm gung ho because I need my job!

Thanks for your input!

Bob

[Racerbvd]

If you can get ahold of a boat, the harbor is great, we would go bar hopping then dock hopping to other friends boats Autometric is located there too, if you want to check out some cool Porsche race cars

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by GO DAWG GO

I'm staying at the Marriott by the airport/Charleston AFB.

Ahhhhh... that's a great place to stay.

Unless you're a light sleeper. L O L



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A03TPdkztl8&feature=PlayList&p=59021D09550AB289&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=20

[slodave]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Bob, I don't have time to edit this, so you'll see it just as I sent it to Dave for his dad, who was there for about a week to participate in a photography class/seminar/tour (and his mom was joining him for a few days at the end). Dave had asked for some ideas for his mom and dad for walking/hiking as well as restaurants, art, and sightseeing.

Dave, if you see this, please add anything your parents told you... even if it contradicts any of my recommendations. I'd like to know for future reference.

Not much to add. My parents had a nice time. They said that everyone is very friendly. They are not into fried food - seems to be the thing over there and it shows

[GO DAWG GO]

Well...

Incidentally, I just happened to be very involved in the development of the C-17 built right here at Boeing in Long Beach. I worked on that program from 1989-2004. I can take credit from the crew door design, forward fuselage nose gear trunnions. Wing spar fitment issues in the assembly jigs. many things over the years

I'm going to Charleston to fix 787 issues. BTW .. I like airplane noise.

Bob

[GO DAWG GO]

They are not into fried food - seems to be the thing over there and it shows

Slodave- So is the incidence of obesity non existant? Everybody's thin huh? baked fish eating crowd?

What about a good southern BBQ?

Bob

[Heel n Toe]

I think he was saying his parents aren't into fried food.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

I think he was saying his parents aren't into fried food.

Yeah, my bad.

[GO DAWG GO]

Slodave- Did you ever go on any new years runs from TRE. If you have, I may know you...

I painted the Encino Hospital on Ventura Blvd one summer around 1979.

Back to SC.

What about the southern BBQ? Good micro breweries?

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by GO DAWG GO

What about the southern BBQ? Good micro breweries?

No experience with any of these but read up a bit and decide which sounds good to you:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=charleston+sc+barbeque&btnG=Search

I would jump right on this place... it could have the best of both:
http://southendbrewery.com/

[GO DAWG GO]

John,

Southend Brewery and Smokehouse looks good... That Google query that you did has some good info in it. Thank you!

Does anyone know what the humidity is like in the next few months?

Bob

[Heel n Toe]

It'll start getting up there in late May and June... you should be about ready to leave by July.

Just dress comfortably when you're outdoors and you'll be okay... hopefully you won't see any 100+ degree days... most of those are over into late July and August... sometimes even September.

Hey, it can't be too bad... people do still live here year round.

If you like minor league baseball, check into the Charleston Riverdogs... beautiful ballpark down by the Ashley River.
http://www.riverdogs.com/

[ael911]

Gonna miss you around here Bob, I hope the time will go by quick. I am about to leave work so we can pop a few cold ones tonight to send you off.

[Dixie]

Here's the best recommendation I can offer. Don't put too much stock in the advice from those who don't reside in Charleston, or at least South Carolina.