How to spend a couple of nights in Charleston
and feel like an insider
By Vladia Jurcova
Charming southern belles who please the eye, the exquisite delicacies
which result from a combination between traditional southern cuisine and
just a touch of French flair and Charleston’s own uniquely preserved
architecture are delights for all the senses. Located on the southeast coast
and surrounded with the barrier islands that offer deserted beaches and a
breathtaking Lowcountry architecture, this southern city can make you
believe that time stopped here centuries ago. Visitors hold their breath
when taking the midnight ghost tours as they expect Scarlett from
Gone with the Wind to roam the narrow cobblestone streets in search for
her escaping love Rhett. Charleston is like an old beautiful
mysterious lady and no one can resist her charm and magic.
Charleston evokes a feeling of romantic love, long walks on the Battery
along the harbor and times past, but not forgotten. But this charming city
also has another side; the side that is fully indulging in the present and
looking forward to the future. Many dynamic social events such as the
Spoleto festival USA (coming up May 29-June13),
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (February)
and MOJA festival (coming up September 2004) are responsible for
making current history.
Visitors or newcomers to Charleston say that it’s hard
to break into the social scene in the South. Well, that may be true, but in
general the most dependable rule is: go where the locals go, do what the
locals do. The dynamic atmosphere of Charleston’s nightlife is
contagious. It’s impossible to visit this vibrant city and leave rested.
Nights in Charleston breathe exotic – the heat, humidity and mosquitoes will
accompany your every step. Charlestonians like to dress up for the night
out. Sundresses are a must in South Carolina and the bright colors softly
compliment the scenery of the ever-present palms trees and ocean.
Starting an unforgettable night on the town, one cannot
miss the historic slave Market on Market Street where the local vendors sell
typical Lowcountry souvenirs among which a “ready to make” shrimp and grits
mix is a remainder of traditional Gullah cuisine. From the Market, it’s only
a step away to the finest dinning located on North Market St. and King St.
According to the local chefs, Peninsula Grill and Charleston Grill have been
running neck to neck in the race for first place among the best restaurants
in town for some time. They both offer upscale sophistication, luxury class
cuisine and impeccable service. For exceptional seafood and peaceful
atmosphere suitable for a single visitor, Hank’s on Hayne St. is your sinful
destination for the night as it combines a quaint bar scene with exceptional
cuisine.
High
Cotton restaurant on East Bay St., a reminiscent of a classy plantation
house, is another local favorite. Although the elegant dinning and exquisite
menu is to die for, High Cotton’s chocolate martinis and late night jazz
attract rather sophisticated bar hoppers, and together with 39 Rue de Jean
they became the most popular hotspots to start off the unforgettable night
on the town. The crowd in Rue, as the locals call it, is very classy and
hip, and it’s not any secret that the same faces have been seen here over
time. If you love martinis, sushi, French cuisine, steamed mussels
(selection of several delicious dipping sauces) and you like to be seen in a
good company head to Rue on John St.
The visitor who prefers a more relaxed atmosphere and
is on a budget will rather enjoy Henry’s and Wild Wings located on Market
St., right next to the Market. These two popular establishments offer a
delicious simple menu, friendly service and buddy-like atmosphere at the
bar; plus the locals come here to rock and wing with their favorite music
bands. One of the oldest downtown pubs is definitely Big John’s Tavern on
East Bay St. Just a short walk around the corner from North Market St., this
old-fashioned rundown pub will give you an opportunity to buy a round of
drinks for your friends and still leave with money in your wallet.
King St. must be the most visited street in Charleston
as all the fine shopping and affordable dinning is located there.
Inexpensive good food and relaxed environment of the Kickin’ Chicken and
Sushi Hiro of Kyoto made these local restaurants popular hang outs for
college students as well as wings and sushi lovers. Upper King St. features
Basil, a very busy authentic Thai restaurant with a selection of spicy Asian
cuisine. In case that you are not starving ordering their bowl of soup full
of shrimp and vegetables is a delicious idea that does not break the bank.
If you are visiting Charleston don’t miss out on the
opportunity to mingle with the local professional groups. The fastest
growing social networking group in town is called The Charlestonian, its
members and friends meet every Thursday at different locations (bars and
restaurants downtown) to support the local businesses, socialize and
network. So if you want to feel like an insider for a short while and hang
with the Charlestonians visit their website to find out where the next event
will take this diverse and dynamic group.
Although
the downtown can keep one fed and merry for several days, the best kept
secrets of Charleston lay on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, just
about 10 minutes drive from the city center. When driving across the Cooper
River Bridge to Mount Pleasant, the view is exceptional as you can watch the
construction of North America’s longest cable stay span bridge which is
going to replace the current twin Cooper River Bridges.
Sullivan Island houses several popular hang outs such
as Lowcountry-cool Poe’s Tavern and the Irish Pub Dunleavy’s. These places
with mostly local clientele surprise with a laid-back beach atmosphere.
Thanks to the pleasant SC climate, patrons can sit outside on the porch
(Poe’s) and enjoy Poe’s famous mahi-mahi tacos and Dunleavy’s drafts. Young,
hip crowds made this local tavern Sunday-must-be-seen-at kind of place.
Recently opened High Thyme Restaurant across the street already found its
regulars thanks to the creative menu and friendly owners. Atlanticville
spices up their repertoire with a Thai menu on Tuesdays, otherwise it serves
a selection of seafood and occasionally blue grass music. Located just a
block down the street from the other facilities, it can be easily overlooked
by visitors, but it is established as one of the local favorites.
Isle
of Palms doesn’t lack behind Sullivan’s due to the Windjammer where live
bands perform almost nightly. From the huge deck overlooking the ocean, you
can enjoy a cool drink or listen to music while taking in the scenery or
dancing the night away. The ones who don’t want to miss the incredible fire
red sunsets of South Carolina need to check out the Boathouse at Breach
Inlet. A killer view, live music and a choice of mouth-watering fried and
grilled fish must be the reason why this place is always packed by hungry
enthusiasts.
These
places are just a fraction of what Charleston and its greater area have to
offer. With such a selection of formal and relaxed dinning, places to grab a
cocktail and cool hang outs, it is not hard to understand why Charleston
became one of the most popular culinary spots in USA. Although the city is a
popular touristy destination, it never lost its genuine uniqueness and
classy feel for tradition.
TM
Charming southern belles who please the eye, the exquisite delicacies
which result from a combination between traditional southern cuisine and
just a touch of French flair and Charleston’s own uniquely preserved
architecture are delights for all the senses. Located on the southeast coast
and surrounded with the barrier islands that offer deserted beaches and a
breathtaking Lowcountry architecture, this southern city can make you
believe that time stopped here centuries ago. Visitors hold their breath
when taking the midnight ghost tours as they expect Scarlett from
Gone with the Wind to roam the narrow cobblestone streets in search for
her escaping love Rhett. Charleston is like an old beautiful
mysterious lady and no one can resist her charm and magic.
Charleston evokes a feeling of romantic love, long walks on the Battery
along the harbor and times past, but not forgotten. But this charming city
also has another side; the side that is fully indulging in the present and
looking forward to the future. Many dynamic social events such as the
Spoleto festival USA (coming up May 29-June13),
Starting an unforgettable night on the town, one cannot
miss the historic slave Market on Market Street where the local vendors sell
typical Lowcountry souvenirs among which a “ready to make” shrimp and grits
mix is a remainder of traditional Gullah cuisine. From the Market, it’s only
a step away to the finest dinning located on North Market St. and King St.
According to the local chefs, Peninsula Grill and Charleston Grill have been
running neck to neck in the race for first place among the best restaurants
in town for some time. They both offer upscale sophistication, luxury class
cuisine and impeccable service. For exceptional seafood and peaceful
atmosphere suitable for a single visitor, Hank’s on Hayne St. is your sinful
destination for the night as it combines a quaint bar scene with exceptional
cuisine. 
High
Cotton restaurant on East Bay St., a reminiscent of a classy plantation
house, is another local favorite. Although the elegant dinning and exquisite
menu is to die for, High Cotton’s chocolate martinis and late night jazz
attract rather sophisticated bar hoppers, and together with 39 Rue de Jean
they became the most popular hotspots to start off the unforgettable night
on the town. The crowd in Rue, as the locals call it, is very classy and
hip, and it’s not any secret that the same faces have been seen here over
time. If you love martinis, sushi, French cuisine, steamed mussels
(selection of several delicious dipping sauces) and you like to be seen in a
good company head to Rue on John St. 
King St. must be the most visited street in Charleston
as all the fine shopping and affordable dinning is located there.
Inexpensive good food and relaxed environment of the Kickin’ Chicken and
Sushi Hiro of Kyoto made these local restaurants popular hang outs for
college students as well as wings and sushi lovers. Upper King St. features
Basil, a very busy authentic Thai restaurant with a selection of spicy Asian
cuisine. In case that you are not starving ordering their bowl of soup full
of shrimp and vegetables is a delicious idea that does not break the bank. 
Although
the downtown can keep one fed and merry for several days, the best kept
secrets of Charleston lay on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, just
about 10 minutes drive from the city center. When driving across the Cooper
River Bridge to Mount Pleasant, the view is exceptional as you can watch the
construction of North America’s longest cable stay span bridge which is
going to replace the current twin Cooper River Bridges. 
Sullivan Island houses several popular hang outs such
as Lowcountry-cool Poe’s Tavern and the Irish Pub Dunleavy’s. These places
with mostly local clientele surprise with a laid-back beach atmosphere.
Thanks to the pleasant SC climate, patrons can sit outside on the porch
(Poe’s) and enjoy Poe’s famous mahi-mahi tacos and Dunleavy’s drafts. Young,
hip crowds made this local tavern Sunday-must-be-seen-at kind of place.
Recently opened High Thyme Restaurant across the street already found its
regulars thanks to the creative menu and friendly owners. Atlanticville
spices up their repertoire with a Thai menu on Tuesdays, otherwise it serves
a selection of seafood and occasionally blue grass music. Located just a
block down the street from the other facilities, it can be easily overlooked
by visitors, but it is established as one of the local favorites.
Isle
of Palms doesn’t lack behind Sullivan’s due to the Windjammer where live
bands perform almost nightly. From the huge deck overlooking the ocean, you
can enjoy a cool drink or listen to music while taking in the scenery or
dancing the night away. The ones who don’t want to miss the incredible fire
red sunsets of South Carolina need to check out the Boathouse at Breach
Inlet. A killer view, live music and a choice of mouth-watering fried and
grilled fish must be the reason why this place is always packed by hungry
enthusiasts. 
These
places are just a fraction of what Charleston and its greater area have to
offer. With such a selection of formal and relaxed dinning, places to grab a
cocktail and cool hang outs, it is not hard to understand why Charleston
became one of the most popular culinary spots in USA. Although the city is a
popular touristy destination, it never lost its genuine uniqueness and
classy feel for tradition.