Photographs provided by Ivie Parker of Parker-Sims Interiors
Above left: Adrian Sims Truluck and Ivie Parker of Parker-Sims Interiors;
Above right: Sunrise over the 16th fairway of Kiawah Island's Ocean Course
When sitting down to write this article, I’m puzzled as to how in the world I’m going to condense my description of Charleston into something shorter than The Never-ending Story. After jotting my notes into categories, I’ve decided to share several top picks on accommodations, dining, night-life, shopping and sight-seeing. Now, I want to preface this by saying by no means is this all Charleston has to offer or that venues, restaurants and shops not listed in this article are sub-par… these are just my picks for this article. I’m also including links to get more comprehensive information on our dazzling gem of a city for you to do research of your own as well. Enjoy!
Above: Along the battery in Charleston
I’ve lived in Charleston for almost 10 years now and am so grateful to call it home. Charleston, rich in history, culture and oh so southern charm, couldn’t be a more welcoming place to visit or live. From its beautiful barrier islands to its thriving downtown peninsula, Charleston has something for everyone. I reside downtown so most of these picks will be located on Charleston’s peninsula with exceptions noted.
Accommodations
Now, the first tough decision would be whether to stay downtown or on one of our lovely beaches during your visit. If possible, I’d suggest trying a bit of both.
Downtown Charleston:
For those of you craving elegant hotel accommodations with exquisite amenities, Charleston Place Hotel beckons you. Award-winning spa, incredible shopping and delicious dining…need I say more. If you desire the quainter and cozy accommodations of a bed and breakfast, be sure to try The Governor’s House Inn or Two Meeting St. Inn. Both have graced the pages of Southern Living and would be a treat to stay in. Having friends as pastry chefs in each, I must say, the sweets are to die for and high tea is not to be missed.
Above: The Governors House Inn B&B
Kiawah Island:
About a 40-minute drive south from Charleston, Kiawah Island is home to the award-winning Sanctuary Hotel and a plethora of homes and villas nestled amongst scenic live oaks and pristine landscapes. Might I mention, Kiawah Island is home to internationally and nationally recognized golf courses, one of which is the Pete Dye design Ocean Course and film site for The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Isle of Palms:
Traveling the opposite direction of Kiawah, Isle of Palms is 30 minutes slightly north of the Charleston peninsula. Similarly to Kiawah, Isle of Palms also has a range of accommodation types (homes, villas, hotels and luxury condominiums). The long-loved Wild Dunes Resort is a favorite southeastern destination and was just recently featured on The Today Show’s travel segment. The resort boasts a plethora of amenities for families and couples alike. Of course, the golf and tennis aren’t bad either for those of you looking to break a sweat during your stay. Having played both courses (and then lounging for a refreshing drink poolside after each one) it is most definitely worth the drive to Isle of Palms. My vote for your stay at the resort would be either a Boardwalk Home or a room at the newly built Village at Wild Dunes.
Above: The Boardwalk at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms
Dining
Where do I even begin? Home of the annual Charleston Food + Wine Festival, our city is saturated with some of the most mouth-watering restaurants and amazing chefs I’ve ever imagined in such proximity, which sometimes proves difficult in maintaining a beach ready physique come springtime. I’m splitting this section into my picks for lunch, dinner and brunch.
Lunch:
Fast and French on Broad St. downtown is one of my favorite lunch spots. Communal dining and fantastic daily specials. My go to is the ham and brie croissant with chilled cucumber soup and a glass of the house wine. Yum.
Five Loaves Café with locations in both downtown Charleston and Mt. Pleasant has some of the best soup, salad and sandwich offerings in town. I love their mix-match combinations and always try something new when I go. It never disappoints. Their condiments are also amazing.
Cru Café on Pinckney St. downtown and a quick stroll from my home has scrumptious southern cuisine. I think of it as a “fancy” twist on the traditional good southern cooking. Although I know I would never be disappointed in a menu choice, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp BLT or quiche of the day.
Lana is, surprise, also downtown Charleston on Rutledge Ave. and is relatively new on the restaurant scene here. Their salads are delicious. My picks are the frutti di mare and the pear and gorgonzola salads.
Poe’s Tavern is by far the most-craved restaurant on Sullivan’s Island. The Edgar Allan Poe-inspired décor and dish names characterize this casual establishment. All of their burgers are the heat, seriously, and I cannot resist their chips and queso… especially accompanied by a margarita on the rocks. Mmmm. The perfect place to end a day at the beach, and rest assure that everyone will be there by 5 or 6pm on a sunny afternoon.
Above: Poe's Tavern Sullivan's Island
Dinner:
Trattoria Lucca on Bogard St. downtown Charleston is worth the drive to the north side of downtown. Communal dining and inviting ambiance provides a hip setting for sumptuous dishes. I love the gnocchi but assume everything on the menu is just as tasty. Also try their Sunday night family style dining. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard raving remarks and am dying to try it out myself.
Basil restaurant on Upper King is my top choice for Thai food in town. Evidently, many share that opinion with me because the restaurant always seems booming. They don’t take reservations so be prepared to have a drink at the bar before being seated. Trust me, though, it’s worth the wait. The fresh basil rolls are delightful, and my entrée of choice is the pad thai.
Above: Basil's Thai cuisine
Monza on upper King St. has just enough specialty wood-fired pizzas to make you spend a few extra moments contemplating your pick. The perfect spot to go for gourmet pizza and have enough money left over for a night on the town. My suggestion, go with a group and order several to share so you can taste the different recipes. While you wait on dinner, dine on their house caesar salad which is one of my favorites in town because they have a magical little garnish that will make your head spin.
Oak Steakhouse on Broad St. is the most recognized and loved steakhouse in Charleston. As I’m writing this, my stomach is starting to growl thinking of their tender, juicy steaks and family style sides. You’ll definitely find something that strikes your “steak” fancy here and be sure to get several sides to sample.
Above: Oak Steakhouse
La Fourchette on Upper King downtown has delectable French dishes that are sure to impress. A word to the wise, get your own pommes frites to start because you won’t want to share. My favorite here is the grilled lamb chops.
Carolinas restaurant on Exchange St. downtown is another local favorite for traditional southern cuisine. Let’s face it, while you’re in Charleston, you must have a classic Charleston-style southern dish, and what a fine place to do so. Tucked near cobblestone streets and with its exposed brick walls, it’s the quintessential setting for your southern meal. I would start with the duck confit and arugula salad and then enjoy either the crispy whole flounder or pan roasted local grouper. Delish!
Above: Carolinas Restaurant bar area
Brunch:
The Fat Hen on John’s Island, about 15 minutes south of Charleston has my favorite brunch in Charleston. I just love the casual atmosphere on the front sun patio looking onto the vast live oak trees along the property. Plus, with their $12.95 endless mimosas and bellinis, I can admire my scenery for quite a while. My brunch picks are their breakfast burrito (by no means typical burrito), grilled cheese or shrimp and grits.
Above: The Fat Hen Restaurant outdoor patio
High Cotton downtown on East Bay St. has phenomenal brunch dishes. Though they all look amazing, my taste buds wander toward the sourdough french toast or crab cakes benedict.
Rue de Jean on John St. downtown is a nice option for brunch because in addition to its fabulous menu, it also has outdoor seating, which is a must when the weather is nice. Ask anyone living downtown in Charleston if they’ve ever craved a Rue burger and you’ll be sure to hear a resounding yes. They have one of the best burgers in town. Clearly, their brasserie burger would be a top pick for brunch though I also recommend their quiches and eggs benedict.
Nightlife
Even though basically any restaurant in Charleston can turn into a great continuation from dinner to drinks, here are my favorites for after-dinner cocktails.
Raval on Upper King St. downtown is one of my favorite wine bars here. I love coming here to start the evening or enjoying an after dinner glass of champagne. Let’s just say, it’s sure to be a nice kick off to your night. The scenery usually isn’t bad either. Try the La Pera, a recent stellar beverage addition.
Above: Raval Wine Bar
Chais is also on Upper King and is usually a buzzing spot on Friday and Saturday nights. Come for cocktails on the back patio or join friends for some tapas and beverages in the lounge. The perfect setting to people watch.
Club Habana downtown on Meeting St. is a swanky martini bar atop a cigar store so you can have your martini while puffing on a Cuban. Mark my words, you must come here for a martini! I am a huge fan of the vanilla creamilla and espresso concoctions. Warning, too many could get ugly later on.
The Thoroughbread Club in Charleston Place Hotel is one I had to include for the gents. As if the name isn’t an indicator, this is a very handsome bar that you can usually observe well-dressed folk sipping bourbon on the rocks while killing time before or after dinner. Of course, ladies, you will enjoy this as well with their delightful Trifecta Bellini – it’s a sure bet.
Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar on East Bay St. downtown is a favorite during days when the weather is nice. Enjoy gazing at the city while sipping your favorite beverage.
Above: Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar
Shopping:
Two words: King Street. Enough said. King Street downtown is the most well-known shopping destination in Charleston, and of course, for good reason. Browse apparel shops, jewelry stores, books stores, antiques shops, furnishings boutiques and more. You could spend the entire day (or more) visiting the shops of King St. Luckily, despite increasing leasing rates as larger, national chains are occupying King St., you will still find locally owned and operated businesses, which are in my mind, always gems and very characteristic of the city. Don’t get me wrong, I do love Saks, but if I’m traveling, I like to discover stores unique to the city I’m in. That being said, start on the corner of Broad and King and work your way up (toward the North or “Upper” end of King St.) to Cannon for the full spectrum of King St. shopping. Here are a few local must-sees on King: Berlins, K. Morgan, Croghan’s Jewel Box, Bob Ellis, M. Dumas, Cupcake, Copper Penny, Hampden Clothing, Dwelling and Lesesne.
Above: Lesesne Upper King Shopping District storefront
A few other places to note that you won’t find strolling on King:
Charleston Green Home 103 Logan St., downtown
Gwynns of Mt. Pleasant
The French Quarter Art District Galleries
Architectural Antiques Warehouse
Sightseeing
As much as I would love to say that I just know all about Charleston, I’ve discovered much of it over time…strolling the streets downtown on afternoon walks, reading local magazines and experience local events and exhibits. For the most comprehensive guide to sight-seeing here, click here for the guide on what to see and do on the cvb’s website. There’s tons of information on all things Charleston. A few recommendations that may not be obvious choices that I would suggest would be the ghost tours of Charleston because that’s just interesting and a local cooking class or demonstration from Charleston Cooks (to take a little bit of our city back to yours)!
For more information on the Charleston, SC area visit this link. Some other recommended websites for the latest in Charleston offerings and culture, visit:
www.readcharlie.com
http://www.historiccharleston.org/
http://www.charlestonmag.com/
http://www.spoletousa.org/
Written by Ivie Parker of Parker-Sims Interiors
About Parker-Sims Interiors:
PSI is a duo of inspired minds eager to mold their legacy in the design world. Southeastern bred, Adrian Sims Truluck and Ivie Parker, indulge in a unique partnership of design maven and client connoisseur encouraging a broader scope of thinking through synergy of creativity and execution. The result – classic interiors infused with style, character and livability.
Passion for fresh thinking. Zeal for design. Steadfastness for clients.
Ivie Parker is a partner at Charleston-based interior design studio, Parker-Sims Interiors.
Reach her at ivie@parkersimsinteriors.com.
Visit www.ParkerSimsInteriors.com for more information and to view their portfolio.