1. The Eats
The first thing you'll hear when visiting Charleston, is recommendations for where to eat. We were tempted to make this entire post about our favorite local restaurants but alas, we leave you with our top three.
Best Off the Beaten Path - Lost Dog Cafe
Best Dinner with a View - Fleet Landing
Best Raw Bar - The Darling Oyster Bar
2. The Drinks
The number of local breweries in Charleston has more than doubled over the past three years. This means drinking local has never been easier, or more fun!
Edmund's Oast Brewery is a stone's throw from our office and a staple of Friday happy hours. We love the "Something Cold" for a refreshing drink on hot summer days. Munkle Brewery is also a close neighbor - right across the street! We recommend the "Brugge City Brunne." Want to try out a brand-new brewery? Indigo Reef just opened on Daniel Island and it's quickly becoming one of our favorite go-to spots for craft beer.
3. The Beach
Did you know? Charleston's three most popular beaches are actually located on their own islands. Each has it's own personality and a special place in our hearts. It's just not a trip to Charleston unless you get your feet in the sand.
4. The Sights
Charleston is home to so many iconic landmarks. The Ravenel Bridge, Rainbow Row, the Angel Oak Tree and the Morris Island Lighthouse are just a few. We captured one of our favorite views of the Ravenel Bridge in our Charleston collection of free desktop backgrounds.
5. The History
Come for the beach, stay for the history! While the most recognizable destinations are Fort Sumter or Patriots Point, there are many other noteworthy historical sites in the Lowcountry. For a real history buff, there's nothing better than a day at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Charles Towne Landing, Fort Moultrie or the Hunley submarine - to name a few.
6. The Weather
In Charleston, we like it hot! If it drops below 70 degrees, that means it's time to break out the North Face jacket. We are certainly lucky to live in a place where beach season (and our flip flop tans) extends well beyond summertime.
7. The Wildlife
One of only two aquariums in the state, the South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day or to take a break from the heat. Their mission as a non-profit, among other things, is to promote the conservation of the environment through education. Stop by to check out the Sea Turtle Care Center, which has rescued, rehabilitated, and released more than 250 sea turtles to date!
8. The Fashion
Charleston has its own particular sense of style: a fun mix of prep, beach-bum and coastal chic. Apparently someone took notice as we having been hosting to our very own Charleston Fashion Week for 13 years!
9. The Arts
Charleston has been inspiring artists of all kinds for centuries, and we are lucky to have so many places where art can be experienced and appreciated. Whether you visit the Gibbes Museum, the local farmer's market or the world-famous Spoleto Festival, you'll see that Charleston makes an impression.
10. The Tech Community
The tech boom in Charleston has earned us the nickname "Silicon Harbor". It's inspiring to be nestled within a community of fellow start-ups and entrepreneurs. We love participating in the annual i5K race hosted by the Charleston Digital Corridor.
11. The Events
If you come to Charleston and you're bored, you're doing it wrong. There are always so many events happening, it's hard to choose which one to do! Our favorite place to find out about what's happening is Charleston City Paper. With guides for happy hours, live music, local sports games and more, there truly is something for everyone. For a fun (albeit sweaty) event, visit Joe Riley Stadium for a RiverDogs home game.
12. The Bragging Rights
There's a reason Charleston has been voted #1 U.S. city six times in a row. Whether you're a native or a transplant, we're certainly lucky to live in the Lowcountry. Stop by and visit us sometime!
