Maris & Nick
Things To Do In Charleston
Sullivan's Island
This is the closest beach to our venue and is absolutely stunning. The beach is 2.5 miles long and is just 15 minutes outside of downtown Charleston. There is a street full of restaurants and shops on the island. A few of our favorite spots to grab a bite here are the Obstinate Daughter (recommend reservation - there can be a long wait), Sullivan's Fish Camp, and The Co-op (if you are looking for a more casual grab and go lunch for the beach - or some frosé).
Isle of Palms
Another gorgeous beach (our personal favorite) just 15 minutes from our venue. Plus, we got engaged on this beach! This beach is 7 miles long and the island offers a variety restaurants near the beach (some with an ocean view) and the a beachfront music venue, the Windjammer.
Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a super lively and beautiful area about 5 minutes from our venue! There a tons of great waterfront dining options. Some of our favorites are Mill Street Tavern (just down the creek from all the action with great rooftop views and food), The Wreck (filming location for Outer Banks and some great low country fried seafood), Saltwater Cowboy (fun party vibe, casual, usually quite busy), and Water's edge. There is also a boardwalk that runs along the creek with stunning views of the creek. There is a good chance you might spot a dolphin in the creek here if you're lucky! If you are up for an excursion, we highly recommend coastal exhibitions for paddle board/kayak rentals to explore the creek.
Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston is full of historic charm and beautiful waterfront views. Many of the best spots to visit are within walking distance from each other. The waterfront park is a great place to start. See the pineapple fountain, walk along the water, and watch the ships and boats pass through the harbor. Then head over to the French quarter where you will find Rainbow Row, another iconic Charleston spot, with colorful and quaint houses lining the streets. Other great areas to explore are East Bay Street (shops and restaurants), Broad street (very picturesque), and of course King street (best street for shopping).
Restaurants
Charleston is known for its culinary scene. There are so many options, but here are our top recommendations. Consider making a reservation for dinners out. Mount Pleasant/I'on Neighborhood: -Community Table: Good dinner spot near the venue -The Shellmore: small quaint dinner spot with daily menu near venue -Sullivan's Fish Camp: Sullivan's Island, seafood, best for lunch -Home Team Barbecue: several locations, great for watching games -The Mill Street Tavern: Shem creek, rooftop views -The Wreck: Shem creek, fried seafood -Saltwater Cowboy - lively bar/restaurant on Shem Creek Downtown Charleston: -167 Raw/167 Bar: Seafood, go for lunch to avoid long wait times -Fleet Landing: Downtown, seafood, on the water -Sorelle: Downtown, Upscale, Italian -Darling Oyster Bar: Seafood, raw bar -Leon's Fried Chicken and Oyster: great popular spot -Shiki: Sushi -Basic Kitchen: healthy light fare, great for lunch -Louis Barbecue: casual, good BBQ -Muse: Italian/Mediterranean, off King's street
Coffee Shops / Breakfast
Mount Pleasant: -Second State Coffee: Great coffee very close to hotels and venue -Owl Bear: Great coffee shop with breakfast -Vintage Coffee: Near shem creek with good coffee and casual breakfast -Post House Inn: Beautiful brunch spot in the Old Village Neighborhood -Vicious Biscuit: good breakfast place if you're looking for a biscuit -Bodega: Breakfast and lunch near Shem Creek -The Sea Biscuit: Cute diner on Isle of Palms, cash only -Acme Lowcountry Kitchen: Isle of Palms (great for any meal) Downtown Charleston: -Baba's on Cannon: Right off King's street, get a coffee and shop around -Harkin: French quarter, very cute place -Sorelle Mercato: European feel, beautiful spot downtown (our favorite) -Hall's Chophouse: the best Sunday brunch in Charleston! (live gospel music)
Bars
Downtown Charleston: -Blind Tiger: fun back patio bar, good for day time -Henry's: multi level with rooftop, live music -Gin Joint: cocktail lounge -Royal American: Dive bar, live music shows -The Commodore: Vintage jazz club with live music shows -Scotty Doesn't Know: Speakeasy Rooftop Bars Downtown (reservations recommended) -Ritual -Citrus Club -The Watch -Satellite Rooftop Bar Mount Pleasant: -Saltwater Cowboy's: Shem creek, fun day time bar to sit outside -Red's Ice House: Shem creek, more of a dive bar -Wind Jammer: Isle of Palms, on the beach, check concert schedule
Activities / Excursions / Things to do
-Carriage ride downtown: There are lots of horse drawn carriage rides available downtown Charleston near the city market. It is a fun way to see the city and hear about some history. -Sunset boat cruise: vary in cost. The Palmetto Breeze cruise is about $50 per person and starts in shem creek - this cruise is more of a party vibe. -Ferry Rides: There is a ferry that goes from Daniel Island to downtown Charleston -SC Aquarium: Very fun especially on a rainy day. Downtown on the harbor. -Coastal Exhibitions: Great company to use for kayaking/paddleboarding. Located on Shem Creek Free Activities: -Pit Street Bridge: Take a walk across the pit street bridge with views of the Ravenel bridge and Sullivan's Island lighthouse -I'on Neighborhood: Take a walk through the I'on neighborhood. There are two canals in the neighborhood which is a great place to walk. Start at the Avant Garden Park. -Walk downtown: See my guide above "downtown" for where to start. -Beaches of course!