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martini spots

The 5 Best Martini Spots in Charleston

The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world dating back to the 1800s. Throughout the years it was often seen swooshing around in the hands of movie stars and singers, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The strong cocktail is known to make the drinker look and feel more confident and relaxed. Order it dry, wet, dirty, with a twist, shaken or stirred and hold it up proud.

Below we’ve ranked the best places to find a Martini in Charleston.

1. Halls Chophouse

What to order: Key Lime Martini, Sweet, and Spicy Martini, Jalapeno martini

2. High Cotton Restaurant

What to order: Katie’s Last Word, Espresso Martini

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Happy Hour #pineapplevodkamartini #chs

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3. Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar

What to order: Espresso Martini, Sweet Tea  Martini

4. O-Ku

What to order:  Habanero Vodka Martini, Sugar & Spice Martini

5. Grill 225

What to order: Sweet Tea Nitrotini, Chocolate Nitrotini

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Nitrotinis ??

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Eat & Drink

culinary tours

Explore Charleston And Unleash Your Inner Foodie On These Culinary Tours

Image: Charleston Culinary Tours/FB

If you identify as a proud foodie- Charleston is the place to be. The southern city is home to hundreds of restaurants that definitely know their way around a kitchen. Serving delicious dishes from southern staples to dry-aged steaks or high-end Mexican cuisine, Charleston has a restaurant for every mood and occasion.

The only issue with having so many great choices is that it’s almost impossible to try them all, which is exactly why Charleston Culinary Tours has made an effort to feature the best restaurants in Charleston. Find a tour that explores the area you wish to discover the most or plan to try them all.

Upper King St. Culinary Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Monday thru Saturday at 3 pm

This tour showcases the culinary innovations and experimental designs of the top restaurants located on Upper King Street. The up and coming neighboorhood is filled with energy and vibrancy. It is the perfect area to gain insight into Charleston’s ever-changing culinary scene.

Charleston Dinner Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Wednesday at 4:30 pm

This tour showcases four restaurants on Upper King Street and the surrounding area who demonstrate exquisite cooking in what is known as the New South. If you’re in search of a more adventurous dinner experience this is the perfect tour for you.

Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: Monday through Sunday at 2pm-3pm

This tour explores Charleston’s French Quarter and visits four restaurants that serve some of the most flavorful food found in Charleston. Make your way through the historic area while walking on some of the oldest streets in the city.

Farm to Table Experience

Duration: 3 hours

When: Saturdays from mid-April to mid-December at 9:30 am

This tour allows guests to experience a true farm to table experience, showcasing some of the best chefs in the city and the award-winning farmer’s market. The daily participating chef helps you pick fresh ingredients from the market for your meal. Then, the guide takes you on a 45-minute walking tour while the chef prepares a meal using all of the different ingredients.

Sustainable Seafood Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

When: the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5 pm

This tour showcases some of Charleston’s most reputable restaurants who serve locally sourced and responsibly harvested seafood. On this tour, you not only become part of the movement to protect our oceans but also get to enjoy freshly caught seafood right from our waters.

Which tour would you be most interested in taking?

 

Eat & Drink

bourbon spots

The 5 Best Places To Drink Bourbon In Charleston

Is a nice glass of bourbon the way to your heart? Do you know whether you like it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail? A fine bourbon can make any bad day great again. And lucky for us Charlestonians, there some fantastic bars and cocktail clubs in town with impressive bourbon lists.  

Here are the top 5 spots in Charleston you have to stop at if you’re a bourbon snob:

Paddock and Whisky

This comfortable neighborhood bar in James Island has a curated bourbon selection. The owners of this bar successfully made a place where both whiskey enthusiasts and vodka-soda lovers can enjoy a drink or three. Take your pick from favorites like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Weller, and Jefferson’s Presidential and enjoy your night sipping on your favorite liquor.

Bourbon and Bubbles

King Street needed an upscale bourbon bar and that’s exactly what they got this past fall. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable about bourbon and can point you to the best selection based on your preferred taste. Head there for happy hour and get a flight of bourbon for $20.

Prohibition

A classy, but upbeat atmosphere with 3 bars to choose from. Ask for a bourbon list and you’ll be very impressed with the selection. If you’d rather drink a bourbon cocktail, you have to try the Bourbon Tyme. It’s amazing.

Bar Mash

Located next to the old Cigar Factory is this gem of a bourbon bar. Their extensive list of bourbons has all bourbon lovers coming in to enjoy a drink and delicious food that pairs excellent together. Have it on the rocks or try one of their specialty bourbon cocktails.

Bar at Husk

Order anything bourbon here and you’ll be in good hands. The staff makes you feel at home and is more than willing to answer any questions about the long list of bourbons they place in front of you. Ask them to make you a bourbon cocktail with your desired taste in mind and you won’t be disappointed. Plus, they have fun making and mixing.

Where is your favorite bourbon spot in Charleston?

 

Events

Father's Day

5 Father’s Day Activities You And Your Dad Will Enjoy

Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re searching for the perfect gift, you can stop. There’s no better gift for dad than some quality bonding time, so skip the socks and #1 Dad mug and get ready to win the best son/daughter award with these fun activities that you and your dad will totally enjoy.

Here are 5 fun Father’s Day activities going on in Charleston to show your dad just how much you care.

1st Annual Fathers For Fitness Walk/Run

Get in some quality bonding time while getting fit at the 1st Annual Fathers For Fitness Walk/Run. The 2.5-mile event takes place the day before Father’s Day at 2 pm at the West Ashley Bike Trail. The 1st annual walk/run hopes to promote the importance of health and exercise so that you and dad can celebrate many more Father’s Days together.

The Port Mercantile

Not much of a fitness person? That’s okay. You can take dad shopping and let him pick out his own gift at the Port Mercantile attached to the Restoration Hotel. He’ll receive 15% off select items for being such a rad Dad.

Wild Blue Ropes

If dad needs a little adventure in his life take him to Wild Blue Ropes where he can get a free climb using the promo code FATHERS619. Help each other through the course for a great bonding experience neither of you will forget.

Fathers Day at Dockery’s

Celebrate Dad at Dockery’s on Daniel Island for a Father’s Day brunch or dinner. Raise a glass at the table to thank your old man for all he does. He’ll receive a standard beer on the house.

Grand Opening of YETI Charleston

Let Dad run wild and enjoy the opening weekend of the YETI retail store located downtown. Have him pick out some of his favorite YETI products for his Father’s Day gift while enjoying live music and bloody mary’s in the store.
How are you celebrating Dad this weekend?

Events

Summer Events

5 Fun Events To Attend This Summer In Charleston

Featured Image: Charleston Fashion Week/FB

Whether you like it or not, summer is almost here! And Charleston’s summer event calendar is almost in full swing which means something new every day. We know you can’t attend all the events Charleston has to offer, so we’ve searched through our calendars and found five events that we can’t miss and you shouldn’t either!

Here are our five can’t-miss events this summer:

Charleston Fashion Week: Event #2

If you haven’t noticed already, CHSFW is changing up the way the produce their week-long event. Instead, the highly anticipated fashion week has been separated into three different events happening throughout the year in March, June, and September. The second event will be held on June 14th at Memminger Auditorium and will showcase up and coming designers and their trendy looks for Summer 2019!

Luke Combs:  Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour

Dust off your boots and crack open a cold one with the country music star himself, Luke Combs. The singer-songwriter is celebrating the tour of his new album, Beer Never Broke My Heart and will be performing at Volvo Car Stadium on July 11th. Purchase tickets online and get ready to rock out at the concert of the summer!

Charleston Farmers Market

Need a reason to get up and moving on Saturday morning? The Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a great one! Every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm explore some of the city’s best local fruits and vegetables, pastries, jewelry, clothing, and more! Enjoy live music as you walk through the market and start your day off right!

Charleston Margarita Festival

If you love Margarita’s then this festival was made for you. Come out to Brittlebank Park on July 26th and sample 20+ delicious margaritas from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Cast your vote for the best marg in Charleston as you snack on great food, enjoy live music- oh and get a little tequila buzz.

Rebelution: Good Vibes Tour

Close out summer with some good vibes at this reggae/rock concert on August 11th at Brittlebank Park. Grab a few lawn chairs and a group of friends and jam out with Rebelution as they end summer with some of their best-known songs that will get everyone “feeling alright.” Relax and enjoy as you look back on another extraordinary summer spent in Charleston.

 

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instagrammable spots Charleston

The 7 Most Instagrammable Spots in Charleston

Featured Image: Explore Charleston/FB

Charleston is an Instagrammers dream. Between the pastel colors, historic charm, and gorgeous views, it’s pretty much impossible to take a stroll and not snap a pic. So whether you’re a local who can’t get enough of Charleston because let’s face it, who can? Or you’re stopping by for a visit and ready to incite major FOMO in your Insta followers, make a stop at one of these spots for a quick photoshoot and get ready for notifications to be on fire!

Pineapple Fountain

Take a stroll to Waterfront Park and make a wish at the Pineapple Fountain. Get silly with your friends and run through the water for a definitely-not-planned candid pic or strike a post in front of the iconic fountain for the ultimate Charleston pic. 

 

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The Battery

Check out The Battery during sunset for a beautiful picture along the water. With historic homes on one side and the Charleston Harbor on the other, this famous seawall is the perfect place to practice your strut and slay pose.

 

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meet me where the sky touches the sea ? #marinatakesoverthesouth

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Uptown Social

Enjoy happy hour deals on the roof of this King Street bar and score an awesome picture with the butterfly mural. The vibrant colors of this social butterfly will really make your Instagram pop. No filter needed!

 

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The Watch

Connected to The Restoration Hotel, The Watch is a rooftop bar with one of the best views in Charleston. Get a glass of rosè and a side of truffle fries for a crowd-pleasing picture that will leave your followers dying to recreate.

 

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enjoying the summer glow?

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Folly Beach

Have some fun in the sun and get a picture at Folly Beach. Lounge back in your beach chair, slip those shades on and show your followers how you relax.

Rainbow Row

You can’t have a list of most-Insta worthy spots in Charleston without these iconic pastel-colored homes. It’s the ultimate Charleston backdrop for an Insta pic that will have all of your followers double tapping!

Hotel Indigo

Head here for a Sunday Funday and snap a pic that will make your followers think you’ve escaped on a tropical getaway. There pool area is serious #poolgoals!

Where’s your favorite spot to snap a pic in Charleston?

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Best friend dates

Celebrate Your Person With One Of These Best Friend Date Ideas

After a long day at work or a tense fight with bae, nothing is better than running to your BFF. They keep you sane in a world full of craziness and are your permanent Top 1 (we miss Myspace). You know you can count on having a blast with them and can rule out any judgement or drama. Whether you’re out adventuring or sitting in silence binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy again, nothing can relieve stress like a BFF day.

Here are our favorite things to do with our person:

Drive to the beach

Living in Charleston, we’re super close to not only one beach, but three. Looking for a fun Sunday Funday? Head to Folly. Want a more laidback relaxing beach day? Sullivan’s is right around the corner. Or want to make it a staycation and hang out with all the tourists? You’re Isle of Palms bound. Soak up the sun, listen to some tunes, and relax in the sand with your BFF and don’t forget to document your day with some awesome IG posts.

Take an exercise class

Friends who sweat together, slay together. Hit up a spin class, go kickboxing, or head to HYLO for the latest craze and get fit with your BFF. Nothing makes working out fun like working out with your bestie. Then you have a partner in crime to grab some post-workout margs with.

Go to a baseball game

Check the Riverdogs schedule to see when they play at home and head over to Joe Riley for a night out at the ballpark. Enjoy a hotdog or three while watching the game and try to get featured on the big screen with your BFF for your awesome dance moves. 

Take a cruise on the Palmetto Breeze

Feeling adventurous? Buy you and your bestie a ticket to board the Palmetto Breeze and drink as you cruise along the Charleston Harbor and catch some of the best views the Holy City has to offer.

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remember when y’all were my only friends in Charleston? #ha

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Go shopping for a new outfit

With so many stores to choose from in Charleston, shopping is a must with your best friend. Plus, no one will give you a more honest opinion when it comes to picking out clothes than your bestie. Buy each other an outfit for the next night y’all hit the town.

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Eat & Drink

Charleston Doughnut Shops

We Donut Lie, These Are The Best Doughnut Shops In Charleston

Featured Image: Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts/FB

Doughnuts are a delicacy that deserves to be cherished, celebrated and enjoyed. Seriously, try naming one person who doesn’t like doughnuts. They can be enjoyed in the morning with a cup of coffee, as a snack during the day, or at night with a glass of milk before bed. And, while we love the classic doughnut shops, Charleston has some major doughnut game going on with some of the best artisan doughnut shops in the state.

Here are our favorites:

Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts

Located on busy Upper King, this doughnut shop is everything your doughnut dreams are made of. The bakery has 200 different flavors and styles to chose from that are sure to spark your sweet tooth. Oh!- and it’s open late night when you need a sugar rush after the bar.

The Daily

There’s nothing The Daily can’t do when it comes to whipping up delicious bites in the kitchen. Their doughnuts are nothing short of irresistible with every bite being rich and cakey. Try the crowd favorites, such as the blueberry doughnut and the sweet potato doughnut in the fall.

Brown’s Court Bakery

As soon as you walk into this bakery your tastebuds will be salivating from the fresh smell of pastries. The doughnuts here are so savory and delicious, getting just one isn’t enough. Try favorites like blackberry, pistachio, or local strawberry and Nutella. Not feeling adventurous? That’s okay, you can go classic with glazed sprinkles and Boston Cream.

Mercantile

The pastry chefs at Mercantile are all about taking your doughnut experience above and beyond! Your favorite flavors are served with a themed work of art that is sure to make you smile. Try the banana custard doughnut topped with a monkey made of icing.

BkeD

The local doughnut shop serves huge doughnuts in the shape of a square to eliminate waste. Their tasty flavors are phenomenal and even have vegan options for their customers to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with Poptart, Cookies and Milk, StrawberryKumquat (V) or Animal Cookie (V). These sugary treats will have you coming back for more!