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Eat & Drink

An Afternoon in the French Quarter

An afternoon spent in historic downtown Charleston is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re lucky enough to call the Lowcountry home or just stopping by for a visit, downtown Charleston provides the perfect setting for a summer afternoon. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes while out exploring (we’re headed for cobblestone streets!) and get ready to enjoy the French Quarter.

Located on the southeastern corner of the peninsula (and with Broad, Meeting, East Bay, and South Market streets acting as its perimeters), the French Quarter gets its name from the French Huguenots that settled in the area seeking religious freedom. The historical significance of the area is apparent throughout the neighborhood, with well-known and well-loved churches peppering every street, including the French Huguenot and St. Philip’s Episcopal churches.

 

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Good morning from #Charleston

A post shared by Charleston SC official account (@explorecharleston) on Dec 4, 2013 at 4:56am PST

History isn’t the only thing this charming area has to offer. The French Quarter is filled with delicious spots to grab a bite to eat, so start your afternoon by heading to lunch at Minero on East Bay St., where you’ll find a variety of affordable, quality, and casual Mexican dishes. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can even try to tackle their biggest menu item, simply named The Burrito, that is packed with flavorful and fresh ingredients. Also in the area are a few timeless Charleston classics such as Brown Dog Deli on Broad St. or Poogan’s Smokehouse on East Bay St. Both places offer quick lunch options so that you can move on to enjoying the rest of your afternoon.

 

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Taco game strong at Charleston Wine & Food. ??: @katkinsman

A post shared by Tasting Table (@tastingtable) on Mar 4, 2016 at 5:17pm PST

After lunch, stroll down the cobblestone streets, popping into the countless art galleries that you’ll find on every street within the French Quarter. Narrow streets like Church, Cumberland, Chalmers, and Queen are full of galleries as well as Gallery Row on Broad. (We know, we’re shocked they have art galleries there too.) Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed to find something unlike any other, as many places support a combination of both well-known and up-and-coming artists.

 

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Loving this new piece from @karinjurickarts featuring an homage to the legendary @waynethiebaud_ “Wonder Women” 9 x 12” oil on panel #oilpainting #karinjurick #peoplelookingatpaintings #theladies #collectart #homage

A post shared by Robert Lange Studios (@robertlangestudios) on Jun 22, 2019 at 4:41pm PDT

After stopping into a few galleries, be sure to take a stroll over to Charleston Waterfront Park on Vendue Range for a great view of the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Stop for a quick picture, enjoy the swings by the sea, and be sure to keep your eye out for some playful dolphins in the water below!

Finish off your afternoon with happy hour at one of the many bars throughout the French Quarter. The Blind Tiger Pub on Broad St. has $10 mimosa carafes (who says they’re just for brunch?!), but also plenty of cocktails and beers to choose from. For a sky-high view of the Holy City, check out the rooftop bar at The Vendue, which has been named the best rooftop bar every year since 2007 by the Charleston City Paper. For something off the beaten path, The Griffon Pub is your spot. The first thing visitors might be surprised by are the walls covered in dollar bills and the unique feel of the pub, providing an atmosphere that is both comfortable and special to Charleston.

 

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Rooftop on the rocks. Join us tonight for Happy Hour from 4-7pm.

A post shared by The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue (@venduerooftop) on Jul 25, 2019 at 11:55am PDT

While Charleston is full of beautiful neighborhoods, it’s hard to beat an afternoon spent in the French Quarter.

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Charleston Art Galleries You’ve Got to Check Out!

Featured Image Credit: https://www.millergallerychs.com/

When many think of Charleston they think of charm. From cobblestone streets, to palm trees and beautiful architecture there really is so much to take in. However, next time you’re exploring the magical streets of downtown, do yourself a favor and pop in to one of the many amazing art galleries the city has to offer!

With a thriving art scene in Charleston, it’s really hard to put one gallery above another, after all art is subjective- But here are a few local favorites:

Atrium Art Gallery

Atrium Art Gallery, A.K.A. Charleston’s “most exciting art place” is located in the heart of downtown and features abstract, contemporary and black and white photography artists. For more on Atrium Art Gallery and it’s featured artists, click here.

Grand Bohemian Gallery

Seriously, mark this place as a must-see! The luxury hotel it’s located in is a masterpiece in and of itself, but wait till you check out this gallery! The Kessler Collection is a vivid, lively collection of the most inspiring and eclectic pieces! To learn more about the Grand Bohemian Gallery and to check out it’s artist works, click here.

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Connected to the College of Charleston, the Halsey is truly in the center of the action. This non-collecting contemporary art gallery brings in exhibitions from artists around the globe. With innovative pieces by adventurous artists, the Halsey is a local favorite and a sure conversation starter. Check out some of it’s upcoming exhibitions here.

The George Gallery

Situated on the East Side, right off the corner of Bogard Street, The George Gallery is a fresh, contemporary space featuring abstract and modern pieces that really make an impression. With crowds that spill out into the street, this gallery is a can’t-miss centerpiece in the Charleston art scene. Check it out here.

Redux Contemporary Art Center

The coolest thing about Redux? Honestly, that’s a long list! This non-profit organization is a local gem featuring 45 local artists studios, meaningful educational programs, and a collaborative space for events and exhibitions. Stop by on one of their open studio nights to get a sneak-peek into the world of an artist and meet and greet with some of your favorite local creatives! Learn more here.

Miller Gallery

A place where local and international works collide-The Miller Gallery features everything from fine art painters to sculptors and artisans all displayed in a 1,500 square foot contemporary space. For more information on this gallery, click here.

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