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The Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston

Open-air restaurants are all the rage this summer, as establishments adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Luckily, Charlestonians already love to dine outdoors. While many restaurants are finding ways to create more patio seating, nothing quite compares to a rooftop view. Here’s a roundup of the best rooftop bars in Charleston for the next time you decide to hit the town. 

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

This King Street beauty has a short, but sweet, rotating menu. With stellar drinks and a downtown view, this establishment is nothing short of fabulous. Locals love the weekend Brunch as it’s known iconically for their decadent selection. Pop a cork and cheer mimosas with friends on their open-air rooftop. 

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Enjoy al fresco lunch on the highrise patio at this chic hotel. For lively atmosphere and Southern architecture views, join the folks at the Vendue. On hotter days, a Strawberry Basil Lemonade will quench your thirst. Their plethora of seating offers options for parties of all sizes.

The Watch 

You’ll forget to check your watch as time spent on the rooftop of the Restoration Hotel is time well spent. Guests will want to head to the restaurant at sunset for an incredible Holy City golden hour. As you soak up the last of the sun, share appetizers while picking through their selection of sweet libations.

Revelry Brewing 

Calling all IPA drinkers! This rooftop brewery is young, lively, and perfect for an evening escape. Their large selection of home-brewed beer is iconic in this city. Crack a cold one safely outdoors at this large beer garden. 

Red’s Ice House

Ditch downtown and head to Shem Creek for sunset drinks at Reds. The motto here? “Inside is boring!” Enjoy this laid back setting for seafood and drinks as you watch boats float by. The occasional dolphin even makes an appearance along the creek!

Events

RiverDogs Announce Summer Camp Offerings

This summer isn’t a bummer thanks to the announcing of the RiverDogs Youth Summer Camps. Even though the 2020 baseball season remains delayed, that won’t stop the Charleston youth from practicing their grounders. Beginning Tuesday, June 16th, RiverDogs director Chris Singleton and his team welcome sign-ups for five weeks of baseball camp. 

You can find them at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park throughout the summer as camps begin. Signups cap off at 40 campers, which then splits into smaller groups of 10. With limiting the spread of COVID-19 in mind, drop-off procedures are to be enforced. 

Players can expect all the fundamentals of a normal practice. From batting, stealing, to stretching, this camp covers all your bases. Campers meet at 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day from Tuesday-Friday. Ages 6-13 are welcome to attend. Registration cost begins at $250.

If baseball isn’t quite your forte, the RiverDogs have also announced a summer culinary camp. 15 attendees will learn proper cooking skills while crafting a new lunch dish. Meeting Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17, students can expect a lot of exciting information packed into the 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. time slot. Pricing begins at $300 per week. 

For more information and the link to registration, click here.

Eat & Drink

National Doughnut Day

National doughnut day is nearly upon us. Every June 5th, doughnut shops across the country pass out sugary bites, free of charge. The holiday was originally created not as a marketing ploy, but rather a way to boost morale for soldiers in World War I back in 1938. Considering we could all use a reason to celebrate, here’s a round-up of participating doughnut shops in Charleston. 

Krispy Kreme

Over these last few months, time has seemed to be on a course of its own. Days feel like weeks and weeks feel like days. The good news? Krispy Kreme gets it. Instead of celebrating national doughnut day on its usual June 5th, this year you can get your favorite doughnut, free of charge from June 1st – 5th. Limited to one doughnut per person. For more information visit here.

Dunkin’ Donuts 

As if we needed another excuse to go to Dunkin! This national donut day they’re offering what they call, “The Sweet Treat American Deserves.” Participating locations will be offering a free donut of your choosing with any beverage purchase on June 5th. You’ll want to stop in quick before they run out of your favorite sprinkled treat. In case you can’t make it on the 5th, order off GrubHub from June 6th-7th for a free half dozen on all orders $10 or more. Interested in free donuts for a year? All it takes is your best slogan ideas answering the question, “What does The Donut Party stand for to you?” To enter, use the #DunkinDonutPartySweepstakes on Instagram. For more information visit here.

Duck Donuts

Not one, not two, but three days of celebrating is in store for Duck Donuts’ lovers. From June 5th – 7th all online, app, or carry-out orders will be receiving a free cinnamon sugar donut. And if you download their rewards app prior to June 4th, a second cinnamon sugar donut will be headed home with you! For more information visit here. 

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Charleston activities bucket list

9 Charleston Activities That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the first time, you just moved here, or you’ve lived here all your life, there are a few MUST-see and do things that everyone should experience at least once.

Here are 9 things that should be on everyone’s Charleston bucket list:

Walk or Run Over the Ravenel Bridge

In addition to being a great way to exercise, this activity is also free and offers incredible views of the Charleston harbor at the midpoint of the bridge.

Visit the Angel Oak Tree 

A trip out to John’s Island, which is just outside Charleston, is a must-see day trip destination that everyone needs to experience at least once. Check out the famous Angel Oak Tree, a historic 500-year-old tree in the heart of Wadmalaw.

Check Out Patriot’s Point and the USS Yorktown 

The docks at the Patriot’s Point marina offer incredible views of the Charleston harbor. History bluffs will also love touring the Yorktown, a decommissioned World War II aircraft carrier.

Ride Horses on the Beach 

The Seabrook Equestrian Center is the only place that offers horse riding on the beach in Charleston. This activity gives animal lovers a chance to trot or gallop along the breaking waves of the beautiful South Carolina coastline.

Walk in the Middle of King Street during Second Sunday

On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed off to vehicular traffic from Calhoun Street to Queen Street. This event is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, as restaurants and shops congregate along the street to showcase and sample their goods.

Take a Ghost Tour of the Old Jail

Having housed some of the city’s most infamous criminals, the Old Jail is supposedly one of the most haunted places in all of Charleston. Take a nighttime ghost tour, if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

Visit the Pitt Street Bridge

One of Charleston’s lesser-known spots, the Pitt Street Bridge is nestled between greater Mount Pleasant and Fort Moultrie and offers amazing views of the harbor and the cove. Venture through old Mt. Pleasant and grab a bite to eat at the famous Pitt Street Pharmacy.

Walk Along The Battery 

The Battery is one of Charleston’s most iconic locations, encompassing the ocean walkway, white point gardens, and of course the picturesque southern mansions that line East Battery Street. Take a walk around the fortified seawall and admire the beauty and history of downtown Charleston.

Take a Ferry to Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter is known for being the location of the first battle of the Civil War and is the only National Park in Charleston. Take a tour of the fort and experience the stunning views of both the Charleston harbor and the Atlantic ocean.

Eat & Drink

Five Signature Charleston Cocktails

When it comes to food and beverage, Charleston has plenty to talk about. With world-class restaurants serving some of the best food there is, it’s no surprise that Charleston yields some world-class cocktails as well. Take a look at these five signature Charleston cocktails:

The Charleston Fizz

Likely the most refreshing drink on this list, this gin cocktail combines fresh tarragon, Ruby Red grapefruit juice, St. Germain, simple syrup, club soda and, of course, gin. Originally inspired by Cannonborough Beverage Company, a Charleston-based soda company, their Grapefruit Elderflower soda can be used to add some extra flavor to this cocktail in place of club soda.

The Charleston Light Dragoon Punch 1792

Sean Brock, Husk’s executive chef, has created the perfect signature Charleston cocktail with this punch that uses tea, raw sugar, lemon juice, brandy, rum, peach brandy and soda water. The recipe was actually adapted from antebellum militia recipe that Brock received from the South Carolina Historical Society, making this drink a true Charleston classic.

Planter’s Punch

Rumored to have been created at Charleston’s own Planter’s Hotel in the nineteenth century, it’s unclear where exactly this recipe came from. While this cocktail isn’t necessarily a Charleston signature, Garden & Gun gives Peninsula Grill in downtown Charleston credits for making one of the best versions of this punch that you can get. With the ingredients of rum, freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine, this summer cocktail can help anyone beat the heat.

The Charleston Breakfast Coffee

Athens-based bartender Jerry Slater came up with this cocktail recipe during the Charleston Wine + Food Festival using local whiskey from High Wire Distilling Co. This drink, made to match the mood of the cold and rainy weekend it was created on, is perfect for any day that you’re stuck indoors. All you’ll need is High Wire’s sorghum whiskey, simple syrup, dark roast coffee and heavy cream.

The Charleston

Last, but not least, is an elegant drink worthy of being created in the high-scale food scene of Charleston. This signature cocktail uses bourbon, madeira, Angostura bitters and an orange peel for garnish. The Charleston is similar to a manhattan with its bourbon base, but uses madeira as they did in the early 19th century to give it that classic Charleston feel.

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6 Ways to Give Back to the Charleston Community

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The Charleston community has plenty of opportunities to give back. Whether you are a college student with a love for kids and a few community service hours to complete or a working adult with a desire to use your free time to serve your neighbors, you’ve come to the right place.

Garden with local schools through the Green Heart Project

The Green Heart Project is a local organization that builds garden-based experiential learning projects and school garden programs to educate students about nutrition, gardening and important life lessons. As a Green Heart Buddy you will work alongside elementary students during in-school and after-school lessons once a week – connecting, encouraging and supporting. If you don’t think you have much of a green thumb, don’t fret – no gardening experience or prior knowledge is required! But for those of you that have garden experience, consider joining the team as a Garden Coordinator.

Join the fight against hunger at the Lowcountry Food Bank

Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) feeds, supports and empowers families, children and seniors in the South Carolina Lowcountry. LCFB encourages locals to join their mission to lead the fight against hunger in the Lowcountry by both volunteering and donating. Volunteers can help by sorting food in the warehouse, cooking in the kitchen, leading nutrition classes and more. You can donate your time, food or money to help make a difference today! Start a food or fund drive or simply donate online. Even a donation of $1 can help provide up to six meals to those in need.

 

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Thank you to @Disney for helping us provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families who experience hunger in our community!

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Hit the squash court with Kids on Point

Squash, you ask? No, we aren’t talking about vegetables here – we are talking about squash, the classic racquet-and-ball sport. Kids on Point, formerly “Chucktown Squash,” introduces the Lowcountry’s youth to a world of opportunity outside of their under-resourced neighborhoods through year-round academic, athletic and enrichment support. You can volunteer in the classroom, on the squash court and in the community. Learn to play alongside the students to develop your skills. But if sports aren’t your thing, volunteers are also needed off the court to tutor local students in the classroom or join KOP on civic-centered service projects around the community.

Mentor a student with Yo Art!

This program is the perfect blend of both art and technology. Yo Art! enhances everyday classroom curriculum with media arts programs designed to spark students’ curiosity and teach real-world skills. Programs include lessons and skill-building in photography, coding, design and film making. If you have an interest in technology-driven arts in addition to a love for children, consider volunteering with Yo Art and becoming a one-on-one mentor for a student enrolled in their programs. Share your gifts with local students!

 

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It’s #givingtuesday! Link in bio to help keep Yo Art in the classroom!

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Care for our community’s homeless animals at the Charleston Animal Society.

For all of you animal lovers (and, let’s be honest, who isn’t an animal lover?), head over to the Charleston Animal Society to become a vital part of their life saving organization. Walk and socialize dogs, care for and cuddle cats, help with adoptions and special events, provide care for animals who undergo surgery and just love on the little fur babies that the Charleston Animal Society houses. If you fall in love with one, you can also choose to foster or adopt! We know you love animals, so what are you waiting for?

Become a classroom mentor with Charleston Hope

Charleston Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring hope in the next generation by promoting positive and intentional living in local Title I schools. The Classroom Mentor Program pairs community members with Title I schools to build positive relationships and help local, disadvantaged students reach their math goals. Work alongside teachers to make a direct impact on children’s academic performance and personal growth, or become a monthly donor to support the mission. This organization will introduce you to a great group of driven and servant-minded volunteers, not to mention some really cool kids at the local schools!

If you are interested in other opportunities, be sure to check out Habitat organizations like Habitat for Humanity, One80 Place or Meals on Wheels of Charleston.

Eat & Drink

The Best Spots for Barbecue in Charleston

Featured Image: Eater

No one is surprised when they hear about the rise of Charleston’s food scene, and the expanse of barbecue restaurants is no exception. These five Charleston barbecue restaurants will give you plenty of southern food that you’ll be hungry to write home about.

Lewis Barbecue

Just two years ago, John Lewis changed the barbecue scene here in Charleston. Having established himself as a prized pitmaster in Austin, TX, he made his way to the Holy City to make his mark on Charleston with the opening of Lewis Barbecue. Welding the custom-designed smokers himself, Lewis wakes up at 4 a.m. to tend the fire that slow cooks meat for 18 hours.

 

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Welcome to the Monday morning smoke show. #pitcrew

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Rodney Scott’s

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is deep-rooted in heritage and tradition. At a young age, Scott learned to cook whole hog barbecue watching his family do the same in the hog pits they built behind their convenience store in Hemingway, SC.

Word got out about how good the smoked meats the Scott’s were selling out of their convenience store was and people began traveling hours each week just to try it. With so much popularity, Rodney Scott decided to leave the family business and open up his own BBQ joint here in Charleston in 2016. In 2018, Rodney was named the James Beard Best Chef in the Southeast for his restaurant.

Home Team BBQ

With several locations, now expanding as far as Aspen, CO, Home Team BBQ is a fresh and local-minded restaurant right down to their sauces. With experimentation always in mind, the Home Team crew is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to use smoked meats. With award-winning dishes, an expansive bar, and a fun, family-friendly environment, Home Team is the whole package!

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How much for one rib?

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Smoke BBQ

In the heart of Charleston on upper King Street is Smoke BBQ. Smoke is one of the most diverse options of the Charleston BBQ scene. With plenty to choose from, including tacos and pastrami that is cooked 16 hours, Smoke stands out in the crowd. Check it out the next time you’re downtown and looking for some southern barbecue.

Swig & Swine

Swig & Swine features classic, all-wood smoked barbecue that delivers the juiciest smoked meats the Lowcountry has to offer. With four locations in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and West Ashley, Swig & Swine restaurants are serving up to barbecue lovers all around.

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

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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

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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.

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.

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