locals

For Locals Only: Where To Go To Escape Tourists In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Edisto Beach Facebook

Obviously, we love Charleston. And we love that other people love Charleston. But sometimes us locals can get a little overwhelmed by the tourists that pour into town all year. So, if you want to have a little time to yourself or commune with locals, then try to get away for a while and visit one of the following places.

Edisto Island

Edisto Beach has fewer tourists than Charleston Beaches

Image Credit: Edisto Beach Facebook

It’s off the beaten path, so it’s a little bit of a trek, but Edisto Beach is worth a day trip. This island community is small, but welcoming. A beautiful beach with fewer tourists than Folly, IOP or Sullivan’s awaits after the drive. Once you’re there you can simply enjoy the beach or head out on a boat or eco tour. There’s also a museum on the island and a serpentarium as well as a golf course. And one of the most untouched and eerie beaches is located on the island at Botany Bay Plantation (pictured).

Chapel Street Fountain Park

Not Many Tourists at Chapel Street Fountain Garden

Image Credit: Kevin Cunningham Facebook

There are plenty of charming neighborhood parks in Charleston that you can retreat to when you’re tired of tourists. Chapel Street Fountain park is just one of them. This pocket park on Chapel Street is a hidden downtown Charleston oasis. In the park, lush gardens surround an iron fountain. It’s the perfect place for quiet and reflection.

Daniel Island Waterfront Park

Featured Image Credit: McKenzie Danyelle Wardwell Facebook

Aside from the tennis stadium, Daniel Island is primarily a residential part of Charleston. Therefore, you won’t find many tourists on the island. There are several parks on the island perfect for walking, running, or cycling. One with the best view is Daniel Island Waterfront Park. As the name suggests, it’s on the water, situated on the Wando River. Go for a stroll and take in the beauty of one of Charleston’s many waterways.

Charleston Library Society

Image Credit: Charleston Library Society Facebook

If you’re not in the mood to go to a park while you’re downtown, you can escape to in Downtown Charleston, there’s another quiet place you can duck into to want to ditch the tourists. The Charleston Library Society is in the heart of historic downtown and allows visitors to come in during normal operating hours and enjoy the main reading room. It’s a great place to read (obviously), study, or just get your thoughts together. If you’re fond of the library, it might be worth it to get a membership and get access to more of the library.

Old Santee Canal Park

Image Credit: Old Santee Canal Park Facebook

Another destination you may want to consider if you want to avoid tourists in Charleston is Old Santee Canal Park. Take a day trip from the Peninsula to Moncks Corner and visit the site of the country’s first canal. Packed with history and plenty of recreational opportunities (canoeing, fishing, picnicking), Old Santee Canal Park is full of fun. There are four miles of meandering boardwalks for nature viewing, an interpretive center, a museum and heritage center, and a plantation on the 195 acre park.

Guest Columns

Get Your Jam On: The Best Live Music Venues In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Music Farm Facebook

There are plenty of things to love about Charleston – the food, the beaches, the history, the weather. Another reason to love our city is that there is no shortage of places to see live music. Whether it’s your favorite bar or a fancier set up, Charleston is a city that’s got a lot of music. So if you want to be in with the in crowd, you don’t want to miss these live music venues in Charleston.

Image Credit: Charleston Pour House Facebook

Charleston Pour House

This laid back live music venue on James Island has long been a favorite among locals. Whether you’re seeing a well known act on the main stage inside or a new local act out on the patio it’s worth your while to head to the Pour House. Make sure to head to the Lot next door for dinner and drinks before.

Image Credit: Charleston Music Hall Facebook

Charleston Music Hall

For an intimate vibe, head to Charleston Music Hall. Both local and nationally touring acts grace the stage at the Music Hall. The venue is two stories and holds almost 1,000concert goers. The variety of acts that grace the stage make checking out Charleston Music Hall a must for any Charleston native or visitor.

Image Credit: Music Farm Facebook

Music Farm

Music Farm Productions, which runs both the Charleston and Columbia Music Farm locations, puts on more than 200 shows a year. There are local favorites like Jump Little Children that play there on an almost yearly basis, touring faves, and new up and coming acts to check out at the shows. If you’re looking for a prime live music venue downtown, then look no further than the Music Farm.

Image Credit: The Windjammer Facebook

The Windjammer

This IOP staple is a great place to visit whether there’s a band onstage or not. However, since we’re talking about music venues, then it must be said that if you’re a live music fan, you should pay the Windjammer a visit. You’ll find both local and touring acts on the bill here so you can find a new band to listen to or rock out to an old favorite.

Image Credit: North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center Facebook

North Charleston Performing Arts Center

For bigger acts that are well known, but not necessarily filling arenas yet, one of the best live music venues in Charleston is the North Charleston performing arts center. Acts like Daryl Hall and John Oates, Cindy Lauper and Bela Fleck have all graced the stage at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. And if you are in the mood for an arena experience, just head next door to the Coliseum.

Image Credit: Prohibition Facebook

Prohibition

You might hear the name “Prohibition” and think great cocktails. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong there! But Prohibition also has live music six nights a week. You’ll often find bands jamming away and people taking a spin on the dance floor between drinks. They have both regular bands and special guests so you can see a variety of acts here.

Guest Columns

Charleston Artists, Authors And Scientists Can Now Apply For Annual Mini Grants

Featured Image Credit: Imagekind/ Painting by Ginette Callaway

The Charleston Scientific and Cultural Education Fund is seeking applicants for its annual grants between $1,500 and $7,000.

The nonprofit has been supporting locals who plan to pursue a scientific, cultural or artistic project for the past 80 years. Businessman Charles Hughes, who died in 1939 at age 31, created the fund in his will.

The fund’s trustees want to hear from tri-county area residents who are native-born South Carolinians between the ages of 21 and 60. Previous recipients include artists William Halsey, Merton Simpson and Anne Worsham Richardson, as well as biologist Robert Lunz.

Application forms may be obtained from Tamme Suggs at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., P.O. Box 340, Charleston, SC 29402 or by e-mail at tsuggs@hsblawfirm.com.

The deadlines are Aug. 25 to request an application and Aug. 31 to submit one. The annual grants will be announced before Sept. 16.

Learn more from our source.

Eat & Drink

Don’t Want To Fight The Crowds? 7 Best Alternatives To Dining In Downtown Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Community Pizza House

We all know the Holy City is known for it’s fantastic foodie scene (among many other things). If you’re a local, sometimes it feels hard to find a great spot to eat without the hassle of dealing with the traffic, parking, and crowd downtown.

Good news is, you don’t have to go downtown to find an amazing place to grab brunch, a quick bite or a few cocktails. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants in your neighborhood known for its laid-back atmosphere and unforgettable food that will make you feel like you are in the middle of all the action without, well, being IN all the action.

(These are not in order by any means.)

North Charleston: Community Pizza House

Image Credit: Facebook/ Community Pizza House

Some may say that Park Circle is the best spot in North Charleston for a good bite to eat. Buttttt we beg to differ. Head past Park Circle and make your way towards the Tanger Outlets to Community Pizza House. This massive building with a spacious dining room, outside seating and an upstairs deck offers custom wood fired pizzas, crisp salads, signature sandwiches and plenty of “community” plates for the whole table to share. Be sure to grab one of their hand crafted sodas with your meal…you won’t regret it.

West Ashley: Oak Barrel Tavern

Image Credit: Facebook/ Oak Barrel Tavern

Blink and you might miss this hidden little gem next to Roost Bar & Grill in Avondale! It’s a cramped, dim-lit room that feels a lot like a neighborhood tavern. There isn’t plenty of seating, however there is a small bar that offers seating as well. The best part is the sushi..which is only available on select nights when Sushi Ninja LLC is there! Be sure to check out their Facebook for a schedule.

James Island: Zia Taqueria

Image Credit: Facebook/ Zia Taqueria

In the mood for authentic Mexican? You can find it at Zia Taqueria. Start off with a tart margarita that’s served in a pint glass, then fill your belly with their crave able, homemade salsa and tacos. We recommend the fish tacos (oh…em…gee…our mouth is watering just thinking about them.) Best part? This little spot offers $2.50 tacos on Mondays…heck yeah!

Johns Island: Fat Hen

Image Credit: Facebook/ Fat Hen

Fat Hen is actually considered one of the best places in all of Charleston for brunch! This adorable cottage has scrumptious dinners as well, focusing on Fresh-country flare with an ever changing menu. Enjoy a $10 mimosa carafe with your brunch..but be sure to make a reservation beforehand. You can thank us later!

Mount Pleasant: Pickled Palate

Image Credit: www.thepickledpalate.com

This is your go-to spot for enjoying wine and cheese in a chill atmosphere. Pickled Palate has just that. With a vintage garden to sit in, fresh brewed teas, a great wine selection, fresh panini’s, salads and sandwiches, this little gem has something for just about everyone. You’ll feel like you’re eating in an enchanted forest!

Sullivan’s Island: Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Image Credit: Facebook/ Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

It’s hard to imagine not making a pit-stop at Poe’s when on Sullivan’s Island, but we’re here to tell you that there are some other amazing restaurants just across the street that are just as hoppin! Mex 1 Coastal Cantina is the perfect spot to go to after a long day at the beach. They infuse their own tequila, give you free chips and dip to start with, and play some gnarly surfing videos on every single TV, all day long.

Folly Beach: St. James Gate Irish Pub

Image Credit: Facebook/ St. James Gate Irish Pub

With the windows open and the sea air pouring in, meals are just a whole lot better at this authentic Irish pub on Folly Beach. The chef, a former marine, has been perfecting his craft for years, and it shows in his food. Start off with a charcuterie board with homemade Irish soda bread, then enjoy a FRESH lobster roll. Yes, a fresh Maine lobster roll in South Carolina. The restaurant gets their lobster fresh twice a week. Ohhhh yeah.

Guest Columns

5 Best Day Trips For Charleston Locals To Take This Summer

Featured Image Credit: www.RoadTrippers.com

Summer is nearly here, which means its time to channel your inner explorer. Roll down those windows, turn up the music and head out on a day-long adventure. These are 5 of our favorite day trips, and they are merely suggestions so let the journey dictate your destination!

Edisto Island

Image Credit: www.PierAndSurf.com

This sleepy little beach town is the perfect place to go when you feel like getting away from the hustle bustle of the Holy City. Take a stroll on the beach and you will come across “shell island”, where you are sure to find your fair share of conch shells and pretty much every other kind of seashell you could imagine. Bring a bag so you can take some home! After all that walking, stop at Whaley’s Store, it’s a hole-in-the-wall gas station turned restaurant that has THE best crab cake sandwich. (Voted by Southern Living Magazine!)

Whaley’s Store: 2801 Edisto Island, SC 29438, (843) 869-2161, whaleyseb.com
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Murrells Inlet

Image Credit: www.PawleysIsland.com

Murrells Inlet is home to some of the best seafood in the entire state. Maybe that’s why they call it the “Seafood Capital of the Coast.” But it’s also home to some beautiful attractions, such as Brookgreen Gardens. It’s more than just pretty flowers. There is a zoo, a buttery house, a boating lake, and plenty of sculptures in every direction you turn. We think the best time to visit is in the summer, but after the sun goes down. From Wednesday to Friday, the gardens host live music, children’s activities and dinner in the Pavillion Restaurant. But be sure to check out the Marsh Walk on Murrells Inlet if you’re in the mood to eat elsewhere.

Brookgreen Gardens: 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet, (843) 235-6000, www.brookgreen.org,
Admission: $14; $12 senior; $7 child ages four-12; free for child under four.
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Georgetown

Image Credit: www.HistoricGeorgetownSC.com

You may have passed this rundown paper mill looking town while driving on Highway 17, but passing by without ever stopping would be a big mistake. Just a turn off Front Street and you will enter a world of maritime heritage. It’s a quaint little town filled with century-old buildings, wooden boats and rice and maritime museums. If you get hungry, be sure to stroll along The Harborwalk and find some fresh seafood with a view.

S.C. Maritime Museum: 729 Front St., Georgetown, (843) 520-0111, www.scmaritimemuseum.org.
Admission: Free.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rice Museum: 633 Front St., Georgetown, (843) 546-7423, www.ricemuseum.org
Admission: $7; $5 senior; $3 student age six-21; free for child under six
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

McClellanville

Image Credit: Sciway.net

Another hidden gem off of Highway 17 is a lovely little town called McClellanville. It was founded in the late 19th century as a coastal escape from Santee River. Bring your bike and explore at your own pace. Don’t miss the Village Museum, filled with history on the Sewee natives and rice planting days. If you get hungry, stop by T.W. Graham & Co. on Pinckney Street to sample the day’s fresh catch. Don’t forget to try the sweet-potato fries!

Village Museum: 401 Pinckney St., (843) 887-3030, www.villagemuseum.com.
Admission: $3; free for students and children.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wadmalaw Island

Image Credit: 10best.com

As if the short, 30 minute scenic drive wasn’t enough to get us out here, Wadmalaw Island is home to the Firefly Distillery and Deep Water Vineyard. For just $6, taste the wine made with local muscadine grapes while learn about the process of how its made. You even get to keep your cute wine glass! Then walk next door to the distillery where you can try everything from their signature sweet tea vodka to something a little more decadent, like their red velvet liqueur. Saturdays at the distillery are called Sippin’ Saturdays! You can always find a food truck parked outside along with live music. Take a stroll around the farm and the vineyards and you’ll forget how much time has passed!

Deep Water Vineyards & Firefly Distillery: 6775 Bears Bluff Rd., (843) 557-1405, www.fireflyvodka.com.
Admission: Free, $6 per tasting
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.