For Immediate Release, January 2023
What's New in Charleston Winter 2023
From historic architecture and extensive dining options, to coastal adventures and cultural stories waiting to be shared, Charleston offers a ‘taste’ of more than just its eclectic food scene. We invite you to take a look at all that is new and upcoming in Charleston this winter.
I. Accolades
II. New Restaurants
III. Restaurant News
IV. New Accommodations
V. Retail
VI. Tours + Attractions
VII. Highlighted Special Events
I. ACCOLADES
Where to Travel in 2023: The Best Destinations to Visit
CNN.com
14 Best East Coast Winter Vacations
TripsToDiscover.com
The South’s Best City
SouthernLiving.com
23 of the Best Places You Should Travel to in the US in 2023
Insider.com
10 of the Best Cities in the USA to Move to if You Love Great Architecture
AmazingArchitecture.com
II. NEW RESTAURANTS
CINNAHOLIC CHARLESTON
415 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Cinnaholic.com | @cinnaholic
This bakery is proud to serve "create your own" cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats like made from scratch brownies, cookies and edible cookie dough. All of their products are fresh baked and 100% vegan, dairy & lactose free, egg-free and cholesterol-free. We cater all events, large and small including weddings, conferences and conventions. Opening in early 2023.
EL POLLO GUAPO
1130 Folly Road, Charleston
elpolloguapo.com |@guapoeats
El Pollo Guapo opened in the former Black Magic Cafe on James Island. The eatery will serve up rotisserie chicken, tacos, rice bowls, salads, and desserts at 1130 Folly Rd. Opened November 2022. The restaurant will also be relocating their food truck as well as expanding their concept to Charleston. Opening Winter 2023.
FRONTIER LOUNGE
135 Calhoun Street, Charleston | @frontierlounge
Now open in the former location of Mynt nightclub + this 1970s-style dive bar features cold beer and live music. The new dive bar boasts a 1970s-era aesthetic with retro wallpaper, furniture, lighting, and decor — with a country twist.
HUGH-BABY’S BBQ & BURGER SHOP
1028 St. Andrews Blvd, Charleston
Hughbabys.com | @hughbabys
Hugh-Baby’s BBQ & Burger Shop is headed for Charleston with plans to open soon in West Ashley. The eatery is owned by the same team behind Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint on James Island. They are focused on celebrating the classics, delivering value, and throwing back to the beloved local barbecue and burger spots of our youth. Hugh-Baby’s burgers feature a proprietary blend of premium beef, ground fresh daily. The slow-smoked pulled pork, turkey, and bologna follows the time-honored traditions of Memphis barbecue, and we smoke all the meat for their BBQ sandwiches in-house, every single day. Opening January 2023.
INTERSTATE 95 COFFEE
1300 Savannah Hwy., Charleston l @interstate95coffee
Coffee fanatics, listen up: Interstate 95 Coffee will open its first brick and mortar store on Savannah Highway. They are serving signature cold brews, craft coffee beverages, food, beer, and wine. Opened Fall 2022.
PISCO MAR
99 South Market Street, Charleston
portofcallchs.com |@portofcallchs
Charleston’s first Peruvian chef’s table, officially opens to the public today. Dig into eight courses of Peruvian coastal cuisine + enjoy pisco-centric cocktails at the restaurant located in Port of Call Food and Brew Hall. Chef Esteban Diaz, from the northern coastal Peruvian town of Chiclayo, brings his lifetime of Peruvian gastronomy knowledge to the intimate chef’s table setting of Pisco Mar. The prix fixe 8 course menu will encompass traditional dishes from around the country, with a focus on authentic coastal Peruvian cuisine, and will rotate seasonally and by demand.
PIZZA A MODO MIO
3125 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston
Modomiopizza.com | @pizzaamodomio
Pizza A Modo Mio will serve its New York-style Fresh, Homemade and traditional pizza slices. Previously served via food truck, Pizza a Modo Mio is all about bringing their atmosphere to you. They use fresh ingredients that are sourced locally and make each pie to order. Expect 15 styles of 18-inch pizza, garlic knots, and subs at 3125 Bees Ferry Rd. A tentative grand opening is planned for January 2023.
SORELLE
88 Broad Street, Charleston
sorellecharleston.com |@sorelle_chs
The restaurant is set within three historic townhouses on Broad Street. The owners say Sorelle is inspired by Italy’s markets, all-day cafes, and culinary traditions. It will offer a variety of dining experiences throughout its large, two-story space including an alimentari (market), central bar, wine room, pizza counter, grand dining room, and an exclusive chef’s table. Opening in Spring 2023.
IRON ROSE
The Mills House
115 Meeting St #174, Charleston, SC
Ironroserestaurant.com | @ironrosecharleston
Iron Rose, bringing clean, elevated Southern coastal fare to Charleston’s historic French Quarter. Tucked away inside the iconic (pink) walled garden courtyard at The Mills House, Iron Rose is serving up shareable bites, vegetable-forward plates, and a selection of entrées featuring locally sourced ingredients.
THE QUINTE OYSTER BAR
The Pinch Hotel, Charleston
thequinte.com |@thequinteoysterbar
A new 40-seat oyster bar located off the lobby of The Pinch hotel. The spot is said to feature a “Paris-meets-old-New-York interior” and offers hyper-local seafood dishes like seafood towers + shrimp rolls. The oyster-focused menu explores regional coastal cuisines with seasonally rotating plates alongside an impressive oyster and raw bar selection. With a focus on hyper-local vendors and delicacies, guests and locals alike can expect to find the an oyster-focused menu featuring fresh and sustainable seafood simply prepared and expertly shucked, with a focus on hyper-local vendors and delicacies hand select daily straight from the fishing boats of local Charleston purveyors. Opened November 2022.
III. RESTAURANT NEWS
BOHEMIAN BULL TAVERN AND BEER GARDEN
2668 Highway 17, North Mount Pleasant
bohemianbull.com |@bohemianbull
Bohemian Bull Tavern and Beer Garden is headed for North Mount Pleasant. This James Island brewery plans to open a new location at 2668 Hwy. 17 N Mount Pleasant.
HURIYALI
2016 Wappoo Drive, Charleston
huriyali.com |@huriyali
Healthy eatery Huriyali is opening its second location in James Island this winter! The new Riverland Terrace location is in the works for guests to enjoy salads, smoothies, sandwiches, buddha bowls, sweets and more. Opened December 2022.
ISLAND PROVISIONS
221 Saint Philip Street, Charleston
islandprovisions.com |@islandprovisionschs
A familiar Johns Island restaurant is expanding. Local market and cafe Island Provisions is opening its second location downtown Charleston, serving up familiar dishes from the Johns Island location plus downtown originals like a veggie sandwich. Expect an indoor dining area, coffee + cocktail bar, patio, and market at the 1,200-sqft space at 221 St. Philip St.
THE SWEETGRASS LOUNGE
1640 Meeting Street Road
sweetgrassvodka.com | @thesweetgrasslounge
The Sweetgrass Lounge is a coastal-decadent lounge in downtown Charleston and the official flagship of Sweet Grass Vodka. Serving locally sourced spirits, cocktails and light bites, the lounge opened for business in late October 2022 and has already made its splash in The Refinery community. From a secret family recipe to winning the 2022 Best Domestic Vodka award and winning Master Awards in three separate categories for Organic, Micro-distillery and Smoothest, Sweet Grass Vodka was founded right here in Charleston, South Carolina. The Sweetgrass Lounge has been carefully curated to reflect the brand’s tagline “drink like a local.”
TY’S ROADSIDE
713 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Ty’s Roadside Coastal Kitchen recently announced its new lunch menu and bar. Ty's Roadside is a family-owned business in south Mount Pleasant that embodies the coastal lifestyle. They’re often known for their eye-catching mode of operations including humorous marquee signs and utilizing Ty’s golf cart as a telltale for when the business is open. Whether you’re on the way to or from the beach, getting off the boat, looking for a casual dinner with family, or meeting friends for a night out, Ty’s Roadside welcomes you, and all adventurous souls.
VICTOR’S SEAFOOD & STEAK
39F John Street, Charleston
holycityhospitality.com |@victorsseafoodandsteak
Holy City Hospitality opened Victor’s Seafood & Steak in June of this year, and they have expanded the concept into their space next door. Beginning December 1st, the dining room for Victor’s will be in the space that was previously Michael’s on the Alley. The dining room is a plush, cozy space, reminiscent of a family living room or an upscale hunting cabin. There are antique furniture pieces and artwork from the collection of the restaurant’s owner, Michael Bennett, as well as Bennett family photos and antiques collected by generations of their Lowcountry family. The dining room and bar area will offer the same menu, so guests can choose the dining experience they prefer.Menu items range from shareable seafood towers, lobster bisque, and oysters rockefeller, to classic steakhouse entrees, and local fresh catch seafood specialties.
IV. ACCOMMODATIONS NEWS
THE COOPER
176 Concord St. Charleston SC 29401
The Cooper will be downtown Charleston’s only full-service waterfront hotel. Overlooking the Cooper River, the hotel draws its design inspiration from its French Quarter surroundings. In addition to 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, The Cooper will also include a 7,000-square-foot full-service spa and fitness center, nearly 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, and an outdoor infinity-edge resort pool with views of the harbor and the historic downtown skyline. Opening Fall 2024.
THE MOXY HOTEL
547 Meeting St, Charleston
Located in the Upper Peninsula, the hotel treats their travelers to a spirited and edgy guest experience. First round is on us with a complimentary libation upon check-in. They subscribe to an "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" philosophy - inviting guests to meet up in the lobby for a game of ping pong or one of daily themed events. The goal of their design details is to pay homage to Charleston’s unique history. Need to meet? Both the War Rooms are available, along with a rooftop terrace space overlooking the scenic Ravenel Bridge. When you are finally ready to call it quits, retreat to their cozy rooms that are thoughtfully crafted with cushy beds, TVs with high quality sound systems, and speedy Wi-Fi. Opening February 2023.
THE WILLOW
7562 Plantation Rd. North Charleston
The Willow, a $48 million project expected to offer 338 units. The apartment development is expected to feature amenities including a pickleball court and a half-acre dog park. The Willow is a 20.3-acre site located in the metro area's high growth corridor in North Charleston. The community consists of 6 highly-amenitized buildings, totaling 338-units. Property amenities include a 7,700 square foot clubhouse, complete with a variety of co-working spaces, a 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, a lounge and game room, and a covered patio overlooking the saltwater pool and close proximity to I-26 and the Charleston International Airport. Opening Winter 2024.
V. RETAIL
FACE FOUNDRIÉ
562 King Street
Face Foundrié is an all-inclusive facial salon, launched in the Charleston market.
Face Foundrié is focused on providing cutting edge salon services at affordable prices in an efficient facial bar space. Their products and services are designed for all skin types and range from 20-40 minute length. Among the skincare services are hydrafacial, cryogenic therapy, dermaplane, gua sha massage, and chemical peel, with prices ranging from $25-$175. In addition to spa services, the salon also offers eyebrow waxing and shaping, and skincare products. Opened December 2022.
JULISKA
268 King Street, Charleston
juliska.com | @juliskaofficial
Juliska is a home decor brand that has opened the first floor of its flagship store on King Street, commemorating its 20th anniversary. The second floor is scheduled to open in January and will feature a bar, bridal and design salon, and workshop studio. The storefront will be complete in spring 2023 with L’amour Toujours Cafe in the courtyard garden.
WISCONSIN MEAT & CHEESE
1027 Folly Road, Charleston
wimeatandcheese.com | @wiscomeatandcheese
Bringing Wisconsin to the South: This new location offers a cozy style interior with over 150 different cheeses, over 50 kinds of meats, Racine Kringle, the perfect assortments for charcuterie boards including jams, crackers, mustards, pickles, olives, spreads, "snacky" foods, and sweets. They start off greeting customers with a "Sample of the Day": A different cheese picked out every day so their customers have the chance to try something they have likely never tried before. Wisconsin Meat & Cheese is set to offer 200+ cheeses, meats like beef, pork, and venison, and charcuterie board spreads. Opened in November 2022.
VI. TOURS + ATTRACTIONS
SAWMILL BRANCH TRAIL
500 E. Richardson Avenue, Summerville
The Sawmill Branch Trail is a paved walking and biking trail that runs along the Sawmill Branch Canal, at the corner of Berlin Myers Parkway and Highway 78. This trail will be part of a larger structure known as the Loblolly Greenway.
BATTERY PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
1865 Ave B N, North Charleston, SC 29405
Battery Park Pedestrian Bridge, aka Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge, has officially opened to the public following a grand opening celebration. The bridge is gaining recognition. Architectural Digest included the development on its list of “The 11 Most Beautiful Elevated Walkways Through Nature”. The winding structure is 800 linear feet, with two 55-foot-tall steel arches and views of Noisette Creek. It will also include a gathering space over the water. Opened in November 2022.
VII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS
2023 WINTER WINE FEST
56 Beaufain St, Charleston, SC 29401
Charleston Wine Festivals will host the Charleston Winter Wine Festival at Festival Hall (formerly Memminger Auditorium) on Saturday, January 28, 2023, 2 Sessions. Session 1 – 12 pm-4 pm; Session 2 – 6pm-10pm. We will feature 50+ different wines, mimosas, beers and White Claw to sample. Enjoy the awesome venue with Live Music, and DJ. Festival Tickets are $45 advance, $50 after Jan. 19, and $60 day of event. First 300 of each session is just $35. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 14 at 10am Your ticket price includes a souvenir acrylic wine glass, entertainment, and all of your wine, cider, & beer samples.
LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL
1235 Long Point Rd. in Mt. Pleasant
The 39th annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival is right around the corner so we’re giving you the lowdown on the world’s largest oyster fest. The “rain or shine” event — hosted by the Charleston Restaurant Foundation — will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Boone Hall Plantation. General parking will be free. There will be buckets of oysters, live music on the main stage, raw oyster shucking and eating contests, wine and beer, and a food court featuring local eateries. Food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase at the festival. You can also buy oyster knives + gloves at the event. Pets, coolers, and outside food and beverages are not permitted.
OYSTER ROAST SERIES AT FIREFLY DISTILLERY
4201 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Firefly Distillery is hosting monthly oyster roasts this season on January 22, February 26, and March 19. Teaming up with Lowcountry Oyster Co, there will be local oysters, accouterments and a bloody mary bar. Local food trucks will be onsite for each event along with live music.
SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition)
185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston
SEWE is a celebration of the great outdoors through fine art, live entertainment and special events. It’s where artists, craftsmen, collectors and sporting enthusiasts come together to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and connect through a shared passion for wildlife. The largest event of its kind in the U.S., SEWE promises attendees unforgettable experiences every February in Charleston, South Carolina. The 2023 event will be January 17th through 19th.
WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Charlestonwineandfood.com | @chswineandfood
635 Rutledge Ave #101, Charleston
Charleston Wine + Food was founded in 2005 by a group of loyal community leaders with a vision of creating an event to promote + elevate Charleston’s culinary brand. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the goal was to put Charleston on the map as a culinary destination and bring national + international attention to the city through the production of a multi-day wine + food festival. Charleston Wine + Food infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March. The 2023 event will take place on March 1-5.
EXPLORE CHARLESTON
WHO WE ARE
The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (Explore Charleston) is a 501-C-6 Direct Marketing and Management Organization focused on sharing the rich history, culture, and community that makes up the Charleston area. Our goal is to help with the long-term development of surrounding communities through utilizing travel and tourism strategy. With Explore Charleston’s mindset of increasing overnight visitors to the area, we have seen over 3.80 Billion in labor earnings and an overall economic impact of 10.62 Billion for 2021. Explore Charleston is also categorized as a regional organization as it represents ten different local governments within the surrounding counties. The DMMO is fiscally supported by membership dues, accommodations tax, program revenue, and matching grant money from the statewide destination-specific marketing fund.
THE MAKEUP OF CHARLESTON
The Charleston area stands on six pillars that make for an unforgettable experience. These pillars include Art and Culture, Cuisine, Family, History, Outdoors, and Shopping. Individually, these pillars are substantial in driving traffic, and together, they serve as a guide to the authentic Charleston experience.
Arts and Culture
For more than 300 years, the Charleston region's evocative beauty has inspired painters, poets, playwrights, and musicians. An artist’s muse, the Charleston area has lent its setting to novels, movies, operatic scores, and canvases seen around the world. Standing ovations, one-man shows, historic theaters, high-energy festivals, Gullah crafts, and more than 500 live performances annually contribute to the Charleston community’s multi-sensory cultural aura.
Cuisine
Is it the acclaimed restaurant scene? The pristine seafood? The passionate chefs and purveyors? The unique Lowcountry recipes? Whatever it may be, the Charleston area exudes a gravitational pull for food lovers as the one Southern destination they absolutely, positively must visit. At a glimpse, the Charleston community procures Local Seafood and Lowcountry Cuisine along with sophisticated twists on Southern Staples.
Family
Embark on an interactive journey disguised as a vacation! It does not matter if your family’s preferred vacation style is high-energy or low-key; the Charleston area offers plenty of age-appropriate activities designed for family fun. The region is widely known for its kid-friendly attractions—from beachfront resorts to boat rides to cupcake shops. Are we there yet? Absolutely! The Charleston area abounds with a myriad of places to play. While the nearby beaches are go-to spots on sunny weekends, spending time exploring downtown is always an adventure.
History
Yes, we have cobblestone streets and historic landmarks aplenty, but it's the stories that come to life through our people, art, architecture, food, and fashion that capture the world's imagination and heart.
Outdoors
Miles of white sand beaches, an ocean, tidal creeks, paths to bike and walk, and adventure everywhere you look. See what the world’s talking about. Ranging from beaches, fishing, and sailing to world renowned golf courses, tours and gardens, the Charleston region truly encompasses the term variety when it comes to the outdoors.
Shopping
Save room in your luggage for souvenirs! One-of-a-kind pieces come from special places. The options are endless at emporiums filled with antiques and chic boutiques that highlight up-and-coming designers. Find tradition-steeped, handcrafted items and delicious artisanal products at every turn. The Charleston area has attracted a creative class of people that constantly add to the unique offerings of our community.
Doug Warner
Executive Vice President
[email protected]
Chris Campbell
Vice President of Strategy & External Affairs
[email protected]
Kourtney Jones
Director of Media Relations
[email protected]
Kinley DuRant
Media Relations Manager
[email protected]
