Featured Press Releases

Use this library of press releases written by the Charleston Area CVB media relations department to mine for story ideas, stay abreast of what is new in the destination and learn about the special events that take place throughout the year.

For additional story ideas, we invite you to visit our blog.

For Immediate Release, March 2021
What's New in the Charleston Area Spring 2021

WHAT’S NEW IN THE CHARLESTON, S.C. AREA: Spring 2021

With its vibrant culture, rich history, exquisitely-preserved architecture, idyllic coastal location, celebrated dining scene and friendly locals, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of America’s best loved travel destinations. Readers of leading travel magazines have consistently voted for Charleston as their favorite domestic travel destination, resulting in the No. 1 U.S City (2020, 2019), No. 1 Small U.S. City (2018), the No. 1 City in the World (2016) and the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013) and the No. 1 U.S. City ranking by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (2020, 2019 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011).

The Charleston area is a bustling epicenter of hospitality as illustrated by the following news.

I. Accolades
II. New Restaurants
III. Restaurant News
IV. New Accommodations
V. Retail
VI. Community News
VII. Tours + Attractions
VIII. Highlighted Special Events

I. ACCOLADES

America’s 100 Best Cities of 2021
NewsBreak.com

The Best Places To Travel in March
TravelAndLeisure.com

2021’s Best Places To Get Married
WalletHub.com

13 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the U.S.
TravelAndLeisure.com

7 Destinations To Visit in the U.S. To Learn About Black History
BusinessInsider.com

II. NEW RESTAURANTS

167 Raw Sushi Bar
289 East Bay, Charleston | 167raw.com

Seafood spot 167 Raw has relocated and is turning its former oyster bar space into an intimate sushi bar that will seat 12 to 15 customers. Guests can expect more than a dozen pieces of nigiri, unique sushi rolls and Japanese-inspired small plates. Opening Spring 2021.

Beyond Distilling
2157 Rich Street, North Charleston | beyonddistillingcompany.com

Reimagining classic cocktails with a unique twist, Beyond Distilling will offer a variety of spirits such as rum, gin and bourbon. But the cocktails are not the only unique thing about this distilling company. Co-owned by a behavior analyst, Beyond Distilling plans to have half of its staff made up of people with cognitive disabilities to allow for unique employment opportunities and training.

CudaCo.
765 Folly Road, James Island | cudaco.com

CudaCo., a fish and oyster market with a modern flair has opened on James Island. Guests can choose from fresh seafood cuts to take home straight from the butcher or grab menu items such as the Fish Sandy to enjoy on site. Pair your meal with Raw Oysters with red onion mignonette or house-made Cajun Vinegar Chips. Opened December 2020.

Dashi
522 Wando Lane, Mount Pleasant | dashichs.com

Local Asian and Latin restaurant Dashi has opened a food truck that will be permanently stationed at Ghost Monkey Brewing. Customers can enjoy an array of menu items from various cuisines, including Pad Thai with sweet and tangy tamarind sauce and Steamed Buns with pickled carrots and sambal aioli. Opened January 2021.

The Dime
30 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island | thedimedi.com

A new grab-and-go gourmet market has opened on Daniel Island. The Dime offers a variety of coffee drinks and smoothies as well as multiple types of gelato and artisanal pastries. You can also choose from assorted market items like prepared salads and vintage wines to take to-go. Opened February 2021.

Estuary Beans & Barley
3538 Meek’s Farm Road, John’s Island | estuarybeansandbarley.com

Coffee and beer under one roof? Artisan beverage company Estuary Beans & Barley serve sips including Tidal Flow West Coast IPA and House Money Oat Pale Ale while a variety of house roasted coffee blends are available for purchase. Patrons can also indulge on both savory and sweet crepes from Estuary Beans & Barley’s food truck stationed outside. Opened November 2020.

Gobble Gobble
289 Huger Street, Charleston | gobblegobble.com

Gobble Gobble, a food truck originally from Austin, Texas, is now permanently stationed at Palmetto Brewing Co. Using family recipes, this mobile eatery is known for their Turkey Burger with organic vegetables, white cheddar, arugula and lemon aioli. Opened February 2021.

Ink Charleston
565 King Street, Charleston | inkcharleston.com

Ink Charleston is bringing a taste of South Beach to upper King Street. Patrons can sip on cocktails with a tropical flare while enjoying the view from an open-air rooftop bar. Opened February 2021.

Lenoir
68 Wentworth Street, Charleston | dineatlenoir.com

Lenoir, an eatery created by James Beard Award Winner Vivian Howard, seeks to tell the story of the agricultural south through cuisine. Going back to her eastern North Carolina roots, Vivian has curated a dinner-only menu that highlights shareable meals and seasonal ingredients. You can expect to find dishes such as the Deep Run Summer In A Bowl which includes stewed tomatoes, creamed corn and a cucumber, olive and caper relish. Opening Summer 2021.

Pink Bellies
595 King Street, Charleston | pinkbellies.com

Former food truck Pink Bellies is becoming a brick-and-mortar eatery in downtown Charleston. The permanent location will continue to serve traditional Vietnamese dishes along with a few new items that have their own unique spin made with fresh, local ingredients. You can expect to see dishes like the Pho Mai Burger with oyster sauce, onion jam and cured cucumbers. Opening Spring 2021.

The Longboard
2213 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island | thelongboardsullivans.com

Charleston natives Clint Gaskins and Tyler Beckstead opened the first location of The Longboard in St. John, Virgin Islands and are now bringing the island-inspired restaurant and bar to Sullivan’s Island. The seafood-focused eatery will be utilizing fresh, local ingredients to create entrees such as ceviche and sushi wraps along with bar bites and small plates. The tropical joint will also feature a drink menu composed of kombucha, house-made sodas, frozen drinks and creatively-crafted cocktails. Opening Summer 2021.

Tideland Brewing
4155 Dorchester Road, North Charleston | tidelandbrewing.com

A new spot to grab a cold, local brew is opening in North Charleston. Tideland Brewing will offer twenty-five taps of pilsners, IPAs, sours and more that can be sipped in the pet-friendly outdoor biergarten. Guests can also enjoy menu items like the Signature Burger and a variety of sandwiches. Opening March 2021.

Ty’s Roadside
713 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant | tysroadside.com

Conveniently located on Mount Pleasant’s main drag, this roadside eatery is prime for any occasion. Stop by on the way to the beach, or meet friends for dinner and a cocktail Ty’s Roadside. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere while dining on menu items such as the Shrimp & Chorizo Burger with avocado, smoked gouda and harissa aioli or the Fig & Pig Pizza with prosciutto, gorgonzola and honey drizzle. Opened February 2021.

III. RESTAURANT NEWS

Charleston Distilling Co.
3548 Meek’s Farm Road, John’s Island | charlestondistilling.com

Charleston Distilling Co. has moved to John’s Island. Complete with a tasting room, customers can enjoy a local experience by sampling spirits such as bourbon, gin and vodka made from grains grown in the Palmetto State. Patrons can also order eats from various on-site food trucks. Opened November 2020.

Juan Luis
1503 King Street, Charleston | lewisbarbecue.com/juanluis

Juan Luis, a food truck from Lewis Barbecue Pitmaster John Lewis, will be transitioning from mobile eatery to a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The restaurant will boast an in-house tortilleria and continue to serve fare such as the Migas Breakfast Taco with crispy corn tortilla strips, avocado and pico de gallo. Opening Fall 2021.

IV. ACCOMMODATIONS
The Residences at Zero George
313 East Bay Street, Charleston | zerogeorge.com/residences

The nineteenth century building adjacent to Zero George has been restored to welcome guests for extended stays up to twelve months. Blending contemporary with the historical, each of the five residences, varying from one to three bedrooms, will offer sitting areas, kitchens, king-size beds and services such as housekeeping, a biscuit butler and bar valet. Unpack your suitcase and stay a while at these private residences with all the luxuries and amenities of a boutique hotel. Opening May 2021.

The Ryder Hotel
237 Meeting Street, Charleston | theryderhotel.com

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this boutique hotel will feature a modern, laid-back vibe inspired by Charleston’s coastal beauty. Guests can enjoy flavor-forward dishes at Little Palm or sip craft cocktails at the lively, spirited bar and lounge that is nestled next to a lush pool. Opening April 2021.

Sweetgrass Inn
5757 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms | sweetgrassinn.com

Rooted in local culture and tied to the island’s natural setting, Sweetgrass Inn blends the future and past, representing the next generation of Wild Dunes Resort. This 153-room hotel will offer amenities including two restaurants, indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces and even retail space. Opening March 2021.

The Saint Hotel
194 East Bay Street, Charleston | sainthotels.com

The Saint Hotel will open its third location on bustling East Bay Street after finding success in New Orleans and Key West. This boutique hotel will feature 45 luxurious bedrooms, a plexiglass-encased historic wall (circa 1700), burlesque shows and more. Opening Spring 2021.


IV. RETAIL

Palmetto Scent Studio
157 Church Street, Charleston | palmettoscentstudio.com

Palmetto Scent Studio is opening its second South Carolina location in downtown Charleston. Visitors can create their own candles and products using a variety of fragrances with guidance from staff. Also offering a wide variety of other products such as linen and body mists, body wash and roll-on fragrances, this scent shop is sure to elevate your senses. Opened November 2020.

Warby Parker
415 King Street, Charleston | warbyparker.com

Warby Parker has opened its very first South Carolina store on upper King Street. Offering prescription glasses, sunglasses and even eye exams, Warby Parker is a one-stop-shop for all of your eye care needs. Opened November 2020.

Portal
189 Saint Philip Street, Charleston | portal-chs.com

Offering pre-loved vintage clothing, this consignment shop has a selection of designer items that are in- season and pristine condition. With an inclusive size range, Portal offers something for everyone. Opened January 2021.

The Table at Storey Farms
4104 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, John’s Island | facebook.com/TheTableatStoreyFarms

A new farm-to-table restaurant has made its way to John’s Island. In addition to eggs, sausage, chicken and other Storey Farms goods, The Table at Storey Farms carries artisan foods from other local makers and growers, including a variety of meats, produce, juices, jams and gifts. Opened December 2020.


VI. COMMUNITY NEWS

Local Works
1859 Summerville Avenue, Charleston | localworkscharleston.org

Newly renovated community co-working space Local Works offers amenities including a covered patio, printer access, fast WiFi and unlimited coffee. With different co-working options to choose from, including part-time, full-time and a range of small to large offices, this collaborative concept boasts flexibility for every type of employee. Reopened January 2021.

VII. TOURS + ATTRACTIONS

International African American Museum
113 Calhoun Street, Charleston | iaamuseum.org

The International African American Museum will honor the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country’s most sacred sites. Built on Charleston’s Gadsden’s Wharf, the museum will empower visitors with knowledge of the past through its technology-driven exhibits and The Center for Family History will serve as a groundbreaking resource for the study and advancement of African American genealogy. Opening Spring 2022.

Charleston Municipal Golf Course
2110 Maybank Highway, Charleston | charleston-sc.gov

Recently reopened, this scenic course features newly finished greens, ponds and bunkers welcoming all players from eager juniors to seasoned players. The renovation, which began in January 2020, marks the first major upgrade to the course in nearly six decades and serves as a solution to the course’s susceptibility to ever-changing tides. Reopened December 2020.

Gerardo Leccese
140 East Bay Street, Charleston | gerardoleccesephotography.com

Step into local artist and photographer Gerardo Leccese’s art gallery to indulge your creative side. Gerardo’s artwork combines his studies of painting, photography, interior design and architecture. Each piece is textured and tri-dimensional, a quality that makes each painting eye-catching and unique. Opened December 2020.

USS Yorktown Captain’s Tour
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant | patriotspoint.org

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum has partnered with Bulldog Tours to offer a new guided tour entitled Captain’s Tour: Exclusive Access and Insights to the Ship and Crew aboard the historic aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown. Previously off-tour for more than a decade, the new attraction will lead visitors to areas of the ship that are normally undiscoverable, such as the the Captain’s Quarters.

VIII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS

Safe Sounds Concerts at Firefly Distillery, April 17 – June 26
fireflydistillery.com

In a socially-distanced outdoor concert series, Firefly Distillery is hosting a new musical group every weekend from mid-April through the end of June. In addition to music, concert-goers can enjoy beer, wine and bites from local food trucks. Guests can join a distillery tour and tasting before the concert, or during another visit Monday through Saturday.

Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 11 – August 17
historiccharleston.org

The annual Festival of Houses and Gardens will take place this spring with a variety of both virtual and in-person programming that will have limited group size in order to accommodate social distancing. Peek behind the garden gates and porch doors of the Charleston peninsula’s most intriguing private residences during these award-winning tours and educational events. The Festival of Houses and Gardens showcases Charleston’s distinctive history, architecture, gardens and culture.

The Volvo Car Open, April 3 – 11
volvocaropen.com

The Volvo Car Open, the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America, will host its annual event virtually this year. The highly anticipated competition features the best in women’s professional tennis, welcoming more than 100 of the top tennis players in the world to the Lowcountry. The tournament showcases a singles draw of 56 players, a qualifying draw of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 players. Fans can expect a unique and engaging broadcast experience as they enjoy the action from home.

North Charleston Arts Fest, April 28 – May 2
northcharlestonartsfest.com

The 38th annual North Charleston Arts fest will take place this spring with COVID-19 safety measures in place and offer a variety of virtual programming. This event highlights regional and local artists and performers in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and literature. This celebration offers something for everyone including concerts, readings, demonstrations and more.

2021 PGA Championship, May 17- 23
pgachampionship.com

The strongest international field in golf will return to The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort for the 2021 PGA Championship. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, designed by Alice and Pete Dye, winds naturally through windswept dunes along the coast of South Carolina and boasts the most seaside holes of any course in North America. This highly-anticipated sporting event will host a limited number of in-person spectators.

Spoleto Festival USA, May 28 – June 13
spoletousa.org

Since its inception in 1977, this acclaimed arts festival has illuminated traditional and unexpected venues, including the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard, with performances by talented artists from around the world. Scores of venues hum with the energy of opera, jazz, theatre, orchestral, chamber, contemporary music, literary and visual artists during this internationally renowned compendium of talent. Programming will be announced April 5.

Cooper River Bridge Run, September 25
bridgerun.com

Charleston is gearing up for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run this September. Participants can choose to walk or run this 10K, and a Kid’s Run is offered to those 12 and under. Not a fan of running? This event has you covered with a variety of entertainment at the Finish Festival in Marion Square where you can find live music, food and drinks, merchandise and more.

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