For Immediate Release, October 2018
What's New in the Charleston Area Fall 2018
WHAT’S NEW IN THE CHARLESTON, S.C. AREA: Fall 2018With 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 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 (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013) and No. 1 U.S. City ranking by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (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. Accommodations
V. Retail
VI. Tours + Exhibits
VII. Highlighted Special Events
I. ACCOLADES
No. 1 City in the U.S and Canada
Travel + Leisure 2018 World’s Best Awards
No. 10 City in the World
Travel + Leisure 2018 World’s Best Awards
Best Destinations in the U.S. for Experiences
TripAdvisor.com
Top 10 Most Romantic Weekend Getaways
HarpersBazzar.com
13 Most Beautiful Places to Travel this Fall
Forbes.com
II. NEW RESTAURANTS
Big Bad Breakfast
456 Meeting Street, Charleston | bigbadbreakfast.com/locations/charleston-sc
James Beard Award-Winning Chef John Currence will open his sixth Big Bad Breakfast (BBB) in downtown Charleston. Having grown a loyal following in Oxford, Mississippi, the restaurant became famous for its old-school atmosphere and brunch all-day concept. The Charleston BBB will be tailored to reflect the uniqueness of the Lowcountry and the menu will feature local produce, protein and artisan products. Menu items will include Tabasco Brown Sugar Bacon, Crispy Southern Fried Chicken, Original Grit Girl Grits and the Anson Mills Steel Cut Oatmeal. Opening January 2019.
Bourbon N’ Bubbles
570 King St, Charleston | bourbonnbubbles.com
The owners of nightlife spot The Republic Garden & Lounge are opening a new bar called Bourbon N’ Bubbles. The establishment will boast a cosmopolitan interior complete with marble countertops, velvet banquettes and bronze fixtures. The beverage menu will include exclusive liquor and champagne names such as Buffalo Trace, Schramsberg, Taittinger and smaller specialized brands. In addition, Bourbon N’ Bubbles will have members-only liquor lockers for private guests and corporate accounts to keep their favorite bottles on hand at all times. Opening Fall 2018.
Butcher & the Boar
730 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant | butcherandtheboar.com/charleston_home
Butcher & the Boar will open as a modern steakhouse with a strong focus on in-house butchering. This 12,000 square-foot space will feature an indoor bar with an expansive whiskey and bourbon selection, a dog-friendly patio and private event spaces for parties ranging from 12-100 guests. The menu will utilize local, seasonal and high-quality ingredients to craft bold inventive dishes such as the Lobster Grilled Cheese and Bang Island Mussels with Alaskan King Crab. Opening Fall 2018.
Duck Donuts
1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Suite 16B, Mount Pleasant | duckdonuts.com
Duck Donuts is now serving warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts in the Charleston area. The 1,600 square-foot space maintains the franchise’s iconic beach theme and family-friendly atmosphere. Customers can customize their donut combinations by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings and drizzles such as chocolate icing with sprinkles and maple icing with bacon. Opened August 2018.
Joséphine Wine Bar
64 Spring Street, Charleston | josephinewinebar.com
Located in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, Joséphine Wine Bar is a modern French bar and bistro. The name comes from the first French empress who was said to have possessed the best wines of her time; therefore, it is only fitting that the bistro’s wine list focuses heavily on wines from France. Joséphine features Parisian-inspired dishes such as Black Pepper Whipped Fromage de Vache and Chicken a la Plancha. Opened August 2018.
Melfi’s
721 King Street, Charleston | eatatmelfis.com
Restauranter Brook Reitz of Leon’s Oyster Shop and Little Jack’s Tavern has opened his third highly curated Charleston restaurant, an Italian eatery in partnership with Little Jack's Chef Jon Amato. Melfi’s serves thin-crust Roman-style pizzas, handmade plates of pasta and craft cocktails in a clubby, sophisticated setting. The bar places an emphasis on aperitif style cocktails and has a section focused on The Negroni cocktail. The beverage menu includes beer, as well as an all-Italian wine by the glass selection and an array of coffees. Opened September 2018.
Playa Bowls
429 King Street, Charleston | playabowls.com
New Jersey-based Playa Bowls has opened its first South Carolina location on King Street. The health-conscious eatery serves a wide variety of refreshing options including Açaí, Coconut and Pitaya bowls. Playa Bowls also sells cold brew coffee from their neighbor, Charleston-based Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer. Opened August 2018.
Semilla
218 President Street, Charleston | semillachs.com
This food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant specializes in contemporary Mexican cuisine. Semilla was inspired by neighborhood streetcars and mobile food venues in Mexico City and Oaxaca. Menu items include Pork Belly Rice Bowls, Barbacoa Tacos and Queso Flameado. Opened August 2018.
Sweet Belgium
424 King Street, Charleston | sweet-belgium.com
Belgium natives Sergio and Audrey Tosi share their love for authentic sweet treats through Sweet Belgium, a family-owned and operated Belgian waffle bakery and catering business. Currently located in James Island, the bakery will open its second location on King Street this fall. Along with a variety of unique made-to-order waffles, including Belgian Chocolate Rainbow, James Island Coconut and Tasty Almond, guests can choose from an endless array of toppings such as powdered sugar, cinnamon and whipped cream. Opening October 2018.
The Citrus Club
334 Meeting Street | thedewberrycharleston.com
The Dewberry will open the tallest rooftop bar in Charleston. The Citrus Club will offer spectacular views of the harbor and city, as well as a beverage menu featuring citrus-inspired cocktails and the elevated Piña Colada. Vietnamese Noodle Salad, oysters on the half-shell and house chips dusted with Lowcountry Bulls Bay Sea Salt are just a few of the starter options. Opening Fall 2018.
The Container Bar
2130 Mount Pleasant Street, Charleston | containerbarchs.com
Making old anew, The Container Bar has opened as a collection of old shipping containers built to offer space in the lot for the city’s hottest food trucks to hook up and dish out their delicious eats. Co-owned by actor Bill Murray, this new hot spot is located in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood of Charleston. Opened September 2018.
Tradd’s
167 East Bay Street, Charleston | tradds.com
Fleet Landing co-owners Tradd and Weesie Newton will open Tradd’s as a traditional American eatery on Charleston’s historic East Bay Street. Tradd’s first-floor dining room will feature an intimate champagne bar alongside a menu of “old-school favorites.” The second floor will serve as an event space for parties and gatherings. Opening Fall 2018.
Vicious Biscuit
409 Coleman Blvd, Mount Pleasant | viciousbiscuit.com
Vicious Biscuit will open in Mount Pleasant as a casual, biscuit-centric breakfast joint. The restaurant will serve hearty, flavorful “fork and knife” biscuits, biscuit sandwiches, build-your-own Bloody Marys and local craft beers. The menu will highlight locally sourced ingredients including freshly caught seafood, free-range eggs and Geechie Boy Mill grits, as well as remixes on classic breakfast items such as the Fatboy Biscuit with Fried Chicken topped with Pimento Cheese and the Pulled Pork Biscuit. Opening Fall 2018.
Wiki Wiki Sandbar
106 East Ashley Ave, Folly Beach | wikiwikisandbar.com
Wiki Wiki Sandbar will bring South Pacific flair to Folly Beach. This 6,500 square-foot space will boast five rooms, each with different themes designed by local artists. Karalee Fallert, the brains behind Taco Boy and The Royal American, will serve both Hawaiian and Southern homestyle inspired dishes, such as the Mochi Hawaiian Fried Chicken and Spam Sliders. Opening Fall 2018.
III. RESTAURANT NEWS
Paolo’s Gelato and Gourmet
41 John Street, Charleston | paolosgelatogourmet.com
Long-standing staple Paolo’s Gelato has reopened as Paolo’s Gelato and Gourmet, complete with a dining room and menu makeover. Italian native and owner Paolo Dalla Zorza started as a gelatiere in 2000 and business grew into two successful locations in Atlanta and Charleston. His new storefront in Charleston opens with more seating, homemade authentic Italian retail items, a wine bar and offers small bites to accompany the gelato. The beverage menu includes a Dalla Zorza’s Bellini made with fresh South Carolina peaches, a variety of wines and beers, a prosecco-spiked scoop of gelato and an Aperol Spritz. Opened September 2018.
Proof
437 King Street, Charleston | charlestonproof.com
The pop-up restaurant 2Nixons has become a permanent fixture at Proof on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu features Japanese and Korean inspired dishes such as Negroni Honey Rigs, Beef Tongue Ramen and Yakitori. Opened September 2018.
The Establishment
28 Broad Street, Charleston | establishmentchs.com
Located in the historic James Gregorie House on Broad Street, The Establishment has added Sunday brunch to their menu. The menu items, crafted by Executive Chef Matt Canter are elegant versions of breakfast classics, such as French Toast served with homemade bread pudding, mascarpone and fig preserve. Opened September 2018.
The Garden Room at Cannon Green
103 Spring Street, Charleston | cannongreencharleston.com
Nestled in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant and venue Cannon Green will open The Garden Room as their newest elegant space for private events. Centered around the restored, original façade of an 1840’s Charleston single house, The Garden Room will offer an authentic historic local flavor combined with tasteful contemporary design. The venue will boast 1,500-square foot floor space for up to 75 guests for seated dinners, 100 guests for stationed dinners and 125 guests for cocktail receptions. Events in this unique, full-service venue will highlight both Charleston’s culinary renaissance and timeless aesthetic. Opening October 2018.
IV. ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Bennett
404 King Street, Charleston | hotelbennett.com
Overlooking Charleston’s historic Marion Square, Hotel Bennett is located in the heart of downtown Charleston. This luxurious hotel will feature 179 guest rooms and suites, a signature restaurant with spectacular views of Marion Square and a sophisticated lounge and bar. Chef Michael Sichel of the iconic New Orleans fine-dining establishment Galatoire's will serve as executive chef to Hotel Bennett’s signature restaurant. Nationally renowned for his culinary expertise, Sichel has appeared in Travel Channel’s Food Paradise, Bravo TV’s Top Chef: New Orleans and has been a featured guest at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. Hotel Bennett will boast a rooftop pool with cabanas, a luxury spa, event and meeting space, French patisserie and Camellias, a classic bar featuring reclaimed pink marble and a mirrored ceiling. Opening Fall 2018.
Hotel Bella Grace
115 Calhoun St, Charleston | marriott.com/hotels/travel/chshr-charleston-historic-district-hotel-bella-grace
Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s Ansonborough neighborhood, Hotel Bella Grace has opened as a stunning boutique hotel blending historic preservation with modern facilities. The hotel has combined with the historic 2 ½ story Delaney House to serve as space for guests to enjoy complimentary breakfast, private meeting spaces, small plates and evening beverages. The guest rooms are beautifully decorated featuring full kitchens and comfortable beds perfect for recharging after a long day exploring Charleston. Opened August 2018.
Hotel Indigo
250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd | mountpleasantlyindigo.com
Hotel Indigo, located just minutes from downtown Charleston opened as a modern, boutique-style hotel with 158 rooms providing guests with an unmatched Charleston experience. Hotel Indigo boasts 6,000 square-feet of meeting space, a full-service restaurant featuring local dishes, a gym, complete with a yoga room, and a resort-style pool. The hotel is situated in the ideal location for a short drive to Charleston’s beautiful beaches, award-winning golf courses, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, plantations and gardens. Opened July 2018.
V. RETAIL
Free People
466 King Street, Charleston | freepeople.com
Free People, a popular American bohemian apparel and lifestyle retail company, will open in a 3,200 square-foot space on King Street. The store will sell women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, intimates and swimwear. In addition, Free People will carry beauty and wellness items such as cosmetics, skin and hair care products. Opening November 2018.
Record Stop Charleston
43 John Street, Charleston | recordstopchs.com
Established over four decades ago on the burrow of Long Island, NY Record Stop has been mixing and selling vinyl since the seventies. Now, the shop’s musical gurus have opened a new location nestled in the heart of downtown, just steps away from the Charleston Music Hall. Opened August 2018.
VI. TOURS + EXHIBITS
South Carolina Historical Society Museum
100 Meeting Street, Charleston | schistory.org/museum/#exhibits
The South Carolina Historical Society (SCHS) has opened the new South Carolina Historical Society Museum in the fully-renovated Robert Mills Fireproof Building in downtown Charleston. Drawing from the society's vast archives, much of which has never been displayed publicly, the new museum showcases 300+ years of South Carolina history through the artifacts, personal treasures and hand-written accounts of those who experienced it themselves. The Robert Mills Fireproof Building is a National Historic Monument that was constructed in 1826 by Robert Mills – America's first architect and creator of The Washington Monument. Hailed by Architectural Digest as one of the "Most Noteworthy Museums Opening This Year," the new SCHS Museum opened this September following a $6.8 million dollar renovation of the building. Opened September 2018.
VII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS
35th Annual Moja Arts Festival, September 27 - October 7
mojafestival.com
The streets of Charleston sway with the captivating rhythm of African music while the smell of Caribbean cuisine permeates the air during this 10-day celebration of Gullah culture named for the Swahili word meaning “one.”
Wine in the Garden at Drayton Hall, Every Sunday in October
draytonhall.org
Unwind in the garden and sip on a variety of red and white blends at Drayton Hall every Sunday this October. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Wine in the Garden is the perfect complement to a relaxing and beautiful weekend in the Lowcountry.
41st Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens, October 4 – 28
preservationsociety.org
Peek at heirloom silver and meander through carefully cultivated boxwoods during these docent-led tours that invite guests into some of the Charleston area’s most historic and architecturally significant dwellings.
6th Annual Colour of Music Festival, October 24 - 28
colourofmusic.org
The Colour of Music Festival offers a musical kaleidoscope highlighting the impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers on American and world culture. The festival delivers a global offering of the leading black artists with featured performers from France, Colombia, Great Britain and the Caribbean. This year’s theme is Baroque to Early Classical Music.
2018 Traditional Home Southern Style Now Showhouse, November 1 - December 8
traditionalhome.com
Home design and style magazine Traditional Home has selected a historic Charleston Single House for their third installment of the Southern Style Now Showhouse. A city known for its architectural design and history, Charleston is the ideal locale for modern-day Southern design. The home is owned by local Charleston designers Tyler Hill and Michael Mitchell and located on historic Hasell Street in downtown Charleston. Tickets are on sale now.
Plantation Days at Middleton Place, November 10 - 11
middletonplace.org
Middleton Place invites visitors to see what life was like on a Lowcountry plantation in the 18th and 19th centuries. This weekend-long re-creation of the rice harvest season includes cooking, weaving, pottery, candle making, cotton processing and blacksmithing demonstrations.
29th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights, November 9 - January 1
holidayfestivaloflights.com
An estimated two million twinkling lights line the three-mile drive that weaves through James Island County Park’s winter wonderland, where life-sized greeting cards, costumed elves and a carousel evoke the magic of the holiday season.
