For Immediate Release, April 2020
What's New in the Charleston Area Spring 2020
WHAT’S NEW IN THE CHARLESTON, S.C. AREA: Spring 2020Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by COVID-19. In this challenging time, as we face the unknown, we want to remind our visitors that Charleston will persevere through to brighter days. When the time comes, we will welcome you back to Charleston with the warm, southern hospitality upon which we are known for with new experiences ready to be explored.
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 (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 (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013) and the No. 1 U.S. City ranking by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (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 + Accommodation News
V. Retail
VI. Community News
VII. Highlighted Special Events
I. ACCOLADES
No. 1 South’s Best City
SouthernLiving.com
15 of the Best US Cities for a Weekend Trip
Insider.com
55 Travel Bucket List Destinations You Should Definitely Look Into This Year
MSN.com
Top U.S. Foodie Destinations of 2020
Yelp.com
The World's Most Romantic Places
CNN.com
II. NEW RESTAURANTS
1st Place
570 King Street, Charleston | 1stplacechs.com
1st Place is putting a new spin on the typical sports bar. The luxury-style bar will have more than 20 TVs and will stay open late into the night. The menu will include a variety of bar foods, beer, cocktails, and more. Opening Spring 2020.
Bar George
1956 Maybank Highway, Charleston | instagram.com/bargeorgechs
Oysters and hot dogs under one roof? You will find them both at the soon-to-open restaurant, Bar George located next to the Terrace Theater in James Island. Aside from the aforementioned restaurant staples, Bar George will also offer menu items such as crudite, seafood and specialty cocktails. Opening Spring 2020.
Bumpa’s
5 Cumberland Street, Charleston | bumpas-chs.com
Bumpa’s, housed in a recently restored 19th century warehouse, will serve elevated bar food in a tavern-style atmosphere. The menu will highlight items such as Irish-Pub dishes, curated cocktails, and craft beer. Opening April 2020.
Cafe Roux
2213 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island | caferouxeats.com
Cafe Roux debuts as Sullivan’s Island’s first New Orleans-style eatery. Guests can enjoy authentic cajun and creol dishes and drinks such as Chicken and Sausage Gumbo paired with a New Orleans Hurricane made with sparkling saki. Beignets are made fresh and served with fresh fruit. Opened February 2020.
Chasing Sage
267 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston | chasingsagerestaurant.com
Located in a newly renovated space, Chasing Sage will serve local, herb-forward dishes featuring farm-grown produce. Until the brick-and-mortar opens, tune in to Chasing Sage’s social media to find pop-up locations that feature items such as Goat Meatballs with Spiced Carrots, Stewed Dates and Fresh Mint. Opening Winter 2020.
First Watch
1236 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant | firstwatch.com
North Carolina based First Watch has opened in the Mount Pleasant Towne Center. This daytime café serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. The menu offers a variety of health-conscious items including the Superfoods Bowl with Chia Seed Pudding and Fresh Berries and the Morning Market Veg Omelet with Roasted Zucchini, Crimini Mushrooms and Tomatoes. Opened March 2020.
Gale Restaurant
601 Meeting Street, Charleston | galerestaurant.com
A new Italian eatery, Gale Restaurant focuses on comfort food meant for sharing, as well as traditional pizza and pasta. Dishes represent the produce and protein found in the Lowcountry in an Italian family-style setting. Guests can find dishes such as the Sambal MarGherita Pizza with Chili Oil and Gale’s Honey and Parisenne Gnocchi with Walnut Pesto. Opening Spring 2020.
Galpão Gaucho
167 East Bay Street, Charleston | galpaogauchousa.com
A Brazilian steakhouse has made its way to Charleston. Galpão Gaucho opened its first east coast location on bustling East Bay Street. With over 17 different types of meat on the menu ranging from Picanha to Lamb Chops, you can have your choice sliced directly at your table paired with sides such as Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The restaurant also boasts a gourmet salad bar with over 40 toppings. Opened February 2020.
Handy + Hot
83 Wentworth Street, Charleston | handyandhot.com
Handy + Hot, originally an online only bakery created by James Beard Award Winner Vivian Howard, will now settle down in Charleston. At this brick and mortar, you will find grab and go items such as Park Day Beer and Cheddar Bread, S’mores Kits with cinnamon marshmallows and assorted coffee creations. Opening Summer 2020.
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 rural, 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 along with other southern classics.
Opening Summer 2020.
Neon Tiger
654 King Street, Charleston | eatatneontiger.com
Former owner of the Rarebit, John Adamson is opening a plant-based cocktail lounge and eatery which boasts locally sourced ingredients and drinks. The establishment will have sustainability in mind and will not serve cans or bottles in order to produce as little waste as possible. You can expect to find vegan versions of American staples such as pizza and burgers, along with unique cocktails. Opening April 2020.
Pink Bellies
595 King Street, Charleston | pinkbellies.com
Former food truck Pink Bellies will become a stationary 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 all made with fresh, local ingredients. You can expect to see dishes similar to Squid Ink Beef Dumplings with Oyster Mushrooms and Lemon. Opening Spring 2020.
Sipango
209 East Bay Street, Charleston | sipangorestaurant.com
Located in the French Quarter, Sipango offers an intimate fine-dining experience that gives locals and tourists alike the chance to indulge in Italian cuisine with a unique twist. Using locally sourced ingredients, Sipango offers a variety of dishes such as Grass Fed Ribeye served with Mint-Fennel Salsa Verde and Fingerling Potatoes, and Wood Fired Chicken Andouille Pizza topped with Taleggio, Sundried Tomato, and Arugula. Opened March 2020.
Tempest
32 North Market Street Suite C, Charleston | tempestcharleston.com
Brought to you by the team of 5Church Charleston, Tempest will open as an up-scale seafood restaurant right next to the bustling City Market in historic downtown Charleston offering seafood provided by Lowcountry area fishermen, oyster farmers, and other local purveyors. The restaurant will also boast a selection of seafood-friendly Old-World wines, along with hand-picked gins, rums and bourbons. Opening Spring 2020.
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 Spring 2020.
The Square on Meeting
3517 Meeting Street Road, North Charleston | facebook.com/thesquareonmeeting
Popular food truck Garlic Crabs is moving to a new location. The Square on Meeting will be home to Garlic Crabs in addition to other food trucks, community tables, and live music. The once empty lot will now be a culinary hub where visitors can order a wide variety of flavors. Opening Spring 2020.
III. RESTAURANT NEWS
167 Raw
193 King Street, Charleston | 167raw.com
167 Raw has moved to a new location on King Street. The King Street location will boast more seating and a larger menu; therefore, this seafood-focused restaurant will be able to accommodate more patrons for lunch and dinner.
Firefly Distillery
Park Circle, North Charleston | fireflydistillery.com
Surrounded by oaks and marsh views, the newly-built Firefly Distillery captures the true essence of the Lowcountry. Experience the distillation process first hand a tour and tasting experience, including distillery specialties such as the new small batch bourbon. Guests can kick back marsh-side while enjoying live music and local food trucks. The new distillery is open Monday through Saturday for tours and tastings.
Hank’s Social Hall
10 Hayne Street, Charleston |
hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/hanks-social-hall
Centrally located in Charleston’s Historic District, Hank’s Social Hall is a 2,140 square foot gathering space for events with a capacity to entertain 120 guests. With exclusive catering from Hank’s Seafood Restaurant, the newly renovated space brings the experience of dining at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant into a private, customizable setting.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
698 King Street, Charleston | leonsoystershop.com
Leon’s Oyster Shop is getting some rain-proof renovations. Patrons will now be able to sit on the outdoor patio under a covered awning that will also feature heating and cooling. Leon’s is open for business throughout the renovation process.
IV. NEW ACCOMMODATIONS + ACCOMMODATION NEWS
20 South Battery
20 South Battery, Charleston | 20southbattery.com
Nestled in a former privately-owned mansion along Charleston’s historic Battery, 20 South Battery will open as a boutique inn offering carriage house rooms and a breathtaking view of White Point Gardens. Each room comes with access to the outdoor Arbor Garden where guests can lounge and enjoy a glass of wine. In addition, the inn offers a more curated stay with a variety of packages geared towards the romantic, the golfer, the ghost hunter, and more. Opening May 2020.
Emeline
181 Church Street, Charleston | hotelemeline.com
Located one block away from the historic Charleston City Market, Emeline will be nestled in the heart of downtown. This luxurious hotel will feature 212 guest rooms and suites, over 10,000 square feet of flexible event space, and an elevated gathering space, Hank’s Social Hall, for private events that will deliver the classic Hank’s Seafood experience. Opening April 2020.
The Port
75 Wentworth Street, Charleston | therestorationhotel.com
The Port, a new event venue at The Restoration Hotel, is available for single-day and multi-day reservations all year round. The Port will offer a variety of setups such as a boardroom, a classroom, or a banquet room. There is sure to be accommodations that fit every event.
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 Summer 2020.
West Beach Conference Center
2 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island | kiawahresort.com/west-beach-conference-center
The West Beach Conference Center at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is now open. Located just inside the main entry gate to Kiawah Island and in close proximity to the resort’s award-winning accommodations, dining, golf and recreation, the space can accommodate a group in over 23,000 square feet of flexible pre-event and state-of-the-art meeting space—including a 10,000 square-foot core space divisible by air-walls into six subunits along with an additional 11 breakout rooms. This facility accommodates groups as large as 1,000 for a reception or theater configuration, and 600 for a banquet or classroom-style set-up. Opened March 2020.
V. RETAIL
Woodhouse Day Spa
10 Westedge, Suite 150, Charleston | woodhousespas.com
Woodhouse Day Spa has opened their first downtown location. You may now enjoy their services such as The Woodhouse Signature Minkyti Facial or The Woodhouse Four-Handed Massage at the downtown or Mount Pleasant location. Opened Winter 2020.
The Works
Oyster Park, Mount Pleasant | theworkschs.com
Yoga studio The Works is opening another location in Mount Pleasant this spring. In the meantime, catch a sweaty vinyasa flow at their permanent downtown location in Meeting Street, or at their pop up studio located at 1440 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Suite 100 in Mount Pleasant. Former co-owner of Charleston Power Yoga Sarah Frick is the mastermind behind the unique workout concept, which encompasses a dynamic blend of powerful vinyasa yoga, meditation, breath work, plyometrics, core and strength work. Opened Spring 2020.
VI. COMMUNITY NEWS
Urban Farm at Enston Home
900 King Street, Charleston | greenheartsc.org
A community farm is coming to the heart of downtown Charleston. The Urban Farm at Enston Home, made possible by The Charleston Housing Authority and The Green Heart project, will provide fresh, healthy food to neighbors while serving as an educational tool for community children through volunteer and internship opportunities.
VII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS
The Transat Race, May 2020
thetransat.com
For the first time in the Race’s history, world class sailors will be crossing the finish line in Charleston. The Transat Race is the world’s oldest solo ocean sailing race, and all contestants will have completed a 3,500 mile trek across the ocean when they reach the Lowcountry.
Charleston Beer Week, May 1 - 10, 2020
charlestonbeerweek.com
Come out to celebrate Charleston breweries and bartenders for the 8th Annual Charleston Beer Week. In honor of Charleston’s 29 breweries and brewpubs, the festival will include a variety of craft beers and unique events. 60 events will take place in Charleston over a 10 day period. Some of the events will include beer dinners, educational events, food pairings, meet the brewers, and charity fundraisers.
Spoleto Festival USA, May 22 - June 7, 2020
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. This year, the newly renovated College of Charleston Sottile Theatre will be home to the world premier of Omar, a full-length opera by MacArthur Fellow and Grammy Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens, based on the life and autobiography of Omar Ibn Said.
Cooper River Bridge Run, August 1, 2020
bridgerun.com
Charleston is gearing up for the 43rd annual Cooper River Bridge Run this August. 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 fun activities.
Bicycle Build-Off, Year-Round
charlestonharborresort.com/thebeachclub
Year-round, groups at The Beach Club have the opportunity to assemble and gift a bike to a child in need with a unique team building exercise called Bicycle Build-Off. Participating teams answer questions in order to win pieces of a bicycle. Once all the pieces have been awarded, the team assembles the bike and then it is given away to a local charity. The price is $250 per team with a maximum of six participants. Looking for a larger group activity? Multiple teams can be created and competition ensues.
