For Immediate Release, May 2016
What's New in the Charleston Area Summer 2016
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. Over the past five years, readers of leading travel magazines have consistently voted for Charleston as their favorite domestic travel destination, resulting in the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada ranking by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (2015, 2014, 2013) and No. 1 Top U.S. City ranking by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (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. Venues
VI. Retail + Specialty Products
VII. Tours + Exhibits
VIII. Highlighted Special Events
I. ACCOLADES
The Best Shopping Cities in the World
Condé Nast Traveler
2016 Best City for Pet Travelers
GoPetFriendly.com
The Top 21 Destinations for 2016
Robb Report
No. 8 2016 US Best Ranked Cities to Stay
Trivago
World’s Most Romantic Cities
Travel + Leisure
II. NEW RESTAURANTS
Blondies Bagels & Café
245 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 130, Daniel Island | blondiesdi.com
Experience this Daniel Island gourmet bagel shop that specializes in homemade bagels and cream cheeses, such as jalapeno cheddar and maple walnut raisin. A neighborhood counter café, Blondies is the perfect place for friends, families, and business partners to meet. The menu also includes breakfast sandwiches, sweet treats, and La Colombe coffee. Opened Spring 2016.
Cane Rhum Bar and Caribbean Kitchen
251 East Bay Street, Charleston | eatdrinkcane.com
New York-born and Barbados-raised Chef Paul Yellin brings the first Caribbean-themed Rhum Bar to Charleston. Known as the “Rhum Chef,” Yellin combines Caribbean flavors with rum to create his dishes. In addition to more than 80 varieties of rum, the menu will include popular Caribbean dishes such as Pork Griot and Pikliz. Opening Spring 2016.
Gogogreens
1150 HungryNeck Boulevard, Mount Pleasant | gogogreens.com
Gogogreens, a quick-serve salad concept, opened its second location in the town of Mount Pleasant. The restaurant’s offerings include a variety of organic and local menu items such, as the psychedelic caesar salad, purple haze acai bowl, and matachado smoothie. Opened May 2016.
Harold’s Cabin
247 Congress Street, Charleston | haroldscabin.com
Harold’s Cabin, a locally owned fresh market café, incorporates a farm-to-table menu concept with a focus on vegetables and regional seafood, such as corn hush puppies and the seawich sandwich. The restaurant features seating for 65, a rooftop garden, and a grab-and-go market section. Opened April 2016.
Home Team BBQ – NoMo
126 Williman Street, Charleston | hometeambbq.com
Home Team BBQ’s newest location has opened its doors in North Morrison. The barbecue restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating and an expanded drink menu offering 100 speciality bourbons and whiskeys. A new late night menu is available seven days a week from 10 PM until 1 AM, featuring fried mac and cheese balls, a reuben sandwich, and a market daiquiri. Opened March 2016.
Le Farfalle
15 Beaufain Street, Charleston | lefarfallecharleston.com
Chef Michael Toscano, former executive chef at the successful Perla in New York, will transform the restaurant on Beaufain Street into an Italian eatery. You’ll soon be able to enjoy hand-rolled pasta and a glass of wine at La Farfalle. Opening Spring 2016.
Little Jack’s Tavern
710 King Street, Charleston | littlejackstavern.com
Co-owners of Leon’s Oyster Shop, Tim Mink and Brooks Reitz, have transformed the former Saint Alban restaurant into a classic tavern with cocktails. The drink menu includes cocktail classics, such as Manhattans and martinis. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, serving house chopped salads, pastrami on rye, and burgers, among a variety of other dishes. Opened April 2016.
Lotus Vietnamese Cuisine
1070 E Montague Ave, North Charleston | lotusparkcircle.com
The owners of Downtown Charleston’s Thai hotspot, Basil, have recently opened Lotus. Located in North Charleston, the restaurant offers Vietnamese classics such as pho and spring rolls. The menu also serves speciality menu items including the popular banh xeo. Opened October 2015.
Luke’s Craft Pizza
271 Ashley Avenue, Charleston | lukescraftpizza.com
A one-man operation, Luke’s Craft Pizza, will offer fresh, made-to-order pizzas in downtown Charleston. The new restaurant is taking over Charleston Pizza Co. and will be located on Ashley Avenue. The menu offers 14-inch handcraft pies for carry-out only. Opening Spring 2016.
North Central Deli
237 Fishburne Street, Charleston | charlestondeli.com
Hailed as serving the “Best Wurst in Charleston” by Charleston City Paper, North Central Deli’s menu channels German cuisine. This grab-and-go hotspot features a selection of Chicago-made sausages and New York-made cold cuts. Opened January 2016.
The Codfather
1809 Reynolds Ave, North Charleston | thecodfatherchippy.com
Chef Adam Randall’s fish and chips shop has been making headlines since opening day. This “traditional chippy” serves robust English food including meat pies, jumbo sausages, and sides like mash and mushy peas. Opened January 2016.
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits
79 Wentworth St, Charleston | therestorationhotel.com/the-watch
This farm-to-table restaurant located on the rooftop of The Restoration Hotel offers one of the best 360° views in Charleston. The menu features Lowcountry ingredients, including shrimp and grits, hush puppies, and crispy chicken skins. The restaurant also serves handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and local wines. Opened December 2015.
Turquoise Restaurant
357 King Street, Charleston | facebook.com/turquoise-cafe-restaurant
This new eatery located on Lower King specializes in traditional and authentic Turkish fare. Menu items include a breakfast dish of homemade borek, pide, and mezze plates with hummus. Opened March 2016.
Scarecrow & Co.
23 Ann Street, Charleston | scarecrowandco.com
Acclaimed Chef Damon Wise has introduced restaurant group Scarecrow & Co. to Downtown Charleston. This title includes three individual concepts, including Scarecrow, Feathertop, and Wise-Buck Smoked Meats. Guests can enjoy a front row view of Chef Wise and his team cooking up fresh Lowcountry bounty at Scarecrow, an upscale restaurant featuring a wine cellar and outdoor wine garden, while Feathertop diners can relax in the courtyard of this casual eatery featuring local fish and seasonal vegetables. Opt for inventive slow-cooked meats on the outdoor patio of Scarecrow & Co.’s most casual concept, Wise-Buck Smoked Meats. Opened May 2016.
Stems & Skins
1070 E Montague Ave, North Charleston | stemsandskins.com
This Park Circle neighborhood bar was recently named among the “Best New Wine Bars” by Food + Wine magazine. Created by former Husk sommelier Matt Tunstall and former Bull Street Gourmet owner Justin Croxall, Stems & Skins serves natural wine, beer from all over the world, classic cocktails, charcuteries, cheese, and Mediterranean-style bar snacks and sandwiches. Opened January 2016.
III. RESTAURANT NEWS
Butcher & Bee
1085 Morrison Drive, Charleston | butcherandbee.com
Butcher & Bee has moved to a new restaurant location that features additional space for seating and parking, a larger outdoor area, and extended hours. Dinner is now served from 4 to 10 PM, and breakfast and lunch hours will be offered beginning this summer.
FIG
232 Meeting Street, Charleston | eatatfig.com
After 12 years of successful dining experiences, FIG has undergone an extensive renovation. In place of the former landscape paintings and warm yellow hues, mirrors and cool tones lend the restaurant a modern vibe. In addition to design upgrades, both the kitchen and wine list have been expanded.
Minero
153 East Bay Street, Charleston | minerorestaurant.com
Celebrity Chef Sean Brock is now offering Takeaway Taco kits at Minero. Kits include 20 fresh tortillas, chopped onion, Cotija cheese, salsa verde, cilantro, limes, and your choice of meat.
Parlor Deluxe
207A St. Philip Street, Charleston | parlordeluxe.com
Soda shop Parlor Deluxe is now offering beer floats, local brews, and bottles of sparkling wine. Their menu has also expanded to include counter classics, such as wedge salads and egg sandwiches.
IV. ACCOMMODATIONS
Best Western Sweetgrass Inn
1540 Savannah Highway, Charleston | thesweetgrassinn.com
The Best Western Sweetgrass Inn relaunched in April after a full reinvention. Every surface of the hotel’s 87 guest rooms has been transformed with bright colors and modern comforts and amenities. The hotel’s outdoor pool, lobby, and breakfast room have also been renovated, providing visitors with fresh amenities. Opened in April 2016.
The Dewberry
188 East Bay Street, Charleston | thedewberrycharleston.com
The Dewberry is Charleston’s most anticipated five-star luxury hotel and sought-after venue for event planners. The hotel is perfectly situated in the center of Charleston’s downtown district, offering spectacular views of the harbor and city, and featuring 155 rooms and suites. In addition to a rooftop observatory, The Dewberry boasts a stunning ballroom, lush walled gardens, and 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Opening Spring 2016.
The Restoration
75 Wentworth Street, Charleston | therestorationhotel.com
This beautifully restored boutique property located in the heart of King Street combines exemplary service with comfort and luxury. Guests may find themselves dining on fresh, farm-to-table cuisine at the rooftop restaurant The Watch, sipping specialty Charleston tea blends at The Rise Coffee Bar, unwinding with a soothing massage at The Amethyst Spa, or shopping at retail hotspot Port Mercantile. Opened February 2016.
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
20 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant | charlestonharborresort.com
This luxurious waterfront hotel and marina is just a four-minute walk from Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and a less than 10 minute drive from downtown Charleston. The resort offers amazing harbor views, a private beach, rooftop bar, and marina access. The newly renovated Beach Club provides 92 waterfront guestrooms and offers a variety of amenities including a spa, tennis courts, movie theater, and full-service Tiki Bar. Opening July 2016.
V. VENUES
The Gadsden House
329 East Bay Street, Charleston | gadsdenhouse.com
Charleston’s newest and most anticipated wedding event space was originally built as a grand Federal style Charleston manor circa 1798 and was recently celebrated as one of the top ten historic properties to save and restore in Charleston. This classic single home features carved marble details, restored wrought iron gates originally forged by the renowned Philip Simmons, and 16-foot ceilings – some of the highest in a Charleston single home. Opened January 2016.
Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting Street, Charleston | gibbesmuseum.org
The Gibbes Museum of Art will re-open its doors this May after an eighteen-month renovation. The first floor will serve as a workspace for artists and will feature an education center, along with a new museum store and café. The new gallery space has increased by 30 percent and will take over the second and third floors. Opening May 2016.
VI. RETAIL + SPECIALITY PRODUCTS
Cannonborough Beverage Co.
7325 Cross County Road, North Charleston | cannonbevco.com
Startup company Cannonborough Beverage Co. has introduced its first seasonal craft sodas for 2016. The new flavors include Citrumelo + Hops, Sorghum Thyme, and Spiced Cranberry. Purchase is available online only.
Flowershop and Proud Mary Market
125 ½ Spring Street, Charleston | proudmary.org
Flowershop and Proud Mary Market opened a shared retail space in the heart of the Cannonborough and Elliotborough neighborhoods. Flowershop is a floral design studio providing fresh cut flowers, flower crowns, and a large selection of vases and books. Proud Mary carries clothing, accessories, and home décor, all made in collaboration with global artisans.
Sephora
289 King Street, Charleston | sephora.com
King Street welcomed its newest beauty products retailer, Sephora, this March. Sephora offers upmarket makeup, perfumes, beauty, and skincare products for both women and men.
Opened March 2016.
VII. TOURS + EXHIBITS
The Kale Whale | thekalewhale.com
The Kale Whale offers a new vegan walking tour to Charleston. The “Charleston Veggie Crawl” draws attention to vegan dishes throughout town and educates people on the importance of plants in our daily lifestyles. The tour includes food samplings at numerous Charleston restaurants including Gnome Café, Bon Banh Mi, Feul, Parlor Deluxe, and Warehouse every Saturday afternoon.
VIII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Spoleto Festival, May 27 – June 12
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. This year’s Spoleto highlight is George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, inspired by Charleston businessman DuBose Heyward’s novel Porgy, the first major Southern novel to portray the lives of Charleston’s sea island culture. Gershwin’s composition was influenced by the roots and character of the Gullah culture.
Piccolo Spoleto, May 27 – June 12
piccolospoleto.com
Produced by the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs, this companion to Spoleto Festival USA offers hundreds of family-friendly events open to the public. Piccolo Spoleto’s traditional program offers visual art exhibits, classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry readings, children’s activities, choral music, ethnic cultural presentations, crafts, and film.
The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival, June 4
sweetgrassfestival.org
The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival showcases the intricate handiwork of the descendants of the enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry that constitute the Gullah culture. The festival features gospel songs, praise dance, rhythmic drumming, and sweetgrass basket weaving demonstrations.
Patriots Point 4th of July Blast, July 4
patriotspoint.org
The U.S.S. Yorktown, home of the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, is a fitting host for this patriotic celebration that includes live music and a professional fireworks show.
Charleston Restaurant Week, September 7 – 18
charlestonrestaurantassociation.com
Charleston Restaurant Week, executed by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, Inc. (GCRA), is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area. This event provides patrons the chance to appreciate and savor the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry with prix fixe menus and pricing.
Taste of Charleston Festival, September 23 – 25
charlestonrestaurantassociation.com
This three-day event showcases taste-tempting delights served by Charleston area restaurants. Fifty of the Lowcountry’s favorite casual and fine dining restaurants serve sample size portions, beer, and wine at the main event, held at Boone Hall Plantation.
34th Annual Moja Arts Festival, TBD
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.”
40th Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens, October 6 – 30
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.
