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, January 2018
What's New in the Charleston Area Winter 2018

With its vibrant culture, rich history, exquisitely-preserved architecture, idyllic coastal location, celebrated dining scene, and friendly locals, Charleston, South Carolinais 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 (2017), 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 (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013) and No. 1 Top 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. Accommodations
IV. Venues
V. Tours + Exhibits
VI. Air Service
VII. Highlighted Special Events

I. ACCOLADES

The Most Colorful Cities in the World
BRIDES

Fodor's Go List 2018
Fodor's Travel

The Friendliest Cities in the U.S
Condé Nast Traveler

The South's Best Food Towns
Garden & Gun

The World’s 21 Top Luxury Beach Destinations in 2017
Coastal Living

II. NEW RESTAURANTS

Basic Kitchen
82 Wentworth Street, Charleston | basickitchen.com

Co-owners Ben and Kate Towill, of critically acclaimed New York restaurant The Fat Radish, have transformed Basic Kitchen into an easy-going and tropical eatery in the heart of downtown Charleston. Chef Air Casebier, former Chef at HUSK, is behind the menu of seasonal and local produce. Menu items include nourishing and healthy fare such as Avocado Toast, Rainbow Bowls and Thai-Spiced Turkey Burgers. Basic Kitchen’s menu also features a variety of drinks including craft cocktails, smoothies, juices, coffee and kombucha. Opened November 2017.

Daps
280 Ashley Avenue, Charleston | dapsbreakfast.com

Daps will open as an all-day breakfast establishment in downtown Charleston with light lunch and bar snacks. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, accompanied by a beverage menu that’s innovative and unique. Daps promises the ‘ultimate breakfast sandwich’ upon opening. Opening Winter 2018.

Dockery’s
880 Island Park Drive, Daniel Island | dockerysdi.com

Dockery’s serves as Daniel Island’s first craft brewery with a vibrant 11,000 square foot space. The family-friendly establishment boasts a live music venue featuring a blend of local, regional and national artists. Sip on beers brewed by resident brewmaster Dustin Wilson, who has created a mix of well-balanced traditional and experimental beers. The restaurant features state-of-the-art kitchen appliances such as a live-fire grill, smoker, rotisserie and wood burning oven. Guests can enjoy a fresh and seasonal menu that incorporates local ingredients into delectable entrees including the Carolina Shrimp Pasta, Butternut Squash Farrotto and Wood Grilled Swordfish. Opened November 2017.

Graft
700 King Street Suite B, Charleston | graftchs.com

Acclaimed Sommeliers Femi Oyediran and Miles White introducing a wine bar and shop to upper King Street. Graft, situated between Leon’s Oyster Shop and Pancito & Lefty, will be a hip hangout to sip and savor phenomenal wine. Opening Winter 2018.

Miller’s All Day
120 King Street, Charleston | millersallday.com
Chef Nathan Thurston of The Darling Oyster Bar has partnered with Farmer Greg Johnsman of Geechie Boy Mill to bring a “brunch centric” restaurant to King Street. Miller’s All Day will operate seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and eventually dinner services. The menu will focus on traditional Southern fare and feature specialty produce from Johnsman’s farm. Opening Winter 2018.

One Broad Street
1 Broad Street, Charleston | instagram.com/1broadstreet
One Broad Street, named after the restaurant’s iconic location in the heart of downtown Charleston, has recently opened for breakfast and lunch. Chef Kevin Getzewich, formerly of Indaco and The Macintosh, has crafted a delectable menu featuring a $5 Scrapple Sandwich, Detroit Pizza and Morning Crispy Rice Bowl. Opened November 2017.

Parcel 32
442 King Street, Charleston | facebook.com/parcel32

Parcel 32 will transform the former FISH restaurant into a Lowcountry eatery featuring the flavors and heritage of the coastal South in a refined, yet laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Executive Chef Digby Stirdiron has been nationally recognized for his culinary expertise by renowned publications including Coastal Living and The New York Times. Opening Winter 2018.

Saltwater Cowboys
130 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant | saltwater-cowboys.com

Saltwater Cowboys opens as Shem Creek’s newest addition, offering sensational views from two outdoor dog-friendly bars and over 60 feet of floating dock. The menu features locally-sourced seafood, housemade Bread & Butter Pickles, a specialty bourbon bar, on-site pit smoked barbecue and an extensive wine list. Opens Winter 2018.

The Getaway
541 King Street, Charleston | thegetawayonking.com

Situated on King Street, The Getaway is Charleston’s newest cabana bar. Former Top-Chef contestant Chef Emily Hahn presents comforting and authentic South American plates, including Ropa Vieja and Mammas Baked Empanadas. The outdoor seating area is covered with bright greenery and the smaller, second bar is the perfect spot to order Frozen Mojitos. Opened December 2017.

The Salty Goat
5802 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms | destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/dining/the-salty-goat

The Salty Goat opened as a laidback Wild Dunes Resort establishment serving craft ales, crisp cocktails and mouthwatering bites, such as Barbecue Brisket Sundaes, Smokehouse Waffle Fries and Billy G’s Grinders. The bar serves as a sports lover’s paradise and the perfect spot to watch a Monday night game. Opened October 2017.

Tu
430 Meeting Street, Charleston | tu-charleston.com

Tu is the sister restaurant of Xio Bao Biscuit and one of the most anticipated new restaurants of the year. Located in a Charleston single house, Tu’s atmosphere is trendy, yet sophisticated. The menu features Middle Eastern influences, such as Lamb Freekah and Mexican inspirations like the Aqua Chile. Tu serves a late night menu catering to the close proximity of Upper King’s bustling nightlife. Opened November 2017.

Vintage Lounge
545 King Street, Charleston | vintagechs.com
Vintage Lounge is a sophisticated bar on Upper King for wine connoisseurs and fondue lovers alike. The atmosphere oozes city chic with its gilded ceiling, wraparound marble bar and large covered patio. The menu features a variety of wines including medium-bodied reds, floral whites and champagne. Vintage Lounge serves a charcuterie and cheese menu including Truffle Fontina and Chocolate Fondue. In addition, the menu features appetizing small plates including the Salmon Crudo and Ricotta Gnocchi. Opened November 2017.

III. ACCOMMODATIONS

Home2 Suites
1650 James Nelson Road, Mount. Pleasant | home2suites3.hilton.com

Hilton has opened a new Home2 Suites destination directly across the street from Mount Pleasant Towne Center, providing guests with a variety of shopping and dining options. The 122-room Home2 Suites is a pet-friendly hotel complete with a swimming pool, business center, laundry services, fire pit and grill area, as well as a complimentary breakfast and snack bar. Opened January 2018.

The Palms Oceanfront Hotel
1126 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms | palmscharleston.com
The Palms Oceanfront Hotel has re-opened to the public after renovating all guest rooms and suites, as well as public spaces, including corridors and lobbies. Highlights of The Palm’s makeover include a new pool deck complete with outdoor showers, a modern lobby and breakfast bar and new granite bathrooms in guest rooms. Opened November 2017.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston Airport/Convention Center
5001 Fashion Avenue, North Charleston | marriott.com/hotels/travel/chsto-towneplace-suites-charleston-airport-convention-center

Located in North Charleston, the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott is within walking distance of numerous dining and shopping options, including the Tanger Outlets. The hotel features amenities including a state of the art outdoor seasonal swimming pool, fitness facility, business center and complimentary high-speed wireless internet. Opened December 2017.

IV. VENUES

Charleston Chestnut Mansion
241 East Bay Street, Charleston | thecharlestonchestnut.com

The Charleston Chestnut Mansion is a unique three-story property nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston. The first level serves as a spacious event venue, while the second and third floors offer guests luxurious 3,000 square-feet rental suites. Charleston Chestnut Mansion boasts top-notch kitchen appliances, spacious living areas, marble counters and plush linens. Opened August 2017.

Upstairs @ 345 King
345 King Street, Charleston | skinnydipamerica.com/345king#cowork

Upstairs @ 345 King is Charleston’s newest co-working and event space located above collective concept store The Skinny Dip. The upstairs @ 345 King space provides the local community with collaborative and professional workspace for members to create, grow and build their businesses. Opened January 2018.

V. TOURS + EXHIBITS

Old South Carriage Co. Nighttime Historic Colonial Tour
14 Anson Street, Charleston | oldsouthcarriage.com

Now available after 5 PM, this 40-minute evening carriage tour focuses on the settlers who built Charles Towne from 1680-1770 and defended it against the Spanish, French, Native Americans and pirates. Learn about the construction of the first English Walled City in America, as well as important events, people and historic structures from the Colonial time-period.

VI. AIR SERVICE

Allegiant Air | allegiantair.com

Allegiant Airlines announced that it will begin three new non-stop, seasonal routes to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh from Charleston International Airport beginning April 2018. One-way fares on the new routes start as low as $48. The flights will operate twice weekly and will bring nearly 30,000 passengers to Charleston annually.

VII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS

Charleston Wedding Week, January 24 – 27, 2018
charlestonweddingweek.com

A dynamic series of workshops, signature experiences, fashion shows and tours produced by the team that created Charleston Weddings magazine and The Wedding Row blog, Charleston Wedding Week brings industry professionals together with brides-to-be and up-and-coming vendors.

35th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, January 28, 2018
charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival, executed by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, Inc., is the world’s largest oyster roast. With more than two tons of the salty mollusks on the menu, this widely popular event at Boone Hall Plantation features legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” contests, live music, spirits and a “food court” showcasing a variety of local restaurants.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, February 16 – 18, 2018
sewe.com

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is the largest wildlife, art and sporting event of its kind. This three-day celebration showcases more than 500 artists and exhibitors, wildlife and nature experts, sporting demonstrations, conservation education, food and drinks.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival, March 1 – 5, 2018
charlestonwineandfood.com

Lauded as one of the country’s premier culinary experiences, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrates 12 years of immaculate flavor and unforgettable fun with more than 100 events. This five-day event includes some of the most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and winemakers in the world.

Lexus Charleston Fashion Week, March 13 – 17, 2018
charlestonfashionweek.com

Held under the tents at Marion Square, this five-night celebration is one of the nation’s leading fashion events. Lexus Charleston Fashion Week showcases more than 35 runway shows, featuring model talent, energetic photographers and emerging designers.

70th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 15 – April 21, 2018
historiccharleston.org

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.

Charleston Antiques Show, March 16 – 18, 2018
historiccharleston.org

Inspired by the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Charleston, this exhibition is a showcase of nearly 30 of the nation’s most prominent antiques exhibitors. Celebrating 70 years for the Historic Charleston Foundation, the Charleston Antiques Show features decorative and fine arts including rare maps, jewelry, prints and quilts of English, European and American periods.

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