For Immediate Release, January 2019
What's New in the Charleston Area Winter 2019
WHAT’S NEW IN THE CHARLESTON, S.C. AREA: Winter 2019With 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. Accommodations
V. Retail
VI. Tours + Attractions
VII. Highlighted Special Events
I. ACCOLADES
No. 1. Small City in the U.S.A
CNTraveler.com
15 Fascinating Historical Cities in the US
TripAdvisor.com
The Best Food Cities of 2019
EatThis.com
12 U.S. Cities That Are Even Better in Winter
CNTraveler.com
35 Most Beautiful Places to Travel to in America
TripAdvisor.com
II. NEW RESTAURANTS
Bar George
1956 Maybank Highway, Charleston | instagram.com/bargeorgechs
Oysters and hot dogs under one roof? You can find them both at the soon-to-open restaurant, Bar George next to the Terrace Theater. Aside from the aforementioned restaurant staples, Bar George will also offer menu items such as crudite, seafood and specialty cocktails. Opening Winter 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.
Community Table
148 Civitas Street, Mount Pleasant | communitytablechs.com
Community Table has opened in the I’On neighborhood in Mount Pleasant with a wood-fired concept. Located on the first floor of The Inn, the dining establishment serves dishes such as Cast Iron Carolina Shrimp with Garlic Confit or Double Cut Duroc Pork Chop with Fennel and Prosciutto Gratin and Ham Hock Blackberry Gravy. The restaurant also boasts a full bar stocked with creative cocktail options and fresh squeezed juices. Opened November 2019.
Estadio Charleston
33 Spring Street, Charleston | instagram.com/estadiochs
Washington D.C. based restaurant Estadio has opened a second location in downtown Charleston on the site of a former church. The Charleston location celebrates local Lowcountry ingredients and the menu will feature favorites such as Foie Gras Scrambled Eggs with Black Truffle Butter, Salt-Cod Crudo and Galician-Style Scallops and Trumpet Mushrooms. Opened October 2019.
First Watch
1236 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant | firstwatch.com
North Carolina based First Watch is coming to the Mount Pleasant Towne Center. This daytime café will serve breakfast, brunch and lunch. The menu will offer a variety of health-conscious items including a healthy Superfoods Bowl with Chia Seed Pudding and Fresh Berries and the Morning Market Veg Omelet with Roasted Zucchini, Crimini Mushrooms and Tomatoes. Opening March 2020.
Gale Restaurant
601 Meeting Street, Charleston | instagram.com/galerestaurant
A new Italian eatery, Gale Restaurant will focus on comfort food meant for sharing, as well as traditional pizza and pasta. Dishes will represent the produce and protein found in the Lowcountry in an Italian family-style setting. Opening February 2020.
Galpão Gaucho
167 East Bay Street, Charleston | galpaogauchousa.com
A Brazilian steakhouse is making its way to Charleston. Galpão Gaucho will open its first east coast location later this winter 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. Opening Winter 2020.
Harken Cafe
62 Queen Street, Charleston | harkencafe.com
A new cafe serving breakfast and lunch has opened in downtown Charleston. Harken Cafe serves items such as Avocado Labneh Toast with Peppadew and Pickled Red Onion along with various baked goods and coffees. Their menu offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly items as well as morning staples such as the Daily Biscuit with Whipped Ricotta and a Seasonal Compote. Opened October 2019.
Jackrabbit Filly
4628 Spruill Avenue, Park Circle | instagram.com/jackrabbitfilly
Jackrabbit Filly, the new brick-and-mortar location from the popular food truck Short Grain, has opened in the Park Circle neighborhood of North Charleston. Beginning with dinner service offering new-Chinese inspired dishes, the Jackrabbit Filly menu offers New Chinese American items such as Salt and Pepper Octopus with Wasabi Aioli and Singapore Fried Rice with House Maple Ham, Local Shrimp and Buttermilk Curry Aioli. Opened November 2019.
Jalisco Taqueria & Tequila
1271 Folly Road, Charleston | jalisco-chs.com
Jalisco Taqueria & Tequila has opened as a Mexican restaurant focused specifically on dishes native to the city of Jalisco, Mexico where tequila is king. The menu includes a wide array of salsas and a variety of tacos including Lengua Tacos with Braised Beef Tongue and Guajillo Salsa and Chorizo Tacos with Housemade Chorizo Rojo and Avocado Salsa. The beverage menu offers traditional cocktails, creative margaritas, and over 40 different types of tequila. Opened December 2019.
Mansueta's Filipino Food
1503 King Street, Charleston | instagram.com/mansuetasfilipinofood
The beloved Filipino pop-up Mansueta’s has found a more permanent home in Workshop on Upper King Street. Menu staples include Lumpia, a Filipino spring roll, and Pork Adobo along with a daily ramen offering. You can expect to see specials such as Pork Sisig Cacio e Pepe. Opened November 2019.
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.
Savi Cucina + Wine Bar
1324 Theater Drive, Mount Pleasant | savicucina.com
Locals Ty and Karen Raju have opened an upscale Italian eatery and wine bar in the Mount Pleasant Towne Center. Savi Cucina + Wine Bar offers traditional and coastal Italian cuisine made with local ingredients. Along with an expansive wine selection, the restaurant also boasts a charcuterie and mozzarella bar. Opened Fall 2019.
Sunshine Hummus
116A Spring St, Charleston | facebook.com/hummus.sunshine.charleston
A new Mediterranean restaurant has entered the dining scene in downtown Charleston. Sunshine Hummus specializes in unique hummus flavors, falafel, fresh pitas, and more. With a multitude of topping options, there is sure to be something for every palate. Opened December 2019.
Tempest
32 North Market Street Suite C, Charleston | tempestcharleston.com
Brought to you by the team of 5Church Charleston, Tempest will be 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 Woodruff
1802 Crowne Commons Way Suite C3, Johns Island | instagram.com/thewoodruffji
The Woodruff, Johns Island’s cozy wine bar has opened with charcuterie, small plates, and more. The ever-changing menu consists of diverse wines and local cheeses such as Charleston Cheese House’s French Quarter and Burden Creek Dairy’s Johns Island Green. If wine isn’t what you’re looking for, there is also a creative cocktail menu with offerings such as the bar’s namesake The Woodruff with Gin, Cocchi, Woodruff Syrup, Absinthe, and Lime. Opened December 2019.
III. RESTAURANT NEWS
Cuban Gypsy Pantry
5060 Dorchester Road Suite 200, North Charleston | cubangypsypantry.com
Cuban Gypsy Pantry has opened the doors to its second location in the Lowcountry with the first being in downtown Charleston. A larger space at the new restaurant will allow for in-house, private events along with take-out catering for off-site soirees.
Firefly Distillery
Park Circle, North Charleston | fireflydistillery.com
Surrounded by oaks and marsh views, the newly-built Firefly Distillery will capture the true essence of the Lowcountry in the heart of Charleston area. Experience the distillation process first hand with tours and sample Firefly Spirits in the tasting room, including distillery specialties such as the new small batch bourbon. Guests will be able to kick back marsh-side while enjoying live music and local food trucks. The new distillery will be open Monday through Saturday for tours and tastings. Opening Spring 2020.
House of Brews
2376 Ashley River Road, Charleston | instagram.com/houseofbrewswa
Mount Pleasant based watering hole House of Brews has opened a second location in West Ashley. The new location is home to a large backyard that welcomes pets and children alike, a dozen taps, and a wall of beer. In addition, House of Brews features local food trucks offering quick bites for customers. Opened November 2019.
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.
IV. ACCOMMODATIOMS
20 South Battery
20 South Battery, Charleston | 20southbattery.com
Nestled in a former privately-owned mansion in the heart of 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 March 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 Charleston. 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 Spring 2020.
V. RETAIL
Bluemercury
1230 Belk Drive, Mount Pleasant | bluemercury.com
Bluemercury will open its 192nd location in Mount Pleasant Towne Center. Bluemercury locations carry luxury skincare and cosmetics brands along with offering signature, inhouse spa treatments. This is the brands fourth location in South Carolina and third location in the Charleston area with the first being housed on King Street in downtown Charleston and the second being located in Kiawah Island. Opening January 2020.
Island Haus Co.
149 ½ East Bay Street, Charleston | islandhausco.com
Gift shop Island Haus Co. has opened inside the Miller Gallery in downtown Charleston. Offering coastal stationary and bungalow inspired gifts such as printed totes, nautical tea towels and colorful greeting cards, the island inspired line is full of pineapples and pastels that will brighten up any room. Opened December 2019.
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. Opening Spring 2020.
VII. HIGHLIGHTED SPECIAL EVENTS
Lights of Magnolia, November 15, 2019 - March 15, 2020
lightsofmagnolia.com
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has partnered with the Zigong Lantern Group in China to present "Lights of Magnolia: Reflections of a Cultural Exchange." Chinese lanterns will glow for four months beginning November 15 at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, illuminating America's oldest garden at night for the first time in its history. The lantern festival will feature custom-designed installations of large-scale thematically unified lanterns, a fusion of historic Chinese cultural symbols and images that represent the flora and fauna of Magnolia.
Central to Their Lives: Southern Women Artists in the Johnson Collection, January 17 - May 3, 2020
gibbesmuseum.org
Spanning the decades between the late 1890s and early 1960s, Central to Their Lives brings together for the first time the paintings and sculptures of forty-two diverse women artists who made significant contributions to the art of the South.
8th Annual Colour of Music Festival, January 29 - February 1, 2020
colourofmusic.org
The Colour of Music Festival will offer a musical kaleidoscope highlighting the impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers on American and world culture. The annual Colour of Music Festival will take place at various venues throughout historic Charleston.
Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K, February 1, 2020
ccpra.com
The Morris Island Lighthouse first shined in 1876 and is on the National Register for Historic Places. This half marathon and 5K supports the preservation of this historic site by Save The Light, a non-profit organization that formed in 2000 in order to help preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Charleston Coffee Fest, February 9, 2020
charlestoncoffeefest.com
The 6th annual Charleston Coffee Fest will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Lo-Fi Brewing. The event will feature local and regional roasters, local brunch purveyors, artisans, live music and kids activities. The festivities kick off with best coffee competitions, latte art competitions, coffee demonstrations, and more.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, February 14 - 16, 2020
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, and plenty of food and drinks.
Charleston Wine + Food Festival, March 4 – 8, 2020
charlestonwineandfood.com
Lauded as one of the country’s premier culinary experiences, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrates 14 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.
73rd Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 11 – April 18, 2020
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.
Ashley River Adventure Race, March 21, 2020
runsignup.com
The 2nd Annual Ashley River Adventure Race is returning on March 21st and will once again feature a 5K trail run, an 8-mile downriver paddle, a post-race party at the Inn at Middleton Place and a Fun Float for those that want to participate in a more leisurely manner.
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.
