For Immediate Release, January 2015
What's New Winter 2015
WHAT’S NEW IN THE CHARLESTON, S.C. AREA: WINTER 2015Charleston, S.C., named #1 City in the U.S. and Canada by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards and #1 Top U.S. City by Condé Nast Traveler 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards, is known for rich history, well-preserved architecture, coastal location, a celebrated restaurant community, and mannerly people. While indeed a veritable living museum, the Charleston area is also a bustling epicenter of hospitality as illustrated by the following news.
I. Accolades
II. Restaurants
III. Restaurant News
IV. Retail
V. Accommodations
VI. Exhibits and Tours
VII. Air Service
VIII. Event Space
IX. Events
X. Renovations
I. ACCOLADES
#1 Top U.S. City and #2 Top City in the World
Condé Nast Traveler 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
October 2014
#1 City in the U.S. and Canada
Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards
July 2014
#1 Friendliest City in the U.S.
Condé Nast Traveler 2014 Readers Choice Awards
August 2014
Outstanding Culinary Destination
2014 Saveur Culinary Travel Awards
October 2014
Golf Destination of the Year North America
2015 IAGTO Awards
October 2014
II. RESTAURANTS
167 Raw
167 East Bay Street, Charleston
167raw.com
167 Raw in Charleston is the latest location from Nantucket Island’s well-known 167 Market. 167 Raw is part gourmet seafood market, part café situated in Charleston’s historic district. It is popularly known for its lobster roll. Opened July 2014.
Artisan Meat Share
33 Spring Street, Charleston
artisanmeatsharecharleston.com
Artisan Meat Share is a 15-seat sandwich and butcher shop that showcases James Beard Award semi- finalist Chef Craig Deihl’s award-winning charcuterie. The shop also features freshly butchered meats, sandwiches, and house-made condiments. Opened September 2014.
Beardcat’s Sweetshop
2063 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island
beardcatsweetshop.com
Located on Sullivan’s Island, Beardcat’s Sweetshop brings house-made gelato, popsicles, and gelato cakes from Wild Olive restaurant’s former pastry chef, Caroline Sherman. The sweet shop also offers coffee, smoothies, and fresh pressed juices. Opened May 2014.
In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner
164-A Market Street, Charleston
chefbobwaggoner.com
Former Executive Chef of Charleston Grill and James Beard Award Winning Chef Bob Waggoner will offer intimate cooking classes in his downtown showcase kitchen. Chef Waggoner’s high-end classes will teach kitchen tips and techniques while guests prepare a seasonal tasting menu. Opened January 2015.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
501 King Street, Charleston
jenis.com
Charleston is the first retail location in South Carolina for Jeni’s Ice Cream brand. Jeni’s Ice Cream is known for its unique flavors and only uses milk from grass-grazed cows and unprocessed ingredients. The shop carries Jeni’s signature and limited edition flavors including salty caramel and dark chocolate along with ice cream sandwiches and sundaes. Opened June 2014.
Minero
155 East Bay Street, Charleston
Minerorestaurant.com
Chef Sean Brock of Husk and McCrady’s brings Mexican street food to East Bay Street. Named Minero, after Mexican miners who wrapped explosives in paper and called them tacos, the restaurant offers a casual setting with house made authentic corn tortillas and bold menu items such as shrimp and masa grits and charcoaled chicken tacos. Opened October 2014.
Motobar
487 King Street, Charleston
Motobarchs.com
Motobar is a motorcycle-themed establishment on upper King Street serving vegetarian and vegan dishes for breakfast and lunch. It is also open for late night dining. Opened November 2014.
Tavern & Table
100 Church Street, Mount Pleasant
Tavernandtable.com
Tavern & Table is the latest restaurant on picturesque Shem Creek. The menu celebrates Lowcountry flavors and spotlights local vendors, fishermen, and farmers. A sampling of menu items include Frogmore soup, steak tartare, and whole roasted fish. Opened December 2014.
The Americano
819 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant
theamericanomp.com
From the owner of The Rarebit, The Americano is a vintage Miami-inspired restaurant serving Latin American cuisine in the heart of Mount Pleasant. It is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and specialty cocktails. Opened November 2014.
The Daily
652 King Street, Charleston
The Daily is an extension of Butcher & Bee, a well-known sandwich shop on upper King Street. It offers a corner store experience with quality provisions including prepared foods, Stumptown coffee, cold pressed juice, beer, and wine. The Daily regularly hosts pop-up markets with Charleston's purveyors of produce, fish, and meats. Opened September 2014.
The Islander
160 Fairchild Street, Daniel Island, SC
theislanderdi.com
The Islander’s tag line is “where everyday is your vacation.” The restaurant, located on Daniel Island, is a part of the Holy City Hospitality family. The Islander boasts a tropical setting and offers seafood, sushi, tacos, and salads. Opened May 2014.
The Obstinate Daughter
2063 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC
theobstinatedaughter.com
The Obstinate Daughter’s menu showcases influences from French, Italian, and Spanish cuisine that changes seasonally and highlights local farmers and fishermen. The name of the restaurant pays homage to the Revolutionary War history of Sullivan’s Island, specifically from a political cartoon of the defenders of Charleston titled: “Miss Carolina Sullivan, one of the obstinate daughters of America, 1776”. Opened March 2014.
The Press
19 Vendue Range, Charleston
thevendue.com/restaurants/the-press/
One of the latest additions to the newly renovated hotel The Vendue, The Press is a coffee shop located in the former home of the South Carolina Gazette, South Carolina’s first successful newspaper circa 1732. It serves Starbucks coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Opened May 2014.
R. Kitchen
80 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston
rutledgekitchen.com
R. Kitchen is a 30-seat communal kitchen open for lunch and dinner. The menu changes often and each Monday night a guest chef is “handed the keys to the kitchen” to create a one-of-a-kind menu. Opened May 2014.
St. Alban
710 King Street, Charleston
Brooks Reitz, owner of Leon’s Oyster Shop and Jack Rudy Cocktail Company opened his second restaurant in downtown Charleston named St. Alban. It is a European style café that specializes in fine wine and coffee. Opened January 2015.
Swig & Swine
1217 Savannah Highway, West Ashley
Swigandswinebbq.com
Swig & Swine is the latest restaurant from the Queen Street Hospitality Group that is made up of 82 Queen and Lowcountry Bistro. Using high-quality hickory and pecan woods, Swig & Swine applies the “low and slow” cooking method to its BBQ. Opened May 2014
Union Provisions
513 King Street, Charleston
unionprovisions.com
Housed in a 114 year-old restored bank from the 1920s, Union Provisions is the latest tapas-style restaurant on upper King Street. The menu is influenced by American cuisine and serves lunch, brunch, and dinner. Opened July 2014.
West Side Deli
237 Fishburne Street, Charleston
West Side Deli will bring a bodega-style market to Charleston’s peninsula. The deli will serve Boar’s Head brand sandwiches, bagels, cheesecake, and coffee. Slated to open winter 2015.
III. RESTAURANT NEWS
Palmetto Brewing
289 Huger Street, Charleston
palmettobrewing.com
After over a year of construction, Palmetto Brewing has re-opened for tastings and tours. The newly renovated space includes an outdoor courtyard and tasting room. The tasting room serves Palmetto Brewing’s four classic brews; Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Espresso Porter, and Charleston Lager. Re-opened August 2014.
IV. PRODUCTS/RETAIL
The Hive at Pink Dot Beauty Bar
227 Meeting Street, Charleston
thehiveatpinkdot.com
Pink Dot Beauty Bar, a fashion forward high-end cosmetic boutique, has expanded its space with The Hive. The Hive is a full service hair salon located upstairs at Pink Dot. The salon also offers makeup application, manicures, and pedicures. Opened September 2014.
Khi-Khi Milk Company Vietnamese Cold Pressed Coffee
khikhimilkco.com
The first beverage from Charleston-based Khi-Khi Milk Company is handmade Vietnamese Cold Pressed Coffee. Mixed with condensed milk and pure cocoa this creamy coffee is currently only available in Charleston area restaurants and retail shops. Launched May 2014.
Bittermilk
Bittermilk.com
No. 4 New Orleans Style Old Fashioned Rouge and No. 6 Oaxacan Old Fashioned are the latest cocktail flavoring products from Bittermilk. Aged in whiskey barrels, the No. 4 New Orleans Style Old Fashioned boasts licorice, spice, fennel, and absinthe flavor. Launched June 2014. The No. 6 Oaxacan Old Fashioned is made with dried Mexican chilies, cocoa nibs, and is sweetened with raisins. It is best mixed with Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic spirit made from the maguey plant. Launched November 2014.
Candlefish
71 Wentworth Street, Charleston
candlefish.com
Candlefish is the first retail location from Rewined Candle Company- the Charleston based company renowned for its use of recycled wine bottles. The shop will stock their Produce and Rewined candles as well as other curated gift items and will offer candle-making classes. Opened October 2014.
Charleston Rice Beads by Candy Shop Vintage
candyshopvintage.com
Charleston Rice Beads pay homage to the history of rice in Charleston. Candy Shop Vintage’s inspiration came from swinging chain necklaces from the 1970’s. Their Charleston Rice Bead line of bracelets, earrings, and necklaces come in silver, gold, rose gold, coral, and turquoise and bring Southern flair to any outfit.
Jack Rudy Cocktail Company’s Elderflower Tonic
jackrudycocktailco.com
Created by mixologist Brooks Reitz, Elderflower Tonic is the latest tonic formula from Jack Rudy Cocktail Company. The concentrated tonic syrup is formulated with dried elderflowers and quinine—a recipe designed to take Gin & Tonic drinking into the winter months. Launched August 2014.
Le Creuset Boutique
112 North Market Street, Charleston
As the new global cookware partner of Relais & Châteaux, Planters Inn is home to the world’s first Le Creuset Boutique. Le Creuset is the world’s leading manufacturer of enameled cast iron cookware. The boutique features cast iron and stainless steel pieces and introduces new colors and themes seasonally. Opened October 2014.
MOSA
420 ½ King Street, Charleston
The latest boutique located on upper King Street, MOSA offers a high-end shopping experience for men and women. Taking its name from the mimosa, an orange juice and champagne cocktail, customers can buy a prepaid card and serve themselves mimosas, beer, and wine as they shop. Opened October 2014.
Striped Pig Distillery: Striped Spiced Rum, Gin, and Whiskey
stripedpigdistillery.com
In addition to vodka, rum, and moonshine, Striped Pig Distillery now offers Striped Spiced Rum, Striped Gin, and Striped Whiskey all crafted with locally grown ingredients.
Striped Spiced Rum is made with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and butterscotch. While Striped Gin is made with juniper, lavender, and orange peel flavors. The Striped Whiskey is made from corn grown from a farm in nearby Bowman, South Carolina. Launched November 2014.
The Eyebrarian
194 King Street, Charleston
theeyebrarian.com
The Eyebrarian is a unique shop that brings fashionable books and handmade, stylish eyewear to King Street. Opened September 2014.
Tolerance Ginger Cinnamon Whiskey Liqueur
charlestondistilling.com
Tolerance is the first liqueur from Charleston Distilling Company. Made with a blend of corn, wheat, and rye whiskey Tolerance is flavored with 30 pounds of hand-peeled ginger along with cinnamon and natural sugar and packs a natural heat. Launched December 2014.
V. ACCOMMODATIONS
The Vendue
19 Vendue Range, Charleston
thevendue.com
The Vendue is a boutique hotel that re-opened this spring after being closed for renovations. It is the only historic property (dating back to the 1780s) dedicated to the arts, with 300 original pieces installed throughout the hotel. The renovation added architectural and operational updates and updated rooms. Three dining experiences are available on site including The Press, The Drawing Room, and The Rooftop. Re-opened May 2014.
The Hilton Garden Inn
45 Lockwood Drive, Charleston
Near local attractions, the Hilton Garden Inn is located in downtown Charleston neighboring the Ashley Marina. This waterfront hotel offers three meeting spaces, on-site catering, a fitness center, pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Opened May 2014.
VI. EXHIBITS AND TOURS
Art Docent Tours at The Vendue
19 Vendue Range, Charleston
thevendue.com
The Vendue, Charleston’s art hotel, offers a complimentary docent-led Coffee Tour, Wine Tour, and Guided City Tour to their guests and friends or family. Each tour takes guests to meet the hotel’s current artist in residence and through the current exhibits. Launched May 2014.
Carnivalesque
Various locations
carnivalesqueshows.com
Carnivalesuqe is a theater troupe that brings the carnival tradition to Charleston and includes burlesque, sideshow stunts, and aerial arts. Opened September 2014.
Charleston Pirate Tour
(843) 442-7299, charlestonpiratetour.com
Charleston Pirate Tour has added a special one-hour tour for children eight years old and younger. The tour is designed as a treasure hunt. It explores pirate history on the Charleston Harbor and ends when the “treasure” is found. Launched September 2014.
Chow Down Charleston Food Tours
(866) 736-6343,chow-downcharleston.com
Visitors can taste their way through historic downtown Charleston with this three-hour walking tour. On the tour, participants get a taste of Charleston by sampling items from Christophe Paume, Brown Dog Deli, Gaulart & Maliclet Fast & French, Queen Street Grocery, Kitchen 208, and Lowcountry Olive Oil.
New Exhibits at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
patriotspoint.org
Visitors can now tour over 110 exhibits aboard the USS Yorktown with a headset. This self-paced tour provides detailed descriptions for an additional $6. Launched July 2014.
The Museum has also added an exhibit dedicated to the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Experience Exhibit encompasses two acres and features over a dozen components that simulate life in a wartime support base and a U.S. Marine Corps artillery firebase. Opened November 2014.
VII. AIRSERVICE
JetBlue added two new daily flights at Charleston International Airport to Washington. D.C. (Reagan) in June 2014.
Porter Airlines will begin service between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Toronto, Ontario, Canada’s Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). From February 14 to May 2, 2015, Porter Airlines will operate one weekly round-trip, non-stop, direct flight, with introductory one-way fares beginning at $238 including all fees and taxes. Flights are now available for booking at www.flyporter.com.
VIII. EVENT SPACE
Cannon Green
103 Spring Street, Charleston
cannongreencharleston.com
Cannon Green is the latest restaurant and event space in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood in downtown Charleston. A collaboration by the owner of Stems, a local floral design company and Lynn Easton and Dean Andrews of Easton Events and Zero George Street, the 3,000 square foot space is curated for weddings and social events. Chef Amalia Scatena who hails from Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards leads the Mediterranean-influenced café. Opened November 2014.
The Cedar Room
701 East Bay Street, Charleston
thecedarroomcigarfactory.com
A part of The Indigo Road restaurant group, The Cedar Room is an event space located inside the Old Cigar Factory. The 7,500 square feet space will offer views of the Cooper River. Slated to open Spring 2015.
IX. EVENTS:
AFAR Magazine Charleston Experience, May 13 – 14, 2015
afarexperiences.com/Charleston
AFAR magazine has curated a one-of-a-kind weekend that invites participants to explore the Charleston area’s architecture, food, and history with unique events and experiences. Tickets may be purchased at afarexperiences.com/Charleston.
Charleston International Jazz Festival, January 22 – 25, 2015
charlestonjazzfestival.com
This inaugural event is hosted by the Jazz Artists of Charleston to celebrate the history and legacy of jazz in Charleston.
Charleston Tells: Storytelling Festival, March 13 – 14, 2015
Wragg Square, ccpl.org
Drawing upon the Charleston area’s rich history and heritage, Charleston Tells: Storytelling Festival brings together over 40 of the nations storytellers and entertainers to engage audiences in the art of the spoken word.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival, January 25, 2015
Boone Hall Plantation, charlestonrestaurantassociation.com
Two tractor trailers full of the salty mollusks are hauled onto the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation, and the fragrant fog of oysters steamed in wet burlap hangs above the shuck ‘em-and-slurp ‘em crowd.
Time Inc. Charleston Insiders Weekend, May 1 – 3, 2015
southernliving.com/Charleston
The Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with five Time Inc. lifestyle publications including Travel + Leisure, Coastal Living, Southern Living, Departures, and Food & Wine for the first ever Charleston Insiders Weekend. The weekend allows participants to interact with participating magazine’s editors and will feature more than 20 one-of-a-kind local experiences celebrating Charleston's epicurean scene, shopping, history, culture, and lifestyle—all from an insider's point of view. Tickets may be purchased at southernliving.com/Charleston.
X. RENOVATIONS:
Renovations of Colonial Lake, January 19, 2015
Colonial Lake, one of Charleston most iconic parks, is undergoing renovations beginning mid-January. Improvements will include gardens, an enhanced promenade around the lake, additional seating and pathways, and more shade trees. Renovations are expected to be completed in one year.
Media Contact:
Molly Waring, Assistant Director of Media Relations
[email protected]
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