nola knottie coming to visit

aaallen7

Hey girls!

      I'm visiting charleston next week with my husband (recently married), and was wondering if any of yall could fill me in on local places to eat (nice or dives) and anything we must see while we're there.  i've heard charleston is so nice so i can't wait to go, and we're only there four nights so i want to make sure we hit up the best local spots!  thanks in advance!!

april

kriskearney

Hey there- Not sure which days you are coming but next week starts the Charleston Food and Wine festival so there is lots going on if you are here during then... I liive downtown and get questions from clients coming all the time so these are my recommendations. (copying from email so sorry for the weird format)
 

Video Feature on Today show on Charleston:

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=40dee06a-1080-4a2c-951d-97c7d979f140&f=00&fg=

 

Anthony Bourdain Charleston Recommendations: www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/ci.South_Carolina.show?vgnextfmt=show">http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/ci.South_Carolina.show?vgnextfmt=show

  Things to see:
You will definitely be walking around King St where are the cute boutiques are and the old Market. Then go around the Battery and see all the huge houses there and all around town (this is the most beautiful part of town- a must). I think a carriage tour is a great way to see some of the city and get the history. Outside the city about 20 min, you can go visit one of our Ante Bellum Plantations. I recommend either Boone Hall or Middleton. www.middletonplace.org/">http://www.middletonplace.org/   (beautiful cause on the water and has great grounds to walk around)www.boonehallplantation.com/cms_pages/">http://www.boonehallplantation.com/cms_pages/    (has huge drive with big oaks and has been in several movies)
 Downtown Restaurant Recommendations:
-Hank's- Near market, fab seafood but you need a reservation on the weekend
-Pearlz is a great bar/Seafood place too and a bit more casual/affordable than Hank’s (and close to the rooftop bar I am going to recommend)- I go hear about once a week and all my family and returning out of town guests love it www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/restaurants/restaurant.php?id=845">http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/restaurants/restaurant.php?id=845-Jestine’s Kitchen is the famous fried chicken place that was on Anthony Bourdain’s No reservations as was Hominy Grill (which is a little walk from the main area but not too far) Always a line so either go early or for a late lunch- For good southern lowcountry food---82 Queen, Blossom, Magnolia’s and Slightly North of Broad are all great. Make sure to try some She Crab Soup and Shimp and Grits.  
-Another personal fave of mine is Il Cortile on King St. Romantic Italian dining. My fiance and I often cozy up the the busy bar for apps and wine and we go there often for special occassions as well.

Drinks:
-If it is nice, you must go to the Rooftop Bar at Vendue (Queen St. turns into Vendue right near the Waterfront park)...you take the elevator there and once you walk around to the main bar area---head to the back to your left. There are another set of stairs to the top bar where you get a 360 view of the harbour and the town. it is awesome!!! Most people think the best part is right when you get to that first part---but there is no good view there---- so MAKE sure you go all the way up! They serve food too—not the best but great for a snack and drinks at sunset!!
-There are lots of other bars around the market and Upper King as well.