Thinking of Charleston, South Carolina conjures up various images depending on your perspective. If you are a historian, you may think immediately that this is where the American Civil War started in April of 1860. Two forts bookended the entrance to the harbor, Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter. Just after South Carolina seceded from the Union the troops at Moultrie were ferried over to Sumter – the more defensible of the two. After thirty-four hours under cannon fire, the Federal troops in Sumter surrendered, and the civil war was on.
But most think of Charleston as a travel destination because it has become a very popular place with the likes of Travel & Leisure, Coastal Living, Conde Nast Travel and others. Similarly Charleston has become a popular place to relocate to. It has a lot going for it.
Where to stay? The Emeline is very stylish – not a whiff of the Doubletree it used to be in another life. The vibe is stylish retro. Close to the harbor and Waterfront Park and even closer to King Street shopping, the Emeline is well positioned for visitors. The restaurant, Frannie & The Fox has a huge wood fired oven that is put to good use, the breads and pizza have crust to write home about. An do sit in the open courtyard weather allowing.
The Restoration, a sister hotel to one by the same name in Asheville, NC is a newer entry to the Charleston scene. Located at 75 Wentworth it is just steps from King Street. Staff is very very good. Ask for Front Offive Manager William and you will get a good feel for why this hotel is quite comfortable in its sophisticated innervation. Restaurant The Watch on the 7th fl rooftop is high enough to give you some nice views. The menus is sparse but what is there is well done. We had Halibut and a chocolate tart to accompany a couple well crafted cocktails and a splendid view.
This is a foodie kinda place. The number of really good restaurants continues to climb. Fig has been around almost ten years now and it never gets stale. If you want s good feel for Low Country cusine, stop at Fig and try the triggerfish with chanterelles and sweet potato followed by Sticky Sorghum pudding.
Chubby Fish takes no reservations so get there early to enjoy local farm to table and the day’s fresh seafood. Like The Watch, the menus is not extensive but one can order from caviar or Wagu beef fronm the raw bar to octopus small plates with corn, avocado, peppers and salsa verde to a tagliatelle with clams large plate to whole fish like flounder or snapper. You won’t have room for dessert.
The last time were there there we introduced ourselves to the Charleston Music Hall, a 19th-century Gothic Revival building now hosting a variety of events. Seating is just under 1,000 so there really are no bad seats. After years of seeing Chris Botti in Orchestra Hall every Dec in Minneapolis is was fun to see him in a more intimate venue.