Hello friends, Can you give me any tips on good restaurants and things to do in Charleston? I loved the southern food in Savannah so am interested in places featuring local cuisine especially. During the day I'll be exploring solo as my husband will be in business meetings. I will not have a car during the day but will have easy access to the historic district. Leaving October 14th for five days. Thanks for any advice. Barb Cabot

PS Anyone have any experience taking guided walking tours there?

Hi Barb,

Sounds like a great trip! Charleston is lovely, and you'll find it similar to Savannah. We didn't do a walking tour, but there are a variety of horse/mule carriage tours that let you see a lot of the city.

We've been to Charleston once for a long weekend and then later spent a week not too far away on Kiawah Island. I remember we had a great dinner across the river from Charleston at one of the restaurants on the waterfront at Shem Creek. We did the trip out to Fort Sumter. We toured several historic houses. And we really enjoyed an afternoon at Magnolia Plantation. The walking tour around the swamp gardens (just before closing time) was surreal... I was very squeamish about the crocodiles. I believe you could take a tour out to this plantation, and it would be well worth the trip.

Here are a couple of other threads about Charleston that include some recommendations for restaurants and sights:

Charleston

Charleston, SC Inns, B & B's restaurants or any other helpful hints?

And there are a few restaurant reviews here.

You are really getting to enjoy the south this year! I'm glad Mike can be with you this time.

If you would be open to renting a car for a day, you might consider driving out to Edisto Island or to Beaufort, SC.

Kathy

Barb, I've heard only good things about Charelston (never been there). You two will have a wonderful time.

YOu will love Charleston, especially this time of the year. The threads Kaydee directed you to cover most of what I have done there.

I also would recommend Magnolias for dinner.

The very first time we visted there, we did a carriage tour, I think it was with Old town company or something like that, it is touristy but we enjoyed it, it is a good way to start your day, and
they tell you some stories that you might not hear otherwise.

I very much enjoy just walking around the historic town everytime we go. You will find plenty to keep your attention. I also enjoy sitting on one of the swings on the boardwalk waterfront reading my book and people watching.

You will enjoy it,
Have fun,
Candi

Kaydee and Candi,

Thank you very, very much for all your helpful suggestions. I just briefly looked at the links you provided and there's lots of good and interesting tips. This is a busy week for me but next week I'm going to start seriously printing out and noting what you've suggested. The Slowtrav boards are such wonderful resources.
I appreciate everyone's help so much. Thank you.
Barb Cabot

Hi Barb,
I was just on www.cnn.com and saw this on Charleston.http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/09/15/charleston.tourism/index.html I hope the link works. If not it is under travel at cnn.com.
My only trip to Charleston was to a business conference and I didn’t have much free time. However the horse drawn carriage ride thru the historic area was wonderful. I hope you and Mike have a great trip.
Beth

Beth thank you for this. I will see you at Palma's to tell you how it went. Barb Cabot

Take a walk down the Battery which runs along the shore of Charleston Harbor. It is flanked across the street by the row houses Charleston is noted for, all from the Colonial Era. Their Market area has some great shopping and there are some great seafood restaurants in the area... I believe it's Hyman's that's very well known.

Haven't been up there in a while but it is a lovely city to just stroll around with no particular schedule or purpose...

I don't want to sound too harsh, but there are so many fantastic restaurants in Charleston and it would be a shame if you wasted your time at Hymans Seafood.

It was a great place to go in the late 80's, and even into the 90's, but it became so touristy. I would head out to Isle of Palms, Sulivans Island, Folly Beach or even over to Shem Creek if you want the ocean views and some great seafood. The Boathouse is one of my favorites and that is on the Isle of Palms. I love to sit at Vickerys on Shem Creek and enjoy the ambiance.

I have always had great luck being a tourist and using the tripadvisor listing of restaurants and I completely agree with their listing of restaurants in Charleston.
Ann

I love Charleston and its restaurants. I've been several times since my first visit in the mid 1980s, most recently January 2008.

Magnolia's has been mentioned and it's a restaurant I really like.

My favourite is Anson near the market though.

I like Carolina's too.

Many of the guides promote the Charleston Grill and the Peninsula Grill. I've been disappointed by both - mainly because of their dark, gloomy rooms, and poor price/quality ratios.

Go to Hyman's for lunch but not for dinner.

I'm not a local, but when I was there a few years ago, my husband and I ate at 82 Queen and we thought it was fantastic.

Also, if it hasn't been mentioned, we went out to tour Fort Sumter and it was great. As for the historic section of Charleston itself, we picked up a self guided walking tour pamphlet from the Visitors Center and did it on our own and enjoyed going at our own pace.

Have a wonderful trip--it's a great city.