We are throwing it back to our old “Travel with Compass” series in advance of the Compass REtreat in Charleston, South Carolina this month. We’re excited to explore the city with the help of Amy Byrne from The Bovender Team and Gentry with The Gentry Todd Group, both members of Compass Charleston.
Whether you’re attending the REtreat or just looking to visit Charleston soon, here are their tips for where to eat, sleep, and play in their city!
Amy’s Tips
Must Do:
-Visit Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. It’s where the shrimp boats come and go with the most magical sunsets! We like Saltwater Cowboys or Tavern and Table.
–Magnolia Plantation and Gardens– the perfect spot to soak in some history and get your steps in after some heavy southern meals.
–International African American History Museum– a museum of African-American history in Charleston, South Carolina, located at a former shipping wharf where approximately 40% of the nation’s enslaved persons disembarked.
–Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon– One of the most historic buildings in Charleston, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, was finished in 1771. It played an important role and witnessed some of the most important events in Charleston during the Revolutionary War.
-Take a walk over the Ravenel Bridge, it’s breezy and offers beautiful views of downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
Shopping:
Gwynns Mount Pleasant– we don’t have malls but this is essentially our local luxury department store!
II Brunettes– cute + affordable women’s boutique in Mount Pleasant
M Dumas and Sons– our favorite men’s “department store”
Geo Birlant– Antique shopping on King Street downtown
Must Eat:
Raw 167 Get your seafood fix here 🙂
Halls Chophouse– Iconic steakhouse with impeccable service. Likely to spot Charleston’s local celebrities from Bill Murray to the cast of Southern Charm.
Marbled and Fin– Everyone is raving about this new steakhouse. I’ve heard it’s giving Halls a run for their money!
R Kitchen– my favorite, quiet, deeply local spot! Featuring a surprise 5-course tasting menu each night (they accommodate food allergies too).
Sorelle– Upscale Italian- it is FAB!
Costa– Another fabulous Italian spot with an in-house sommelier.
PRO TIP– avoid eating anything in the market area, it’s a tourist trap. Hyman’s Seafood is a local joke, yet they have the most and best reviews because they offer free hushpuppies in exchange for reviews. Don’t fall for it! Important to make your reservations in advance because these spots are often booked out.
It’s worth mentioning that the food in Charleston is SO good, that it’s hard to find a bad meal. If you’re craving something specific, let us know and we can provide more recommendations from gluten-free friendly spots to healthy eats, to dive bars!
Gentry’s Tips
Must Eat:
Coffee: Babas on Canon, Kudu Coffee (great courtyard), Sorelle Espresso Bar, Harken Cafe (historic vibes)
Breakfast: Millers All Day (go early!), Bodega (BECs & Cold Brew), Queen St Grocery (Dive/Classic)
Lunch: 167 Raw (No Res, but worth), Xiao Bao Biscuit (funky fusion), Lowland (historic vibes), HomeTeam BBQ
Dinner: Verns (Cozy Neighborhood Spot), Halls ChopHouse (Proper Steakhouse), Zero, Marbled & Fin
Drinks: Cocktail Club, Vintage, The Living Room @ Dewberry, The Griffon (British Pub)
(More options in the above Guide)
Must Do:
Walking Tour: Center City Charleston (stroll nearby Highlights)
This tour will take you roughly 1.5 hours (walking), but highlights much of what you’ll see in postcards
Photo Worthy Stops: White Point Garden (The Battery), Colonial Lake, Hampton Park, Rainbow Row
Much of the above tour will take you past these locations, but we highly recommend getting lost in any of these areas. You won’t be disappointed!
Modes of Transit: Pedi-Cabs (they won’t be far by evening), Uber/Lyft or just walk (you will need to drive anywhere off peninsula or above the Crosstown)!
Be sure to check out Gentry’s page about visiting Charleston here!
The Bottom Line: Thank you, Amy and Gentry for your perspectives on the Charleston scene. We’re looking forward to visiting your city soon!
Of course, if you are thinking about buying or selling a home in the Charleston area (or anywhere in North America + The Caribbean), please contact us, and we would love to put you in touch with our friends at Compass.
