WEEKEND ROAD TRIPS:
WEEKEND IN CHARLESTON
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| Charleston Cooks! Taste of the Lowcountry cooking class, Charleston, South Carolina |
BREAKFAST: Dixie Supply Cafe & Bakery (www.dixiecafecharleston.com) is the place to head for a slice of tomato pie served with a side of sweet potato cornbread, or their equally famous shrimp and grits.
10 A.M.: Only a block from Dixie Supply, on Market Street, the newly renovated Charleston City Market (www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com) is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Comprised of four historic buildings, it is home to 285 local vendors – including more than 50 artisans who weave sweetgrass baskets, one of the region’s prized indigenous crafts – and Food for the Southern Soul (great for a snack or a tasty souvenir).
LUNCH: Cru Cafe ( www.crucafe.com) is in an old house just off bustling Market Street and has a loyal local following for lunch, thanks to their famed Four Cheese Macaroni.
Originally published in The Charlotte Observer
2 P.M.: Just down East Bay Street and owned and operated by Maverick Southern Kitchens (of East Bay’s High Cotton and Slightly North of Broad restaurant fame), Charleston Cooks! ( www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com) is the place to head for everything culinary, including cookbooks, cookware and a full schedule of cooking classes. The “Taste of the Lowcountry” class is held at 2 p.m. on many afternoons.
4 P.M.: Shopping on King Street is a time-honored Charleston tradition, thanks to multi-generation merchants, one-of-a-kind wares and upscale chains. Lower King is an esteemed antiques district, and Upper King is a thriving design district.
DINNER: It’s hard to beat the fresh seafood and lively atmosphere at Hank’s Seafood (www.hanksseafoodrestaurant.com), which is also just off Market Street.
BREAKFAST: Virginia’s on King ( www.virginiasonking.com) features Lowcountry fare for all three meals, with a breakfast of country ham and eggs a great way to start the day. The Sunday brunch menu includes bottomless mimosas.
10 A.M.: The best way to see Charleston is on foot. Departing from Mills House Hotel, Charleston Strolls ( www.charlestonstrolls.com) offers a perfect two-hour “Daily Tour” every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (including holidays).
LUNCH: Caviar & Bananas ( www.caviarandbananas.com) is an epicurean experience, thanks to gourmet prepared entrees, sandwiches, salads, sushi, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. They also have an outpost in Charleston Market.
2 P.M.: Since 1858, the Gibbes Museum of Art ( www.gibbesmuseum.org) has hosted exhibitions with a regional connection, while its 10,000-piece-plus permanent collection includes many pieces of merit from the 1915 to 1940 Charleston Renaissance period.
DINNER: The Grocery ( www.thegrocerycharleston.com) features an ingredient-inspired menu rooted in Southern and Mediterranean flavors, ranging from small bites to family style portions. The warm, familial setting boasts an open kitchen and wood-burning oven, heightening the atmosphere in the former furniture warehouse.
WRAP UP: For something really different, head up upper King for bowling at The Alley (www.thealleycharleston.com). This reclaimed warehouse features eight lanes of retro bowling, a 40-foot bar made from recycled bowling lane wood, vintage arcade games and a 150-seat restaurant.