Our frequent visits to Charleston give us the opportunity
to work with exceptional people, explore the historic sites, tourist destinations, and top quality restaurants across the Lowcountry.
Below you'll find our work partners, favorite spots, recommended reading, and local secrets for your next visit to The Holy City.
Our Work Partners
We've had the incredible privilege to work with a range of humans and businesses in our short time in Charleston. Learn more about these fabulous folks by clicking on their name below!
Top Tourist Destinations
Penn Center
Located on St. Helena Island - about 1.5 hours south of Charleston - the Penn Center holds a storied history. It was the location of the first school for formerly enslaved West Africans, and served as a prime location during the Civil Rights Movement. Now the site is a research center, museum, and exhibition space is one of the most significant African American institutions in the country.
Charleston Tea Plantation
Not one of those plantations - the Charleston Tea Plantation opened in the 1980s. Whether you are a tea lover or not, it is a delightful and fascinating tour, learning how tea is grown and made. Yet another gorgeous, but relatively short, drive from Charleston, it is on our must see list.
International African American Museum
The museum opened in September 2023 and is located on Gadsden's Wharf, the disembarkation point for tens of thousands of enslaved Africans from 1760s through 1808. We visited in late September and were moved and blown away by the experience. The museum experience is immersive, empathetic, and at the end, celebratory of the impact that enslaved Africans and their descendants have had on the Low Country. If you're planning a trip to Charleston, make sure you include a visit here!
Top Reading Recommendations:
A History Lover's Guide to Charleston by Christopher Byrd Downey
"An accessible, yet thorough, account of the city. A must read for anyone looking to understand why Charleston has such a distinct culture from the rest of the state, as well as why so many tourists flock to it consistently."
- Dr. Kristen
Other Books We Recommend:
Our Top Food and Drink Destinations
Vicious Biscuit
What is a visit to the South without biscuits? This place has a butter and jam bar and is a guaranteed stop for us every visit.
Swig & Swine
Y'all. This is some real good Southern barbecue. The meat was divine, the sides were delish, and the desserts were unreal. There are multiple locations around Charleston, so dig in.
Holy City Brewing
It's a little known fact that we're connoisseur's of soft pretzels. We highly recommend the fair at Holy City - both beer and grub.
Other Food and Drink Places We Love:
Park Circle (North Charleston)
We love a good Thai place and this one is a favorite. Currently only open for dinners, but worth adjusting your schedule.
St. Helena's Island
Featured in Padma Lakshmi's 'Taste the Nation' episode about Gullah food - this was a must stop for us.
Park Circle (North Charleston)
A fascinating fusion of Japanese and Southern styles - great food, creative cocktails, and stellar service.
Downtown
A Charleston staple - it was one of the first places we ate together. Traditional Southern food is hard to beat.
Nexton
Poogan's is a chain of restaurants in the area. They have really good fried chicken and yummy cocktails.
Nexton
They have a great selection of tacos here. It's a good low key lunch or early dinner spot - good for families.
Downtown
Everyone loves a good gin bar. This one boasts an excellent selection, some fine cocktails, and a fun night out atmosphere.
Downtown
Yet another place with yummy Southern food and a great selection of gin and cocktails. We're simple creatures, really.
North-Central
This place boasts an entirely local menu that changes with the seasons and some of the best carrots I've ever had.
Downtown
NOLA inspired breakfast food is great for a big meal before a walking tour around downtown.
Summerville
Located in an old Victorian house, it's quaint with a real strong selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Park Circle (North Charleston)
Ended up here accidentally and had gorgeous wine. We love a wine and tapas place - we can't wait to go back.
Summerville
A fabulous restaurant run by Chef Nico Romo and inspired by his grandmother's (Laura's) cooking.
Summerville
Located in an old Victorian house, it's got delicious, rustic inspired Italian food and very yummy cocktails.