EXPERIENCING
THE LOWCOUNTRY IN
CHARLESTON,
SOUTH CAROLINA
BY B. KARNÉS
Steeped in history, Charleston, South Carolina —
the “Lowcountry” as locals call it — is a place filled
with romance, history, food, and fun. Infuse your
lifetime memories with a Southern flavor at these
favorite attractions, eateries, and accommodations.
THINGS TO DO
If you want an adventure, make your way to Bowens Island Road,
just before Folly Beach. Charleston Outdoor Adventures will help you
explore the Lowcountry to discover Charleston’s natural wonders by
kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, and teach you about coastal
ecosystems of South Carolina. (Did you know an adult oyster can filter
as much as 50 gallons of water per day?)
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens dates back to 1681, when Englishman,
Major John Boone, made his way to Charleston to establish a home
on the banks of Wampacheone Creek. Boone Hall is known for its
majestic live oak trees — planted in 1743 by Major John Boone’s son —
lining the approach to the home. It’s taken the massive, moss-draped
branches more than 200 years to meet overhead, forming a natural
corridor that is a must-see Charleston experience. One of America’s
oldest working farms, Boone Hall has been growing and producing
crops for more than 300 years, particularly cotton and pecans. Today,
find more strawberries, peach, tomatoes, and other produce, some of
which is open to public picks.
WHERE TO EAT
Housed in a 1940s retired naval building — a hurricane-proof,
6,000-square-foot, concrete structure — Fleet Landing offers
incredible waterfront views and a dose of history. The building was a
debarkation point for sailors during World War II, but and then became
a storage depot from the 1960s until owners Tradd and Weesie Newton
give it new life as a restaurant and bar. The delicious menu offers fresh
seafood, salads, and Southern fare.
At Millers All Day they believe that the best days start — or end — with
a great breakfast and/or cocktail. The brainchild of co-owners Greg
Johnsman (of Geechie Boy Mills) and Nathan Thurston, a celebrated
chef who specializes in all flavors Southern, the restaurant features an
antique mill operating in the front window that churns corn into plated
gold (grits). Be sure to order the unicorn grits, even just for the smile.
WHERE TO SHOP
Charleston City Market is one of the nation’s oldest public markets;
some parts of the building dating back to the 1800s. It’s also home
to more than 300 entrepreneurs, including more than 50 resident
Gullah artisans selling sweetgrass baskets. Vendors change from the
day market to the night market (6:30–10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday
evenings, March–December), which also adds live entertainment and
a festive atmosphere. Night Market vendors are 100 percent local with
100 percent locally-made items for sale.
Dewberry Hotel
WHERE TO STAY
From the moment you lay eyes on the landmark L. Mendel Rivers
Federal Building from 1964, you can see why the Dewberry Hotel
captures the luxury of historic Charleston; with period furnishing;
thought-provoking works of art; decorative, hand-crafted metalwork;
and a secret-recipe lime wash.
Get ready to eat and drink yourself happy while staying at The
Dewberry. From Henrietta’s, with its unpretentious spirit of a
traditional French brasserie, to the Living Room, which welcomes
guests with true Charleston elegance, including mid-century furnishing,
a curated library, and beautiful brass bar. Be sure to make your way to
the rooftop Citrus Club, the highest in Charleston, and crown jewel of
skyline and water views, made all the more delicious by citrus-inspired
cocktails and small plates.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines offers multiple daily nonstop flights to Charleston
International Airport (CHS) from Dulles International Airport (IAD),
and American Airlines offers daily nonstop flights from Reagan
National Airport (DCA). A one-way flight takes approximately one
hour and 45 minutes.
WINTER 2019/20 37 FLYWASHINGTON.COM