HUSK: Best New Restaurant in Charleston, SC (and America) | Foodie Friday

Executive Chef Sean Brock is transforming the way you think about Southern food. His philosophy is simple: “If it ain't from the South, it ain't coming through the door!” A restriction like that can put some severe limitations on a fledgling restaurant, but it's a commitment that he wholeheartedly abides by. From what I've read, they didn't even allow olive oil into HUSK until they found a purveyor in the state of Texas. What's that you say? Texas isn't in the South?! Well, technically, it is since it's below the mason-dixon line, which is where all the ingredients must come from in order to make it to one of the tables at Husk.

The fairly new restaurant is situated on a magnolia-shaded side-street in the heart of Charleston's historic district in a very inviting Queen Anne home built in 1893 that has been fully restored. I just love those types of restaurants that make you feel as if you're visiting a relative to sit down and have a meal. It isn't as intimate a setting as Simplicity at The Mast Farm Inn, but the comfortable space was bright and airy, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the dining room with the most gorgeous light. While I would have loved to sit inside the main dining room, we were ushered to the 2nd story porch to dine alfresco. The weather was superb. We got lucky!

CELEBRATION OF SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS

This nationally acclaimed restaurant has only been open since the Fall of 2010 yet it has won numerous awards between now and then. The most notable so far is the title of #1 Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appétit Magazine. That's a pretty prestigious accolade right there, wouldn't you agree?! I think that Chef Sean Brock is used to the attention, though. He's become quite the celebrity in Charleston from his time spent at McCrady's, another highly acclaimed fine dining establishment in town. But Husk is his baby. Or so that's the impression I've gotten.

His intention upon opening the restaurant is to place more emphasis on the ingredients used & the folks that cultivate those products and produce instead of having the spotlight placed on himself. He clearly has a deeply rooted passion for, not only the South, but Southern food, and it definitely shines through in many different ways here at Husk.

SOUTHERN FOOD, SIMPLIFIED

Something highly unique about the dining experience at Husk is that the menu changes daily. Yep, every single day! That seems like quite a challenge, indeed. Not to mention how much time and effort it requires to manage such a lofty mission. However, they are handling the task pretty well from what I experienced. So, why does the menu change everyday? Well, as I mentioned earlier, they are bound by what is currently available to them using only ingredients from the South. While it seems restricting, Husk's stance is that it's a necessity! To them, there is no other way. I really admire a place that's willing to take such a risk for the sake of preserving what seems to be a bygone era.

To those that don't know any better, this restaurant is being touted as revolutionary because of the pledges they have made. However, what people seem to forget is that there was a time when people had to eat what was on-hand. There weren't grocery stores filled with aisle upon aisle of pre-packaged food at our disposal like today. You ate what you grew, or you didn't eat! Simple as that. While the farm-to-table mentality seems like a fad that has only recently become more prominent in popular culture, it's really just a movement that is being revived by those who appreciate simplicity. People like Chef Sean Brock.

SOUTHERN INGREDIENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE

Our recent dining experience was brunch before leaving Charleston to head home. We had ventured there the day before, but they weren't open yet, so we sadly had to go elsewhere. However, I was determined to eat at this restaurant after receiving a recommendation from a friend on the WW Facebook page. It ended up being the perfect way to round out our weekend getaway! So, yeah, let me get to the best part...the FOOD!

[RELATED ARTICLE] Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC { link }

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to choose what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. The flavor of the Lamb BBQ was incredible; it was smoky with a hint of sweetness. I would have been happy with a plate piled with nothing but that!

Cody ended up going for the TX Wagyu Sirloin, with a sunny side up egg, VA Sausage and Confit Potato Hash. The presentation of this dish had me drooling, and reconsidering my own breakfast order even though I thought mine was pretty, too. Luckily, he was nice enough to offer me a bite. The Wagyu Sirloin was so tender. Basically, it melted in your mouth—makes me salivate just thinking about it! Talk about things melting in your mouth, the buttermilk benne seed dinner rolls they brought out prior to these dishes were also amazing; I didn't hesitate to slather on the savory homemade pork lard butter they supplied us with. To say the least, it was a highly satisfying meal that I enjoyed immensely. I only wished that I had room for more!

If you're interested in finding out more about HUSK, here is a link to their website.

Our experience at Husk was short and sweet, although it most certainly made a lasting impression on me that I won't soon forget. The next time we're in town, we'll definitely be eating at this restaurant in Charleston, SC! Our meals were unforgettable and the service we received from the staff was incredible. If you're looking for a modern taste of the South with a twist, this restaurant will surely not disappoint! Thank you for visiting WW for Foodie Friday; I hope you'll be back next week :D

QUESTION: What do you think about Husk's philosophy?

Would you say that it's flawed or awesome?

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Quick Getaway to Charleston, SC

Everything you've heard about Charleston, SC is absolutely true! I'd be really surprised to hear if you hadn't learned anything about this charming city yet because it's pretty popular. The Holy City entertains nearly 4 million visitors on an annual basis. Good thing it's large enough to accommodate all those who choose to travel to Charleston, SC; it is the second-largest city in South Carolina!

This town offers all sorts of different experiences depending on what appeals to you. Trust me, you won't run out of things to do in this bustling town no matter what you're into. While a weekend getaway is sufficient to explore some of the highlights of Charleston, SC, it's not nearly enough time to experience everything they have to offer from the amazing local restaurants found around every corner, to the museums, churches, and other architectural delights to see throughout the town.

WHEN TO GO

The question really should be, “When is there NOT a good time to go”, because you can visit Charleston during any season and be pleasantly surprised by what you can discover. Late fall had lovely weather during the day with crisp, cool nights after the sun went down. A far cry from the dead heat of summer I experienced when visiting last year in August. The only way I'd tell you to go during the summer is if you planned on spending most of your time at a Charleston, SC beach! Otherwise, you'll be going from one air conditioned store to another for a reprieve from the heat—I speak from experience.

WHERE TO SLEEP

My most recent trip to Charleston mid-November included accommodations that were a whole lot different from what I experienced previously. Mainly, because this trip wasn't planned by me (I'm cheap). Cody was the one who made all the arrangements this time around, which is a little out of the ordinary for us because I'm typically the planner. I was downright shocked when we were pulling into a hotel that was right in the heart of downtown Charleston! 

And not just any hotel either, we would be staying at the CHARLESTON PLACE, which, from what I could tell on the outside, was as posh as it gets! We were greeted by valets and ushered in by bellhops. I didn't know what to do with myself. I was floored. All I could keep thinking in my head was, “How much did he have to pay for this place?!" haha But he wouldn't divulge that information no matter how many times I asked.

[RELATED ARTICLE] 20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC { link }

After I got over the initial shock of how fancy this hotel was that we would be staying at, I was railroaded yet again by how beautiful our room was. Seriously, I don't get to stay in places like this normally, so I'm easily impressed. We even had a balcony that overlooked the courtyard below that gave us a nice little view of a small portion of the city. The bathroom was ridiculously luxurious, too, with marble tiles on the floor and bathtub walls. It was almost like stepping into a magazine. I felt so spoiled. Aside from how amazing this place was, the staff was also super friendly, courteous, and always asking how they could help make our stay more pleasant. A girl could certainly get used to that sort of treatment, for sure.

WHERE TO EAT

One of the main reasons we love Charleston so much is due to the fabulous restaurants that can be found without even really looking very hard. We had some terrific food during our last trip, and we were very much looking forward to revisiting some of our favorite restaurants as well as try a few new ones while we were there.

When it came to breakfast we were quite lost on where to go, so we basically stumbled around until we found something that tickled our fancy. After stopping in to check out the menu at several different places, we settled on breakfast at a place called TOAST. I think that one of the major reasons people eat at Toast is because they are home of the bottomless mimosa. Truth be told, that was probably the deciding factor of why we were eating there! Haha Although I have no complaints whatsoever about the food I ate. The “Eggs Meeting Street” was pretty delicious! It had a fried green tomato topped with a crab cake, poached egg and Lowcountry remoulade sauce, served with home fries. I ordered it because it sounded so weird, and I just had to get a taste. The tangyness of the flavors in this dish may not appeal to everyone, but I thought it was very good!

[RELATED ARTICLE] 5 Great Restaurants in Charleston, SC { link }

Based on a recommendation someone gave on the WW Facebook page, we found out about a fairly new restaurant in Charleston called HUSK. This restaurant was named 2011 Best New Restaurant in American by Bon Appetit Magazine. So, what's all the hype about? Well, Husk has decided to do things a little differently than the typical restaurants you'll come across, not just in Charleston, but anywhere, really. The menu at this restaurant changes daily, and they take being a locavore to a whole new level with their commitment to only serving ingredients procured from the South.

After pouring over their menu, and not being able to decide on what I wanted, I decided to ask our server what she recommended. Actually, I asked her what was the best-looking dish they had today, which elicited an interesting look, rightly so. I ended up going with her suggestion, which was the Monte Cristo. It included VA Lamb BBQ, TN Buttermilk Cheddar, fried egg, Surry Sausage, and Potato Hash. I've grown accustomed to seeing a plate piled with a number of different ingredients, so to have this lovely plate presented to me in such a simple fashion was really out of the ordinary. It doesn't look like much, but looks are certainly deceiving in this instance, because the food was fabulous! I can't wait to go back and eat at this restaurant the next time we're in town!

Aside from our eating exploits and the time spent at the amazing hotel, there wasn't much time left to do anything else, really. A weekend in Charleston, SC isn't near enough time to explore everything this multi-faceted city has to offer. However, you'll definitely want an excuse to come back and discover more!

If you'd like to find out more about Charleston, SC, here is a link to the visitor's website.

If you're looking for things to do in Charleston, SC, I have included some links in this post to related articles from my past trip that could be useful (look for the red text above). I would have included some here, but the post was getting entirely too long! Another thing missing from this post is the "bonus surprise news" I promised to share, which I fully intend on doing, but I'm going to save it for Thursday because it deserves more than just a blurb!

Question: Have you ever been to Charleston, SC? 
What's your favorite thing about this city? 

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Battle of the Beards | The 2011 National Beard & Mustache Championship | Lancaster, PA

Living with a mountain man who has been growing a beard for the past few years has helped me become more appreciative of those that grow facial hair. It's not that I didn't think beards were awesome before I began dating someone who is into that sort of thing, but I just didn't give it too much thought. Now, you'll find me blatantly pointing people out, possibly even giving them a thumbs up, when I see a fella with a face-full of fuzz.

I get that for people who grow beards, it's a way of life and not just an accessory of sorts. Most people who have beards don't have them only to keep their faces warm. No, they're doing it for cultural or spiritual reasons, and probably to look cool, too.

THE 'GROWING' TREND

Beards have been around for thousands of years! Only recently, though, has the movement become more mainstream. While I know that bands of bearded brothers have been competing for quite some time now, it seems as though most folically-challenged folks had no idea these sorts of events took place. It wasn't until the new IFC documentary called, Whisker Wars, came out that it brought this community into the limelight and helped the movement gain more momentum.

Beard Team USA, founded by Phil Olsen, is yet another reason why beardos are banding together. When he realized that the World Beard and Mustache Championships barely had any American representatives, he made it his mission to change that, which he did. Since then, the US has taken home awards from the World Championships, and he has even established a National Beard and Mustache Competition here in the US.

FOR THE LOVE OF FACIAL HAIR

I was lucky enough to attend the 2nd Annual Beard and Mustache Championship held at the Clipper Stadium in Lancaster, PA on October 8th. When Cody and I had the hair-brained idea to head to the competition, we had no clue what to expect, but we decided to do it anyway because it seemed like it'd be a lot of fun. So, we hopped in the car for the 9-hour road trip hoping that we wouldn't regret it later.

Either way it would be an adventure, right?! All we knew was that the event was being held at the stadium, and that a parade would take place from a nearby hotel. After aimlessly following people with facial hair in hopes that we'd stumbled upon the place we needed to be, we ended up elsewhere. Thankfully, the parade was running behind, and we were able to catch the procession as it got closer to the stadium.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL BEAUTY CONTEST

As we watched the steady stream of people pass by, I realized that everyone in the crowd had their own personal style. Not only were there beards and mustaches of all kinds donning the faces of men (and women), most of them also had a costume to go along with it. It was really interesting to see how the personalities fit the facial hair. The people with the complete package seemed to make a bigger impact than those who came dressed in everyday clothing.

This made the most difference during the judging. There were 5 categories: Mustache, Partial Beard, Full Beard Groomed, Full Beard Natural, and Freestyle. After randomly selecting groups in each category, they would head onto the stage where the judges would choose three contestants to go to the final round of judging. The process was long, but highly entertaining. Think toddlers and tiaras without the talent portion and tantrums.

I have to admit something. We actually missed the final judging of the competition because we were having too much fun over at Oktoberfest drinking and talking to strangers. Hey, it's not my fault that they scheduled it smack dab in the middle of the contest! I know, how silly is it that we drove all that way for the championships only to miss the grand finale! Haha

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH BEARDS

In the beginning, I was slightly hesitant to approach people to ask them if I could take a portrait. However, I quickly realized that my reservations were completely ridiculous because every single person I approached was super friendly. After I got past the initial hump, I took pictures of all kinds of crazy cool beards and mustaches. We pretty much instantly became friends with everyone we met. That's when I understood what this event was really about. It wasn't necessarily about winning or competing. It was more so about building a community of people who have a fondness for facial hair.

If you'd like to learn more about Beard Team USA (& the championships), here is a link to the website.

We had such a great time meeting people and taking photos of beards (and mustaches) that we are definitely planning to attend next year's beard contest in Las Vegas! I really look forward to reconnecting with all of the fun people we encountered along the way. More images will likely be uploaded to the WW Facebook page in the next week or so. If you're interested in seeing more, be sure to let me know!

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Local Restaurant Guide to Downtown Asheville, NC: Sweet Treats (Part 2)

(TRAY OF CUPCAKES @ SISTERS MCMULLEN)

Last week I published a blog post about some of our favorite restaurants in Downtown Asheville, NC. Part 1 of the Local Restaurant Guide to Downtown Asheville, NC included great places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, there was one crucial component to a well-rounded meal that I left out. There's only one thing left to do once you're sufficiently stuffed, and that's to have some dessert! I mean, there's always room for dessert, right?!

Well, when you have some great places to grab a sweet treat, it's easy to find some extra space in your belly. There were a couple of shops that Cody and I tried while in town, and I'd like to share them with you.

(BLACK FOREST CUPCAKE @ SISTERS MCMULLEN CUPCAKE CORNER)

For the Best Bakery: Sisters McMullen Cupcake Corner — This unassuming little nook sits on a busy corner across from Pack Square. If you blinked while walking by you just might miss it it's so tiny, but that would be a crying shame. On a whim, we popped in to see what they had available. The small glass case was full of yummy looking cupcakes that were too tempting to pass up. It was tough to decide on which one we'd share, but the Black Forest Cupcake caught our eye. I loved the cherry pie filling they used on top, and the icing was light and not too sweet. We devoured it in a matter of minutes! Had we not taken the last Black Forest Cupcake, I would have gotten another one to-go it was that delicious.

(SIPPING CHOCOLATE CUPS)

For the Best Sweet Shop: French Broad Chocolate Lounge — Any place that you walk into with a line that stretches to the door is obviously the place to be. Their menu is positively massive with all sorts of chocolately options to choose from, most of which I had never even heard of before. At some point while waiting in line I overheard a lady talking about a liquid truffle that she just had. A liquid truffle?! That's a new one. I had to try it! After browsing through the liquid truffle flavors available, I decided to go with the lavender and honey. Cody picked the cayenne and cinnamon. They came in a miniature coffee mug and were piping hot. I was surprised by the amount of chocolate we received. This ganache-based hot sipping chocolate was velvety-smooth and oh-so rich. I loved it. Next time, we'll share one, though, because they were very sweet. However, we both savored every last drop.

(CHOCOLATE CASE & BEER FLOAT @ FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATE LOUNGE)

We loved this place so much that we visited again the next night. Mainly, because it was a neat little hangout, but also because I couldn't stop talking about the Lavender Crème Brulee that I passed up the previous evening. I'm so glad that we did go back, because it was incredible. The caramelized crust on top was done just right, and the custard had the perfect consistency. A faint hint of lavender made this one of the best crème brulee's I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. Cody tried a beer float served with either a stout or a porter. I can't recall. Anyhow, it was topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I don't usually like those dark beers, but they were a lot more appealing to me in float form. Even though Cody kept dipping into my crème brulee, he seemed to enjoy his beer float. I didn't think it was half bad either. We've actually talked  about trying to do something similar at home :D

Not only does Asheville have some great places to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but they also have some pretty awesome places to stop in for dessert.

Did any of these desserts spark your sweet tooth?

I know I could go for a cupcake right about now!

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Local Restaurant Guide to Downtown Asheville, NC

(MAYFEL'S CHALKBOARD)

It's refreshing to see a larger city like Asheville, NC so engrossed in the slow-food movement. I mean, it is what many foward-thinking food lovers are concerned with these days or so it seems. People who are consciously aware of where their food comes from want to know that ingredients have been sustainably obtained from local resources in a manner that will support the community as a whole. This farm-to-table mentality is regarded as a new trend, but what the heck do you think people did back in the day when there was no such thing as processed foods?! Really. You grew your own food and made meals based on what you had. Nothing more, nothing less. So, to see so many restaurants that have relationships with local farmers warms my heart like there's no tomorrow. That's the way it should be if you ask me.

Downtown Asheville, NC is home to a large number of independently owned and operated dining establishments that are embracing this way of doing business. The residents and visitors who insist on consuming food fresh from local farmers are helping to support this commitment in a big way. The strong grassroots support is very apparent in this radical little city. That's why I love Asheville!

(TUPELO HONEY CAFE)

The last time I took a trip down to Asheville, NC was the previous summer with Cody and my friend Christie. We were, literally, only there for a 24-hour period, so we didn't have as much time to explore the downtown area as we would have liked. Really, though, I just wanted to eat at more restaurants! Haha Cody and I talk about taking time to go down there more often, but it just doesn't happen. We let an entire year pass by before we made the short 2-hour drive to do some more exploring...I mean, eating. It's widely known that I have a slight obsession with food these days, so our main focus for this recent trip was to, quite simply, eat. Armed with a few suggestions from people who follow WW on Facebook, we set out to consume as much as we could.

Here are some of the notable restaurants with a focus on locally obtained ingredients that we ate at while in town for 3 days. All of these are in the downtown district, and were within walking distance of where we were staying.

(BISCUIT & FRIED EGG B.L.T.)

For the Best Homestyle Breakfast: Tupelo Honey Cafe — I was dying to eat at this popular eatery when we were in town the last time, but we just couldn't find the time. This time, I made sure that it was the first restaurant we ate at so as not to make the same mistake twice. I've heard that wait times can be extensive for this place, but we were seated right away. When you go mid-week for an early breakfast, I suppose that you can beat the crowds. They quickly won me over after bringing us a complimentary biscuit that I then drizzled with honey. It was fabulous! I ordered the Fried Egg B.L.T. with a side of goat cheese grits. The sandwich was hearty, and the grits were excellent. Someone on FB warned that I'd be stuffed all day long if we ate here. Boy, were they right! The meals we both had were very filling. Our next meal wasn't until dinnertime later that day.

(MAYFEL'S DIPTYCH – Dining Room & Flowers)

For the Best Brunch: Mayfel's — I was completely smitten by the eclectic décor in this restaurant. It reminded me of New Orleans with the brightly colored orange walls and sparkly chandeliers. Since this was the last restaurant that we'd be eating at before leaving Asheville, Cody and I kinda went all-out when ordering our meal. We started with a ½ order of Beignets and a helping of Fried Green Tomatoes. I know, FGT's aren't very breakfast-y, but we got some anyway! We gobbled down the plate in no time flat. They were unlike any other FGT's I'd ever had, topped with roasted red pepper aioli, goat cheese, & Mayfel's own sweet onion relish. It was an interesting and tasty twist on the classic recipe to say the least.

(MAYFEL'S FOOD DIPTYCH – FGT's & Lumberjack Burger)

We didn't stop there, though. Cody and I both got hamburgers to boot. Even though it was closer to breakfast time, I was craving something more substantial. My burger of choice was the Lumberjack, which had bacon and a fried egg on top among other things! So, it was sort of breakfast-y. I couldn't get over how delicious the bacon was. However, the entire burger was superb. I really enjoyed it. Would you believe that I finished it all?!? I told ya, this girl can eat :D.

(LAB STREET SHOT)

For the Best Pub Grub: The L.A.B. — The Lexington Avenue Brewery offers gastro pub fare and house-brewed beers. We popped in on our first evening while walking around downtown because it was suggested to us by a friend. We settled in on the large patio along the busy sidewalk, which ended up being a great place for people watching. I tried their Raspberry Wheat beer, and Cody had the American Nitro Stout, neither of us had any complaints about the brews. To munch on, we ordered the Venison Nachos because I saw someone near by with a plate that made me drool. They came covered in black beans, chimichurri-spiced venison, LAB's special nacho cheese, and chipotle sour cream. Talk about scrumptious, they were so yummy. I loved the nacho cheese and LAB's homemade hot sauce. Cody and I used almost half the bottle dousing our chips! Sadly, they didn't have any additional bottles for sale at the time.

(CURATE FRONT DOOR)

For the Best Tapas Bar: Cúrate — Practically right around the corner from where we stayed sat this hot spot that we walked by nearly everyday. On our last evening in Asheville, we finally made our way over there with a friend to test some of their authentic Spanish tapas. I loved how they had an open kitchen right in the middle of the restaurant. Next time, I want to sit at the bar where I can see all the action! Initially, we were almost scared off by the menu the day before because the titles are in Spanish while the descriptions are in English. It was slightly confusing at first, but our friendly waiter helped steer us in the right direction! It was tough making those decisions with so many options to choose from.

(TABLE SETTING & STUFFED PEPPERS)

Due to the small portions that are typical with tapas, our waiter proposed that we each get three items. However, the prices drove us to select only three to share between the two of us. We treated ourselves to the 'jamon iberico de bellota fermin', which was cured ham from the famous black-footed iberico pigs of Spain. The slivers of ham were very flavorful. I loved the hint of saltiness. Our favorites were the 'pimientos de piquillo con queso de cabra', piquillo peppers stuffed with cana de cabra cheese. The peppers were beautifully roasted and oozing cheese, a piquant combination that we both wanted more of!

Which of these restaurants sounds good to you?

In the next post about our trip to Asheville, NC, I'll share the places we popped into when in-between meals!
You're in for a special treat...hint...hint ;)

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5 Great Restaurants in Charleston, SC | Foodie Friday

During a short summer trip we ate at some of the best restaurants Charleston, SC has to offer. The list we compiled beforehand was extensive, but with just 5 days to explore the city, only a select few made the cut. From seafood to southern-style cooking we tried many different things while sampling the Charleston restaurants, everything was incredibly delicious. I can't wait to go back!

Hominy is Not Hype: Arguably the best shrimp and grits in the state, maybe even the east coast, can be found at Hominy Grill. I didn't have much to compare them to since it was my first time having this quintessential southern breakfast, but it was delicious! If you're feeling really brave you can try the super tasty Big Nasty biscuit w/ a fried chicken breast, cheddar cheese & smothered in sausage gravy. It was a scary beast, but it was awesome! (207 Rutledge Ave., 843.937.0930, hominygrill.com)

Happy Hour Hideaway: In the heart of Charleston's historic district is a great place to hideout for happy hour. Pearlz Oyster Bar offers a variety of oysters and other fresh and local seafood for those who have a penchant for shellfish. If slurping down sea creatures isn't your bag, you might like their corn fritters ($2.95). They weren't like other fritters I've had, theirs were more like hush puppies, but they were still yummy. (153 East Bay Street, 843.577.5755, http://www.pearlzoysterbar.com)

Where Seafood Reigns Supreme: This place is more of an institution than it is a restaurant with the history of this family-run business going back to 1890 when they operated a wholesale company. Over the years, that has changed and they now run Hyman's Seafood and Aaron's Deli from the same location. It is an extremely busy place, and rightly so, because it's been voted the Best Seafood in the Southeast by Southern Living Magazine for the past 9 years. The food was excellent, the prices were very reasonable and the portions were enormous. One of the owners came walking by at some point wielding a pan of the absolute BEST hush puppies I have ever tasted in my life. No joke! (215 Meeting Street, 843.723.6000, http://www.hymanseafood.com)

 
The Icing on the Cake: Due to a freak flood in downtown Charleston, we had to wade through knee deep water in order to get our slice of cake before saying farewell to the city. The dessert offerings change on a daily basis, but we tried the Brownie Sundae Cake, which was shamefully decadent. Kaminsky's is a tasty escape that has an entire display case of sweet treats that could keep you full for days! You don't want to miss it. (78 N. Market St., 843.853.8270, http://www.kaminskys.com)

 
Shiver me Timbers! One of the bars/restaurants we stopped at during our pub stroll, called the Buccaneer, houses one of the largest collections of authentic pirate memorabilia in the USA. Pirate tales were told during our tour of this tavern while we munched on a bowl of sweet potato chips ($5). I sipped on a Crazy Arnold ($7) made with cucumber infused lemonade and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, their spin on this southern cocktail will totally knock your socks off. (5 Faber Street, 843.805.5065,  http://www.thebuccaneerrestaurant.com)

RELATED LINKS:

• 20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC A collection of my favorites sights, eats, and experiences. 
• Going Coastal in Charleston, SC (Raw Footage) A montage of moving pictures! a.k.a. video
• Photo Essay: Underground Art in Charleston, SC
• A Casual Collection of Charleston Charm A photo montage 

 
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A Casual Collection of Charleston Charm

 

Hope you enjoyed this silent montage of other interesting encounters we had while exploring downtown Charleston, SC. It's extremely easy to fall in love with that city as there are endless treasures to be discovered along the way. Want to read more? Visit the links below :D

Related Links:

• 20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC {A list of the places we ate, drank and experienced} 
• Going Coastal in Charleston, SC (Raw Footage) {A montage of moving pictures! a.k.a. video}
• Photo Essay: Underground Art in Charleston, SC

20 Reasons Why I Love Charleston, SC

If there's one thing you can count on when it comes to visiting Charleston, SC, it's that you couldn't possibly run out of things to do. It has been named one of the Top US Destinations by many different publications many times over, and for very good reason. It's no wonder that the charm of Charleston manages to captivate so many people because it really is an amazing place to spend time. There's so much to do, in fact, you might have trouble deciding where to start! To make things a little easier, I've compiled a list of my favorites to share, so that it may help you figure out what you might like to see and do while in town.

{Eat}

• Hominy is Not Hype: Arguably the best shrimp and grits in the state, maybe even the east coast, can be found at Hominy Grill. I didn't have much to compare them to since it was my first time having this quintessential southern breakfast, but it was delicious! If you're feeling really brave you can try the super tasty Big Nasty biscuit w/ a fried chicken breast, cheddar cheese & smothered in sausage gravy. It was a scary beast, but it was awesome! 207 Rutledge Ave., 843.937.0930, hominygrill.com
  
  

• Happy Hour Hideaway: In the heart of Charleston's historic district is a great place to hideout for happy hour. Pearlz Oyster Bar offers a variety of oysters and other fresh and local seafood for those who have a penchant for shellfish. If slurping down sea creatures isn't your bag, you might like their corn fritters ($2.95). They weren't like other fritters I've had, theirs were more like hush puppies, but they were still yummy. 153 East Bay Street, 843.577.5755, http://www.pearlzoysterbar.com

• Where Seafood Reigns Supreme: This place is more of an institution than it is a restaurant with the history of this family-run business going back to 1890 when they operated a wholesale company. Over the years, that has changed and they now run Hyman's Seafood and Aaron's Deli from the same location. It is an extremely busy place, and rightly so, because it's been voted the Best Seafood in the Southeast by Southern Living Magazine for the past 9 years. The food was excellent, the prices were very reasonable and the portions were enormous. One of the owners came walking by at some point wielding a pan of the absolute BEST hush puppies I have ever tasted in my life. No joke! 215 Meeting Street, 843.723.6000, http://www.hymanseafood.com

• The Icing on the Cake: Due to a freak flood in downtown Charleston, we had to wade through knee deep water in order to get our slice of cake before saying farewell to the city. The dessert offerings change on a daily basis, but we tried the Brownie Sundae Cake, which was shamefully decadent. Kaminsky's is a tasty escape that has an entire display case of sweet treats that could keep you full for days! You don't want to miss it. 78 N. Market St., 843.853.8270, http://www.kaminskys.com

{Drink}

• Jump Start your Day: City Lights Coffee is situated in a small yet cozy little corner and is the perfect place for slipping in to fuel up with a frappe. Although, if a froufrou drink isn't your cuppa tea, they have an extensive list of other coffee related items to help power your day. 141 Market St., 843.853.7067

• Savor the Flavor: A great reprieve from the summer heat was found at Teavana. The free samples offered out front were a surefire way to get you through the front door of this unpretentious tea utopia. It would have been a lot better had there been more than two stools to pop a squat for a spot of tea, but the wall of flavors made up for the lack of seating tenfold. 304 King St, 843.723.0600, http://www.teavana.com/
  
  
• Southern Spirit: Before our trip to Charleston, I had never actually tried Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka let alone knew that it existed. It only took one drink, though, and I was hooked! 6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487, http://www.fireflyvodka.com/
  
  
• Bar hopping with a bunch of strangers was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Our gladsome guide was highly knowledgeable about the history of Charleston and told stories of, not only the pubs we visited, but some of the buildings we passed and the ghosts that haunted them. The Charles Towne Pub Stroll was the tour we chose to tagalong on because the price was right and the reviews were stellar. $15 per person (does not include the cost of drinks) 78 Broad Street, 843.345.9714, http://www.pubstroll.com/index.html
  
  
• Sneak a Drink: Yet another establishment dating back to the 1800's, The Blind Tiger Pub was in operation during Prohibition. Today, this former speakeasy (or “blind tiger”) is the closest thing to a dive bar you'll find in Charleston – we visited quite a few. The patio out back offers seating amidst ruins from an old building that further adds to the charm of a lovely outdoor space. 36-38 Broad Street, 843.577.0088

• Shiver me Timbers! One of the bars/restaurants we stopped at during our pub stroll, called the Buccaneer, houses one of the largest collections of authentic pirate memorabilia in the USA. Pirate tales were told during our tour of this tavern while we munched on a bowl of sweet potato chips ($5). I sipped on a Crazy Arnold ($7) made with cucumber infused lemonade and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, their spin on this southern cocktail will totally knock your socks off. 5 Faber Street, 843.805.5065,  http://www.thebuccaneerrestaurant.com 

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{Stay}

• 5 Nights for the Price of 1: Conveniently located 10 minutes outside of Charleston is a great place to save money on accommodations. That is, if you're not afraid of mosquitoes and extreme heat! Ideally, campers looking to save some money won't be crazy enough to camp in the dead heat of summer like we were, but James Island County Park offers a high class camping experience at any time of year. The 643-acre recreation facility has more than any normal campground offers with a waterpark and a climbing wall on top of the other amenities.

We opted for the primitive sites at $25 a night and set up our tent in a shady alcove on a huge lawn. It was really nice to find that the bathrooms in the primitive camping area had AC, and we could pop in and cool off as needed. Needless to say, we didn't spend a whole lot of time at our campsite, because we were too busy checking out the rest of Charleston, but it was a great homebase and saved us a ton of moola! 871 Riverland Drive, 843.795.7275, http://www.ccprc.com

 

{Detour}

• Sun and Sand: Fondly referred to as the “Edge of America”, Folly Beach is a great place to kick back and relax for a day of fun in the sun. The sandy beaches are long and narrow, but there is plenty of room for beach goers to stretch out. This destination is top choice for tourists and locals because the ocean views aren't spoiled by large highrises and remains mostly undeveloped. Parking can be found at Folly Beach County Park for $7 per car (we didn't have to pay because we were staying at the state park!). They also have outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas and a snack bar. 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, 843.588.2426, http://www.follybeach.com/

• Taco Time! After a day of playing in the waves on Folly Beach, we headed over to the local taco shop affectionately known as Taco Boy. I can't say that nearly $4 per taco is a great deal, but my Grilled Fish & Carnitas Norteno Tacos were both full of flavor and they left me pretty satisfied. 15 Center Street, Folly Beach, 843.588.9761, http://www.tacoboy.net/
  
  
  
• Tree Hugging: Having survived countless catastrophes over the last 1400 year, the Angel Tree still stands tall. Actually, I take that back, it's not tall, it's stubby at a height of only 65 feet. While the height of the majestic Angel Tree might not be impressive, the 25 foot circumference and gigantic limbs stretching 160 feet are. It is thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi. Getting there does require a short drive from downtown, but admission is free. 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, 843.559.3496

{See & Do}

• Delightful Details: Charleston is comprised of many historic buildings and homes that are best appreciated by foot. One of the most enjoyable activities was simply wandering around in search of whatever catches your eye, which is nearly everything. Don't be afraid to stray from downtown, though, as time seems to be steadily standing still in the picturesque neighborhoods surrounding the city as well. It is well worth the effort and exercise necessary to reach them in order to get a glimpse of the well-preserved past.
  
  
• A Walk in the Park: At the edge of the city you will find a landmark promenade stretching along the shore called White Point Gardens, it is also referred to as The Battery. From the center of town, it does require a trek for those traveling on foot, but you won't be disappointed by the beauty that awaits. The shear grandeur of the Antebellum homes lined up along the river was a little alarming. Honestly, I really don't know what people do with that much house, but they sure were beautiful to observe from the outside.
  
  
  
  
• Set your Feet Free: When you think your aching feet can't take another step is when you're likely hoping that a rickshaw peddler comes your way. The modified bike has a cozy caboose perfect for two and is a great way to get across town without having to hoof it manually. Plus, it's much more humane than loading up in a carriage with 14 other people to be pulled by an overworked horse. I much rather humans suffer instead :D ($9 ask for Joey) Charleston Rickshaw Co, 843.723.5685, http://charlestonrickshaw.net/
  
  
• Open Your Eyes: Found in odd places these urban pieces of art break free from the confines of a typical brick and mortar gallery. Okay, so they're vandals, but I still think it's cool. If you are watching closely while walking around town, these fragments can be found where you least expect them, and in many different forms. We had fun hunting for the elusive OBEY stickers and spotting the many spray painted quotes stenciled on miscellaneous surfaces.
  
  
• It's raining, it's pouring: After a heavy rainfall it's common for some of the city streets to transform into canals. I never knew that an impromptu flood could be so much fun to wade through. I'm sure that the last thing in the world that should be considered a fun time would be when the streets of downtown Charleston are flooded with cars under water and wot not, but it was. I may have enjoyed it too much! The locals acted like it was normal it happens so often. For me, it was like getting a snow day. Ending our trip on a wet note was definitely one of the highlights, especially since I had never been in such a situation before.

• Tiny Tidbits: Other moments we treasured while gallivanting through Charleston included walking along the old cobblestone streets that are still in use, inspecting the intricate designs found in ironwork on fences and elsewhere, unexpectedly falling into hidden alcoves where we gladly got lost & forgetting where we parked our car (there are LOTS of parking garages, too!) on more than one occasion (It's true, we didn't learn our lesson :D).

So, there's my list of some of the things we did while on vacation in Charleston, SC. It doesn't cover everything, but it's pretty dang close! I do have more pictures to share, however, if I posted all of the ones I'd like to share, this post would be a mile long. No lie.

RELATED LINKS:

•  Going Coastal in Charleston, SC (Raw Footage) A montage of moving pictures! a.k.a. video
• Photo Essay: Underground Art in Charleston, SC
• A Casual Collection of Charleston Charm A photo montage..
• Wordful Wednesday 

Charleston

Going Coastal in Charleston, SC (The Raw Footage)

This video is fresh from our recent mini-vacay to Charleston, SC. The magic of my flipshare software created this compilation from approximately 130 short clips I took throughout our visit. It's raw, real raw. 

But I'm not judging it, I just want to share snippets from my trip sooner than I usually do and I thought this would be a fun way of  bringing it to you. Instead of solely sharing static images I liked the idea of capturing dynamic "photos" that added a sense of sound to the mix. 

Along the way, we discovered that Charleston, SC is a multifaceted city that took us through endless adventures. This video gives you a sample of all that we encountered. More to come!