Going there over Memorial Day weekend. Staying downtown at Lodge Alley Inn. Any good eating or must see/ have to do suggestions out there?

Going for the 1st time ourselves in June, but here are some restaurant recommendations I've received thus far:

82 Queen
California Dreaming
Magnolia's
Poogan's Porch
Shem Creek Bar and Grill
Slightly North of Broad

Thanks Jock. Have been told that the area around old (slave) market is really cool. Hope to see a bunch.

hey jock, so you know, California Dreaming is a chain. Decent food, but not authentic. There's one on I-85 in Greenville.

thank you sir. EMc, I have not personally vetted this list AT ALL.

Not a problem Jock. I met a guy last week thru work who went to the Citadel and these two-

Magnolia's
Poogan's Porch

were on his list.

I won't come and try to kick your arse if one of them is not up to my expectations!

Does anyone remember a restaurant called Sam's (I think it might have been on Folly Beach). they had the BEST crab dip I have ever tasted in my life.

OL Jock-

Got back yesterday and had a great weekend. Here is my take on the restaurants-

82 Queen- Higher end, but looked good.
California Dreaming- didn't see or try
Magnolia's- Looked good, middle to upper end
Poogan's Porch- Ate there Sunday- Really good. Desserts were ok, but the entre's were great.
Shem Creek Bar and Grill- didn't see
Slightly North of Broad - across the street from Lodge Alley where we stayed. Looked good, but ran out of meals to eat!

Did try a place called A.W. Shucks for lunch on Friday- Good food, reasonably priced, for Charleston.

Also did High Cotton for Brunch on Sunday- Good food, make reservations, a little pricey.

Also, do the Ft. Sumter tour. Nice ride and pretty intersting. A carriage ride is nice, but if you can afford it, get a personal one. We did the "pack 16 in a carriage deal" and while the tour guide was knowledgeable, the narrowness of the benches for us " more spreading" riders made for a tight fit..

Lots to see and do. Am planning on going back in the fall sometime. 460 miles for us to drive, but worth it.

I'm going in June too so keep the suggestions coming please!

wife and i will probably go down there sometime in june or july. thanks for all the info!

It reminds me a lot of the French Qtr in NO, but a lot cleaner. Nice people, etc.

I am always leery of rest suggestions as I don't mind paying for good food and service. I am at the age I just don't do the junk food stuff and like decent meals.

Most you can get into with normal vacation clothes, but at the ones needing reservations I don't mind putting big boy britches(long pants) on for. Kinda like to look like I have eaten at a good restaurant before. I think you get better service too, IMHO.

I bet it is hot in the summer months though. It was perfect this weekend. "Hottest" day was Saturday and that was like 85 .

My husband and I live in Charleston. There are a number of things to do here. Make sure you check out the Charleston Visitors Guide for upcoming events, they have a website. Spoletto may still be going on in June....

My recommended places to eat:
Cypress $$$ (dinner)
Hanks $$$ (dinner)
Joseph's $ (lunch)
Oak $$$$$ (dinner)
Rue de John $$$(lunch/dinner)
Coast $$ (dinner)
Basil (Thai food) $$$ (lunch/dinner) My favorite!

Most of these restaurants have websites, too!

Things to do:
Carriage ride
Visit a beach
Walk through the Market
Dolphin watching along the Battery
Fort Sumter tour
Maybe the Aquarium....

Adult beverages:
Charleston Place Hotel (for the Charleston expreience)
Rooftop Bar on Market Street Pavillion
Rooftop Bar at Vendue Inn
Really any restaurant downtown!

Have a great time!!

If memory seves me correctly (which it most often does not) there used to be a circular highrise Holiday Inn on some interstate or main thoroughfare that has a restaurant in top- and I think it revolved very slowly. Maybe I am remebering it wrong.

[This message has been edited by 1984Consol (edited 6/6/2008 8:07p).]

Thanks guys! We leave Friday.

The next guided tour sales guy that accosts me on the street is getting a black eye! Other than that...lovely city.

Jock,

Did I miss your report on what you thought of Charleston?

I am ready to go back and wonder if you felt the same way.

We loved it. Too short of a trip, but great time. Highly recommend High Cotton for brunch (surprising not too expensive) and Anson's for dinner (very expensive). We stayed at The Barksdale House Inn and were very pleased.

I doubt that it is a full week city, but we wished we had more than just 2 days.

We did the High Cotton as it is attached to the Lodge Alley Inn where we stayed. Good Brunch.

Gotta plan another trip back.

Thanks for the update. Am always a little concerned about recommending things as sometimes my tastes don't match others.

I also recommend "The Hominy Grill".


TAF