Charleston Tournament - Things To Do

[K92]

I would set my DVR to record all episodes of GWtGO™

[ZIPSMOM2]

I promised to write a GP1 travel guide to Charleston. Here it is.

EATING

Almost never will go to a city that has as many world class restaurants as Charleston does. The great thing about the city is you can go to world class restaurant and not bankrupt yourself because there are so many they have to keep their prices reasonable for what you get. Dinners in a city like New York would be double what they are in Charleston and the food is better in Charleston. Here are a few recommendations. Make reservations well in advance. My selections are broken down into two groups: In the city and outside of the city. I’ll tell which is which. They are not in any order. There are 20 places just as good as what I recommend. I'm not kidding when I say this. If you are considering any of these places, you had better make reservations soon.

High Cotton. In town. Classic low country cooking. World class restaurant. Real quick discussion about Charleston cooking. What is low country cooking you ask… The low country is the part of South Carolina around the coast in the general Charleston area. Starts and stops depending on who you ask. Here is a primer. Basically, it is the combination of African cooking with many of the ingredients found native to that part of the country. For example, shrimp and grits. Corn is found all over the world, including Africa. Shrimp can be harvested in SC. The slaves brought to the US had an understanding of cooking with corn and grits can be found in Africa as a food dish. They made due with what they understood and created great dishes like shrimp and grits as well as many of the fish dishes in a mustard sauce. Flounder is a popular fish in Charleston.

If you go on to the High Cotton website above, you will find under the tab Maverick Kitchens a place called Slightly North of Broad (in town). Great for lunch. Much different menu than High Cotton. Don’t recommend for dinner though.

Husk. In town. It was three or four years ago now, but the Husk in Charleston was voted by the NY Times as the best new restaurant in America. Enough said. If you cannot get in, I recommend at least having a cocktail at Husk Bar which is right next to the restaurant (the stone building in the photo). Classic cocktails. If you go there at a time when it is open for lunch, get the burger. They grind up bacon into their ground beef. This place is 50 feet from the Mills House hotel if you stay there. If you want to get in, you had better make a reservation after reading this sentence. As a side note, my wife and I went to Nashville in August and ate at the one there. Just as good as Charleston, but with different food.

McCrady's World class chef in a world class eating city.

Cypress. In town. Good place to get meat if you want that. They also make their own meats and cheeses. If you go onto the website and notice they have a restaurant called Magnolias (in town), this is a great place to go if you have children who can behave and will eat something other than chicken fingers when you go out. The food is home cooking at Magnolias and accessible to children.

Coast. In town. If you want to visit where the locals eat, this is a good place to go. Very good seafood.

Red Drum Mt. Pleasant. Ask any person who works in food service in Charleston where the best place around to get Sunday brunch is and they will say Red Drum.

King Street Grille In town. Good sports bar and within walking distance to the arena.

Poe’s Tavern Sullivans Island. One of my most favorite bars in the world. You could go to have a nice dinner at Salt across the street and top the night off with a couple of beers at Poes.

Hominy Grill In town, sort of but more out by the medical university. Breakfast! I’ll temp you with this. Their sausage patties are hand patted made from ground pork tenderloin.

THINGS TO AVOID….. Any restaurant on the market. Hyman’s…if you look at the website photo you will see a bunch of tourists waiting to get in. When you see that many tourists waiting to get in somewhere, you know the food is average. Those in line are the yokels who get off of the cruise ships, walk the market and then go straight to Hyman’s for some average sea food. Some of you really like beer. To be honest, I don’t think the brewers around Charleston aren't very good so I would avoid them.

THINGS TO DO:

Market Pavilion Roof Top Bar. It is the best roof top bar in the city. Complete with swimming pool and lots of Europeans walking around. Market Pavilion is a great place to stay. If you wait long enough, you sometimes can get a deal there. Other than that, it is extremely expensive to stay there.

Golf. Wild Dunes on Isle of Palm is a good place to play golf. Expect the fairways to be brown and the greens to be painted green that time of year. Wild Dunes is a great place to stay in the off season because it is really nice and not expensive. If you wanted to take a limo in and out of Charleston, it would cost you about $100 round trip. It would cost around $60 round trip to go from WD to Sullivans Island. A small price to pay to not get a DUI. I recommend a car service called Ride it Out. A guy named German owns it and his cars are spotless. If you pay round trip in advance, he guarantees to have a car to you to take you home within 20 minutes of you calling.

Carriage tours of the city. There are a lot of them set up around East Bay Street and Market Street. I have had the most success with the one located on the corner of East Bay and Market across Market Street from Market Pavilion.

Walking The Battery would be a great way to spend some time looking at historic houses and maybe see a famous person who lives there.

Home tours. There are people who open their historic homes for tours. These tours are very well done.

Beaches. Want to relax on the beach one morning while reading a book, Isle of Palm or Sullivans Island. Staying at Wild Dunes gives you access to the beach. Want to get drunk with the locals?....Folly Beach.

Fort Sumter is a good historic trip.

Shopping. If you are not staying in town, here is how I would recommend you do you shopping trip. Put 160 East Bay Street in your GPS. On that side of the street is a large parking deck. Park there and walk up the market. When you get to the end of the market, to the right across the street is sort of a small mall associated with a hotel that has some shops. The mall will bring you out to King Street. To the right on King Street are all of the brands you will know. To the left are places you have not heard of and have the kind of merchandise that does not have a price tag on it because anyone who is buying something in that store is not concerned about price.

The one thing I would avoid is a drive through The Citadel. It just isn’t that interesting.

Another thing I would avoid is thinking Savannah is right around the corner and you can make an easy trip there for a day. First of all, Savannah isn’t that nice. Secondly, it’s really far from Charleston.

PLACES TO STAY

I mentioned above if you have a ton of money, stay at Market Pavilion.

The Mills House In town and close to a lot. Reasonable prices.

There are some Courtyards, etc. around CofC. I don’t know much about them, but those brands are usually pretty good. Make sure wherever you stay, they have some sort of shuttle service.

I mentioned Wild Dunes above. Being in Charleston all of the time tends to get to be a bit much after a while. I really recommend this place. I’ll probably stay there for this trip.

When I travel to Charleston for business, I say at the Comfort Inn and Suites at the Isle of Palm connector. Good rates, good rooms and close to some fun things.

If you want to stay close to town, but not in town, I recommend the Marriott on Lockwood or the Courtyard near by. Really nice places and have shuttles to downtown.

PLACE TO AVOID…. The Francis Marion Hotel, old and run down. For the love of God, don’t stay out by the airport in order to save some money…stay home if that’s your plan. Don’t stay anywhere south of downtown except for the Marriotts recommended above. Don’t stay in North Charleston, they have the highest murder rate per capita in the country.

I hope this helps you plan a fun trip. If you have any questions, just ask. Remember, make reservations well in advance. There is a reason I posted this so far in advance of the tournament.

We just booked our hotel at the Spring Hill Marriott in North Charleston they said it was 14 miles to TD Arena. But after reading your post are we going to be safe to stay there. Thanks ZIPSMOM#2

[dre22era]

I use to live in Charleston (West Ashley)

Very nice historic city. Definitely go down to The Battery (Water Front) if you can make it there.

[GP1]

We just booked our hotel at the Spring Hill Marriott in North Charleston they said it was 14 miles to TD Arena. But after reading your post are we going to be safe to stay there. Thanks ZIPSMOM#2

You'll be safe on the property. Cancel your reservation and book one at Comfort Inn and Suites in Mount pleasant on the iop connector. Close to the beach and endlessly more good places to eat. Route 17 newly finished and flows fast. You won't regret it.

[ZIPSMOM2]

You'll be safe on the property. Cancel your reservation and book one at Comfort Inn and Suites in Mount pleasant on the iop connector. Close to the beach and endlessly more good places to eat. Route 17 newly finished and flows fast. You won't regret it.

Thanks GP1 ... Unfortunately we can't cancel our reservation :-( But I did go to TripAdvisor and this hotel did get go reviews.

[GP1]

Thanks GP1 ... Unfortunately we can't cancel our reservation :-( But I did go to TripAdvisor and this hotel did get go reviews.

Marrtotts are good brands. The hotel will be nice. You just have more driving to do.

EDIT: Don't use TripAdvisor to get news on places you are going. Idiots post on that website.

[GP1]

Let's hear about the travels.

[Dave in Green]

The neighborhood is great. Thanks again for personally checking it out. I can highly recommend this neighborhood to any single male Zips fan who ever stays in Charleston. Between the College of Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina coeds, I've never seen so many pairs of long, slim legs walking down the streets in one place. My wife and I have walked the neighborhood the last couple of days and nights, and there are more females than males walking around at all hours.

Last night we introduced 5 Zips fans to the Hominy Grill, and the unanimous opinion was that it's a big-time winner. Tonight my wife and I dined alone right across the street from the Hominy Grill at a little place called Lana which our B&B innkeeper recommended as equivalent to Hominy Grill. She was right. I had wreckfish for the first time. Never heard of wreckfish before. They hang out around shipwrecks and are mostly found in North America around the Charleston Bump off the coast of South Carolina. Tastes a lot like grouper, which is a good thing. If you ever see it on a menu, order it.

The more we're around Charleston the more we're reminded of New Orleans. We spoke with a New Orleans native at our B&B breakfast this morning and she agreed. The neighborhoods are similar and so is the quality of the food. The main difference is in the spices, as New Orleans food is definitely a few degrees hotter. But Charleston should be near the top of everyone's list of cities to visit. It's a unique place with lots of history, great food and lots of long-legged young ladies (for the single men only, of course).

[GP1]

The neighborhood is great. Thanks again for personally checking it out. I can highly recommend this neighborhood to any single male Zips fan who ever stays in Charleston. Between the College of Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina coeds, I've never seen so many pairs of long, slim legs walking down the streets in one place. My wife and I have walked the neighborhood the last couple of days and nights, and there are more females than males walking around at all hours.

Last night we introduced 5 Zips fans to the Hominy Grill, and the unanimous opinion was that it's a big-time winner. Tonight my wife and I dined alone right across the street from the Hominy Grill at a little place called Lana which our B&B innkeeper recommended as equivalent to Hominy Grill. She was right. I had wreckfish for the first time. Never heard of wreckfish before. They hang out around shipwrecks and are mostly found in North America around the Charleston Bump off the coast of South Carolina. Tastes a lot like grouper, which is a good thing. If you ever see it on a menu, order it.

If you really want to feel like a dirty old man in Charleston, go hang out at the Starbucks on Calhoun across the street from the University between 10 AM and noon. Stream the old The O'Kaysions song "I'm a girl watcher" while you are sitting there. A customer of mine recently retired and that is the only place he would meet anyone.

Always wanted to go to Lana, but didn't know much about it. Will go next time in town.

Seasonal fish right now are Wahoo, Tile Fish and Wreckfish. Flounder is always in season.

[Dr Z]

The more we're around Charleston the more we're reminded of New Orleans.

That would be the biggest selling point you could tell me. I'm sold. Not that GP1 didn't do a fantastic job. I was really disappointed to look at a map and see that Cajun Field in Lafayette is one hundred and fifty miles from N'awlins. Considering (football) roady to Oklahoma instead.

[GP1]

I'd be interested in hearing some reviews. Lots of places I haven't been there and maybe someone had some good experiences at some places I should be visiting.

[Dave in Green]

I can recommend one other, more casual restaurant in Charleston. It's called Fuel Cantina and it's in an old gas station that still looks and feels like an old gas station. Amazingly, it's at the same intersection (Rutledge Ave. and Cannon St.) as Hominy Grill and Lana Restaurant -- three great eating establishments at one intersection in an otherwise residential neighborhood.

Fuel has a limited menu specializing in upscale soft shell tacos, premium sandwiches and salads. Their braised pork tacos, jerk chicken sandwich and ho cakes were praised by Food Network's Guy Fieri on his show, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. My wife loved the pork tacos and I'm still salivating over the grilled mahi-mahi tacos washed down with a big glass of draft Sweetwater IPA. Great casual meal for the money. Their website is here.

[ZIPSMOM2]

I just want to say that Kwan Sr & I had a great time in Charleston and we meet some GREAT people ( Zips fans). We were so impress with how many fans came out and supported the players & coaches. We are looking forward to the remainder of the season. Go Zips... Thanks again for all the support you give to the boys and the coaches.

ZIPSMOM2 ( Cherisse Cheatham)

[ZZZips]

I just want to say that Kwan Sr & I had a great time in Charleston and we meet some GREAT people ( Zips fans). We were so impress with how many fans came out and supported the players & coaches. We are looking forward to the remainder of the season. Go Zips... Thanks again for all the support you give to the boys and the coaches.

ZIPSMOM2 ( Cherisse Cheatham)

It was nice meeting you at the team hotel lobby and the games. BTW, How many Gildan T-shirts did you end up with from the t-shirt tosses?

[Hilltopper]

Cherisse, it was a pleasure meeting you and Kwan Sr. I look forward to seeing you at some games in the future.

[ZZZips]

Marrtotts are good brands. The hotel will be nice. You just have more driving to do.

EDIT: Don't use TripAdvisor to get news on places you are going. Idiots post on that website.

The team hotel is a dump. Worst Marriott property that I have used in twenty years. They have already started to demolish the interior of the upper floors. After the tournament they said the construction will accelerate be completed next summer. The property was built as a Sheraton in 1983 and never has had a major refurbishment. It was bought by Marriott several years ago. $10M in up grades will help but ESPN should have used a better hotel since all eight teams stayed at this decrepit facility.

[ZIPSMOM2]

It was nice meeting you at the team hotel lobby and the games. BTW, How many Gildan T-shirts did you end up with from the t-shirt tosses?

Hey ZZZips,

I actually got 3 t-shirts. I gave the other one I got to a young kid behind me on Sunday game...lol It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Look forward seeing you at some home games.

[ZIPSMOM2]

Cherisse, it was a pleasure meeting you and Kwan Sr. I look forward to seeing you at some games in the future.

Hilltopper, it was our pleasure of meeting you as well. yes, we are looking forward to seeing you soon at future home games.

[Dave in Green]

I really enjoyed sitting close to Kwan's mom and dad and BJ's mom at all three tournament games. You are really passionate fans who make your presence known! I really enjoyed our discussions before and during the South Carolina game and look forward to many more. I'll be looking for all three of you at as many Zips home games as you can make. The close family atmosphere is one of the things I most appreciate about Zips basketball under Coach Dambrot and his staff.

[ZIPSMOM2]

I really enjoyed sitting close to Kwan's mom and dad and BJ's mom at all three tournament games. You are really passionate fans who make your presence known! I really enjoyed our discussions before and during the South Carolina game and look forward to many more. I'll be looking for all three of you at as many Zips home games as you can make. The close family atmosphere is one of the things I most appreciate about Zips basketball under Coach Dambrot and his staff.

I must say Kwan Sr and I were really glad to have finally meet you and your lovely wife. I also enjoy your the conversation we had and really enjoy the insights you provided. Really looking forward to seeing you soon. Go Zips

[GP1]

The team hotel is a dump. Worst Marriott property that I have used in twenty years. They have already started to demolish the interior of the upper floors. After the tournament they said the construction will accelerate be completed next summer. The property was built as a Sheraton in 1983 and never has had a major refurbishment. It was bought by Marriott several years ago. $10M in up grades will help but ESPN should have used a better hotel since all eight teams stayed at this decrepit facility.

Sorry to hear one of the team hotels fell short of expectations. The last time I stayed there was around 7 years ago so a lot must have changed.

The Courtyard across the street from the arena was really nice and newly remodeled. Two of the teams were staying there and seemed satisfied with it. Was there another team staying at your hotel or only the Zips?

[Hilltopper]

Both of the USC's, PSU, Charlotte and the Zips all stayed at the Marriott.

[Dr Z]

One other thing. What would a recommendation to a town be without some dinner recommendations.

42nd Street Oyster Bar Great sea food and local. Recommend the blackened, bacon wrapped scallops for an appetizer. They have a great blackening so if you wanted it with your main course, it would be great. Good bar scene if you are going to be there on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. My personal favorite in Raleigh.

Thanks for the recommendation, we stopped there after 18 holes at Heritage Golf Club in Wake Forest. It was kinda on our way. Since the Zips game got moved, playing 18 and eating at the oyster bar was probably better than watching my school lose to it's crummy rival.