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During my travels, I discovered that if I want to experience the heart and soul of a particular place, I need to taste the local cuisine. Since its founding in 1670, Charleston has enjoyed a well-earned reputation for setting sumptuous tables laden with local bounty from both land and sea.
Today’s chefs reap the best local seasonal ingredients to create classic dishes that celebrate Charleston’s authentic flavors. Thanks to Charleston’s mild climate, freshly-harvested ingredients are served year-round. I took time to explore farmers markets and tasted seasonal menu options at local restaurants.
A morning or afternoon spent strolling along the blue slate sidewalks is an invitation for discovery and excitement for the senses. At the very heart of Charleston is a genteel community known for its warm hospitality. A friendly nod and a sincere “welcome” from the locals just warmed my heart.
With a rare combination of geography and latitude, the Charleston area has considerable eco appeal. Fish and sharks usually take center stage when I think of an aquarium.
But the South Carolina Aquarium, located on the historic Charleston Harbor, has so much wonders to share with every visitor. I marveled at turtles, stingrays, sharks, otters, jellyfish, alligators, and other sea life at this vibrant maritime ecosystem that brings the ocean and its many secrets to my fingertips.
Locals call the 80-mile stretch from Savannah to Charleston the Lowcountry, in tribute to their mighty rivers, vast marshes, and pristine forests. This epic backyard provided plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Over the decades, African, English, and French melded these ingredients to create Lowcountry Cuisine.
Both an incubator and playground for creative talent, Charleston is home to a range of award-winning craft spirits. Meanwhile, mixologists are growing garnishes to craft the special “farm-to-shaker” beverages.
Charleston’s rich heritage is a unique blend of European and African cultures. There are so many important historic, architectural, and cultural treasures in Charleston. Therefore, the Historic Charleston Foundation works to preserve the historical, architectural, and cultural character of Charleston.
It was great fun for me to experience a side dish of serendipity in Charleston when seated with impromptu dining companions at a lively community table. I still remember that some of the locals came to join us toward the end of our dinner. The genuine smiles on their faces were warm enough to melt my favorite dessert, which was a bowl of ice cream.
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