More than half of our couples are choosing Charleston for their destination wedding, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by Charleston’s seemingly endless options for dining, shopping & play. Patrick Properties Hospitality Group is lucky to call The Holy City home, and we’ve compiled a list of all of our favorite restaurants, boutiques & activities – so you don’t have to!
WHERE TO EAT (where do we begin?):
PPHG’s own PARCEL 32 (now open!) Credited as an “exceptional debut” by the Post & Courier, Parcel 32 incorporates the flavors and layer heritage of the coastal South in a refined, yet relaxed environment that reflects the building’s history, as well as the modern influences of today.
The Staff Favorite:
LEON’S FINE POULTRY & OYSTER SHOP is a comfortable Southern joint serving fried chicken, oysters, lots of salads, cheap beer, soft serve, Rose on tap, tons of Grower Champagne, and good cocktails.
Downtown Charleston:
BUTCHER AND BEE – created with the simple mission of serving honest-to-goodness sandwiches made with flavor combinations and food quality usually reserved for fine dining (and they do it really, really well).
POOGAN’S PORCH – located in a beautifully restored Victorian house on Queen Street, complete with a dog-friendly courtyard, this staple currently holds the “Best Grits in the Lowcountry” title and is a perfect spot for brunch!
167 RAW – New England’s answer to Charleston’s historic love of seafood in the form of lobster rolls, scallop po-boys, ceviche and raw bar oysters (Pro Tip – extremely limited first come, first serve seating, but worth the wait).
SORGHUM & SALT – vegetable-forward with plenty of small plates utilizing local produce.
FIG – “The refined Southern-cuisine restaurant that started it all…” – Bon Appetit. One of Charleston’s top restaurants year after year – reservations book out a month in advance, but you can always try your luck at the bar!
MAGNOLIA’S – a Charleston staple since 1990, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with modern flair for artful presentations.
MINERO – from James Beard award-winning Chef Sean Brock, Minero is an affordable & casual Mexican eatery. An extensive tequila and mezcal selection complement the delicious menu.
THE ORDINARY – from the same team behind FIG, The Ordinary is a Southern seafood hall & oyster bar located in an old bank, striving to support local and regional fishermen, crabbers, oystermen, farmers, and producers.
STELLA’S – honors rustic & modern Greek cuisine, bringing the freshest ingredients & Mediterranean fare tableside.
*make sure to save room for dessert at Kaminsky’s or Carmella’s!
Slightly Off the Beaten Path:
LEWIS BBQ – Downtown Charleston, North Nassau Street
THE CODFATHER, PROPER FISH & CHIPS – North Charleston
EVO PIZZA – Park Circle
PAGE’S OKRA GRILL – Mount Pleasant
BOXCAR BETTY’S – West Ashley
WILD OLIVE – Johns Island
THE OBSTINATE DAUGHTER – Sullivan’s Island
BOWENS ISLAND RESTAURANT – James Island/Folly Beach
MONDO’S ITALIAN CUISINE – James Island
Best Shrimp & Grits (a hotly debated topic):
In our very unbiased opinions, PATRICK PROPERTIES HOSPITALITY GROUP came out on top in this category. So, if you’re having your event at one of our venues, you’re in luck!
MAGNOLIA’S is another top pick for this Lowcountry specialty dish.
GRAB A BREW & ENJOY THE VIEW:
Two for One – REVELRY BREWING CO. is our top choice for Favorite Local Brewery AND Favorite Rooftop Bar (which is not an easy choice)! Grab a local craft beer of your choice in the open air tasting room or rooftop bar. Sushi and South American inspired dishes are now available daily from TOBO SUSHI.
*Want to (rooftop) bar hop? The Vendue Rooftop & Stars Restaurant Rooftop round out our top spots.
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL:
Conveniently located across the street from the William Aiken House and American Theater (and now a second location in Mt. Pleasant), TWO CUMBERLAND, is our pick for Favorite Boutique. Self-described as “uniquely southern”, Two Cumberland offers a variety of products from affordable and fashionable clothing to gifts, jewelry, and home goods.
Support local small businesses and shop till you drop! Here are more of our fave boutiques:
SAPPHIRE BOUTIQUE
BEVELLO
HOUSE OF SAGE
TRES CARMEN BOUTIQUE
OUT OF HAND
LUNA
FOURTEEN & EAST
CANNONBOROUGH COLLECTIVE
SPEAKING OF SHOPPING… where to find THE DRESS:
Our PPHG Sales & Events staff are wedding experts, and these are their top suggestions for finding the perfect bridal gown & bridesmaid’s dresses for your perfect day:
BELLA BRIDESMAIDS
BRIDALS BY JODI
SOUTHERN PROTOCOL BRIDAL
LOVELY BRIDE
WHITE ON DANIEL ISLAND
MADISON ROW
LULAKATE
MODERN TROUSSEAU
LIVE WHERE YOU VACATION:
We may be locals, but we all secretly love when company comes to town and we have an excuse to visit the numerous “tourist attractions”. Here are our guilty pleasures:
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- Take a stroll from the Pineapple Fountain at RILEY WATERFRONT PARK to the CHARLESTON BATTERY’S stately harbor-front mansions
- Browse the plentiful vendor booths at the CHARLESTON CITY MARKET and then catch a CARRIAGE TOUR, and brush up on your Lowcountry history.
- Grab a bite with a view on SHEM CREEK, and hop on the PALMETTO BREEZE for a sunset booze cruise.
- Take a stroll from the Pineapple Fountain at RILEY WATERFRONT PARK to the CHARLESTON BATTERY’S stately harbor-front mansions
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS:
Charlestonians tend to be outdoor enthusiasts, and Mother Nature has definitely blessed us. Our extracurricular activity options are plentiful – check out our faves:
- RENT A KAYAK OR PADDLEBOARD and explore Shem Creek
- Bike/walk/run the ARTHUR RAVENEL BRIDGE connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant
- Hit the links & play a round of golf at PATRIOTS POINT or THE MUNICIPAL COURSE
- Find a friend with a boat (or RENT YOUR OWN for the day), fill up a cooler and spend the day on the water
- Grab a book, a beach towel & soak up some rays at one of Charleston’s beautiful beaches… SULLIVAN’S ISLAND is our favorite!
- Pack a picnic basket, take a loop around the fitness trail & spend the day in HAMPTON PARK
RELAX BEFORE YOU PARTY:
When it comes to prepping for the main event, make sure to incorporate some carefree fun & relaxation for you and the most important people in your life!
For the Ladies: Take a REVOLUTION spin or SERENITY TREE YOGA class, and then get pampered at TEASE BLOW DRY BAR (don’t forget the mimosas!).
For the Men: Get a fresh cut & a hot shave at GENTS BARBERSPA, and head over to CHARLESTON DISTILLING CO. for a local bourbon tasting.
Need more help planning your perfect day or weekend getaway? Don’t hesitate to email us at hello@pphgcharleston.com!