8 hip places to visit in charleston, south carolina

domino hits the road for the historic Holy City to explore its splendid architecture, scenic landscapes, and unrivaled food scene.

SUGAR BAKESHOP
Owned by a pair of New York City architects turned Charleston pastry makers, Sugar Bakeshop turns out delectable cakes, cookies, and tarts with undeniable flair. We suggest the Lady Baltimore cupcake; filled with figs and raisins and topped with meringue icing, it’s pure heaven!


59 Cannon Street,
843-579-2891
sugarbake.com

THE ORDINARY
Located in a former bank, The Ordinary was recently named one of the best oyster bars in the country. Chef Mike Lata serves up East and West Coast selections at this energetic seafood eatery, which has established itself as one of the city’s leading places to see and be seen. In the evening, low lights and soaring ceilings make The Ordinary an especially pleasing destination.

544 King Street,
843-414-7060
eattheordinary.com

LEON’S FINE POULTRY & OYSTERS
If you’re craving fried chicken, oysters, and other regional specialties, be sure to pay a visit to this local hotspot. Its jumping atmosphere, tasty (and affordable) fare, well-stocked bar, and speedy service make it a wonderful place to sit back, relax, and let your hair down.

698 King Street,
843-531-6500
leonsoystershop.com

MIDDLETON PLACE
Located on 65 sprawling acres, Middleton Place boasts extraordinary gardens filled with centuries-old flora. It’s an ideal (and photogenic) spot for strolling among oaks dripping with Spanish moss—and fulfilling all your stifled Gone with the Wind fantasies.

4300 Ashley River Road,
843-556-6020
middletonplace.org

DRAYTON HALL
Drayton Hall, a plantation house preserved in amber, is among the world’s purest examples of Georgian Palladian architecture. Whether or not historic homes are your passion, it would be a crime to skip Drayton. Trying to explain its appeal is like trying to describe the smell of a gardenia, so you’ll have to take our word for it when we say that the place is a masterpiece. And go ahead and spring for the private connoisseur tour—it’s worth every nickel.


3380 Ashley River Road,
843-769-2600
draytonhall.org

ZERO GEORGE
A jewel box with up-to-the-minute comforts and exquisite old-world charm, Zero George is our favorite Charleston retreat. You just can’t beat the loveliness of its courtyard gardens, the convenience of its central location, or its exemplary service!

0 George Street,
843-817-7900
zerogeorge.com

BULLDOG TOURS
The most thorough (and fun!) way to explore Charleston is with a representative of this, the region’s top tour company. Providing outstanding understanding of the Holy City’s history and terrain, Bulldog tour guides will conduct you through lively municipal walkabouts and not-to-be-missed culinary experiences.

18 Anson Street,
843-722-8687
bulldogtours.com