Everyone dreams of a long vacation spent exploring some scenic locale, but unfortunately there are not always enough hours in the day to make that happen, leaving our vacations relegated to weekend trips and holidays. But who’s to say quick trips can’t be just as adventurous as a much longer stay? You can experience the best of North Charleston in as little as 24 hours—here’s how:
12 P.M: Park (Circle) It
South Carolina or South of the Border? Azul Mexicano’s massive menu is full of delicioso dishes that might leave your taste buds wondering if they’ve taken a trip South of the border! Another selling point to this iconic restaurant? Azul is in the heart of Park Circle, which is one of the coolest areas in North Charleston, making it the perfect spot to kick off your adventure in the hub of the Lowcountry! For a true feel of the neighborhood, pick up a good book from Itinerant Literate Bookstop, or something fun for your pooch at Park Pets!
3 P.M: Shop till You Drop!
If you’re looking to log some serious shopping time on your vacation, look no further than Tanger Outlets in North Charleston! This national chain of outlet malls allow customers to skip the middleman and buy directly from the manufacturer, which makes for massive savings. And with more than 80 stores, including several locally owned small businesses, you can buy a souvenir for all your friends and get yourself a little something special as well!
6 P.M: Sip Your Way to Sunset
There’s nothing like unwinding from a long day of shopping like a good, refreshing beer. That’s why you should make it a point to hit Freehouse Brewery for one of their organic, seasonal beers! This North Charleston staple is known for taking inspiration from their location on the banks of the Ashley River in their delicious brews. If you want to really feel like a local, make sure you secure a spot on their back porch for Instagram-worthy sunset pictures to share with your followers!
9 P.M: Sip, Sip, Hooray!
After imbibing the fresh flavors of the Low Country, it’s time to sip and savor at Stems & Skins. The nationally recognized wine bar, which has been featured in publications like Food & Wine, The Wall Street Journal and Bon Appetit, somehow maintains the welcoming, laid-back vibe of your favorite neighborhood bar, just with the added bonus of a James Beard Award nominated wine program and an upgraded food menu—the wildly popular tinned seafood menu is a must for foodies! Feel free to get comfy: the bar is open till 2 A.M.!
10 A.M: Rise and Shine!
Good morning, sunshine! After waking up in the comfort of one of North Charleston’s many hotels, make your way to Orange Spot Coffee for a caffeine fix…and maybe something to sate your sweet tooth, like their incredible raspberry-Nutella turnover. Then, it’s time to head outdoors and explore Riverfront Park. The park’s location along the banks of the Cooper River and adjacent to the beautiful historic homes occupied by the Naval officers stationed at the Charleston Naval Base makes it an idyllic site-seeing stop, but the true attraction at this scenic spot is its surprising art scene. Each year, Riverfront Park is home to the international entries to the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, giving you the chance to combine a museum-worthy art experience in the open air.
12 P.M: It’s Never Too Late for Breakfast
The Junction, another chief player in Park Circle’s food scene, was born of one Charleston food scene’s veteran’s desire for one thing: breakfast at 1 P.M. And what a breakfast it is! The menu includes more traditional sammies, like the BELT (bacon, over easy egg, lettuce and tomato on sourdough) and its veggie counterpart, which subs shitake bacon, and more…unique options, like the Buzzed Doughnut, a doughnut topped coffee rubbed bacon and an over easy egg served with a side of hashbrowns and a coffee mocha dip. There’s also a full menu of lunch options like sandwiches and salads, as well as a weekend brunch menu, and fully stocked coolers of grab n’ go goodies like farm fresh eggs, raw honey, and local kombucha.
Twenty-four hours is enough to get a taste of what North Charleston has to offer, but once you’ve had a bite, we know you’ll be back. To start planning your 24 (or more!) hours with us, visit our website.