A fusion of African, European and Lowcountry influences has produced a unique culinary heritage recognized worldwide as Charleston cuisine. Our local chefs build upon this heritage, blending international influences with local farm-fresh heirloom vegetables and meats, as well as seafood caught daily just off-shore. The quality and variety of Charleston's restaurants has made us a top North American dining destination, with local restaurants and chefs recognized by such prestigious organizations as the James Beard Foundation, AAA and the Forbes Travel Guide.

Named one of the best US Food and Wine Festival's by Forbes Traveler, the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival is a testament to the growing popularity of Charleston’s unique and distinctive regional cuisine.

American Automobile Association (AAA) Four- and Five-Diamond restaurants


James Beard Foundation Award Winners & Nominees

• Mike Lata, FIG – 2009 Winner, Best Chef Southeast
• Robert Stehling, Hominy Grill - 2008 winner, Best Chef Southeast
• Trattoria Lucca – Best New Restaurant
• Sean Brock, McCrady’s - Rising Star Chef of the Year & Best Chef Southeast
• Aaron Deal, Tristan - Rising Star Chef of the Year
• Ken Vedrinski, Sienna - Best Chef Southeast
• Bob Waggoner, Charleston Grill - Best Chef Southeast

For a full list of culinary options, please visit:
Charleston Dish, Charleston Area Convention & Visitor Bureau Restaurant Guide and Post and Courier Dining Guide.

With a number of live music venues, Charleston residents can catch a live show on any given night. The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center book major concert tours while other venues feature more intimate shows with popular music groups. The Charleston music scene is greatly influenced by the local college student population, supporting local and regional acts representing a wide range of genres.

Live music is also central to many local festivals, including the Lowcountry Blues Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, the MOJA Arts Festival and the Lowcountry Cajun Festival.

Among the many music venues in the region:

• Awendaw Green
• Charleston Music Hall
• Charleston Symphony Orchestra
• Johnson’s Pub
• Music Farm
• North Charleston Performing Art Center & Coliseum
• The Pour House
• Windjammer on Isle of Palms
• Village Tavern

For a complete list of local shows, visit the Music Guide from Charleston City Paper.

Rooftop bars and open-air cafés provide beautiful backdrops for drinks and conversation. Many among the young professional crowd frequent the restaurants and clubs in the up-and-coming Charleston Upper King Design District.

Some of the more popular gathering spots include:

• Blind Tiger Pub
• Alluette's Jazz Cafe
• Chai's Lounge and Tapas
• Hall's Chophouse
• The Griffon
• Charleston Beer Works
• Roof Top Bar at Vendue Inn
• Club Habana
• Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar
• Poe's Tavern

For more bar and nightlife locations, please visit Charleston City Paper’s Swig Bar Guide.

Major retailers are well represented in the Charleston area, with two indoor malls, an outlet mall, and several large multi-tenant shopping centers.

In addition to top national retailers, the King Street retail corridor in downtown Charleston includes several high-end brands, in addition to an array of boutiques and specialty shops offering everything from art and antiques to jewelry and fashion. Considered a "Top Ten Shopping District in the USA" by Forbes Traveler, King Street has something for everyone, from the home design and accessories shops of Upper King to the antique and clothing stores of Lower King.

Farmers markets and a growing number of specialty grocers provide access to fresh, organic foods while corner bakeries, delis and wine shops offer even more retail options. The Charleston Farmers Market, held each week in downtown Charleston’s Marion Square, was recently named among the top five farmers markets in the nation by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

For a list of Charleston area shopping venues, visit Discover Charleston and the Charleston Area Convention & Visitor Bureau Shopping Guide.