Christmas in Charleston SC

September 13, 2019 6:25 PM

Looking to go somewhere within driving distance of Richmond VA, Dec 26-30. Leaning towards Charleston SC. Will be my wife and I and two adult kids. Looking at rental houses / apartments in downtown area. Are there any particular areas would should aim for , or avoid? Also, feel free to share your must not miss things to do or places to eat / drink in Charleston.
posted by COD to Travel & Transportation around Charleston, SC (4 answers total)

I just planned a trip to Charleston (just a weekend thing) and I can provide a pretty good list of what I think sounds fun to do -

Stuff to Do
SC Aquarium
Historic Charleston City Market
Sunset Tour - Fort Sumter (on a boat!) - Fridays only, might not be a thing during the holidays?
Charleston Farmer’s Market - Saturdays from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Charleston Museum - War on Fashion Exhibit
Nathaniel Russell House -- History Museum! Of My Favorite Murder fame
Aiken Rhett House -- History Museum!
Edmondston-Alston House -- History Museum!
Heyward-Washington House -- History Museum!
Gibbes Museum of Art
Hunley Museum - Civil War Submarine

Food (mostly from Eater or Thrillist, some Bourdain picks thrown in)
Husk - Reservations on Open Table (Anthony Bourdain pick, Parts Unknown)
Parts Unknown BBQ Crawl of Charleston
Bourbon & Bubbles
The Cocktail Club
The Belmont
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
The Darling Oyster Bar
Xiao Bao Biscuit
EVO Pizzeria
Toast - Breakfast / Brunch

I don't know about where to stay (we have Hilton points so we're going to be at a Hilton property) but hopefully this provides a good jumping off point!
posted by Medieval Maven at 6:55 PM on September 13, 2019

Medieval Maven's list is terrific. To that I would add checking out airbnb experiences in Charleston. The Saturday Holiday Markets in Marion Square are wonderful but only run to December 22nd. Check the dates.

If you're a runner (or walker) and stay in a hotel close to East Bay, a run or walk across the Ravenal Bridge is a wonderful free experience.
posted by Elsie at 12:50 AM on September 14, 2019

Can vouch for Husk, it was a good meal.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 3:31 PM on September 14, 2019

The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden is a couple hours away but totally worth it. Check out the documentary “a man named Pearl” on YouTube. The one barbecue restaurant in that town was the best barbecue we had on that trip too.
posted by wowenthusiast at 4:43 PM on September 14, 2019 [1 favorite]