Category: Historic Charleston

“The housing and stock markets continue to be the leaders in the economy. In August, showings and pending sales remained at strong levels while housing inventory remained limited, continuing the competitive bidding market we have seen in recent months. With the stock indexes at or near record highs as mortgage rates remain near record lows, signs point to a busy fall housing market.”

~ Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR)

Market Statistics by Area:

Closed Sales +11.6% | Median Sales Price +10.7% |  Months Supply -52.4%

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Listing

175 E Shipyard Road, I’On
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths | 3,417 sq ft | Offered at $1,759,000
This is a rare opportunity to move into a completely renovated home on one of the most beautiful lots in I’On! Originally built by Phillip Smith, this beautiful lakefront home has been renovated from top to bottom with no detail spared. The home’s entire interior, porches and trim have been repainted, floors have been stripped and redone, door heights raised to 8 feet, wallpaper, new baths, closets, enhanced, outdoor shower, and more! For more information, visit: bit.ly/175EShipyard

Charleston Coast Vacations

🌴 There’s still time to book a last minute getaway to the Charleston Coast! 🌴
Check out our remaining specials through September and October for a chance to SAVE BIG! 💰 To book or learn more, visit bit.ly/CharlestonCoastSpecials.

“While buyer activity continues to be robust, seller activity continues to be a bit softer, with fewer homes being listed for sale than a year ago. Many housing experts believe sellers remain reluctant to list their homes due to continued concerns over COVID-19, which was beginning to see a resurgence in June. Until sellers regain confidence, housing inventory will continue to be constrained during what is expected to be an active summer selling season.”

~ Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR)

Market Statistics by Area:

Closed Sales +5.7% | Median Sales Price -0.6% |  Months Supply -41.9%

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Listing

9 Colonial Street, Historic Charleston
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths  |  3,150 sq ft  |  Offered at $1,449,000
This charming 100 year old South of Broad home has been meticulously maintained featuring a gracious floor plan with tall ceilings and original moldings, fully remodeled kitchen, extensive third floor renovation and expansion, and cozy courtyard perfect for entertaining.⁠ For more information, visit: bit.ly/9ColonialStreet

In the News

Charleston Coast Vacations

Labor Day Weekend is less than two months away, and it’s the perfect excuse for a getaway! Treat yourself to the relaxation you deserve in a beautiful home or villa on the Charleston Coast. 😎☀️ Visit our website for more info:
www.CharlestonCoastVacations.com
We can’t wait to see you on the Charleston Coast!⁠

“While the effects of COVID-19 in the broader economy continue, real estate activity is beginning to recover across much of the country. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have been below 3.3 percent for more than four weeks and are hovering near all-time lows, spurring strong interest by buyers and lifting showing activity up 4% nationally versus a year ago in the final week of May.”
~ Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR)

Market Statistics by Area:

Closed Sales -21.9% | Median Sales Price +1.2% |  Months Supply -32.6%

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Listings

2307 Atlantic Avenue, Sullivan’s Island
5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths | 5,081 sq ft | Offered at $8,500,000
Ocean View: A Sullivan’s Island Beach House
This prime front beach home, an intriguing marriage of Lowcountry elegance and British Colonial tradition, is one of the most beautiful on Sullivan’s Island. Custom designed by acclaimed architect Beau Clowney and constructed by master builders Daly & Sawyer, this residence is spacious, yet intimate, with ocean views from nearly every room. For more information, visit: www.2307AtlanticAvenue.com.

2411 Atlantic Avenue, Sullivan’s Island
5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths | 4,600 sq ft | Offered at $7,500,000
This fabulous oceanfront home on Sullivan’s Island offers waterfront living at its finest. Designed and renovated by a dream team of talent, Dufford Young Architects, Sheppard Construction, and Wertimer + Cline Landscape Architects, the house centers on clean forms and classic elements. Living and dining spaces drink in the Atlantic Ocean views, opening out onto an oversized deck and covered porch. For more information, visit: www.2411AtlanticAvenue.com

Charleston Coast Vacations

We’re so happy to have our beautiful sandy spaces back!! 🌊☀️🌴⁠
If you’re dreaming of a fun-filled summer or fall vacation, check out our website www.CharlestonCoastVacations.com.
We can’t wait to see you on the Charleston Coast!⁠

Residential Real Estate Sales Down Just 10% During Peak Of COVID-19 Crisis

“The demand for housing in the Charleston region was so strong prior to COVID-19 spreading in our community, we have been very lucky to experience a minimal and what we expect to be very temporary drop in sales during April. Buyer interest has remained high throughout this global crisis and Realtors® have been able to continue safely working with clients from a largely virtual position, serving the public and finding shelter for families in a time when it’s never been more important to have a safe place to call home.”  ~ 2020 CTAR President Bobette Fisher

Closed Sales -10.4% | Median Sales Price +7.1% |  Months Supply -27.9%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Listing

The Boardwalk House is a rare opportunity to own a private, gated 1.23 acre estate on a high bluff on the Intracoastal Waterway in one of Charleston’s most historic neighborhoods, Riverland Terrace. Special features include a 167ft boardwalk on the Intracoastal Waterway fronted by a lavish pool with hot tub and cabana, ground level bar and living area, 5 car garage, a mother-in law suite, a separate apartment over the garage, and coveted deep water dock permit in hand. For more info, visit: www.TheBoardwalkHouse.com

In the News

📸 @CharlestonCityPaper | Most Charleston county parks are now open to the public! No group activities such as picnics or close contact sports are allowed. In addition to social distancing, park goers are encouraged to consider wearing face masks. To read the entire article, visit: bit.ly/ChasCountyParkOpenings or visit bit.ly/CCPRCParkOpenings for the full list of open parks.

Charleston Coast Vacations

First, we’d like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to nominate a #healthcarehero for our giveaway! We received so many wonderful entries and we wish we could give them ALL a vacation. They are all heroes and truly deserving. ⁠
⁠
Since we were overwhelmed with responses, we found a way to offer one more complimentary stay! The FOUR winners are: Heather Irving, Deidra Bibb, Amy Quinn, and Andrew Mashburn. ⁠

Congratulations and we can’t wait to see you on The Charleston Coast!⁠

Real Estate Update from 2020 CTAR President, Bobette Fisher:

“We had a lot of interest and activity from buyers prior to the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in our community. The strong activity in March positions us well for the inevitable impact of the global pandemic on our market” said 2020 CTAR President Bobette Fisher. “While we don’t yet know what that impact will look like, real estate has been classified as an essential service, and while it is far from business as usual right now, we are able to serve clients from a more virtual position and help keep at least this segment of the economy moving in a safe and positive way” she said. “One of the most immediate impacts is on our already low level of inventory, as some homeowners have taken their homes off the market temporarily, out of concern for their health and safety” said Fisher. “Charleston is in a somewhat unique position in that we continue to see buyer interest and demand in our market even as we progress through this highly unusual situation. I anticipate a strong return for our market, post-pandemic but we likely have several challenging months ahead.”

Closed Sales +4.4% | Median Sales Price +10.8% |  Months Supply -29.3%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Now Offering Virtual Tours!

Want to schedule a virtual showing? Click the links below to get started.

Charleston Coast Vacations

Giveaway alert! Charleston Coast Vacations and dunes properties are proud to give away three future vacations to deserving healthcare workers! If someone you know and love is fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, nominate them for a well-deserved break. Email their story to healthcarehero@dunesproperties.com. Vacation winners will be chosen on May 15.

With mortgage rates on the decline due to COVID-19, buyers are encouraged to take advantage and lock in today’s low rates while they still can. Although it is still uncertain how it will impact the real estate market long-term, it will be interesting to see if low mortgage rates are enough of an incentive for buyers to make an offer.

Closed Sales +4.4% | Median Sales Price +10.8% |  Months Supply -29.3%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Listing

Located in the heart of Folly Beach, this home would make the perfect rental, primary residence, or a combination of both. Features include a metal roof, two gas tankless water heaters, two gas fireplaces, high end finishes and multiple decks perfect for lounging and entertaining. For more info, visit: bit.ly/207EArcticAve

In the News

Charleston Coast Vacations

Booking direct always ensures you have the best choice of properties and dates while getting exceptional service from our team at Charleston Coast Vacations. When you’re ready to make vacation plans, visit CharlestonCoastVacations.com.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Today is the first day of spring!
Have you started your Spring Cleaning Checklist yet?

As we move into February, the question remains – will inventory suffice? While many see the housing shortage as a negative, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun sees this as good news for home prices. “National median home price growth is in no danger of falling due to inventory shortages and will rise by 4%,” he predicts. Yun and others would also like to see home builders bring more affordable units to market, which I think we can all agree with, especially in the Charleston market.

Closed Sales +20.6% | Median Sales Price +8.1% |  Months Supply -25%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivan’s Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Listing

WOW does this property have it all! This stunning waterfront home on the Isle of Palms boasts 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, gorgeous elevated pool, and a 50′ private dock that includes power, water, a fish cleaning station and two drive on jet ski docks…plus, all of the privacy and amenities of Wild Dunes! For more information, visit: bit.ly/46WaterwayIsland

In the News

New Vacation Rental!

There’s still time to book your summer vacay. You could even stay at our newest vacation rental, “BodSEA” on the Isle of Palms! Check out our newest rentals, search by location and book direct at CharlestonCoastVacations.com.

Upcoming Events

Lights of Magnolia | November 15 – March 15
Join us for “Lights of Magnolia: Reflections of a Cultural Exchange.” The lantern festival will feature custom-designed installations of large-scale lanterns, a fusion of historic Chinese cultural symbols, and images that represent the flora and fauna of Magnolia Plantation. or more info, CLICK HERE.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival | March 4 – 8
Join us for the 15th installment of the Charleston Wine + Food festival as we celebrate the city’s local food culture. Join us in Marion Square, various locations downtown and around Charleston for exclusive dinners, wine tastings, workshops, excursions, and seminars. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Festival of Houses & Gardens | March 11 – April 18
Step inside the private houses and gardens of some of the city’s most stunning properties, learn about Charleston’s distinctive architecture and history and celebrate our unique culture at luncheons, musical concerts and other Lowcountry lifestyle events. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Hellooo 2020! As we wrap up 2019, we are happy to report that thanks to continued low mortgage rates, low unemployment, and wage growth, we anticipate home buyer activity to remain healthy into the new year. While inventory remains low (-23.1%), it is important to note that new construction has been on the rise in the past year, and is expected to continue into 2020 as well.

Closed Sales +19.6% | Median Sales Price -.07% |  Months Supply -23.1%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivans Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

From the Blog

Featured Listing

Located in James Island’s prestigious White Point Estates, this beautifully appointed 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home boasts 11 ft ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, a stunning new kitchen and large covered porch that overlooks the salt-water pool and marsh below. Live oaks line the marsh and provide beautiful views and privacy all year long, while a dock provides access to the waterway beyond. For more information, visit: bit.ly/882WhitePointBlvd

It’s Almost Summer, Which Means…

There’s still time to book your summer vacay! Check out our newest rentals, search by location and book direct at CharlestonCoastVacations.com.

Upcoming Events

2020 Jazz Festival | January 25th
Don’t miss the 6th Annual Charleston Jazz Festival as it presents The World of Regina Carter, widely considered the finest jazz violinist of her generation. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Lowcountry Oyster Festival | January 26th
Join us at Boone Hall Plantation for the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Charleston Coffee Fest | February 9th
Join us at LoFi Brewing to celebrate Charleston’s burgeoning coffee culture, featuring local and non-local coffee roasters, artisans, coffee competitors, and kids activities. For more info, CLICK HERE.

After a widely anticipated benchmark rate reduction by the Federal Reserve in November, home buyers and sellers are eager to see what the new year holds. Although inventory is still low (down 21.4%), the economy remains strong and new construction activity continues to rise nationally with new housing permits up 5% in October.

Closed Sales +2.4% | Median Sales Price -0.2% |  Months Supply -21.4%

Market Statistics by Area

• Downtown Charleston
• Upper Charleston Peninsula
• Upper Mount Pleasant
• Lower Mount Pleasant
• Daniel Island
• Folly Beach
• Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes
• Sullivans Island
• Kiawah Island
• Seabrook Island
• James Island
• West Ashley
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• Summerville
• Goose Creek

Featured Property

Welcome to 507 Carolina Boulevard, your perfectly situated island retreat,
just 2 short blocks to the beach! This 5 bedroom, 4 bath home features a modern, open floor plan with state-of-the-art kitchen, multiple porches and a beautiful family room that opens to the stunning open air deck.

30 for 30 Year-End Update

Throughout 2019, we’ve been donating to a varied list of 30 worthy charities and non-profit organizations to celebrate our 30th anniversary as a company. Here are some of the groups we’ve supported this year…

One 80 Place
Begin with Books
Dewees Island Conservancy
Green Heart Project
Heart Artist Community
Lowcountry Orphan Relief
Ronald McDonald House
Habitat for Humanity
Camp Happy Days
Meals on Wheels
Doors to Freedom
Fresh Future Farms
Tri-County Veterans Support Network
Charleston Waterkeepers
Genesis Project through Parkland Foundation
Pet Helpers
Friends of the Library
Palmetto Paws
Florence Crittenton Programs of SC
Preservation Society of Charleston
Charleston Parks Conservancy
Lowcountry Food Bank
Abaco Connect
American Red Cross

Top 9 Social Media Posts of 2019

Whether you’re planning on visiting Charleston, S.C. or you’ve made the decision to move here permanently, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time outside. Located along the coast of South Carolina, Charleston is a quaint and charming city that experiences sunshine almost every day of the year, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. Though the area is relatively free of mountains, there are dozens of other great outdoor activities visitors and locals can participate in all year long, especially water-related sports. Find out more about everything you need to know to enjoy the Lowcountry outdoors.

Charleston Has the Ideal Climate

In the last decade, Charleston has experienced a huge influx of people moving to the area from more northern states. Aside from the world-class cuisine, great bar scene and beautiful landscape, the most enticing aspect of the city to these newcomers is most likely the climate. Charleston’s location on the coast can mean an increased chance of humidity, but it also provides some relief from the summer heat as an occasional breeze from the ocean can cool things down.

July and August are the hottest months of the year with temperatures regularly surpassing 90 degrees F. Though the summers can be sweltering, there are plenty of ways to seek relief from the heat, and the rest of the year offers beautiful temperatures allowing you to take advantage of the outdoors. In the winter, the average temperatures fall between the mid-40s and 60 degrees F. These winter temperatures are very mild compared to other parts of the country and many Charlestonians take advantage of the warm winters by heading out on the harbor in boats or even making a December trip to the beach, though you will still want to throw a sweatshirt on for this activity.

Take Advantage of Lowcountry Outdoor Living

With such beautiful year-round weather and gorgeous Lowcountry scenery, it would be crazy not to indulge in all of the exciting outdoor activities Charleston has to offer. If you’re coming to the area for a vacation, you can find beachfront rentals throughout the area to stay close to the water. For visitors, the spring is the most popular time of the year to visit as the summer heat hasn’t quite set in yet, but the flowers are all in bloom. If you don’t want to visit during a time when a lot of other travelers are in the area, try booking a trip for fall or winter and get a more authentic feel for Charleston. Summer brings in a lot of travelers as well, but some people avoid the area during this season because of the hotter temperatures. During your stay, here are the top outdoor activities you should plan to participate in.

Golf Courses Galore

Charleston is a hotspot for those who love golf. Not only are there several nearby golf courses, but Charleston is also less than two hours away from Hilton Head Island, where you’ll find even more world-class courses. In Charleston, you can spend a day on the green at the public City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course or frequent one of the private courses like Patriots Point Links or Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club. Many of the most serious golfers will take the 40-minute drive to Kiawah Island for access to some of the best courses in the entire country. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers five beautiful courses that have been designed by top professionals like Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. Each course integrates the natural landscape of the nearby ocean and marshes.

Hit the Beach All Year Long

With winter temperatures rarely dipping below the 50s and 60s, it’s possible to enjoy the beach during every season. Charleston is surrounded by three fantastic beaches—Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. When you drive about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston to James Island, you’ll reach Folly Beach. This area has a bohemian vibe with great restaurants like Jack of Cups Saloon, which offers a killer red curry mac and cheese, and Rita’s, where you need to order the surprisingly refreshing watermelon tuna nachos. You can enjoy a drink on the back deck of the Tides hotel while overlooking the ocean or grab a seat on the pier and take in the view.

If you head all the way to the end of Folly, you’ll find the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. To get to this hidden part of the beach, you’ll have to park your car and walk down a stretch of deserted road covered in unique graffiti. After about half a mile, you’ll see the beach, which is covered by large pieces of driftwood that people use to hang hammocks. In the not-so-far distance, you’ll also be able to see the old Morris Island Lighthouse, which is no longer in operation but still makes for a unique landmark.

If you head in the opposite direction of James Island from downtown, you’ll discover two more beaches in Mount Pleasant. Sullivan’s Island has a more upscale vibe with fancy restaurants like The Obstinate Daughter and more casual eateries like Hometeam BBQ or Mex-1. After a filling meal, hit the beach and find a spot near the lighthouse. Traveling a bit further into Mount Pleasant, you’ll reach Isle of Palms, which tends to have a bit more of a family vibe. For young people, there’s still plenty to do like catch some live music at the Windjammer beach bar or round up people to play a game of beach volleyball on the bar’s courts. Isle of Palms is also the perfect location if you’re looking for beachfront vacation rentals.

A Fishing Enthusiast’s Dream

There are plenty of areas throughout the Lowcountry for fishers to spend the day trying to reel in a big catch. For shoreline fishing, you can cast a line off one of the fishing piers in Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach. Many fishers will also head to specific areas of the beach to participate in some shark fishing, which often turns up small sharks that can be as large at three feet long. As a visitor, you can charter a boat and take it out to some of the best spots in the marshes or out on the ocean to catch some local fish species. Before heading out on the water, be sure to educate yourself on local fishing laws to ensure that you’re not breaking any guidelines or disturbing the natural ecosystem.

Boating Excursions

With so many bodies of water surrounding Charleston, there’s plenty of opportunities to go boating, whether you want to spend the day fishing or cruising through the harbor. Drive beneath the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for one of the best views from the water and cruise past the Battery to get a unique look at the mansions that line this street. Throughout the area, you’ll discover many sand bar areas where other boaters anchor to spend some time drinking, chatting and taking a dip in the Atlantic. If you’re moving to Charleston, you may want to consider investing in your own boat as there’s ample opportunities to get out on the water. Some locals even head out on a Christmas Day ride. For those visiting, you can look into one of the many charter options available.

Other Water Activities

Charlestonians love their water activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding to surfing and parasailing, you’ll find it all here. Maybe you want to explore the ocean atop a jet ski or learn how to balance on a standup paddleboard. If you head to Bowen’s Island and rent kayaks from this location, you can explore the waterways surrounded by gorgeous marshlands. Then, after turning in your kayaks, head to the Bowen’s Island Restaurant for a taste of the freshest fish in the city. Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is another great area for water activities as you can paddle through the waterway, which is surrounded on either side by popular outdoor bars. Afterwards, be sure to stop at Saltwater Cowboys or Red’s Ice House for a drink and an appetizer.

Outdoor Shopping

Though there are traditional malls in Charleston, outdoor shopping is definitely the more popular option. Both locals and visitors tend to prefer spending as much time outside as possible in Charleston because of the beautiful weather. The downtown shopping district runs from the intersection of King Street and Calhoun Street until King hits Market Street. Explore the many local boutiques or pop into bigger name stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M. You can also check out the open-air market on Market Street, which offers unique, handmade products from local artisans.

For even more outdoor shopping, you can explore the Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. Here, you’ll find great prices from major brands like Nike and Lucky Brand. The entire outlet area is set up like an outdoor mall so you can enjoy the mild temperatures while walking from shop to shop. Mount Pleasant’s Town Center is another outdoor mall with a combination of small boutique shops and big-name department stores like Belk.

Outdoor Attractions

Angel Oak on Johns Island

The Angel Oak tree on Johns Island is undoubtedly one of the top outdoor attractions in the Holy City. When visiting Charleston, S.C., a trip out to one of the oldest trees in the world is well worth the drive. This live oak is so large that many of its limbs need to be supported by thick wooden stakes. When you arrive at the Angel Oak, you’ll be in awe of the tree’s sheer size and beauty, and you may even notice an almost mystical ambiance that surrounds the entire area. While out on Johns Island, check out one of the area’s best restaurants before heading back into the city. The Wild Olive is a highly praised Italian restaurant run by chef Jacques Larson of Sullivan’s Island’s The Obstinate Daughter. The Fat Hen is another great option on Johns Island for either brunch or dinner.

Rooftop Bars

Drinking, eating and being outside are three of Charlestonians’ favorite pastimes, and locals will try to combine these activities into one as often as possible, which is why so many rooftop bars dot the downtown area. The Watch, a bar atop The Restoration Hotel, may offer one of the best views of the sunset along with craft cocktails and light plates. The rooftop bar at the new Hotel Bennet overlooks Marion Square and faces out towards the harbor. From here, you can spot several of the dozens of churches that make up the Charleston skyline. Stars is another popular restaurant and bar on King Street that offers a rooftop experience and delicious dishes like Truffle Lobster Fettuccine.

Historic Sites

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the Lowcountry while also learning more about the area, try taking a trip to one of the many historical sites. From Fort Sumter and Patriot’s Point to Waterfront Park and Rainbow Row, the entire city is entrenched in an intriguing history. Learn about the city’s role in the Revolutionary and Civil wars or head to the Patriot’s Point Maritime Museum atop the USS Yorktown, where you can explore this retired aircraft carrier and even climb aboard some old military planes on the hangar deck. Head out to Fort Sumter to witness the location where the Civil War began or spend the day hanging out in one of the many historical parks in the area. You can sign up for a walking historical tour or hear legends of the city’s past on a late-night ghost tour.

Whether you’re just visiting Charleston, S.C. or relocating to the area permanently, you’ll quickly realize how much outdoor living is a part of the city’s culture. You can spend your days on one of the nearby professionally designed golf courses, hit the beach any day of the year or simply enjoy the many outdoor spaces and historical areas. No matter what outdoor activities you choose to participate in, you’ll be amazed by the unparalleled natural beauty of the Lowcountry.