Introduction
Chasing the Charleston charm? Well, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning aficionado, you might be wondering what non-touristy things there are to do in the city’s well-worn historic heart. The simple answer is, plenty! The city known as a part of South Carolina’s “Low Country” is bubbling with off-the-beaten-path experiences that allow you to savor the essence of Southern culture while avoiding crowds. This article will wander through those hidden alleys, lead you to local landmarks, and share secrets that can only be known if you explore like a local. Let’s dive deep into the hypnotic and hidden haunts of slightly less-trampled Charleston.
Where Southern Cuisine Seduces
Savoring Southern delights is more than a touristy thing in Charleston – it’s an irresistible indulgence even for the locals. Instead of queuing up for well-known food joints, mosey on down to local’s favorites hidden in plain sight. Martha Lou’s Kitchen is a classic “hole-in-the-wall”, revered by locals for its finger-licking fried chicken. Hominy Grill, well off the tourist thoroughfares, serves up scrumptious shrimp and grits that will set your taste buds tingling without heavy tolls on your wallet.
Sweet Tea Tours
For an authentic sip of Charleston, deviate from wine tastings and beer breweries. Instead, embark on a Sweet Tea Tour, exploring plantations where local ingredients are produced, and learning about the South’s favorite summertime quencher from sixth-generation sweet tea brewers.
Reveling in Residential Charleston
The bustling downtown areas are a sight to behold, but the true heart of Charleston lies within its residential neighborhoods. Saunter through the blossoming bowers of South of Broad, Charleston’s most prestigious neighborhood where exclusive antebellum homes stand as a testament to Southern grandeur. This little-known but exquisitely maintained neighborhood offers a bevy of beautiful sights without the typical Charleston tourist traffic.
Charleston City Market
The locals know that the City Market, a four-block-long Southern marketplace, is more than a place to buy keepsakes. After the sun sets, this bustling hub transforms into a vibrant, yet casual, gathering spot where locals relish the evening air, savor nighttime vendors’ delicacies, and enjoy palmetto crafts and sweetgrass basketry—an intrinsic part of Charleston’s culture appraised even by locals.
Charleston’s Secrets in the Salt Marshes
Charleston’s charm isn’t just limited to its antebellum architecture. The mesmerizing marshlands and tantalizing tidal creeks that ring around the city offer a fantastic, yet local way to explore the area. Paddle through the peaceful waterways of the Low Country with Coastal Expeditions, or try your hand at fishing in the fertile creeks packed full of local species, providing a peaceful pastime away from the city’s buzz.
Comedy Cab Rides
Why opt for a dull, drab ride from a typical taxi when you can hit the roads with a laughter-charged journey? The Comedy Cab, a favorite among local Charlestonians, is a taxi service with comedians at the helm. It is an offbeat mode of transport delivering side-splitting laughs while traversing through Charleston.
Conclusion
In essence, Charleston’s beating heart isn’t confined to the tried-and-touristy—it’s hidden in its homely eateries, vibrant marshland, hushed neighborhoods, and the equitable ebb and flow of local life. Discovering Charleston from a local lens will expose you to the essence of the city in a more intimate fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some non-touristy things to do in Charleston?
Local favorites include visiting Martha Lou’s Kitchen and Hominy Grill for Southern cuisine, exploring residential South of Broad, and exploring the marshlands through Coastal Expeditions.
2. What are typical Charleston experiences?
Experiences like sweet tea tours, markets like Charleston City Market, and offbeat modes of transport like the Comedy Cab all offer a unique take on local life.
3. Is Sweet Tea native to South Carolina?
Yes, Sweet Tea is considered the ’wine of the South’ and is extensively produced in South Carolina, especially in Charleston.
4. Can I explore Charleston’s residential areas on my own?
Yes, many residential neighborhoods in Charleston like South of Broad are walking-friendly and can offer a pleasant respite from the typical tourist spots.
5. Where to dine with locals in Charleston, SC?
Martha Lou’s Kitchen and Hominy Grill are hotspots for Southern delights among locals, and the City Market is prevalent in the evenings with food vendors.
