Welcome Gavin & Daniela to Charleston, South Carolina!
Welcome to our town! We’re so excited to help you explore the Charleston area and narrow down some favorite neighborhoods. Based on our conversations I’ve highlighted some specific areas I would recommend you drive around and get to know!
Gentry Todd Group
*note: these driving tours include addresses not specifically for that particular property but the neighborhood/area itself!
Things to Do: January
Visit the Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Participate in Charleston Restaurant Week
Take a historic carriage tour
Explore Rainbow Row and the Historic District
Walk The Battery and Waterfront Park
Tour plantations like Middleton Place (camellia blooms) or Drayton Hall
Visit museums during Museum Mile Month
Attend MLK Day parade and celebrations
Stroll Charleston City Market
Enjoy oyster roasts or fresh seafood dining
Mount Pleasant
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I’on
Rivertowne Country Club
Snee Farm
Creekside
Hobcaw Creek Plantation
Gate Post (adjacent to old village)
Hamlin Plantation
Belle Hall
Brickyard
Dunes West
Cooper Estates
Darrell Creek
Park West
Carolina Park
Wakendaw Lakes
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Breakfast/Coffee: Vintage Coffee, Second State, Page’s Okra Grill
Lunch: Five Loaves, Community Table, Melvins BBQ, Tavern & Table, Sesame Burgers
Dinner: Post House Inn, NICO, Shellfire, Grace & Grit
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Whole Foods, Publix, Trader Joes, Harris Teeter, Aldi
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Shem Creek & Shem Creek Boardwalk, Pitt Street Bridge, Patriots Point Links Golf, Crushyard Pickleball, Mount Pleasant Towne Center, Sullivan’s and Isle of Palm Beaches, Boone Hall Plantation
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Pitt Street Bridge, Shem Creek Boardwalk and Restaurants, Alhambra, I’on walking trails.
West Ashley
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Byrnes Down
South Windemere
Harrison Acres
The Settlement
Parkwood Estates
North Pine Point
Wespanee Plantation
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Breakfast/Coffee: Highfalutin Coffee, Normandy Bakery, Three Little Birds, Early Bird Diner
Lunch: Triangle, Glass Onion, Gene’s Haufbrau
Dinner: Mellow Mushroom, Mex 1, Home Team BBQ
Drinks: Avondale Wine & Cheese
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Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Publix, Piggly Wiggly Earth Fare
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West Ashley Greenway, West Ashley Bikeway, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, West Ashley Farmers Market
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West Ashley Greenway, Ackerman Dog Park
Isle of Palms / Sullivans Island
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Breakfast/Coffee: Refuge, Sea Biscuit Cafe, Co-Op
Lunch: Acme, Mex 1, Home Team BBQ
Dinner: Obstinate Daughter, Coda Del Pesce, High Thyme
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Harris Teeter, Trader Joes (just off the Isle of Palms Connector)
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Wild Dunes, Isle of Palms and Sullivans Beach, Sullivans Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, Wild Dunes Golf & Tennis, The Spa at Sweetgrass
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Both beaches are dog friendly. Sullivan’s beach requires a dog license. Dog hours allowed on beach change with seasons.
James Island
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Riverland Terrace
Stiles Point Plantation
Fort Johnson Estates
Eastwood
Village at Secessionville
Clarks Pointe
Country Club II
Riverbend
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Breakfast/Coffee: Millers All Day, Muddy Waters, Huriyali, Baguette Magic
Lunch: Crust Pizza, Ellis Creek Fish Camp, Martins BBQ
Dinner: The James, Lowdown Oven, Bowens Island
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Harris Teeter, Publix, Aldi
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Folly Beach, James Island County Park , Charleston Outdoor Adventures, Terrace Movie Theater, Charleston Municipal Golf Course, Fort Lamar Historic Preserve, McLeod Plantation.
Annual Holiday Festival of Lights - James Island County Park (December)
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Folly Beach, James Island County Park, Petsmart, Scenthound Grooming
Johns Island
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Headquarters Plantation
The Preserve at Fenwick *new construction available
Rushland Plantation *new construction available
Royal Oaks
Briars Creek (golf)
Gift Plantation *new construction available
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Breakfast/Coffee: KISS Cafe, Stono Market, Sunrise Bistro
Lunch: Tattoed Moose, Minero Mexican, Salty Dog Seabrook Island
Dinner: Wild Olive, Royal Tern,
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Harris Teeter, Publix, Aldi
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Angel Oak Tree, Kiawah Beach, Johns Kayaks & Boat Tours, Charleston Paddleboard, Freshfields Village, Bohicket Marina, Seabrook Island Equestrian Center
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Beaches
Daniel Island
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Breakfast/Coffee: Blondies Bagel
Lunch: Heavy’s Burgers, Wasabi, New Realm Brewing, Agaves
Dinner: Kings Tide, Sermets, Ristorante LIDI
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Publix
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Credit One Stadium, Daniel Island Tennis Club, Daniel Island Golf Club, Public boat to downtown Charleston, Pirate Park
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very walkable neighborhood with sidewalks
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Historic District Stroll
Your Walking Itinerary (Google Map Directions)
Drive (~20 minutes) to downtown Charleston’s South of Broad. Embark on a self-guided walking tour (~2 miles, ~1-3 hrs) past Rainbow Row’s pastel homes, Battery Park’s harbor views, and the iconic pineapple fountain— Stops along the way: Sorelle Mercado (coffees), King St Shoppes, Hotel Bennet and/or The Dewberry (lite bites / cocktails).
Optional: Private historian-led tour for deeper insights (~$200/couple). We can recommend
Evening: Culinary Introduction
Option 1: Husk (76 Queen Street, ~10-minute drive) – Elevated Southern cuisine in a historic setting, featuring dishes like Carolina shrimp or crispy pig ear lettuce wraps. Reservations recommended for 7:00 PM; ~$150–$200/person (excluding wine).
Option 2: The Ordinary (544 King Street, ~12-minute drive) – Vibrant oyster hall with raw bar towers and smoked fish platters, perfect for a lively coastal vibe. Walk-ins welcome; ~$80–$150/person.
Day 2
Morning: Breakfast & Sullivan’s Island Exploration
For indulgent breakfast, try Vicious Biscuit (409 Coleman Blvd, ~$15–$25/person), or any of the other bfast/coffee options in ‘Mount Pleasant’ below
Your Sullivans Itinerary (Google Map Directions)
Drive to Sullivan’s Island and cruise using this itinerary. Put your toes in the sand by using the Nature walk through the Dunes. The elbow of the island gives a stunning ocean/harbor view.
Midday: Lunch
Option 1: The Obstinate Daughter (2063 Middle Street, ~2-minute drive) – Coastal Italian with local clams and wood-fired pizzas, capturing Lowcountry flavors. Reservations at 12:30 PM; ~$40–$60/person.
Option 2: Poe’s Tavern (2210 Middle Street, walkable) – Casual beachside burgers and fish tacos in a lively, laid-back setting. Walk-ins welcome; ~$20–$40/person.
Option 3: Old Village Post House (Pitt St, Mt Pleasant) – Contemporary Americana tucked into the heart of Old Village. Reservations at 12:30 PM; ~$50-70/person.
Afternoon: Old Village Mount Pleasant
Drive to the Old Village, a charming enclave with historic cottages and tree-lined streets, akin to Falmouth’s quaint village feel. Stroll Pitt Street’s boutiques & stop by the pharmacy for ice cream—then walk the 1/2-mile Pitt Street Bridge (located at the end of Pitt St) for panoramic harbor views. (~1.5 hours).
Evening: Shopping & Fine Dining Downtown
Drive to King Street for curated shopping at boutiques, luxury stores, or Charleston Place offering a sophisticated edge over other destinations (~2 hours).
Option 1: VERNS – Intimate seasonal tasting menus, blending Lowcountry ingredients with global flair. Reservations at 7:30 PM; ~$150–$250/person.
Additional Dinner Options: 167 Raw, Halls Chophouse, Brasserie La Banque, High Cotton.
Day 3
Morning: Breakfast & Daniel Island Tour
Breakfast at Beech (315 Island Park Drive, ~10-minute drive on Daniel Island) for acai bowls or smoothies (~$15–$25/person)
Explore Smythe Lake, Credit One Stadium, and community spaces. Daniel Island’s blend of modern amenities, parks, and coastal access outshines other relocation options.
Midday: Lunch & Island Leisure
Option 1: The Kingstide (32 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island, ~5-minute drive) – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood and local craft beers, showcasing the island’s lively community. Reservations at 1:00 PM; ~$40–$70/person.
Option 2: New Realm Brewing (880 Island Park Drive, ~3-minute drive) – Casual brewery with elevated pub fare and Lowcountry views, ideal for a relaxed lunch. Walk-ins welcome; ~$20–$40/person.
Afternoon: Mount Pleasant
Explore Mount Pleasant Neighborhoods and Amenities. Mount Pleasant Town Center, Shem Creek, Boone Hall Plantation.
Neighborhoods: I’on, Hobcaw, Wakendaw Lakes, Brickyard, Belle Hall, Rivertowne, Dunes West, Park West, Carolina Park. Hamlin Plantation.
Evening: Elevated Southern Farewell
Option 1: Halls Chophouse (434 King Street – Charleston’s premier steakhouse with dry-aged cuts and live jazz, offering a sophisticated farewell. Reservations at 7:00 PM; ~$100–$200/person.
Option 2: Charleston Grill (224 King Street) – Elegant Southern tasting menus with live music, perfect for a memorable evening. Reservations recommended; ~$120–$220/person.
Conclude with cocktails at The Rooftop at The Vendue, toasting Charleston’s skyline and your potential new home.
Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina
Download the Gentry Todd Group’s exclusive Charleston, SC guide to discover insider tips and expert insights on the best neighborhoods, restaurants, parks and lifestyle throughout all the unique areas of Charleston. Our comprehensive guide, backed by 14+ years of local real estate expertise, is your essential resource for navigating Charleston’s vibrant culture and making informed decisions when it comes to visiting and moving to Charleston. .