1.
“The ever-changing marsh; its colors shift not just with the seasons, but hour by hour—the soft blush of the morning light, the drama of a thunderstorm rolling in, the way lightning briefly turns everything silver, and the golden “zebra stripes” of sunset that streak across the grasses. It’s a live painting, different every day, and always magnificent.” —Lexie Webb
2. Access to a beach house
For many of us, the beach is just a short drive away. But a true Lowcountry luxury means skipping the traffic altogether. When summer crowds descend and roads to Sullivan’s or Folly slow to a crawl, nothing beats the bliss of beachside living. Whether you’ve secured your own slice of island real estate, scored an invite from generous friends, or booked a weekly rental, there’s something undeniably magical about stepping outside and sinking your toes into the sand—no shoes, car keys, or hassle required.
3. “All the Public libraries!
In West Ashley alone, I have three within easy reach, including the recently renovated branch in South Windermere. All have lovely children’s sections with loads of books, plus craft materials, toys, and computers loaded with games.”—Anna Miller, contributor
4. Jewel-like stemware
Vintage in concept yet contemporary in design, Estelle Colored Glass embodies timeless elegance with a modern edge. A sought-after Charleston-based brand, its vibrant glassware has redefined the Southern table. The vessels, handblown in Poland, come in a kaleidoscope of colors meant to be mixed, matched, and cherished.
“Whether set against heirloom china or a weathered porch table, these jewel-toned vessels evoke a spirit of celebration—of beauty, leisure, and the simple luxury of lingering a little longer over your beverage.”—Daria Smith, contributor
5. Live music, alfresco
“Our temperate weather means there’s outdoor concerts from April to November. And as the Charleston market grows, we’re seeing bigger acts take the stage, which means we can catch our favorite performers under the stars, without the hassle of a road trip, flight, or hotel stay.”—Shelley Young, managing editor
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- Dave Matthews playing Credit One Stadium
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- Tropidelic at The Refinery
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- Old Dominion playing Credit One Stadium
6. Local handmade jewelry
A wearable work of art made right here at home? It doesn’t get more luxe than that. We’re fortunate to have myriad designers, whose styles range from Sarah Amos’s classic 22K gold pieces with precious and semiprecious stones to Dee Ruel’s casually refined beach-chic accessories to Christina Jervey’s organic forms. Take your pick among the variety of styles and price points, or go for the ultimate indulgence—a custom piece designed just for you.
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- by Dee Ruel
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- by Christina Jervey
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- by Sarah Amos
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- by Rene Barnes
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- by Rene Barnes
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- by Jane Pope
7.“Waves.” —Bates Hagood
And He should know. As The general manager at Ocean Surf Shop, Hagood delivers the daily surf report from Folly. the waves are typically small, he says, maybe getting to thigh-high as the tide fills in—not exactly conducive for ripping action. but when the conditions are right—say a Bermuda High trade-wind swell arrives or there’s a storm offshore—you’ll see every surfer worth their salt racing to the Washout.
8.
“Having a private chef and team from The Drifter design and execute a dinner party in my home—simply the best!” —Kelly Lyle
9.
“Flying in a private jet out of Signature or Atlantic FBO. No lines!” —Teresa Vaughn
10. Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond bourbon
“There’s great Kentucky bourbon, and then there’s Charleston’s own Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond—a High Wire Distilling masterpiece coaxed from a near-extinct corn once prized by bootleggers. This isn’t a drink; it’s a revival. A single grain mash bill from one farm and four years in oak yield flavors of roasted peanut, burnt sugar, and an edge of tobacco that’s structured yet soulful. It drinks like history rediscovered—rustic, cerebral, and oddly graceful—a spirit for those who savor nuance over noise and story over swagger.”—Jeff Allen, contributor
11. Sweetgrass baskets
The skill of sewing sweetgrass baskets—brought to the New World by enslaved West Africans—has been practiced here for centuries. Made from native grasses, palmetto fronds, and longleaf pine needles, these vessels that once served utilitarian purposes are now treasured works of art. Sure, they can be pricey, but as each one-of-a-kind basket requires hours of painstaking craftsmanship, they’re worth every penny.
“I love the City Market and chatting with the ladies making sweetgrass baskets. My luxury is buying one every time I come to Charleston.”
—Jennifer Haught Rupe
12. A parking spot downtown
13. Centuries-old live oaks
Magnificent live oaks define the Lowcountry landscape, offering poetic structure to our vistas, shade on scorching summer days, and shelter for countless plants and animals. Many, such as the Angel Oak on John’s Island, have survived for centuries, bearing witness to our collective histories and outlasting destructive forces of both man and nature. Sit a spell beneath one and pay tribute to its majestic beauty and grace.
14. Protected expanses of land that provide insight into the Lowcountry’s complicated past
From the Palladian grandeur of Drayton Hall to the meticulously restored gardens of Middleton Place and Magnolia, Lowcountry plantations offer a window into 18th- and 19th-century life. Architectural tours reveal the artistry and ambition of early American design, while museum exhibits, preserved cemeteries, and descendant-led programming bring to light the stories of enslaved people whose lives and labor sustained these landscapes. Beyond the complex history, these sites remain havens of natural beauty. Terraced rice fields, native plants, and curated gardens continue to evolve, blending ecological stewardship with historic interpretation. More than relics, these sites are living landscapes: places of remembrance, education, and personal reflection.
15. A Middleton Made chef’s knife
Trained in the art of tempering high-carbon steel into exquisite, chef-worthy knives, St. Stephens-born Quintin Middleton has been handcrafting his signature blades for top toques since 2010. Ranging in price from $200 to $980, these tools aren’t cheap, but rest assured you’ll have an authentic and functional heirloom to pass along.
“Owning a piece of modern Lowcountry history created by a friend and a true craftsman is something I will treasure for years to come—and gift to my grandson.”
—Bob Waggoner, chef-owner of In the Kitchen with Chef Bob Waggoner
16. Philip Simmons ironwork
Perhaps you lucked into a downtown house with a wrought-iron gate or window grille by the late master artisan still intact. Or maybe you inherited a piece handcrafted by the man who helped define the city’s decorative-arts heritage. With some 600 works known to exist, it’s unlikely that you’ll find an original Philip Simmons on eBay or the like, but you can easily purchase a trivet, wall hanging, or piece of silver jewelry modeled after his designs from the Philip Simmons Foundation.
“A large piece of Philip Simmons ironwork that he gave as a gift to my dad—priceless.” —Sonya Livingston
17. Catch of the day from Abundant Seafood
For decades, Abundant Seafood fisherman Mark Marhefka has been plying the coastal waters, hauling in the freshest catch for local restaurant tables and sharing the bounty through his coveted “CSF” (Community Supported Fishery). We’re counting our lucky stars that his boat, the Amy Marie, and crew made it safely home after being struck by lightning offshore this summer. While CSF shares are currently on hold, fish lovers can text their first names to the captain at (843) 478-5078 for updates on when the Amy Marie returns to the Wando Dock at Shem Creek, laden with fine fillets for sale.
18. Dressy parties
The only thing people in Charleston like better than having a good time for any number of great causes is dressing for the occasion. Once social season kicks into gear this month, hardly a week goes by without a gala or themed charitable event. Break out the bow-ties and baubles!
19. Measuring time by the tides
Ditch your watch, silence your smartphone, and let Mother Nature set the pace.
20. Oysters, oysters, everywhere!
Whether you have the wherewithal to harvest your own or would rather belly up at a local oyster bar, these briny bivalves are treasured delicacies. Bonus: with local farmers growing their own singles, there’s a plethora of varieties that can be slurped down year-round.
“Indulging in all the fresh oysters I can eat. I’m so lucky to live somewhere with such amazingly abundant seafood.”
—Holly Roberts, assistant editor
21. Fresh shrimp off the boat
Whether you cast your own net or pick up a few pounds from your favorite seafood shop, eating fresh local shrimp has been a must for generations. We love them pickled or simply served peel-and-eat style with plenty of Old Bay. But if you want to be truly decadent, shrimp and grits is the way to go. While there are countless renditions of this Charleston receipt, our longtime fave, Robert Stehling’s version at the much-missed Hominy Grill, showcases the briny crustaceans alongside cheese grits, bacon, and mushrooms.
“There are very few things that equal shrimp netted right out of Lowcountry waters—especially head-on. The catch changes throughout the season, bringing an essence of flavor unique to our coast.”
—Marion Sullivan, food editor
“Picking up fresh shrimp from McClellanville—so worth the drive! It’s like a step back in time driving down those beautiful, oak-lined streets to the shrimp docks.” —Julie Wood, associate art director
22.
“Getting to the Club Lounge at Charleston International Airport early enough to start my trip with a Champagne cocktail or coffee. So good!” —Cheri Bentley22. “Getting to the Club Lounge at Charleston International Airport early enough to start my trip with a Champagne cocktail or coffee. So good!” —Cheri Bentley
23. Swinging porch beds
“A glass of wine and good book on the porch swing.”—Lesley Meenach Rathbun
24. A front row seat to observe marine life
“We don’t own a boat, but taking our boys out on the water—whether it’s to look for shark teeth, go fishing, or watch the sun set—is always magical. The people we meet who work on the water are so passionate about the Lowcountry and its waterways and wildlife—it’s always inspiring!” —Ashley Zink
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- Shark teeth found in Charleston, South Carolina
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- Sullivans Island, South Carolina.
25.
“A sunset dance party cruise on the Miss Emily with Charleston Super Yacht Charters”
—Andrea Serrano
26. Finding quiet beaches
“Strolling the coastline at Kiawah’s Beachwalker County Park—low crowds, no commercial outlets, stunning.” —Teresa Vaughn
27. Secret gardens & pathways
Hidden from tourists and traffic are the city’s tucked-away lanes and alluring alleys. One of our favorites is the Unitarian Church’s seemingly secret garden path (actually a section of the Garden Club’s Gateway Walk). Enter through the wrought-iron gate across from the Charleston Library Society. A brief walk leads to the church’s wild garden-graveyard, where the sun peeks in and out of the overgrown branches. Open dawn to dusk, it’s the perfect place to escape the heat and hustle to chill under the canopy.
28. Roseate spoonbill sightings
Once rare in the Lowcountry, these pink-feathered birds with spoon-shaped bills have become a more common sight in recent years, thanks to preservation efforts and, surprisingly, climate change, which is expanding their breeding range. Roseate spoonbills (Platalea ajaja) are a delight to watch as they gracefully sweep their bills back and forth, foraging in tidal pools and creeks for a tasty dinner.
29. She-crab soup
In 1909, Mayor Goodwyn Rhett’s cook, William Deas, stirred up the now legendary bisque topped with decadent roe for a dinner for President William Howard Taft. That recipe later made Everett’s Restaurant on Cannon Street famous in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Today, she-crab soup might draw from any local crabmeat, but it’s still silky and rich when done right.
“A Charleston favorite that I enjoy with every visit. Seasoned with a ‘secret ingredient’ (dry sherry), it makes every meal memorable.” —George Lennon
30.
“The fragrance of the Lowcountry on a humid summer night: equal parts salt, pluff mud, flowers, and musk. I miss it so much!” —Colleen Troy
31. A boat
“You can’t really experience the area to the fullest degree without a boat. The marsh creek highways provide a landscape that surpasses anything you would ever experience here in a car.” —Dayton Colie
“We have just a small, old, plain little creek boat, and I literally cried when we got it. Being able to be on the water is priceless to me.”—Rebeccah Williams Connelly
32. Special Sunrises
Sullivan’s Island:
“There’s a quiet kind of magic at first light, when the tide is low, the breeze soft, and the world has yet to stir. No hurry, no crowd, no phones. Just me and my dog.” —Daria Smith, contributor
The Ravenel Bridge:
“The sunrise lights up the sky as Charleston wakes up, and the views from the bridge are unbeatable. There’s nothing like starting the day with a peaceful moment overlooking the water and seeing the city coming to life.” —Matthew Peacock,
photographer
The Pitt Street Bridge:
“From this spot, the serene landscape of Sullivan’s Island and its iconic lighthouse come alive in the soft glow of sunrise.”—Jed Christoph, WCBD News 2 meteorologist
33. Farm fresh tomatoes
- 3 large vine-ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- Salt, to taste
- 5 pieces raw bacon, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)
- 3/4 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar
- 1 nine-inch pre-baked, deep-dish pie shell
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, sliced very thin
- 15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
34. Art walks
On the first Friday of each month, Charleston Gallery Association members open their doors for an evening of wine, conversation, and new exhibits. Stroll the historic streets, meet local artists, and soak in the city’s vibrant creative energy.
35. A private tour of the Charleston Library Society’s rare books vault
For $250, you and three fellow history buffs can book a curator-led peek into the oldest cultural institution in the South. Its collection contains treasures dating back to 1486, from illuminated manuscripts to historic folios, as well as the Igoe Shakespeare Library. Tours are offered on Thursdays at 11 a.m. by reservation only.
36. Joggling boards
Part children’s toy, part rocker, this longtime asset to local porches and piazzas is simply two wooden stands with a long plank between them. in the Victorian era, they were jokingly called “courting boards,” places for sweethearts to sit—at opposite ends, of course. As they bounced, they’d gradually be brought to the middle and each other. A 16-footer will set you back several hundred dollars, but what price for taking part in a charming, Holy City tradition?
37.
“Digging into a slice of coconut cake at the Peninsula Grill bar is my definition of luxury.” —Alex Lefevre
38. A concierge boat service
“With a click on the app, Seabreeze Marina gets my boat in the water, fuels it up, and stocks the cooler with ice and drinks—ready for me and my family to cruise.” —Michael Wallen
39. Church bells
Every Sunday, joyous music pours from three downtown churches—St. Michael’s, The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, and Grace Episcopal—as well as Stella Maris on Sullivan’s Island, when parishioners gather to sound their change-ringing bells. Following numerical changes called “methods,” each band member pulls a rope attached to a wheel that rotates the bell full circle, creating a sound that only comes from some 50 churches in the country. It’s a rare treat indeed, and one that can be enjoyed for free, whether from pew, park bench, or Holy City sidewalk.
40. Parks
Spend your weekends wandering the elevated boardwalks at Caw Caw Interpretive Center or lazing under the sprawling oaks in Hampton Park. Between the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission’s more than 11,000 acres and the 100-plus area parks, we have a bounty of oases, offering scenic places to play; picnic with friends; or to simply relax, unwind, and admire the splendor of the Lowcountry.
“I enjoy settling onto a quiet bench in White Point Garden, where I’m surrounded by beauty—centuries-old architecture on one side, the sea on the other—and for a moment, I let myself live as if I belonged to this place. One day, I hope to call this part of the world home. Until then, I savor these moments.” —John Thomerson
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- Caw Caw Interpretive Center
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- Pavilion at White Point Garden in Charleston, SC
41. A pass to the Food & Wine Classic
Foodies with deep pockets will happily plunk down the two grand admission for the return of this high-touch, gastronomic festival (November 14-16), featuring a smorgasbord of seminars, cooking demos, wine and spirits tastings, plus a host of top-notch local talents. Rubbing elbows and toasting glasses with Andrew Zimmern, Gail Simmons, Sean Brock, and Emeril Lagasse—priceless.
42.
“Late night walks down quiet South of Broad streets during Christmastide admiring all the beautifully decorated homes.” —Cheri Bentley
43. The scent of tea olive in bloom
“If you’ve ever gotten a whiff of it, you understand; and if you haven’t, you have my pity. If you set out to find it, however, good luck. The plant is whimsical, blooming when it will; just when you’ve given up or forgotten its existence, it will ambush you with the sweetest smell imaginable. Not sickly sweet, but delicate—a faintly wistful smell, ripe apricots or something as unearthly as a ghostly harpsichord note or a happy memory.” —Harlan Greene, from his February 2014 ode to the plant
44.
“Living in a place where so many friends and relatives like to visit. I can get out and play tourist in my own town.” —Hollie Anderson, advertising account executive
45.
“All of the amazing water views during my long commute, especially crossing over the James Island Creek bridge toward home” —Wally Seinsheimer
46. A Smithey cast iron skillet
Forged in Charleston and polished to a satin-smooth finish, the Smithey skillet feels less like cookware and more like a generational keepsake. Inspired by old-school cast iron but reimagined with modern precision, it’s as suitable for fire-roasted quail as it is for humble corn bread.
“With its arched handle and elegant silhouette, it earns its place on the stove and the table.” —Daria Smith, contributor
47. Watching one of the supermoons rise over the marsh or ocean
Harvest (or Corn) Moon: Friday, September 5, 2025
Hunter’s Moon: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Beaver Moon: Monday, November 3, 2025
Cold Moon: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
“A full moon kayak tour with Coastal Expeditions” —Kelly Creasy, director of advertising production & marketing
48. An embarrassment of culinary riches
With nearly 1,700 restaurants and cafes in Charleston County alone, we’re spoiled with amazing options for dining out and not nearly enough room to name them all. A few readers and staff share their favorites:
Halls Chophouse Gospel Brunch:
“Not only for the delicious food, hefty portions, and impeccable service, but for the way the music fills the room with a positive energy.” —Michele Comete
“Dinner at Zero George followed by a concert at the Gaillard, a perfect night out and walking distance from the show.” —Teresa Vaughn
Chubby Fish: “There are no reservations, so snagging a table feels like winning the lottery.” —Darcy Shankland, editor in chief
Chez Nous: “A perfect escape that never disappoints—a leisurely lunch here feels like a mini vacation in the South of France.” —Kelly Roberts
Brasserie La Banque: “Sitting at the bar with my bestie, Rhett, sipping bubbles, enjoying oysters, and having a caviar tasting after a big contract is signed.” —Mitchell Crosby
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- Chubby Fish
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- Brunch at Halls Chophouse
49. Martinis for every taste:
“The Martini De Luxe at La Cave: Fromage-washed vodka, saline, and Lillet, topped with a caviar crisp garnish—Sometimes I dream about it!” —Lindsey Henderson
“A lavender martini from Poogan’s Porch—it’s delicate, rimmed in sugar, and such a pretty shade of purple.” —Holly Roberts, assistant editor
“Melfi’s Fat & Dirty Martini with olive oil-washed vodka and olive juice. Just be careful, as they slide right DOWN!” —Kelly Baldwin
50.
“Coming home from anywhere wonderful and realizing that you’ve returned to an even better place.” —Bryan Hunter