Lowcountry greetings, fellow Tigers!
My name is Keith Stansell ’84. I have enjoyed living and working as a banker in Charleston, South Carolina, for the last 40 years. Many people visiting the Holy City are aware of our history and outstanding restaurants. If you visit for a weekend or enjoy a longer stay, I hope my recommendations enhance your experience.
History
We have many breathtaking historic homes and estates, churches, and gardens. To put Charleston’s history in full perspective, I recommend that you add a visit to the International African American Museum. You will find this visit to be professional, educational and moving.
Lowcountry Cuisine
There is no shortage of great restaurants to enjoy. I suggest visiting some of the older establishments that have survived the test of time. These include Poogan’s Porch, 82 Queen, Hank’s Seafood, Anson Restaurant and High Cotton.
Shipstore at Sunset Cay
Venture out to Folly Beach to the Shipstore at Sunset Cay Marina located on 9th Street West. From the deck, you have 270-degree views, and the sunsets looking across the Folly River are amazing. Weather permitting, they have live music on the deck Thursday through Sunday.
Rooftop Bars
A memorable way to see the city is from a rooftop bar. The Pavilion Bar, located at the Marker Pavilion Hotel, provides great views of the Charleston City Market area and Charleston Harbor. The Fiat Lux, located at Hotel Bennett, provides views down historic King Street toward the famous Battery seawall and Charleston Harbor. The Rooftop at the Vendue Inn has been voted the Best Rooftop Bar in Charleston since 2007.
Take a Walk or Bike Ride
The West Ashley Greenway and Stono River County Park incorporate about 12 miles of walking and bike paths running from the Ashley River to the Stono River. My favorite sections are in Stono River County Park and the western end of the Greenway up to the Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center. You will find great views of the Lowcountry wetlands.
Pro Tip: Suggestions for shorter walks with great views of Charleston are Pitt Street Bridge and Shem Creek Park located in nearby Mount Pleasant. Likewise, walking or biking the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River is a must.
Different Beach Experience
Make the drive down to Edisto Island and visit the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve. Here, you will find a short trail out to discover the Boneyard Beach, which is never crowded and named for its striking skeletal trees. Be sure to plan your beach visit between midtide and low tide. Botany Bay is one of the best-kept secrets in the Lowcountry.
