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daniel island

DANIEL ISLAND is not exactly a starter-home kind of place, but it’s increasingly more than a golf club community, with its many family-friendly green spaces and a downtown area with plenty of restaurants in close proximity. It’s a short drive to either Mount Pleasant or North Charleston dining and shopping, and it’s also home to Credit One Stadium, host to its namesake women’s tennis tournament and one of Charleston’s best venues for open-air concerts. The development of Waterfront Park with its gorgeous views, along with public docks and a water ferry service, has made the island even more accessible to visitors and nonresidents.

sullivan's island & isle of palms

The barrier islands east of Charleston offer distinct experiences unified by a wide stretch of world-class beaches. SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, with its historic mansions and picturesque church, has an old-guard feel but remains casual and accessible to visitors. From taking in layers of local history at Fort Moultrie to posting up at one of the many Middle Street restaurants, there’s plenty to do when you’ve had your fill of the sand. For surfing, water sports, and a more resortlike feel, head north to ISLE OF PALMS for a change of pace. Known as IOP to locals, the island is home to a large seaside resort, plentiful vacation rentals, and miles of beachfront. In search of solitude? Goat Island and Dewees Island offer truly off-the-beaten path experiences.

mount pleasant

In recent decades, MOUNT PLEASANT has attracted a large number of newcomers to its neighborhoods, which vary from I’On’s new urbanist echoes of Charleston architecture to the quaint, walkable Old Village with its harbor front properties. There’s also a seafood, paddleboard, and boater’s paradise in Shem Creek; the beautiful and eyeopening grounds of Boone Hall Plantation; and the USS Yorktown, a World War II-era aircraft carrier. With its casual gourmet restaurants and quick access to some of Charleston’s best beaches, it’s no surprise that Mount Pleasant has seen rapid growth, as well as a steady stream of daytime visitors.

downtown charleston

The French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods often steal the spotlight when people think of DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON. However, the steady revitalization north of Calhoun Street has drawn people farther and farther up the peninsula, taking over Elliotborough and Cannonborough and transforming Wagener Terrace into the next “it” spot. King Street serves as the main artery, much like in deeper downtown, leading foot and auto traffic to a new generation of staple spots for grabbing a bevvie or a bite. Put on your walking shoes—or better yet, get a bike— and prepare to explore and appreciate all the city has to offer.

NEXT LEVEL 'CUE

Not far from Charleston, you can easily find your way to Eastern and Western Carolina styles of barbecue. But here? Barbecue is transcending boundaries. The city’s pitmasters are defining their own style, complete with pulled whole hog, Texas-style brisket, dry-spiced ribs, and hot guts sausages—plus a dash of Puerto Rican heritage and Chinese influences to season the mix. Grab a tray and come hungry: These Charleston pitmasters are ready to load your plate with their distinct styles of ’cue.

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