west ashley

Just across the river from downtown Charleston sits the oldest suburb off the peninsula, WEST ASHLEY. Bordered by the Ashley River to the north and the Stono River to the south, this eclectic suburbia is criss-crossed with waterways and tributaries and composed of neighborhoods that fan westward, including a mix of grand old estates and postwar brick bungalows. Along the Ashley River, you’ll make your way toward Charles Towne Landing, where the Carolina colony was first founded in 1670. And out Highway 61 you’ll find some of Charleston’s most famous historic properties, among them Drayton Hall and Middleton Place, where you can learn about the area’s troubled past.

EAT + DRINK
NEW & NOTEWORTHY

BEARCAT

Executive chef George Kovach's background working in Michelin-starred restaurants is on full display here at this long-anticipated project. Terrine of rabbit and heritage pork belly with mushrooms, mustard, and peas characterizes a menu heavy with "bar snacks."
bearcatrestaurant.com

COLD SHOULDER GOURMET

Partnering with Smoking Goose Meatery and local producers King Tide Farms and Saffron Bakery, this sandwich shop is atypical in the best way, with sandwiches like wagyu beef bologna and pig and fig pâté.
coldshouldergourmet.com

THE GARDEN

Charles Towne Fermentory's brand-new taproom and beer garden boasts a covered outdoor deck, yard games, and food trucks along with their brews. To go directly to their parking lot, plug in 1343 Ashley River Road on your GPS.
chsfermentory.com/thegarden

HUGH BABY'S

Pitmaster Pat Martin's burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken and barbecue sandwiches, along with fries and shakes, are now available in the first location outside Nashville. Come hungry and get extra comeback sauce on the side. 
hughbabys.com

LA BONNE FRANQUETTE