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Your guide to North Charleston
DYK that North Charleston is the third largest city in the state? The city spans across approximately 76.6 square miles in Charleston, Dorchester, + Berkeley counties with nearly 113,300 residents.
Currently, areas of North Charleston, especially those in Dorchester County, are some of the fastest growing communities in S.C. With the influx of people + continuous growth– there are plenty of places to keep visitors + residents well-fed, hydrated, entertained, active, + well-rested.
Now, before you start throwing shade– saying how you won’t venture above the crosstown– hear us out. Areas such as Park Circle have completely transformed in the last decade– bringing new development, homes, businesses, + parks to parts of the city that were once unkempt.
Excited to hear more about all of the new trendy spots around town? We’ve rounded up the best places to play, eat, visit, + shop in the city of North Charleston.
Transportation:
Traveling by car throughout North Charleston is easy– especially because I-26 runs right through the municipality. Light on wheels? Public transportation is available as well.
- CARTA has implemented two free park + ride services in North Charleston. Each bus includes a rack + ride service, which can hold up to two bikes at a time on the outside of the bus at no additional charge. 🚌
- Airport– Flying in or out of the Lowcountry? Chances are, you will use the Charleston International Airport, which is located at 5500 International Boulevard. The airport averages 11,382 travelers each day + has nonstop service to 28 U.S. cities. ✈
☕ Start your day:
- EVO Bakery | 1075 E. Montague Ave. | Located behind EVO Craft Pizza, the craft bakery can help you start your day off right with locally roasted coffee + kombucha, plus with house-made candy bars, pies, + desserts they’re guaranteed to provide a sugar kick to keep you going throughout your day. 🍰
- Southern Twist Cafe | 5245 Dorchester Rd. | Putting a twist on Southern comfort classics with food from local farmers, this is one of the city’s newest restaurants + hottest brunch spots. 🍳
- Orange Spot Coffee | 1011 E. Montague Ave. | Local coffee shop with plenty of seating, quiche, baked goods, + sandwiches. Located in the Park Circle neighborhood, with parking for patrons. ☕
- Mixson Market | 4401 McCarthy St. | As part of the Mixson Community, the Mixson Market is your one-stop-shop for eats + drinks. The market stocks local items from Callie’s Biscuits, Charleston Bloody Mary Mix, produce from GrowFood Carolina, King of Pops, Which Which, Magnolia’s grits, Sweeteeth chocolates, + Rio Bertolini’s pasta. 🥕
📍Visit:
- The North Charleston Fire Museum + Education Center | 4975 Centre Pointe Dr. | $6 for adults, free for kids 12 + under | The museum houses the “largest collection” of restored American LaFrance fire equipment in the country. Visitors receive educational information as well as activities to practice fire safety at home. 🚒🔥
- Naval Base Memorial | 1061 Everglades Ave. | The memorial, which was planned by military veterans, includes an open pavilion which mimics the side of a ship, lighted flag poles, brick pavers displaying the names of memorial donors, statues, sculptures, + other relics to honor thousands of men + women who served their country. The memorial is located in Riverfront Park and is free to the public. ⚓
- City Gallery | 5001 Coliseum Dr. | free parking + admission | The City Gallery features works of art by international, national, + local artists in a variety of subjects and mediums. Staff are on hand to manage sales. 🖼
- Hunley Submarine | 1250 Supply St. | The Hunley was the world’s first combat submarine which was lost at sea. After fifteen years of searching, the submarine was discovered May 3, 1995. Tours are open to the public for a rate of $8 - $16 + free for children under five.
- North Charleston Coliseum + Performing Arts Center | 5001 Coliseum Dr. | From Concerts to Bodybuilding Championships, to Comedy pros + Broadway Shows– this is the place for events + entertainment. 🎤
🏞 Get outside:
- Riverfront Park | 1061 Everglades Ave. | Riverfront Park is open to the public year-round + located on the former Charleston Naval Base. The park features beautiful waterfront views of the Cooper River, historic homes which were once occupied by Naval officers, grand oak trees, + a contemporary performance pavilion where events + concerts are held throughout the year. 🌊
- Wannamaker County Park | 8888 University Blvd. | $2 admission per person | The park, which spans over 1,015 acres, includes two playgrounds, grassy meadows, nine-hole disc-golf, an off-leash dog park, two miles of paved trails for walking, biking, + skating, a sprinkler water park, a park center with snack bar + restrooms, a five-acre lagoon with boat rentals, picnic sites, horseshoe pits, + a sand volleyball court– oh my. 🌳
- Wescott Park | 9006 Dorchester Rd. | This park features premier baseball + softball facilities, two playgrounds, shelters, a five-station fitness area, dog parks, + a sand volleyball court. ⚾
- The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation | 5000 Wescott Club Dr. | This golf club is the area’s largest daily-fee golf facility. Players have the chance to play three 18-hole layouts. ⛳
- Quarterman Lake Park | 1126 Buist Ave. | The park, better known to residents as “the Duck Pond”, is home to geese, ducks, turtles, + other wildlife. It includes walking trails + green space to enjoy the views. 🦆
- Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark | 8888 University Blvd. | Home of the tallest waterslide in Charleston (60 ft. high), this waterpark offers fun for all ages, from lazy rivers to splash tree houses. 🌊
🍴 Stop for lunch:
- LoLa | 4830 O’Hear Ave. | Louisiana seafood kitchen featuring soup, salad, poboys, + Bayou classics.
- The Junction Kitchen + Provisions | 4438 Spruill Ave. | If you’re a late riser, or just like breakfast for lunch, this lunch spot aims to please with breakfast served all day in addition to a full lunch menu.
- Community Pizza House | 2400 Gap Rd. | Craft pizza, crisp salad, sandwiches, house-baked pasta, + community plates.
- Dashi | 1262 Remount Rd. | This food truck-turned-restaurant combines traditional Spanish + Asian dishes for unforgettable flavors.
💸 Shop:
- Tanger Outlets | 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. | With over 80 retailers, this mall holds enough options to make a day of it. 🛍
- Lowcountry Farmers Market at Tanger Outlets | 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. | Every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. through December 28. 🥕🌶
- Northwoods Mall | 2150 Northwoods Blvd. | Located right off I-26, the Northwoods mall includes department stores, boutiques, electronics retailers, restaurants, + even a gym. 🛍
- North Charleston Farmers Market | 488 Park PI. East | Located in the Felix Davis Community Center, the farmer’s market runs every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. Find fresh, locally grown food, art + craft vendors, baked goods, food trucks, + live entertainment. 🥕🌶
- Fresh Future Farms | 2008 Success St. | This farm’s mission is to ‘grow food to build a strong community.’ Stop by for fresh, locally grown produce at an affordable price. 🥕🌶
🍴Grab Dinner:
- EVO Pizza | 1075 E. Montague Ave. | Fresh, local wood-fired pizzeria, + craft bakery 🍕
- Tiki Taco | 7087 Rivers Ave. | Tex-Mex style + tiki-themed 🌮
- Dig in the Park | 1049 E. Montague Ave. | Sports bar delivering delicious wings, burgers, salads, + appetizers with the best outdoor patio in town 🍗
- Sesame Burgers + Beer | 4726 Spruill Ave. | One of three locations, serving up burgers, salads, sandwiches, + tacos 🍔
- Amici’s Italian Bistro | 7648 Northwoods Blvd. | Family-owned traditional Italian fare 🥖
- The CODfather | 4254 Spruill Ave. | Authentic British fish + chips 🐟
- Locals Sushi | 4399 McCarthy St. | Sushi, burgers, + fabulous hibachi tacos (yes, you read that right). 🥢
🍺 Fancy a nightcap:
- Accent on Wine | 1056 E. Montague Ave. | Doubling as a charming shop + the place for a romantic night out, Accent on Wine serves up fine wines, artisan + craft beer, + cheese or Charcuterie boards 🍷
- Commonhouse Aleworks | 4831 O’Hear Ave. | This Park Circle brewery offers a family-friendly + dog-friendly beer yard, with food trucks available most weekends. 🍺
- Holy City Brewing | 4155 Dorchester Rd. | Holy City offers an extensive menu of brews, some of which were born from a 15-gallon, all-grain pilot system made of welded bicycle parts. 🍺
- Freehouse Brewery | 2895 Pringle, Ste. B | Inspired by its Ashley River surroundings, Freehouse delivers handmade, organic, drinkable beers. 🍺
- Rusty Bull Brewing | 3005 W. Montague Ave., Ste. 110 | Enjoy cornhole tournaments, yoga, live music, or a fine cigar in a 1930’s mobile cigar lounge. Kid + dog-friendly. 🍺
- COAST Brewing Co | 1250 N. 2nd St. | A family-owned craft brewery situated on an old Navy Base, with beer made from choice organic + local ingredients. 🍺
- Pawley’s Island Brewing Co | 2668 Industrial Ave. | This pet-friendly + child-friendly brewery offers wine + outdoor seating along with a range of on-tap beers. 🍺
- Stems and Skins | 1070 B E. Montague Ave. | Inspired by the “stems and skins” of grapes included in the wine-making process, this neighborhood bar serves local + international wine, original cocktails, + beer. 🍷
Photo by @Highwaterfest
🎊 Come for a festival:
- Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest | Film | May 22 - 24, 2020 🔪💀
- Taste of North Charleston | Food | October 13, 2019 🍔🐟
- Chili Cook-off + Oyster Roast | Food | November 16, 2019 🍲
- High Water | Music | April 11-12, 2020 🎶
- St. Patrick’s Day Block Party | Holiday | 2020 date TBD 🍀
- North Charleston Arts Festival | Art | 2020 dates TBD 🎨
As a resident of North Charleston, I can personally say that I am never bored. Not only is there always something to do nearby, but I am only a short drive to downtown + Summerville for countless events + activities. (While writing this article I spent a lot of time drinking beer, eating lunch + sampling cookies… you know, for research).
Are there places worth mentioning in North Charleston that I didn’t list? Let me know by emailing hello@thechstoday.com.