Tomorrow is National Siblings Day and if you didn’t know this, CHStoday is one of 8 markets under 6AM City, our parent company.
6AM’s markets are a lot like siblings, each with different personalities, unique qualities, and little hidden gems about them. Today we are sharing what all of our editors love about their markets to give you some inspiration for your next trip.
Asheville, NC
Editor Brook’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Salsa’s has the best burritos on earth, the Laughing Seed + its amazing veggie fare can’t be missed (Old school folks remember how bomb those low country roll ups were, and current folks love grubbing on that raw zucchini manicotti). And Little Bee Thai’s red curry is so good I want to fill a bathtub up with it + eat my way out of it.
🖼 | TryThis
Walking + picnicking at Beaver Lake – bonus points for the adjacent bird sanctuary. Catching a show at Salvage Station.
🍦 | Don’t miss
Stop into Plant for a world class vegan meal + drive through 10th Muse Comfort Food for stellar coffees, doughnuts, and the best ice cream in the state.
Editor Laura’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
The Montford Deli has the key to my heart — they really know how to make a breakfast sandwich. I’ve also been digging Leo’s House of Thirst for its selection of wine + swanky tapas (hello, braised artichokes, chicories, black sea bass crudo). I firmly believe that Taqueria Munoz has the best tacos in Asheville. Check out their food truck, permanently stationed at Zilicoah Brewing for the idyllic combo of authentic tacos, refreshing beers + a view of the French Broad river. Munoz also has a brick and mortar location at 1438 Patton Ave.
🚲 | TryThis
I love biking all around town, especially in the River Arts District where they just completed a big greenway project along the French Broad river. I’m also a big fan of hiking in the Pisgah National Forest and seeing live music at venues like the Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, and Rabbit Rabbit.
🎨 | Don’t miss
I’d recommend grabbing a coffee at Grind AVL, roaming around the myriad of art galleries on Depot St. and then walking down to the Foundation Studios to check out the incredible array of graffiti art. There’s also an amazing little skate park tucked around the back of the studio.
Charleston, SC
Editor Vagney’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
The Gathering Cafe in West Ashley is a cute, quiet little spot that offers yummy plant-based dishes. The vegan pizza at Neon Tiger is a must and the “good burger” at Basic Kitchen is delicious.
🚲 | TryThis
Biking + paddleboarding at James Island County Park must be experienced while in the Lowcountry. Can’t forget that ziplining hundreds of feet in the air out in Awendaw with Charleston Zipline Adventures is an amazing way to experience local nature.
🦀 | Don’t miss
The Avondale area is a unique area in West Ashley where you can eat good seafood, grab a cold drink, sip on some wine + cheese, and even do a little shopping. The Stono River County Park is a hidden gem on Johns Island. #Protip: Check out the views of the Lowcountry at low tide + high tide.
Columbia, SC
Editor Lauren’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Hendrix – you can’t beat the appetizers and drinks on the rooftop. Everything is so good at Kao Thai, especially the spring rolls + chicken yaki udon). And at Motor Supply the menu changes daily and always uses fresh, local ingredients.
⚾️ | TryThis
Fireflies games in the spring + summer and taking a walk by the river (either the Riverfront Park or Canal Walk).
🖼 | Don’t miss
The Columbia Museum of Art always has cool exhibits on display.
Editor Jess’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Boca Grande Burritos, Duke’s Pad Thai, and Spotted Salamander.
🎭 | TryThis
Strolling Soda City Market on a Saturday morning, taking lunch outside on one of the patios, seeing live music around town.
🍻 | Don’t miss
Exploring the Palmetto Trail and Cola’s breweries.
Greenville, SC
Editor Grace’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Nose Dive (for a to-die-for Impossible Burger) and The 05 (for a Brussels sprout salad that actually made me realize I don’t hate all salads) and Cantina 76 (the best tacos + margs in town).
🎭 | TryThis
Grabbing a drink at any of our local breweries, catching a show at any of our local theaters (the Peace Center holds a special place in my heart) or having a picnic in Falls Park.
🍺 | Don’t miss
It’s no secret Greenville has great food. Whenever I have friends or family come into town I try to make sure they eat as much good food as possible + see Falls Park at least once.
Editor Ana’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Anything on the menu at Kitchen Sync is guaranteed to make you happy. And if you need even more happiness in your life, head down the road Strossner’s for a seasonal cupcake. You also can’t beat the views on the patio at Lazy Goat with a glass of wine in hand and fried goat cheese balls as an appetizer.
🎭 | TryThis
Browsing the TD Saturday Market, biking from downtown to TR on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, attending Artisphere in the spring
📚 | Don’t miss
If you’re a book lover, spending some time (or the whole day) in M. Judson’s is a must. Also, love the Makers Collective pop-ups (when they have them), and be sure to schedule some time for a nearby hike.
Lakeland, FL
Editor Katelyn’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
A huge slice of pizza + garlic knots from Palace Pizza. It’s pizza, duh. Then, if you’re in the mood for some good ole’ southern food with a flare, Frescos is delicious - try the fried green tomato appetizer (we’re talkin’ bacon jam, people). If you can’t pick a spot, head over to Lakeland’s food hall, The Joinery for a slice of pizza, a poke bowl, or a big scoop of ice cream.
☀️ | TryThis
Walking the lake on a spring or summer day is quintessential Lakeland, along with visiting the farmers market every Saturday morning, followed by feeding the swans (tread lightly with those things).
☕️ | Don’t miss
Lakeland is full of local coffee shops to work from, hang out in, or just pop by for a quick brew. Local favorites include Black & Brew, Concord Coffee, Hillcrest Coffee, and so many more. I recommend trying them all.
Editor Rilee’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Nineteen61, Black and Brew, Cob and Pen.
🎭 | TryThis
Running Lake Hollingsworth, going on the yearly Paige Wagner Historic Homes Tour, working out at Balance Culture.
🥤 | Don’t miss
Saigon Bistro has the best bubble tea (I always get the blended thai tea with boba). If you’re looking for a facial or any skincare, Viva Vitality has the best quality products + takes time to explain exactly what your skin needs. Arlo Jean are the durable, sustainably made earrings, made by a local who started her business during the pandemic.
Chattanooga, TN
Editor Trista’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
For vegan eats, I could eat the Caesar salad from Sluggo’s for every meal and never get tired of it + the Daily Grind for their Sunday brunch hits the spot. For a nice evening out, I’ll pick Flying Squirrel every time — get the garlic fries, just trust me. And for when you’re with a group of people and everyone wants something different, the food hall at Market South is perfect. You can get pizza, noodles, and even breakfast all day + there’s a bar (with coffee + cocktails) and a brewery.
⚽️ | TryThis
Going to a CFC game and getting a little rowdy with the Chattahooligans, taking a stroll on the Riverwalk, and visiting Reflection Riding to admire native plants and animals + canoe on Lookout Creek.
📸 | Don’t miss
When you’re in the Scenic City, take in as much of the scenery as possible. I highly recommend booking a hike with Experience Chattanooga — the guides know all the best trails + each experience comes with a professional photographer so you can enjoy photos of your adventure and not have to take them yourself.
Editor Chloe’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Community Pie has something for everyone. I love the deep dish, the pizza by the slice + the Grown-up Fried Cheese. It has a full bar, but it is also kid-friendly. (They’ll give your kiddo some pizza dough to play with!). Market South is a new local food hall great for grabbing coffee, a beer, or for just sitting with your computer + earphones. Try Cashew, a vegan restaurant. Their jackfruit tacos changed my life.
⚽️ | TryThis
Walk across the Walnut Street Bridge, check out the new interactive streetscape across from the Aquarium, and look at all our city’s cool murals. Go hang gliding – face your fears and see the city from a bird’s eye view. Take the kids to the Creative Discovery Museum for hands-on learning and fun.
🌊 | Don’t miss
Go paddle boarding. L2 Boards makes it fun and easy. You can rent a paddle board or kayak by the hour and they help you get everything to the river (which is nearby the business). Even if you don’t want to really paddle board, floating around the river is fantastic. If it’s a high-current day you can paddle to McClellan Island, which is a wildlife sanctuary and anchor to something and just chill and watch the wildlife.
Nashville, TN
Editor Dylan’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
The Southern V for vegan spins on Southern comfort food, Meet Noodles (mouth-numbing noodles + broth = true love), and King Market for some of the best Pad Thai you’ll find in Music City.
🎬 | TryThis
Seeing a movie at the Belcourt Theatre, spending Saturday mornings at Radnor Lake, and getting lost for hours inside Grimey’s New & Preloved Music + Parnassus Books.
🌛 | Don’t miss
Don’t leave Nashville until you have visited Centennial Park (ProTip: The Parthenon looks stunning at night).
Editor Katie’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Frothy Monkey (anything you order is amazing + it’s dog friendly), Hattie B’s – a local + tourist fave and for my first Nashville hot chicken experience, it was incredible), Music City Food Truck Park for a fun way to hang out + try all kinds of different foods Nashville has to offer. I recommend trying Chivanada’s chicken empanadas when they’re there.
🐶 | TryThis
Taking my dog to Bicentennial Park, exploring the local shops at 12 South, spending the day at Percy Priest Lake (it’s SO scenic and peaceful. Has a pier, walking trails, boat landings, and has tons of elevated cliffs that make it so beautiful).
🌃 | Don’t miss
For first time visitors, be sure to walk on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for an unreal view of downtown’s skyline + the Cumberland River.
Raleigh, NC
Editor Carly’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
The Morgan Street Food Hall + Transfer Co. Food Hall are great for lunch + dinner. For dessert — I’m definitely going to La Farm Bakery for their double chocolate chip cookie.
🛍 | TryThis
Going for a hike at Umstead Park, getting some shopping in North Hills or grabbing some cider at Lynnwood Brewing Concern.
🐾 | Don’t miss
If you’re a totally crazy dog mom (like me), you’ll want to stop at FRESH. local ice cream for their pup sundae — a pawsome mix of vanilla ice cream, peanut butter sauce, and dog treats.
Editor Laura’s Recs:
🍽 | Dish
Caffe Luna + Centro downtown.
🍹 | TryThis
My no. 1 in life is always the NCMA (my favorite art museum ever, plus the awesome park), visit the JC Raulston Arboretum (big plant girl), or get an aesthetically pleasing cocktail from Wonderland.
🚗 | Don’t miss
Raleigh has tons to offer, but so do Durham + Chapel Hill. Don’t be scared to make the ~30 minute drive sometimes to explore a little outside of Wake County.
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