Charleston’s 2018 Bucket List Roundup

Somehow it all happened: We laughed, we cried, we were named the best city in America for the 20th time in a row (not accurate, but close), the Clemson Tigers became the nation’s No. 1 football team (until Monday night’s loss to Alabama), and before we knew it 2017 was gone…that escalated quickly. Now with conviction, we swear to ourselves that this is THE year we will accomplish an absurd amount of life goals. We'll do things like run ten miles a day, learn Spanish and how to play the piano, travel the world and get a promotion. Let’s get real here: There’s a good chance we won’t tackle all of the things on our lofty list of resolutions. So let’s start with some we actually can and completely should check off of our lists this year in Charleston:

1.     Eat and strut your way through top annual events

Wine + Food

During CHSWFF culinary masterminds near and far will descend upon Charleston for food and wine pairings and creations that your palate will hate you if you miss. Top event picks are Sorghum & Salt’s signature dinner in collaboration with famed chefs, Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson of Kismet (recently named Best New Chefs by Food & Wine) and the Pollination Proclamation dinner being held at Spade & Clover Gardens. Get your tickets, people, before they’re gone.

Charleston Fashion Week

I love fashion. I love Charleston. Mixing the two together is a win-win. With local fashion powerhouses like Taxidermy (who Beyonce wears herself...yeah, you heard that right, Bey) and my favorite department store of all time, Gwynn’s, we are certainly a town that knows our fashion. CFW is a chance to wear your most stunning outfits and see the latest trends from top talents. Go ahead and splurge on that VIP ticket too, because going inside of the Gwynn’s VIP tent is a must.

Other events you should check out are Spoleto, Sewe, the Volvo Car Open and Garden & Gun Jubilee.

For more on these events and others, Holy City Sinner is a great year-round resource.

2. Taste dishes from new favorite restaurants and long established Charleston eateries

Sorghum & Salt

Nominated by Eater as Restaurant of the Year, be prepared to be mind-blown by everything at this restaurant from the presentation to the delicious ingredient combinations you never knew existed.

Bar Normandy

The space is small, but there is a lot of flavor packed on the menu in this establishment. There’s a reason why they’ve received so much recognition.

Trattoria Lucca and Coda del Pesce

These two restaurants set the standard for Italian food in the Lowcountry. It's why they've long been a favorite of many locals. Once you go to one of them, you'll want to keep going back for more. 

Fill Piano Bar

Great food and entertainment combine for an experience unlike any other in Charleston. The shows they put on there are equally as comedic as they are a display of true talent.

Miyabi

With a sushi chef traditionally trained in Kyoto, Japan, you cannot find more authentic or fresh sushi than what is on the menu here. Their hibachi is also incredible and a fun way to get a group of friends together while slathering your dinner in white sauce.

Vintage Lounge

If you want to impress a date or just to go to an upscale hotspot downtown, Vintage is your place. With an expansive wine list and charcuterie, it's perfect to start your night or to stay for a while.

Juliet

You don’t have to go to New York or Chicago for amazing pizza. Juliet’s pizza is perfection and so is just about everything else on their all-Italian menu.

For more on these restaurants and the latest in restaurant news, Eater Charleston is a great year-round resource.  

3. Break out your best dance moves to some of Charleston’s live bands, DJs and concerts

Top local bands and DJ’s:

One Kool Blow

Tim Davis has the deep soulful voice of an angel and Eric Penrod can absolutely destroy a guitar solo. (I mean “destroy” in an utterly amazing kind of way.)

Distinguished Gentleman

With an eight-piece band complete with trombones, saxophones, drums, vocalists and bass, electric and acoustic guitars, they all come together to create rock and soul music that is as much a visual experience as it is great party music.

The Island Hoppers

An extremely talented group of guys, The Island Hoppers play rock music with some reggae vibes throughout their set. When you listen to them, you’re guaranteed to have a smile on your face and to feel like you’re on island time.  

DJ Rehab

This guy has DJing down to an artform. A true talent, he makes unexpected mixes and mashups of everyone's favorite songs. If he’s DJing, you WILL be dancing.  

David Higgins Band

Undeniably one of Charleston’s favorite bands, you haven’t lived life in this city until you’ve listened to them play at Cocktail Club (or the other venues and top events that they play at).

Concert venues:

Music Farm

My favorite place to see and hear live music in Charleston, hands down. The venue offers an intimate setting where you feel like you’re hearing your favorite band at a house party or hanging out in their living room for a jam session.  

Other great places are Charleston Music Hall and the Volvo Car Stadium

For more on these bands and venues, City Paper is great year-round resource.

4.     Play outdoors

Riverdogs games

You might spot Bill Murray cheering on his team there, but if not, you’ll still have a blast drinking a cold one while hearing the crack of the bat as they play.

Yoga on The Carolina Girl yacht

I’ve heard of all kinds of yoga events - Yoga on rooftops and even ones with goats, (seriously, I’m not making that one up) but who can beat doing yoga on the top deck of a yacht?? Spoiler: The answer is no one.

Boone Hall Oyster Roast

Going to this event puts you outside devouring buckets of oysters while listening to live music at one of the most beautiful plantations in the country. Oh, and fun fact: It’s the world’s largest oyster roast. Enough said.

If one of these events aren’t going on and you feel like getting outside, golf, going out to Sullivan’s Island or walking the Ravenel Bridge are usually year-round options. And, when all else fails…brunch.   

For more on these and similar events, Holy City Sinner is a great year-round resource.