We've said it over and over again - we will travel for food. One of the premiere foodie destinations in the US is located in the heart of lowcountry, Charleston, South Carolina. Along with our friends at Zero George, a boutique luxury hotel in Charleston, we designed a special 4-day/3-night itinerary for SAVEUR readers! Your epicurean escape is filled with proven activities and off-the-beaten path adventures to ensure that you see Charleston up-close and personal. This exclusive culinary package includes a VIP Kitchen Confidential experience with an award-winning chef!
Day 1
Arrive in Charleston at any time. Check-into your room at Zero George. Rest of the day at leisure.
Here are two popular ways to start your holiday:
Option 1: Go on a photography tour with a local and visit some of the best (and little known) spots in the area. You'll also get hands-on photography tips -- even if you're an iPhonographer!
Option 2: Get your art on and go on an art walk of downtown Charleston. Check out downtown art galleries from the French Quarter to the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Dinner idea: Wild Commons. We'll take care of booking those coveted seats for you!
Day 2:
Enjoy breakfast for two in your room (included) and then it's time to take in a full-day in Charleston. Some fun activities:
Option 1: Visit the open-air Charleston City Market where you can find local vendors, many selling hand-crafted items. Pick-up a classic Charleston souvenir like a hand-woven sweetgrass basket!
Option 2: When in doubt, pedal it out! Explore the city on two wheels. Grab your Zero George bicycles, cruise around the peninsula and take in locountry's sights, smells, sounds.
Lunch Idea: The world is your oyster at 167 Raw, a local favorite seafood joint a short walk away on lower King Street. They don't take reservations, so head over there for an early or late afternoon lunch.
Option 3: If you're here at during the second Sunday of the month, head down to King Street! From the south of Calhoun Street and Marion Square, King Street is blocked off to vehicles (including bikes) and store owners, musicians and vendors create a festive atmosphere to shop, eat, drink and socialize. Second Sundays are open to foot traffic only!
Dinner idea: Fig. Founded by a James Beard Award winning chef, FIG’s ever-changing menu always delights. Reservations open four weeks in advance, so we need to book as soon as you make your travel plans!
Day 3:
Enjoy breakfast for two and then it's time for you to WALK THE BRIDGE!
Call it what you will—“the Bridge,” "the Cooper River Bridge,” or “the Ravenel Bridge” -- it's a great place to walk or run. When the Bridge opened in 2005, it became the longest cable-stayed bridge of its time in North America and the tallest structure in SC.
Lunch idea: Xiao Bao Biscuit! For all its culinary gusto, Charleston was lacking on the ethnic food front, until Xiao Bao shook things up and converted an old gas station into the go-to spot for all things spicy, intriguing and robustly flavorful. Feast on fabulous Asian street food!
Is Retail Therapy a part of your holiday routine? Zero George offers a Custom Shopping Package for guests. Shop ‘til you drop with a 3-hour private shopping excursion led by a professional stylist and style maven.
Later this afternoon and evening, enjoy your exclusive SAVEUR experience:
Kitchen Confidential for 2
For the ultimate gastronomic experience, you will cook side-by-side with Zero George's award winning executive chef, Vinson Petrillo. Your interactive evening provides you with an intimate, intensive opportunity to learn tips from a master and earn your own chef’s apron. For the first part of the evening you'll be Chef's apprentice, then you'll relax and enjoy a special three-course meal that you helped to prepare.
Day 4:
Depature day. Enjoy breakfast for two. Stroll downtown Charleston for last minute shopping. Visit Martha Lou’s or Bertha’s Kitchen for authentic, lip-smacking Soul Food before you head home.
Safe Travels!
SAVEUR PACKAGE: Charleston Up-Close and Personal Culinary Escape
3-Nights Veranda Room King
Daily Breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit
Complimentary wifi and bicycles
Private Kitchen Confidential Experience for 2
Korin Chef's Knife
Chef's Apron
Signed Menu
TOTAL: $3,631 for two adults