Best Foodie Road Trip Spots from Charleston
While many foodies sojourn to Charleston in search of fine edible experiences, we always encourage visitors to check out some of our neighboring towns and cities to get a more complete view of the south’s culinary landscape. Below we’ve listed some of our very favorite stops in easy driving distance of Charleston where you can find abundant foodie destinations to satisfy the biggest appetites!
Asheville – A favorite mountain spot for local Lowcountrians to escape the steamy Charleston summers for cooler mountain temps, Asheville boasts plenty to do – and plenty to eat and drink! Sovereign Remedies and Buxton Hall Barbeque are great spots for farm-to-table fare and fine southern bbq, respectively. But we also adore The Admiral for it’s casual-yet-polished vibe and excellent menu. If you’re into craft beer, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in Asheville. The Wicked Weed Funkatorium is a must-visit for sour beer fans, and older standbys like Green Man Brewing and The Thirsty Monk play nice with hot new favorites like Bhramari Brewing. Be adventurous and try as many as you can in this beer-happy mountain town!
Charlotte – Boasting a buzzing, contemporary downtown alongside the always-cool Plaza-Midwood area and brewery-heavy NoDa, Charlotte does indeed have a lot. For an upscale date night, head to Suppertown, and come dressed for church (as the restaurant is housed in a former house of worship) or grab some rustic Italian in cozy Stagioni’s. Beer fans have plenty to choose from, from the sunny outdoor biergarten at Olde Mecklenburg Brewing to the roomy indoors of Divine Barrel Brewing. Don’t forget to check out Optimist Hall for some Fonta Flora beers and delicious dumplings from The Dumpling Lady!
Beaufort – If you find yourself out Beaufort way (Beautfort, SC, we hasten to specify), swing out to St. Helena Island to grab some true Gullah cuisine at Gullah Grub Restaurant, or catch a super-casual bite of local seafood at the Shrimp Shack while overlooking the island marshlands. Closer to downtown Beaufort, we recommend checking out the Old Bull Tavern for cozy gastropub vibes, or popular newcomer Blacksheep for beautiful and creative dishes with abundant global flavors.
Atlanta – There’s a ton to choose from in Atlanta, and at about 4 hours away, it’s one of the furthest road trip destinations we’ve listed here. But delight the vegan in your life (or yourself, because the food stands up to even the most dedicated carnivore’s scrutiny) by checking out the super popular Slutty Vegan and grabbing one of their colorfully-named and super thick vegan burgers. You might have to wait in a line, but it’s well worth it! Grabbing a bite at Tiny Lou’s in the Hotel Clermont (or a drink on the hotel’s rooftop bar) is always a good idea, and then wander behind the hotel to check out the infamous Clermont Lounge, for a never-a-dull-moment evening at this historic Atlanta strip club. To sample a wide range of ATL flavors at once, check out the Ponce City Market and nibble, sip, and shop to your heart’s content.
Savannah – Charleston’s Sister From Another Mister, Savannah boasts plenty of historic charm, but also has plenty of dining delights to satisfy the foodie traveler. Common Thread dazzles the palate and the eye with a fabulous seasonal menu and a beautiful dining space in a historic Savannah home. The Olde Pink House is a Savannah Institution and well worth checking out for classic Southern fare that’s also in a historic dining setting. Artillery Bar is an ideal spot to start out (or end) a date night with some powerful spirits in an intimate setting, while classic dive Pinkie Master’s is a must-go for PBR fans or any one that considers themselves a dive bar enthusiast. If you’re feeling wobbly after too many to-go beers in this riverside drinkin’ town, hit up The Collins Quarter at brunch for a healing Bondi Beach mimosa and a hearty dish like their bananas foster french toast or Swine Time eggs benedict.
Any road trippin’ foodie should definitely check out our fantastic Farm-to-Table experience for a up-close-and-personal look at seasonal lowcountry cuisine and how to make the most of what we can find in our beautiful local farmer’s markets each week!