There are a few places in Charleston that are not known by everyone and could be considered diamonds in the rough or off the beaten path.  Here are a few spots that visitors to the city should really appreciate.

  • Alleyways sprinkle the historic district and can be walkways back in time showing the simple beauty of the homes and blooms of the South.
  • The Powder Magazine, the oldest public building in the Carolinas, is now a museum showcasing Charleston's colonial history.
  • Cru Cafe is a restaurant on Pinckney St. resides in a "single style" house and is a great spot for lunch on the porch on a sunny afternoon.

  • Hominy Grill is a restaurant you should drive to on the peninsula located in a transition neighborhood great for lunch.

  • Your Place, best casual burger in Charleston formerly located in a shack, is now located in the middle of N.Market tucked away in the "Rainbow Market" shops, ask a local where it is.

  • Unitarian church has a graveyard that is grown out because the Uniterians do not like to cut anything with a bloom, they do clean the slat every once in a while, but it is a special site to see.

  • Magnolia Cemetery is a short drive from downtown and holds a number of memorials including the memorial to the crew of the CSS HL Hunley.

  • The International Center for Birds of Prey is slated to open Spring and is located up 17N from Charleston and will be a huge success almost over night.

  • Phillip Simmons, maker of wrought iron, has a workshop that you will have to ask the fine people of the Visitor Center to find the location and also the location of his many great iron gates.

  • The Angel Oak is the largest living organism on the eastern seaboard and is located on John's Island off of Maybank Hwy (700).

  • Old St. Andrews Church is celebrating her 300th anniversary.  Located on Ashley River Road on the way to the Plantations, she has survived the Revolutionary War, slavery, the Civil War, hurricanes and neglect.  Recently a million dollar refurbishment restored her to historical accuracy.  She is bounded by an interesting graveyard.