Charleston, SC · Charleston County
Charleston, from the peninsulato the barrier islands
Charleston has no shortage of famous restaurants, which is precisely why reservations disappear on a busy weekend. For bachelorette groups, wedding parties and families renting a whole house, a chef in the side yard is the reservation that never falls through.
What a hibachi night looks like in Charleston
Think of Charleston as a set of very different places joined by bridges. The peninsula is all narrow lots and Charleston single houses, with long side piazzas facing private gardens, from South of Broad up through Harleston Village and Elliotborough. Across the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant mixes the Old Village with newer planned neighborhoods like I'On, while Daniel Island, James Island and West Ashley hold the family backyards.
The beach towns are their own world. Folly Beach is laid-back and surfy; Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island have big raised houses rented by the week for reunions; Kiawah and Seabrook sit behind security gates. Wedding season stretches from March through June and again in the fall, and the area's historic estates, oak-lined venues and riverside lawns bring in guests from all over, many of whom rent a house together for the whole weekend. Summers are hot, humid and buggy near the marsh, so spring and fall dinners are the most comfortable. That's the crowd that books a welcome dinner or a bachelorette night at the rental.
From the grill
Setting up in Charleston
Piazzas are covered, wooden and attached to the house, so the grill goes in the garden, courtyard or driveway instead. Peninsula parking is mostly residential permit zones, so save the driveway or arrange a spot. Some low-lying streets flood during heavy rain and high tides, which can slow arrival; we watch the forecast. On Kiawah and Seabrook, put the chef on the gate list. Island rentals often have a concrete pad under the house; we use the open edge of it.
Charleston questions
Our group is staying in a single house downtown. Where would the grill go?
In the side garden or the driveway, never on the piazza. If the garden is small, send a photo and we'll measure the setup against it.
Can you get through the gate at Kiawah Island?
Yes, once the homeowner or rental company adds the chef's name and vehicle to the guest list. Let us know who manages the property so we can confirm the pass in advance.
When does my date count as booked?
Once the deposit is paid, the date is locked. Charleston wedding weekends fill well ahead, so don't wait on the hold.