WHAT TO DO IN CHARLESTON IF YOU LIKE MODERN DESIGN
Charleston Street, Image by Jana Zednickova
Charleston is a beautiful place but let’s face it, it is not known for modern art and design. However, with a little bit of planning, you can find a surprising number of things to do, from visiting great contemporary art galleries, to exploring the modern design (not to mention the yummy food) of the city’s lively restaurant scene. Travelers can even find contemporary boutique hotels! Here are my must-do tips for the modern traveler:
BEST CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERIES IN CHARLESTON
If you are only going to visit one gallery in Charleston, make it Robert Lange Studios. Located in a two-story townhome hidden away in a cobble-stoned alley, it has a terrific selection of art – and a fun hanging swing to enjoy while taking the art in! During my visit, it was showing spectacular mylar-layered paintings of Michelle Jader that took ballet and motion to another level, and David Eichenberg’s punky portraits that were a great dose of unexpected in this city. It took some self-control to walk out without a purchase!
Revealed Art Gallery is another place worth stopping by. Though they show multiple artists, I was especially drawn to the work of a local light and sound artist, Devin McKinney. Devin uses paint, pyrography, and light techniques to bring his ideas to life and, if you ask me, they are intriguing.
Two other places I would recommend are Redux Contemporary Art Center and Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art. Both have rotating shows of up-and-coming artists. A fun little fact for street art lovers: Shepard Fairey, aka Obey Giant, is a Charleston native and the Halsey Center features one of his large works above the entrance.
BEST CONTEMPORARY RESTAURANTS IN CHARLESTON
Charleston’s restaurant scene is buzzing with talent. To my delight, there are many places that appeal both to one’s contemporary design-savvy eye and discerning palate. Here are a few of my favorites:
167 Raw Charleston, Photo by Jana Zednickova
167 Raw. Foodies know this tiny place already and line up for the few bar seats and the fantastic lobster rolls and oysters that the place serves up. The service was great, people were friendly, and the design girl in me loved the clean lines of the décor and the funky logo upfront.
Millers All Day Photo by Jana Zednickova
Millers All Day embodies modern eclectic design. Incredibly Instagrammable (for those who care), it has a bar that looks like an old pharmacy complete with an old-fashioned soda fountain, cute white subway-tiled coffee shop upfront and diner-style vinyl booths. Oh yeah, and it serves a great lunch.
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer Photo by Jana Zednickova
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer. Cute and totally laid back spot on Upper King, perfect place to get a cup of coffee and read your morning news.
The Fig. Though it is technically not what I would call “modern” design, you can’t write about Charleston without mentioning The Fig. Everything about the place worked: super friendly service, food that was amazing and I even made great new friends at the communal table. Go!
Two other places that I would recommend include:
Leon’s Oyster Shop. Mid-century modern seems to rule the restaurant scene and Leon’s is no exception. A bit off the beaten path but worth the visit. And yes, the food is pretty great, too.
The Ordinary. Busy dinner spot in a converted bank with fun bar scene and chatty bartenders, The Ordinary serves up fine food in a setting that made my inner architecture snob happy.
YES, YOU CAN YOU FIND MINIMALIST ACCOMMODATION IN CHARLESTON
As someone whose design preferences run more John Pawson than traditional Southern architecture, I was worried I wouldn’t find anything to my liking. I am pleased to say I was wrong. Here are two great options for folks who share my style:
The Dewberry. Simple, clean lined and leaning mid-century, the Dewberry was an awesome choice for me. I knew I was in my element when the receptionist and I spent 10 minutes discussing the latest street art scenes around the country and both Ethan and Lindsey at the concierge desk instantly lit up when I asked about minimalist places to visit. Kindred spirits and great service.
The Restoration. As the name suggests, this place blends old and new, with exposed brick and streamlined designs. And there is a cool design store on the ground floor.
Image credit: Matthew Williams
OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD SEE
Charleston’s rich history commands attention even from the most modern traveler. If you can, take a harbor tour to Fort Sumter or a horse-drawn carriage trip around the city. I did the latter and I found it informative and fun. Try the Red Barn tours.
Last, but not least, definitely walk around the historic streets in downtown Charleston – Tradd Street and the playfully colorful Rainbow Row were my favorites.
