Top 5 things to do in Charleston

Angel Oak.  All these branches belong to one live oak!

Here's my top 5 things to do in Charleston:

1)  Eat at any of the amazing restaurants around the area, any of the local restaurants I should clarify.  Not a chain eatery, you can eat at Chili's anywhere.  When visiting some new, growing township with only chains, then it is understandable to stick with what you know... but when visiting an old, history rich city and foodie haven like Charleston, I advise you branch out!  As a matter of fact, there are far less chain restaurants here than there are local joints, so it's much easier to find your food fix at a non-chain.  You can get upscale, fine dining downtown (Toast has $10 bottomless mimosas for brunch); you can even score at strip malls, finding 5 star chefs who want to cook at smaller eateries after a prosperous career at the upscale places (try Starfish Grille); you can head down to Folly Beach and enjoy amazing seafood at any of the beachy restaurants; if you like barbecue you have got to try either Smokey Oak Taproom (1/2 price apps on Mondays), and/or Fiery Ron's Hometeam Barbecue (get the BBQ wrap- creamed corn, mashed potatoes, red cabbage cole slaw and your choice of pulled pork or chicken in a wrap, the employees and I recommend the pork!); JI's pizza on John's Island is the biggest pie around, coming in at 24" in diameter, it's big enough to feed the whole family; Andolini's pizza gets a lot of hype, it was pretty good; but the best, most creative pizza goes to New Moon Pizzeria & Pub on John's Island (we had the Hurricane when Hurricane Irene was coming up the coast... I know, I know, but we couldn't resist!); and for a great breakfast or brunch try Sweetwater Cafe or Early Bird Diner (the Diner has different stuffed french toasts, but only on Sunday. Oh, and they close at 3pm, just fyi!).

2)  Angel Oak tree.  It's the oldest living thing east of the Rockies.  It's a live oak approximately 1,500 years old, and it is Magnificent! It's free, and traveling down the dirt lane to get here is in and of it's self, a lovely view. One of the most awe-inspiring places I've ever been.  It has stood the test of time; it was a sapling 1,000 years before Christopher Columbus was sailing on the ocean blue.  Whatever else you plan to do in Charleston, go here! Period.

3)  Squeeze.  For the drinkers in the crowd, check out Squeeze, our favorite bar, located downtown. The martinis here are so delicious, from standard to the unique (they have their own pear, pineapple, and espresso infused vodkas!) and the bartender looks/dresses kind of like a pirate.  Love this place!

4)  Rainbow Row.  The colorful, historic houses in downtown Charleston make for a beautiful walk through the historic waterfront.  While you are sightseeing downtown, mosey on down to Battery Park, it's a gorgeous stopping point for your tour.

5)  Go for a boat ride and just see as much as you can by water!

Jib in Angel Oak's arch