As the characteristic heat and humidity of the Lowcountry fade into the horizon, Charleston comes to life and everyone comes out to play. It doesn’t matter how many times you have already traveled here. With the historic city’s set of new spaces to eat, drink and explore, you’re sure to have a whole new experience. Here’s what’s new in Charleston for fall 2024.

New gastronomic destination

The vibe is back at the tables in downtown Charleston. At these new restaurants, you’ll find moody dining rooms, gorgeous plates, bright colors and flavors, music, and a welcome temporary suspension from reality.

Hospitality industry veteran and wine professional Kellie Holmes has seen Charleston go through many culinary phases. Of this current shift in vibe, she says: “A lot of new places are all about the experience from the moment you walk in the door, like a new element of fine dining but not complicated. There is attention paid to every detail.

Make your reservations on the Archerthe younger, bolder sister of the neighborhood fixture that of Berkeley, XO Brewery for Cantonese and Sichuanese-influenced cuisine in the North Morrison district, and Side for a taste of that Mediterranean trip you may or may not have taken this summer. Also don’t miss Marbled and Finea chic steakhouse from the folks behind Charleston staples Husk and the now-closed but beloved McCrady’s.

Pop-ups galore

For a healthy dose of joy and a glimpse into local life, immerse yourself in this collection of pop-ups. Instagram is your best bet for staying informed and on the scene.

Located inside the garden at Stadium is Bar Estrella, where fine champagne is accompanied by crisps from countries around the world. THANKSa European-inspired bistro that has gathered a following, continues to set up shop in neighborhood bars like Babas and Graft before its physical opening this fall. A delicious experience awaits you at Dinner at Kiki’sa series hosted by sommelier Kirsten Bhattacharyya and Michael “Chef Rod” Rodriguez. To date, they have hosted family-style dinners in backyards, poolside at a historic South Broad home and inside an art gallery. The events are created to feel like “summer camp with incredibly good, unpretentious food and wine,” says Bhattacharyya, so you can leave the dinner with a new group of friends.

Courtesy of Charleston Place

Housing with a new life

Charleston Squarecredited with revitalizing downtown Charleston in the late 1980s, is in the midst of a $150 million renovation under the direction of Jungsoo Kim of Atelier Kim. As this iconic King Street fixture enters its next phase with a luxurious transformation, the historic integrity and architecture of the property will remain intact. With more than 400 rooms, Charleston Place is Charleston’s largest hotel and also features luxurious amenities including a rooftop pool and spa; one of the most popular restaurants in the city center, the Charleston Grill; and optimal location for the best shopping, dining and entertainment.

If you are planning a longer visit, settle in Townhousea high-end apartment and a complement to the boutique hotel the pinch. One block from Marion Square, this lodging option above King Street is meant to make you feel right at home, with a separate living room, balcony, and full kitchen. But why cook, when James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Stanhope can do it for you, just steps from his new Lowland Tavern and the oyster bar the Straight.

Book a stay at the dunlin on the Kiawah River, and you can stay there forever. This Auberge complex is a pleasant departure from the peninsula’s B&Bs and high-rise hotels. The 2,000-acre resort offers plenty of waterfront to explore, with natural experiences like marsh-side hikes, full-moon paddles, and net-fishing and crabbing lessons. There are 72 cottage-style rooms and suites designed by Amanda Lindroth, which is why the luxury resort is billed as “an eternal Southern summer home.” (A spa, pool, and several restaurants don’t hurt, either.) For a few days, you can experience Sea Island life in all its lush glory.

Courtesy of the Goldbug Collection

Always more purchasing possibilities

King Street has long been the main thoroughfare for shopping in Charleston, and during these post-pandemic years, its store offerings have only strengthened. But step off the beaten path and you’ll discover fabulous boutiques that showcase the creativity of local artists, makers and designers.

“Charleston has such a rich history of crafts, culture and art,” says Emily Hill, co-founder of AL&EMwhich is preparing to open a new store this fall. “Presenting this in a smaller, more intimate setting is an experience that you can’t always have in big cities or on dot-coms,” she adds.

For boutique shopping at its best, there is Wentwortha stunning curio shop curated by renowned event designer Gregory Blake Sams; Neta women’s clothing store located on a long-abandoned block in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood; and established favorite Goldbug Collectiona jewelry store run by two fourth-generation jeweler sisters. Grab their most iconic design, a golden homage to Charleston’s unofficial mascot, the palmetto bug.

And what’s old is new again Holy City Vintage Marketwho settles in the Royal American once per quarter. Here you’ll find a mix of clothing, homewares and vinyl, while enjoying a cold drink.

Photo by Valerie and Ed Brantley Photograph

A season rich in art, music and culture

Given the compactness of its downtown, Charleston is brimming with art and culture. Its galleries and museums are attractive visits any day, but this fall it offers exhibitions and events not to be missed. At Halsey Institute at the College of Charleston, where admission is always free, there is As all means are necessary by an artist born and raised in New Orleans Démond Mélançonknown for his intricate beadwork. (The exhibition runs until December 7.) The city’s liveliest gallery, Hed Hi Studiowill illuminate its white walls with The Snippy showa one-night-only exhibition (December 7) featuring collaborative collages from local artists Isabelle Bornstein and his mother, Laura Lee Robinson. For a more complete understanding of contemporary Southern art, see Gibbes Museumwhich is exhibiting the works of the 15 winners of its prestigious 1858 Prize until January 12.

Want to laugh a little? Stop The end of spiritsa new comedy club and lounge in North Charleston that has quickly become a popular destination for stand-up tours. Music fans who want to see a local indie act should follow the organizers sugar cube And Extra chillbands that have their finger on the pulse of Charleston’s burgeoning scene.

It’s no surprise that Charleston is a literary center. Young adult readers will rejoice YALLFest (November 15 and 16), a gathering that provides access to some of the category’s hottest authors – VE Schwab, Abigail Hing Wen – at book signings, panels and special events. THE Charleston Literary Festival (November 1-10), meanwhile, is in its eighth year and is more impressive than ever, with readings and discussions featuring writers ranging from poet Nikki Giovanni to neuroscientist Charan Ranganath.

Looking for something a little more offbeat? Get a ticket for Culture Klashan event very popular with local creatives which returns this November 16 almost a decade after its last episode. Taking place inside the Old Navy Yard in North Charleston, the party is filled with visual and interactive artwork, live music, dancing and more.