The best countertops make a statement in your home that other features cannot. You've worked hard to incorporate unique designs and flavors throughout your home, so why should your countertops be any different?
At Real Deal Countertops, we aspire to combine the beauty and durability of natural stone with unrivaled, personalized attention to all customers. With the highest quality materials and the most helpful customer service, we give our clients the opportunity to make informed decisions that they feel good about for years. Our story in the countertop fabrication and manufacturing industry began more than 19 years ago, when Rafael Quedevez started out as a sales representative in Massachusetts. Working his way up through the ranks, Rafael soon made his way to South Carolina to open and manage his own companies. In 2013, we created real Deal Countertops. Since that time, we are proud to have served more than 5,000 customers in South Carolina and beyond.
Our leadership team combines more than 40 years of experience in the home remodeling service industry. Always striving to create a better product for our customers, we use the latest in robotics technologies and the sharpest minds in the business to craft countertops of unparalleled quality. Unlike other countertop companies in Charleston, SC, we only source the finest stone slabs in the world.
At Real Deal Countertops, we offer a wide range of styles and materials to choose from, including:

Quartzite

Caesarstone

Silestone

Marble

Sensa

Pollar White

Vicostone

Quartz
We are committed to ensuring that granite, marble, and other unique, exotic stones are attainable to all who desire them. If you're in search of a trustworthy counter company with a team of knowledgeable, helpful experts, you have come to the right place!
Most Popular Countertops in Charleston, SC
Choosing the best countertops for your kitchen is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be a hard one. One of the best ways to narrow down your search is to find out what kind of countertop material you'd like to use. While it's true that material and style trends change over time, there are several counters that have always been top sellers.
Some of the most popular countertops we sell include:
Marble Countertops in Charleston, SC

There's no way around it - marble adds jaw-dropping beauty to just about any room and is known for its good looks. It is a dense stone that comes in many different hues like greens, browns, pinks, greys, whites, and more. While marble countertops often have otherworldly beauty, they can be susceptible to stains and cracks. Marble is also considered one of the most expensive counters to choose from, though the truth is marble comes in a wide range of qualities and prices.
- Pros: Stunning beauty, plenty of beautiful choices.
- Cons: Not always used in kitchens due to chance of staining.
- Popular Colors: Portinari, Shadow Storm, Super White, Lumen, Calacatta Linconni, Nobulato Honned, Shadow, Grey Imperiale Honed.


Granite Countertops in Charleston, SC

When it comes to popularity, granite countertops take the cake. Granite countertops usually contain a blend of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. Granite can add an edge of elegance and even a country-chic feel to your kitchen, making it a well-rounded stone. Granite is durable and scratch-resistant, though it can require sealing and DIY chip repair.
- Pros: Luxurious, rich look featuring natural stone that is durable, heat resistant, and scratch-resistant.
- Cons: Hard material that may require DIY chip repair and sealing.
- Popular Colors: Blue Jeans, Creama Pearl, Alure, Galaxy White, Luna Pear, Steel Grey, Ubatuba, Oro Brazil.
Quartz Countertops in Charleston, SC

Quartz is a manufactured material that represents one of our favorite four-letter words: easy! If you're looking to add a high-end feel to your kitchen or bathroom, quartz is an excellent material to consider. Like granite, quartz countertops can add a decadent vibe to any room. Unlike granite, you may not have to seal quartz quite as often (if ever).
- Pros: Quartz countertops come in plenty of colors to choose from and are easy to clean. They are also strong, scratch-resistant, and don't require sealing.
- Cons: Quartz is not as heat resistant as other materials like granite counters. Sharp corners tend to crack, but that can be remedied with rounded corners.
- Popular Colors: Noble Grey, Raw Concrete, Frosty Carrina, Shitake, Pebble, Pietra Grey, Sierra Madre, Arctic.


Silestone Countertops in Charleston, SC

A manufactured material made from quartz crystals, Silestone countertops are equal parts gorgeous and practical. Known for being a durable, non-porous choice, Silestone is resistant to stains, scratches, and even some forms of bacteria. Homeowners who choose Silestone do so because they can get a high-end look without having to worry too much about maintenance. Silestone counters look great in many different homes, from contemporary abodes with modern accents to vintage-looking kitchens.
- Pros: Silestone countertops are non-porous, meaning germs and bacteria can't lodge themselves inside this material. This makes Silestone counters great for kitchens and bathrooms alike. This material also comes in a wide variety of colors and resists scratches and chips. Overall, Silestone is an excellent choice if you want to make a solid long-term investment without much upkeep.
- Cons: While Silestone is great if you're looking for a low-maintenance counter option, it can be sensitive to harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Silestone is also not recommended for outdoor use since the resins used to make the material do not do well with UV light.
- Popular Colors: Daria, Gray Expo, Lagoon, Calacatta Gold, Arctic, Blanco City, Gris Expo, Desert Silver
Quartzite Countertops in Charleston, SC

Not to be confused with quartz countertops, which are manmade, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried much in the same way that granite is. If you're a fan of marble counters, quartzite mimics its looks without as much upkeep. Like granite, it is a very durable choice and adds an upscale feeling to almost any room you choose.
- Pros: Since it doesn't require any special cleaners, quartzite looks great without much maintenance. When it gets dirty, soap and water should be all you need to clean. Quartzite is also a great long-term option since it doesn't wear down quickly at all.
- Cons: Heat is required to form quartzite. However, you should avoid putting hot pots and pans on your quartzite countertops. Because quartzite comes in many different varieties, some forms of quartzite need to be sealed more often than others.
- Popular Colors: Maya, Fusion, Locomotion, Callacata, Airy Concrete, Cocada White

Which Countertop is Right for You?
If you're just beginning your search for new countertops, it can be a little overwhelming trying to whittle down your options. We've got good news - with over 19 years in the industry, our team of experts has learned a thing or two about countertops. When you come to the Real Deal Countertops showroom, one of our goals is to educate you about our products and your countertop options, so you can make an educated purchasing decision.

How Will You Use Your Countertops in Charleston?

The first and perhaps most crucial part of your countertop choice should stem from how you and your family use your countertops. For example, if you have kids, your counters will probably see a lot of activity. Between standard eating times and "in-between" meals that teens are known for, your counters might double as food prep stations. As such, you might need a countertop material that is resistant to most food and beverage stains. If you own a rental property that sees a lot of foot traffic from strangers, you might want to consider an economical material that is also durable.
- Do you cook a lot?
- Do you host a lot of parties?
- How long will you be living in your home?
- How long will you be living in your home?
Once you figure out exactly how you'll be using your countertops, you can begin to narrow down your choices.

How Much Upkeep Is Too Much?
Be realistic and honest with yourself about this question. Before you fall in love with how a countertop material looks, be sure you understand how much upkeep is needed. Some materials require more care, while others don't need much at all.
Keep these points in mind:
- Materials like quartz only need to be wiped down occasionally.
- Materials like granite, marble, and limestone will need to be sealed at least once a year.
- Some materials may be durable but aren't stain resistant.
The bottom line is this: Assess the maintenance demands that come along with the materials you're looking at. Marble countertops in Charleston, SC are elegant, but if you'e unwilling to keep them looking their best, why bother buying the material?
You should be aware that most countertop materials will require some form of upkeep, even if it' minimal. To help keep your counters in pristine condition, consider these care and precaution tips:
- Many common foods contain acids that will dull or even damage the surface of stone countertops.Use coasters to protect your counters, especially if you'e drinking something with citrus juices or alcohol.
- Do not place scalding hot pots or pans directly on your countertops.
- Use mats or trivets to place under hot dishes.
- If you spill liquid on your countertops, blot the spill with a paper towel ASAP. Wiping the spill will cause it to spread.
- Use mild soap and plain water to clean up stains.
Which Colors and Materials Match Your Home's Aesthetics?
For many homeowners, this question is almost always top-of-mind. After all, you want to choose colors and materials that fit well with other features in your home. When selecting your countertop materials, try to choose a tone that contrasts with your other amenities, like your cabinets. Don't go for a perfect match. As an example, black granite is a beautiful contrast to white cabinets.
Consider these questions when choosing your countertop materials:
- Are there one or two colors that you love more than others?
- Does your choice go well with the color of your kitchen's walls?
- Do you want to switch up your kitchen's style or keep it the same?
- Will you be painting your kitchen a different color in the future?
- Will you be replacing your appliances soon?


Real Deal Countertops Pro Tip:
Because your home's accessories and paint job may change with time, your countertops should have a versatile color. That way, you won't have problems matching them with new paint colors or appliances.


Countertop Remodeling Done Right
At Real Deal Countertops, our #1 priority is your satisfaction. Unlike some countertop companies in Charleston, we make it a point to exceed our customer's expectations. We strive for excellence with every transaction we complete and pledge to faithfully implement innovative techniques to ensure that our products remain affordable. With the help of Real Deal Countertops, remodeling your kitchen and bath will be painless and easy.
The appearance of a kitchen or bath depends on the right countertop selection, proper fabrication, and expert installation. Are you interested in granite countertops in Charleston, SC? Maybe quartzite is a better choice for your family. Whatever you choose, know that our skilled installers and fabricators will make a template so that all custom pieces fit perfectly in your home.
Ready to get started? Have questions about our inventory?
We're here to help answer all your questions. Please feel free to give our office a call today at 866-707-1414 Before you know it, you will be ready for your new set of Real Deal Countertops!
Contact UsLatest News in Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC Tides Today and Tomorrow
BoatingWorldhttps://www.boatingworld.com/forecast/north-charleston-sc/tides
Today, Friday, Mar 10, 2023 in Cosgrove Bridge the tide is falling. Next low tide is 03:49 AM. Next high tide is 09:47 AM.6.005.004.003.002.001.000.00-1.00MLLW (ft)-0.165.42-0.035.52-0.075.26-0.055.60.0705:0008:0011:0014:0017:0020:0023:0002:0005:0008:0011:0014:0017:0020:0023:0002:00Current TimeNorth Charleston, SC Tide ChartNOAA Station:Cosgrove Bridge (8665101)DayLow Tide (FT)High Tide (FT)Wed 0109:59 pm0.58 ft...
Today, Friday, Mar 10, 2023 in Cosgrove Bridge the tide is falling. Next low tide is 03:49 AM. Next high tide is 09:47 AM.
6.005.004.003.002.001.000.00-1.00MLLW (ft)-0.165.42-0.035.52-0.075.26-0.055.60.0705:0008:0011:0014:0017:0020:0023:0002:0005:0008:0011:0014:0017:0020:0023:0002:00Current Time
North Charleston, SC Tide Chart
NOAA Station:Cosgrove Bridge (8665101)
Day | Low Tide (FT) | High Tide (FT) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wed 01 | 09:59 pm0.58 ft | |||
Thu 02 | 11:00 am0.79 ft | 10:54 pm0.47 ft | 4:38 am5.06 ft | 5:02 pm4.4 ft |
Fri 03 | 11:48 am0.65 ft | 11:44 pm0.29 ft | 5:32 am5.19 ft | 5:53 pm4.62 ft |
Sat 04 | 12:30 pm0.48 ft | 6:18 am5.36 ft | 6:39 pm4.85 ft | |
Sun 05 | 12:30 am0.1 ft | 01:09 pm0.33 ft | 6:59 am5.51 ft | 7:20 pm5.06 ft |
Mon 06 | 1:12 am-0.06 ft | 01:44 pm0.19 ft | 7:37 am5.6 ft | 7:58 pm5.22 ft |
Tue 07 | 1:52 am-0.16 ft | 02:16 pm0.09 ft | 8:13 am5.61 ft | 8:34 pm5.34 ft |
Wed 08 | 2:31 am-0.19 ft | 02:48 pm0.01 ft | 8:45 am5.54 ft | 9:07 pm5.44 ft |
Thu 09 | 3:10 am-0.16 ft | 03:19 pm-0.03 ft | 9:16 am5.42 ft | 9:37 pm5.52 ft |
Fri 10 | 3:49 am-0.07 ft | 03:52 pm-0.05 ft | 9:47 am5.26 ft | 10:08 pm5.6 ft |
Sat 11 | 4:30 am0.07 ft | 04:28 pm-0.03 ft | 10:22 am5.09 ft | 10:45 pm5.65 ft |
Sun 12 | 5:15 am0.26 ft | 05:10 pm0.05 ft | 11:02 am4.91 ft | 11:30 pm5.65 ft |
Mon 13 | 6:08 am0.45 ft | 06:01 pm0.16 ft | 11:51 am4.73 ft | |
Tue 14 | 7:10 am0.6 ft | 07:03 pm0.26 ft | 12:27 am5.61 ft | 12:51 pm4.59 ft |
Wed 15 | 8:18 am0.62 ft | 08:14 pm0.26 ft | 1:37 am5.58 ft | 2:01 pm4.55 ft |
Thu 16 | 9:26 am0.48 ft | 2:54 am5.63 ft | 3:17 pm4.67 ft |
New changes could be coming to the Charleston Place Hotel
Molly McBridehttps://www.live5news.com/2023/03/09/new-changes-could-be-coming-charleston-place-hotel/
City of Charleston Officials said the proposed changes include a new entryway off Meeting Street and some notable changes along Market Street.CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Historic, iconic and could be getting some major renovations soon.The City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review unanimously granted conceptual approval for proposed changes to the Charleston Place Hotel Wednesday afternoon.City of Charleston Officials said the proposed changes include a new entryway off Meeting Street and some notable change...
City of Charleston Officials said the proposed changes include a new entryway off Meeting Street and some notable changes along Market Street.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Historic, iconic and could be getting some major renovations soon.
The City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review unanimously granted conceptual approval for proposed changes to the Charleston Place Hotel Wednesday afternoon.
City of Charleston Officials said the proposed changes include a new entryway off Meeting Street and some notable changes along Market Street.
The City of Charleston’s Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability Robert Summerfield said they are looking to change the way the hotel connects with the street. He said they want to open the shops up to the street, elevate the sidewalk, and add an outdoor plaza space- creating more of a street presence.
“I think that will be very interesting and cool for shoppers and folks that are traversing from meeting street over to king street and vice versa in the future,” Summerfield said.
Other proposed changes include replacing the canopies from green to black, adjusting the roofing, and replacing the King Street clock tower and glass roof- which was the only part of the proposed plans that board members wanted changed.
“About the King Street clock tower- at this point, after 30- some odd years- it now has a character of its own,” Jay White, a member of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review, said.
Barbara Moverman, who is visiting from out of town, said she liked the changes, but agreed with board members about the King Street Clock.
“I think the changes are good, I like the new look,” Moverman said. “The only thing is, I do like the clock. I think keep the clock, it’s a trademark and it’s a nice look.”
We reached out to The Charleston Place who provided us a statement:
Almost exactly a year ago, Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC) transitioned The Charleston Place to a locally owned and managed independent hotel. We promised the community that we would make significant investments to this iconic landmark, and we continue to follow through on that commitment. In the past year, we have made several enhancements to the hotel including refreshing The Palmetto Cafe, Charleston Grill, Meeting at Market, Community Perk and The Boutique, as well as introducing new programming, activations, and signature experiences including holiday snowfall and our community-wide Easter Eggstravaganza. Throughout these touchpoints, our sole purpose is to create meaningful ways for our colleagues, communities and guests to connect and share extraordinary experiences.
As we look ahead to the next chapter of The Charleston Place, our long-term vision requires thoughtful planning and partnership with the City of Charleston as well as key stakeholders. While we have presented initial plans to reimagine nearly all spaces within the hotel over several phases, we are very early on in the process. We look forward to sharing these plans with the public once they are approved and we have a timeline for completion
Summerfield said the proposed plans have to undergo two more Board of Architectural Reviews before they are finalized, but he said he anticipates the process will go fast because it’s an existing building.
For more information about the proposed plans for the hotel, click here.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Leaders discuss preserving historic buildings in West Ashley
Jordan Cioppahttps://www.counton2.com/news/leaders-discuss-preserving-historic-buildings-in-west-ashley/
WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – The future of historic preservation in West Ashley is up for discussion.The topic was addressed during the City of Charleston’s West Ashley Revitalization Commission, or WARC, meeting on Wednesday.“There’s been a number of demolition requests in the West Ashley area. Some of which have gone before the Design Review Board for board review of the demolition, others that are not within board purview,” explained Robert Summerfield, Charleston’s Director of Planning, Pre...
WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – The future of historic preservation in West Ashley is up for discussion.
The topic was addressed during the City of Charleston’s West Ashley Revitalization Commission, or WARC, meeting on Wednesday.
“There’s been a number of demolition requests in the West Ashley area. Some of which have gone before the Design Review Board for board review of the demolition, others that are not within board purview,” explained Robert Summerfield, Charleston’s Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability.
According to Summerfield, these recent requests sparked Wednesday’s discussion. He said buildings 50 years or older are protected in West Ashley if they are located within a commercial corridor. All others run the risk of being torn down unless they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“There are buildings now that have reached an age that they are considered historic buildings and they are important to the fiber and the character of our neighborhoods,” said Charlie Smith.
Smith is a member of the WARC. He told News 2 he planned to propose a temporary, city-wide moratorium on the demolition of buildings 50+ years of age during the meeting. He wants to see permanent protections in place.
“Because if it takes another few years for those protections to be put in place then what are we going to lose between now and then?” questioned Smith.
Meanwhile, News 2 also spoke with Dr. Jay Wisner. He owns Peninsula Cosmetic & Family Dentistry on Savannah Highway, and the property adjacent to it. He’s been trying to get approval to tear down the neighboring home for years, but its age and location have protected it.
“It’s not safe, it’s been condemned by the fire marshal. It is a building that I’m afraid to walk into and I am not going to allow anybody to walk into it because I’ve been told, if there is an earthquake or any kind of seismic event, it would essentially be turned into a pile of bricks,” said Dr. Wisner.
Wisner said structural engineers told him the house was not able to be rehabbed unless it was demolished first. If given permission, he said he plans to salvage the brick and reconstruct the same building. Until then, it will remain unused.
The Best Places To Shop In Charleston
Betsy Cribbhttps://www.southernliving.com/best-places-to-shop-in-charleston-7229225
Carve out a little time to find a memorable Holy City souvenir. From settling in for a long lunch at Leon's Oyster Shop to strolling the colorful length of Rainbow Row, there's no shortage of ways to while away a weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. In between garden tours, historic home visits, and ...
Carve out a little time to find a memorable Holy City souvenir.
From settling in for a long lunch at Leon's Oyster Shop to strolling the colorful length of Rainbow Row, there's no shortage of ways to while away a weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. In between garden tours, historic home visits, and dinner reservations, you'll want to carve out a little time to experience the Holy City's shopping scene too. From family-owned garden boutiques to globally minded social-enterprise spots, these are our 15 favorite places to shop in Charleston.
Abide A While
Founded in 1957, the name of this family-owned nursery and garden boutique in Mount Pleasant speaks for itself: Plan to linger here over flowering annuals, seasonal containers, and an artful assortment of home goods and jewelry; abideawhile.com
Blue Bicycle Books
Jonathan Sanchez’s shop on King Street takes its bookstack seriously. If piled on top of each other, they claim, their collection of used, rare, and local books would reach 1,565 feet high (for comparison, the steeple of nearby St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church climbs just 265 feet). Pop in for a breezy beach novel or a Charleston-themed coffee table book to commemorate your travels; bluebicyclebooks.com
Candlefish
Shop hand-poured soy wax candles in scents pulled from their library of 100 fragrances—or make your own—in this King Street corner store, which also carries a selection of jewelry, home goods, and bath products; candlefish.com
Charleston Artist Collective
This gallery in Mt. Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, highlights burgeoning and established local artists and offers a range of works at varying price points in the spirit of encouraging collectors of all ages and backgrounds. Each month, the group also gives a percentage of art sales to benefit a selected local charity partner; charleston.artistcollectives.org
Charleston City Market
More than 300 entrepreneurs peddle their wares at the historic market, but the real reason to shop here is the resident Gullah artisans, who honor and celebrate their West African heritage through the craft of weaving sweetgrass baskets. For many of them, basket weaving is a family tradition, a craft shared from generation to generation, and seen as being a gift from God; thecharlestoncitymarket.com
Croghan’s Jewel Box
Anchored on King Street for more than a century, this family-owned jewelry store is a special place to find a memorable souvenir. Peruse elegant objects for the home, like their crystal Charleston Camellia Bowl, as well as their heirloom-worthy collection of new and estate jewelry and silver, from sterling baby rattles to the Goldbug Collection, their in-house line of costume jewelry that celebrates Lowcountry icons, like palm fronds and boiled peanuts; croghansjewelbox.com
Fritz Porter
Housed in a reimagined former cigar factory, this design-minded collective celebrating all things home is a must for the interiors-obsessed set. Linger over beautifully decorated vendor vignettes and find oodles of inspiration for your own house; fritzporter.com
George C. Birlant and Co.
The family-owned antiques showroom on King and Clifford Streets celebrated 100 years in 2022 and is known for its collection of fine 18th and 19th English antiques, as well as reproductions. Beyond carrying antique furnishings, silver, and crystal, they’re also the exclusive maker of the iron Charleston Battery Bench, cast in the original mold first used towards the end of the 19th century and painted in Charleston Green, a shade so deep that it almost reads black; birlantantiquescharleston.com
HART
Rethink the traditional charm bracelet with local jewelry designer Hart Hagerty’s modern take on the family heirloom. Design your own one-of-a-kind charm necklace in the brand’s Upper King Street studio, where they also carry a fun assortment of ready-made baubles, like their signature silk tassel topknot earrings and matching beaded bracelet sets for parents and children; shophart.com
Ibu Movement
In a second story shop on King Street, Susan Hull Walker’s social enterprise is informed by her extensive international travels and the deep relationships she and her team have formed with women artisans in communities around the globe. In her otherworldly boutique, you’ll find an elevated collection of handmade goods, from cocktail napkins woven in Chiapas, Mexico, to gold-plated brass jewelry crafted in Colombia; ibumovement.com
LAKE
For sleepwear devotees who have only ever shopped online for the South’s favorite pajamas, a stop into their bright, airy King Street outpost is a must. Don’t miss the adorable selection of children’s toys and gifts upstairs; lakepajamas.com
Madison-Mathews
At this King Street boutique, shop local designer Caroline Chakeris’ cheery line of embroidered and block-printed apparel, made from breezy cottons and linens suited for looking stylish and pulled together even during the steamiest Carolina heatwave; madison-mathews.com
Out of Hand
You’ll find this eclectic shop on the charming main street of Mount Pleasant’s historic Old Village neighborhood. Stop in to browse a unique mix of clothing, natural and clean beauty brands, fresh flower bouquets, and specialty items for the home; shopoutofhand.com
The Tiny Tassel
Mimi Striplin’s Spring Street shop spills over with joyful color, from her breezy dresses to the tassel jewelry that started it all. Bring home her collection’s happy style with a subscription to The Tiny Tassel Earring Club, which sends you two pairs of earrings, including new releases, every month for a year; thetinytassel.com
WORTHWHILE
Tucked in a new location in an historic building on the corner of Magazine and Logan Streets downtown, the beloved lifestyle store turns 30 this year, and it’s easy to see why it’s had such staying power: Worthwhile has a thoughtful mix of pieces for home and closet curated from a host of independent, responsible makers from around the globe; shopworthwhile.com
Southern Living names Charleston #1 in 2023 South’s Best Awards
Patrick Phillipshttps://www.lowcountryweekend.com/2023/03/08/southern-living-names-charleston-1-2023-souths-best-awards/
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Readers of Southern Living magazine have given the Holy City another top ranking in its annual South’s Best Awards.For the sixth year, the Charleston region ranked at the top of the awards, which recognize readers’ favorite destinations and experiences, covering everything from cities and small towns to restaurants and hotels....
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Readers of Southern Living magazine have given the Holy City another top ranking in its annual South’s Best Awards.
For the sixth year, the Charleston region ranked at the top of the awards, which recognize readers’ favorite destinations and experiences, covering everything from cities and small towns to restaurants and hotels.
The magazine noted Charleston’s “vibrant culinary scene, fantastic shops and boutiques, the coastal breezes blowing in over the Battery–it’s no shock that The Holy City stays at the top of this list year after year.”
Explore Charleston Board Chair and Bulldog Tours Founder John LaVerne said he is thankful for the “prestigious accolades.”
“The exposure from the award reinforces to travelers the attributes that make our region a premier destination, from our vibrant urban core to our beautiful island communities,” LaVerne said. “Being honored for the sixth year demonstrates our ability to remain relevant and to consistently provide high-quality, engaging and authentic visitor experiences in a highly-competitive industry.”
Greenville was the only other South Carolina town to rank this year. It came in at 7th place.
Savannah came in at second place and Asheville came in third place. Atlanta and Nashville rounded out the top five.
In addition to the honor for Charleston, Rodney Scott’s BBQ was named South’s Best BBQ Joint in South Carolina. The magazine notes that Scott has built a “multi-state whole hog empire” with locations in Alabama, Atlanta, and another on the way in Nashville.
“It all started in 2017 at the flagship on King Street in downtown Charleston, where Scott introduced city diners to the Pee Dee style of ‘burn barrel’ cooking he learned at his parents’ restaurant in the small South Carolina town of Hemingway,” the magazine’s website states.
It says Scott’s “tongue-tingling vinegar and red pepper sauce” is what made Scott a Southern barbecue star.
Readers voted Mount Pleasant-based Page’s Okra Grill as the Best Locally-Owned Restaurant in South Carolina. Southern Living says Page’s cemented itself “as a standout in a city full of destination-worthy dining.”
“The family-run restaurant offers an irresistible menu of elevated but familiar Southern stapes, like chicken fried steak, barbecue-filled egg rolls, and fried green tomatoes with roasted red pepper and peach jam,” the website states.
Since it sources much of its seafood locally, the magazine says that ordering seafood at Page’s is “always a good idea.”
Meanwhile, the cities of Folly Beach and Georgetown ranked among the South’s Best Tiny Towns.
Folly Beach is “the kind of place where the only footwear required is flip-flops and the only rule is to have a good time,” Southern Living says. It also mentions the Folly Beach Pier, which just reopened after extensive renovations.
For Georgetown, Southern Living cites the state’s Hammock Coast well-known “rich history, generous hospitality, and natural Lowcountry beauty.”
Georgetown, it says, “has plenty of all three.”
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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