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As one of South Carolina's most iconic dishes, shrimp and grits is served in restaurants throughout the Palmetto State. But if you're looking to enjoy this Southern tradition at its most refined, you'll want to head to the culinary hub of Charleston.
Day One: Arrive at the Harbour View Inn. Located on the edge of Waterfront Park and in the heart of historic downtown, this retreat gives visitors an authentic city experience, complete with picturesque views of Charleston Harbor.
Once you're unpacked and ready to sample one of the Palmetto State's tastiest dishes, take the short stroll over to the restaurant that helped fire up Charleston's food renaissance, Slightly North of Broad, also known as "SNOB."
SNOB's popularity is due in large part to former head chef Frank Lee, a pioneer who changed the culinary landscape with his fresh approach and homegrown menu.
Situated inside a 19th-century brick warehouse, SNOB's dining room serves as a natural extension of its kitchen. This allows customers to marvel in anticipation as some of Charleston's finest chefs prepare their dishes for all to see. Chef Lee's modern interpretation of shrimp and grits highlights the flavor of South Carolina's Lowcountry, from fresh-off-the-boat shrimp to stone-ground grits and house-made kielbasa sausage.
After that hearty Southern meal, walk around and explore everything Charleston's historic district has to offer. From the architectural charm of Rainbow Row to the lively Charleston City Market, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Cap off your night at The Rooftop Bar at Vendue and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail along with breathtaking views of the Holy City.
Day Two: Begin your day with a savory Southern breakfast at Marina Variety Store, a waterside diner that comes with beautiful views of the yacht basin and marshes. This is where locals head for breakfast shrimp and grits, which Marina Variety Store prepares with its own special touches. For a double dose of Southern goodness, opt for the fried green tomatoes and shrimp over creamy grits. The more traditional Lowcountry shrimp and grits is another tempting offering, with this version featuring plenty of fresh, local shrimp and grilled peppers, onions and tomatoes with a hearty brown gravy to bring it all together.
Then, if you're interested in making your own shrimp and grits, take the one-hour drive to quaint Edisto Island where you can gather all of the freshest ingredients. Edisto Seafood, home to the only operational shrimp boat on the island, sells shrimp caught that same day. Marsh Hen Mill is famous for their homegrown grits and heirloom vegetables and you can even watch how grits are made on their old stone mill.
