The Revolutionary War in SC: A Lowcountry Itinerary

Start your day with breakfast at Vicious Biscuit, where Southern biscuits become an experience all on their own. Try favorites like The Fat Boy (a buttermilk biscuit with crispy fried chicken breast, their signature pimento cheese and spicy honey drizzle) or Vicious Benny (a buttermilk biscuit with two sunny-up eggs over smoked ham, smothered in hollandaise sauce). For a more traditional Southern breakfast, head to Page's Okra Grill for steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and their award-winning shrimp and grits.

After breakfast, the first stop of the day is at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. Named for the four-term South Carolina governor and one of the state's signatories of the Declaration of Independence, the historic site sits on 28-acres of the original 715-acre coastal estate known as Snee Farm and features a nature trail, park film, exhibits and archaeological displays.

From there, continue to Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park, a coastal fort that was strategically built to defend Charleston against British occupation. Originally constructed of palmetto logs and sand, the fort was incomplete when it was attacked by the British Army on June 28, 1776. Cannonballs blasted at the fort’s palmetto logs were either absorbed or bounced back, helping to turn back the British and earning the state its nickname.

Depending on when you’re ready for lunch, check out Burton's Grill & Bar or Coleman Public House, both in Mount Pleasant, or try Poe’s Tavern (named for Edgar Allen Poe) on Sullivan’s Island.

Since you're already on the Mount Pleasant side of the city, don’t miss the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which includes the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS LEFFEY Destroyer and an extensive naval history museum with a WWII submarine and flight simulators.

Mount Pleasant may have a shorter list of eateries than Charleston, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own when it comes to local flavor. For traditional seafood dishes, try Charleston Harbor Fish House. The restaurant's rooftop Bridge Bar offers unparalleled views of the historic Charleston skyline and is the perfect spot to enjoy a plate of their lobster ravioli. You can also dine on wood-fired pizza at Coastal Crust, Japanese specialties at Kanpai Japanese Restaurant, or try the hearty, local fare at Five Loaves Café.

Before departing the city, stop at The Junction Kitchen & Provisions or Callie's Hot Little Biscuit for a hearty breakfast.

After breakfast, head north to Summerville, site of the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, a fortified post once commanded by General Francis Marion. During the Revolutionary War, the town was an outpost for both American and British troops, though not at the same time. Although only a handful of original structures remain, archaeologists continue to unearth the settlement’s history.

Known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea, Summerville doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its culinary options. Stop for lunch at Five Loaves Cafe for sandwiches and salads or try Swig & Swine if you’re craving barbecue.

The next stop is in Moncks Corner. In 2016, preservationists unearthed Fort Fair Lawn. Built by the British to help fortify the city and maintain their strategic position, For Fair Lawn is "the most pristine, intact, original American Revolutionary War fortification in South Carolina," ranking with Ninety Six National Historic Site for its well-preserved condition.

On the other side of Lake Moultrie, you’ll find the burial site of General Francis Marion. Known as “The Swamp Fox,” he used guerilla warfare tactics to hide his militia in the cypress swampland.

Whether you decide to swing back through Summerville for dinner, pick up something along the way, or head back to Charleston to enjoy one of the city’s popular restaurants, don’t forget to enjoy some entertainment in the Holy City. From live music and ghost tours to art walks and rooftop bars, Charleston’s nightlife has plenty of options to choose from.