Charleston Brews Cruise
The cold, refreshing taste of a local beer has become a sought-after foodie experience. Charleston’s brewing scene has kept up with this culinary trend enough that the Charleston Brews Cruise offers exclusive bus tours to the city’s local craft breweries.
“Charleston does love to drink, so we have those kind of tours we can offer groups,” said Wallace. “The Charleston Brews Cruise is a lot of fun, as you can imagine.”
Groups not only sample the differing IPAs, pale ales and porters, but also discover the passion, science and history behind each of the tour’s brewing establishments.
The tour lets guests explore a number of local breweries, for example, the Palmetto Brewing Company. Established in 1994, it was the first brewery to open in Charleston since Prohibition. Groups will sample five-ounce samples of four to five types of beer at this local favorite, as well as at the tour’s other breweries.
At each stop, participants will also take a behind-the-scenes walk through the brewery to discover the detail that goes into every glass of beer.
The company additionally offers the Tap Into History walking tour. Guides expound on the history of the city between stops at three local pubs. Each stop offers a variety of local microbrews.
Chef’s Kitchen Tour
To the customer, a plate full of mouth-watering food appears as if by magic from the kitchen. However, the story is much more complicated than that, as chefs undertake extensive planning and experimentation to perfect each dish.
For a peek at this intricate process, Charleston Culinary Tours’ Chef’s Kitchen Tour introduces groups to five of the city’s most celebrated local chefs and their kitchens. The walking tour stops at award-winning restaurants on Upper King Street, one of Charleston’s culinary hot spots.
“The tour is in the morning before the lunch hour so you can get into the restaurant,” said Wallace. “The chefs will prepare a little tasting for the group. These tours are a blast.”
Groups will sample coffee, pastries, biscuits and a selection of traditional Southern dishes. Hoon Calhoun, a jovial local guide, leads the tours for the inside scoop on the area’s foodie past, as well as some interesting tales of intrigue from Charleston’s history.
The tour allows ample time for participants to ask chefs questions about their cooking methods and inspirations. Guests go into each kitchen to visualize how each restaurant functions during busy dining hours.
For example, at The MacIntosh, chef Jacob Huder explains how his round kitchen setup allows chefs with different tasks to work together in a circular pattern for quick food service.
Groups can also try one of the company’s other culinary tours, such as the Chef’s Showcase at the Farmer’s Market, the Mixology Tour and the Charleston Distillery Tour.
Group-Friendly Charleston Restaurants
Your group can dine on some of the most heavenly cuisine in Charleston at any of these acclaimed restaurants. Each location serves authentic lowcountry cuisine to both locals and visiting groups alike.
82 Queen: Since its opening in 1982, this Southern dining spot continues to attract foodies for its fresh ingredients and seasonal menus. With 11 welcoming dining areas, a brick courtyard and a towering magnolia tree, the restaurant has long been a group favorite.
Charleston Grill: Highly rated by Forbes magazine, Charleston Grill blends Southern, French and contemporary cuisine styles. Locals love the 1,300-label wine list, the live jazz, and the sophisticated but relaxed ambiance.
McCrady’s: For generations, McCrady’s has offered lowcountry cuisine with modern flourishes in downtown Charleston. The elegant setting, award-winning wine cellar and high-level service ensure a top spot on many of Charleston’s restaurant guides.
Poogan’s Porch: Charleston’s oldest independent restaurant lies along charming Queen Street. The restored Victorian house offers inventive approaches to lowcountry cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner.
For more information go to www.charlestoncvb.com.
