Charleston’s Must-See and Must-Do List from a Local Entrepreneur

Tracey Richardson’s father learned to cook in his Aunt Lillie’s kitchen and passed her love of cooking on to his daughters. The two sisters founded Lillie’s of Charleston to bottle and sell his sauces and seasonings, and named the company in their great aunt’s memory. This Charleston family has deep roots in the Lowcountry, and Tracey Richardson’s recommendations for what to do and see in Charleston show her pride and deep familiarity with her community. The company’s motto is “may you never feel unwanted, unloved or hungry,” and this must-see and must-do list for Charleston will certainly make you feel that you are wanted and loved there, but, alas, it will probably leave you feeling a little hungry!

Read on for Tracey Richardson’s favorite spots in
Charleston, South Carolina!

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The new Welcome to Charleston Batch gift set features Lillie's of Charleston "Hissy Fit" Hot Spice Dry Rub alongside other small-batch, locally made, artisan goods from Charleston, South Carolina including Callie's Buttermilk Biscuit Mix, Molly & Me Bourbon Pecans, Charleston Wildsam Field Guide.

📍 Where do you take out of towners?

Gillie’s Seafood, Nigel’s, and Fleet Landing. My favorite dish at Gillie’s is the Shrimp and Grits. The chef has won awards for this well-known dish!  

☝️ What’s one place that no one outside of Charleston knows about, but everyone inside your city loves? 

I’ll give you five! Bear E Patch, Hannibal’s, Container Bar, My Three Sons, and Dave’s Carryout. Container Bar is probably the most unique and coolest design for a bar and restaurant. Definitely a target for the young and hipster crowd. 

🥤 What food or drink would be worth waiting in line for? 

Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Lewis Barbecue, and Page’s Okra Grill. 

🍸 Where is the best place to get a cocktail in Charleston?

Citrus Club rooftop bar in the Dewberry Hotel. Dewberry Hotel has the BEST view in the city! 

Read more about our makers’ inside scoop on their hometowns.

🎉 Where do you go to celebrate a special occasion in your city? 

Mesu, Indaco, Hank’s Seafood, and Oak Steakhouse. Good food and upscale service at all of these restaurants. 

💎 What is your favorite hidden gem tourist attraction or activity to recommend to your out-of-town guests? 

The beaches in South Carolina are my favorite locations to visit! Especially Kiawah Island and Folly Beach. I’ll also always recommend a day of touring and shopping downtown, or an evening of restaurant and bar hopping.

🏃🏽‍♀️ Where is your favorite place to exercise in your city? 

Hampton Park and the Lowcountry Lowline bike path 

🏊 What is your favorite place to take kids in Charleston?

One of the many area waterparks

🎨 What is the best art event in town? 

Spoleto Festival and Moja Arts Festival

🔍 Where is the best place to go to get a good view of Charleston? 

On a boat ride off the Battery or Rooftop bars: Dewberry Hotel, Hotel Bennett, or Market Pavilion Hotel. Any time you have a chance to sail or take a boat ride around Charleston is a TREAT! Best way to enjoy the city views. 

🏞️ What is your favorite park in your city or within an hour’s drive? 

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Hampton Park by the Citadel, and Charles Towne Landing

🤔 What is missing from your city? 

More public transportation and bike paths

And one more question about being a small business owner…

💡 What’s it been like to keep on making during a global pandemic?

The pandemic has allowed us to take a step back to concentrate and build our social media presence. We’ve also had more time to dedicate toward new product innovation. As a result, we have several products in the works that we hope to be able to introduce soon! 

Read more about our makers in the Meet the Maker series.