The 21 Best Things to Do in Charleston

"Brunch at High Cotton restaurant is a hot ticket—reservations recommended, unless you manage to beat the church crowd and stampede there early. It’s a convivial place divided into four separate dining areas: a cozy, darkly paneled bar where the bluegrass players set up, a rear “French Quarter” room opening to a patio, the more formal “East Bay Room” (the quietest seating, musically), and the grand, sunny main dining room surrounded by street-facing windows. The food is a smorgasbord of southern flavor—fittingly, as brunch is should be an indulgent ritual–and highlights include crispy fried oysters, buttermilk fried chicken over Belgian waffles, and the like. Meat lovers go for steak & eggs (twin filet mignon) or the burger with sunny-side-up egg and béarnaise. Bring your family (cinnamon rolls and beignets for kids). Bring your friends. Tap your toes to the upright bass, and feel your mood lift." - Allston McCrady