Find the Best Things to Do in Upper King
By Clare Sweeney
Charleston Local Expert
About Upper King
Photo courtesy of Clare Sweeney
Charleston's Upper King Street is a fresh, modern community of restaurants, bars, and shops North of the Historic District. While home to the Charleston Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau, this palm-lined section of King Street buzzing with more locals, students, and young professionals than tourists. Upper King is best known for its energetic nightlife and top-notch new restaurants.
Staying in hotels near Upper King is a more budget friendly option over pricier Historic District hotels. You'll still enjoy a short walking distance to nearly everything on the peninsula, and close proximity to Marion Square city park.
See & Do
Marion Square's 6.5 acres of green city park space is always a great spot to picnic, take a break from shopping, or catch some Charleston sun. Once used as drilling grounds for The Citadel, Charleston's local military college, Marion Square Park is now home to weekly Saturday Farmer's Markets, as well as many other special events, including Charleston Fashion Week, Food + Wine Festival, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Often referred to as Marion Square "Beach" in warmer Spring months, the park is frequented by local college students playing Frisbee and laying out with their homework and textbooks.
Eat
The MACINTOSH on Upper King is Charleston's new hotshot bar and restaurant, opened in September 2011 by the Indigo Road Hospitality Group. South Carolina born head chef Jeremiah Bacon focuses on local ingredients for his classic Southern American dishes. Try out The Mac's unique Bacon Happy Hour from 5 - 7 p.m. weekdays with a different pork plate special daily.
Party
Looking to get a taste of Charleston's local beers? You have a lot of sampling to do with four breweries in the Charleston area: Coast, Holy City, Westbrook, and Palmetto brewing companies. Upper King Street is home to a local favorite joint for beer tastings, beer pairing dinners, and local flights, Closed For Business Draught Emporium. Grab some stool seats at the window benches and people watch as you savor a pint from CFB's huge selection of local and domestic drafts.
Stay
Conveniently located on the corner of King and Calhoun streets, The Francis Marion Hotel marks the beginning of the Upper King Street district. The Francis Marion building is one of the tallest on the Charleston peninsula, and is a popular hotel choice for its proximity to Upper King Street's excellent variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife. Marion Square park is located just across the street, and the historical College of Charleston campus only a few blocks away off of Calhoun Street.
Shop
A one of a kind boutique, "urban oasis," spa, and wellness center, Seeking Indigo brings a colorful, earthy vibe to Upper King Street. Services like Indian Ayurvedic treatments and Qi Gong massage are offered in their beautifully appointed day spa, while the Wellness Center features a yoga studio, detox center, therapeutic massage, and adjoining access to The Loft Pilates Studio and Sprout, a raw and organic take-away food spot. Seeking Indigo's boutique tunics, dresses, exquisite jewelry and furnishings, and the occasional life-size Buddha figures catch the eye of all King Street passers-by.