Across the Ashley: Bowens Island Restaurant for shovel-fed oysters, Folly Beach surf-town counters and quiet Lowcountry kitchens.
Bowens Island Restaurant near Folly Beach has shovel-fed steamed Lowcountry oysters since 1946. James Beard America's Classics winner in 2006.
Signature: Steamed oysters by the bushel, Frogmore stew
Order: A bushel of steamed oysters opened table-side and a bowl of Frogmore stew.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. Cash and card; no reservations. Tide-line tables fill at sunset.
Carolina Cookery in Charleston runs hands-on Gullah-Geechee cooking classes from a James Island studio under chef Rashaunda Grant. Two-hour class.
Tip: Classes run Thursday to Saturday. Note allergies at booking; Chef Grant adjusts each menu accordingly.
Jack of Cups in Folly Beach runs a seasonally evolving Center Street menu of Asian and Indian inspired comfort food. Located in James Island.
Try: Globally inspired comfort food, Asian and Indian flavored plates
Tip: Closed Tuesdays. Vegetarian and vegan options run alongside the omnivore menu; sidewalk seats out front, courtyard in back.
The Charleston Pour House on Maybank Highway is the James Island music room with two stages, free local sets on the back deck nightly and ticketed indoor shows that run after the deck closes.
Tip: Deck shows are free and start around 17:00 or 18:00; the indoor stage takes over around 21:00 or 22:00 with the ticketed bill. Sunday afternoon farmers market on site.