Quick, check the calendar. If there’s an “R” in the month, then it’s time to grab your favorite oyster knife and head to a Charleston oyster roast. Whether it’s a birthday party, a fundraiser or just a Friday night, Charlestonians love to attend an oyster roast.
In the beginning
When the water temperature reaches 70 degrees or greater, oysters begin to spawn. In South Carolina, spawning is most intense in the summer but usually runs April to October. The sperm and eggs are released directly into the water and free-swimming larvae develop in about 24 hours. After about three weeks, the larvae settle on the bottom in search of a hard, clean surface for permanent attachment. They seem to prefer to settle on other oysters shells so often you’ll see where used oysters shells are purposely planted to attract oyster larvae.
Storing oysters
After three years, oysters are large enough for harvesting. Once harvested, live oysters should be stored in the refrigerator at 35-40 degrees and they will keep for several days. Shucked oysters should be light grey in color with clear liquid. If you store shucked oysters in their own liquid and packed on ice in a refrigerator, they will last for about a week.
A bushel of oysters Individuals may harvest oysters for personal use, but only in authorized areas – usually private grounds or public oyster grounds maintained by the state Department of Natural Resources. Oysters may not be harvested between May 15 and Sept. 1, and a S.C. Marine Recreational Fisheries Stamp is required for recreational harvesting. There is a limit of two bushels of oysters per person, per day. A bushel is about 50 pounds.
Oyster eatin’
If you’ve been invited to an oyster roast, it’s customary to bring your own oyster knife to pry the shells apart. The Charleston Shucker Co. produces engraved, high quality oyster knives. Check them out at charlestonshuckerco.com. It’s also advised to bring oyster gloves (leather or heavy cotton work well) to protect your hands while using the sharp oyster knife. OK, now that you have your knife and gloves, you’re ready to scoop that oyster from its shell and eat up. Many people like their oysters with a cocktail sauce, lemon or saltine crackers.
Photo/The Chart Group
Try out what you’ve learned at the world’s largest oyster festival. The 31st annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival is Jan. 26 at Boone Hall Plantation. Highlights include the oyster shucking and oyster eating contests as well as live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a children’s area and a food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants.
Oyster information courtesy South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/
Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/
Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info:
Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/
There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston
The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions:
Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well:
We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion:
Both cities are historic and beautiful.
Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston.
Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options.
Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
Both cities have equally good tours.
Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance.
There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/
Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/
Quick, check the calendar. If there’s an “R” in the month, then it’s time to grab your favorite oyster knife and head to a Charleston oyster roast. Whether it’s a birthday party, a fundraiser or just a Friday night, Charlestonians love to attend an oyster roast.
