From Issue Two of the Gear Patrol Magazine. Subscribe today for 15% off the GP Store.
Hugh Acheson, of Top Chef fame, owns four award-winning restaurants, has published three cookbooks and proudly wears a prominent unibrow, which fans call the “Hughnibrow.” All this — except maybe the hairiness — is founded on the fact that Acheson, a Canadian, has made the South his second home and his inspiration in the kitchen. Since the Lowcountry is a quick drive from his house in Athens, Georgia, we asked for recommendations. – Chris Wright
What to Eat
Seafood, Gullah and other Lowfood Grub
The Grey
“Savannah’s historic bus depot, a lasting symbol of the Civil Rights Era, has been transformed into a restaurant full of progress and culinary beauty by owner “Johno” Morisano and chef Mashama Bailey. (For another great Savannah restaurant, visit Cotton & Rye a short drive away.)”
Location: 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401 ⇱ | Learn More: thegreyrestaurant.com
Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters
“Brooks Reitz is a visionary young restaurateur, and his new restaurant, Leon’s, chooses substance, but never over style. Go share some oysters, a half chicken and a charred radicchio salad.”
Location: 698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 ⇱ | Learn More: leonsoystershop.com
See Wee Restaurant
“I first went to this Highway 17 staple probably 20 years ago. It meant a lot to me then to experience a truly roadside gem of a fried fish joint; I am still enjoying the menu years later. Get a fried shrimp plate and a cold Bud.”
Location: 4808 N Hwy 17, Awendaw, SC 29429 ⇱ | Learn More: facebook.com/seeweerestaurant
Husk
“Yes, a lot has been written and extolled about this young, yet iconic, restaurant. But what Travis Grimes is doing with the native foods of the area, under the leadership of Sean Brock, is a true look at the Lowcountry.”
Location: 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 ⇱ | Learn More: huskrestaurant.com
The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
My favorite fried fish place. It just feels right; it’s hard to find and not a tourist trap.
Location: 106 Haddrell St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 ⇱ | Learn More: wreckrc.com
What to Do
Old History and New Growth
Wormsloe Historic Site
“This beautiful spot is one of the most important places for food in the USA. Many of the crops that are integral to our culinary world had a start here in the hands of the founder, Noble Jones.”
Location: 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406 ⇱ | Learn More: gastateparks.org
Graveface Records & Curiosities
“An amazing shop catering to the wide spectrum of the Savannah music scene. (Before browsing the vinyl, grab a cup of coffee at the local Savannah College of Art and Design student hangout, Foxy Loxy Cafe.)”
Location: 5 W 40th St, Savannah, GA 31401 ⇱ | Learn More: graveface.com
Smithey Ironware
“Why Isaac Morton became enamored with a single pan, I do not know. But this pan, the only one he makes in Charleston, South Carolina, is a work of beauty.”
Location: 125 Wappoo Creek Dr., Bldg E, Suite 101B, Charleston, SC 29401 ⇱ | Learn More: smitheyironware.com
Penn Center
“Let’s be very clear here: the history of the Lowcountry is the history of the Gullah-Geechee people. This beautiful center of knowledge on St. Helena Island was founded during the Civil Rights Era to ‘promote and preserve the history and culture of the Sea Islands.’”
Location: 16 Penn Center Cir W, St Helena Island, SC 29920 ⇱ | Learn More: penncenter.com
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Go for a hike and learn about the most important crop in the history of the Lowcountry: Carolina Gold Rice.
Location: 5200 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel, SC 29470 ⇱ | Learn More: ccprc.comL
Where to Stay
Southern Hospitality
Mermaid Cottages
“A collection of fun, cool cottages. I like the Mess Hall cottage for a couple of days of focused writing in the beautiful environment of Tybee Island.”
Location: 13A Cedarwood Avenue Tybee Island, GA 31328 ⇱ | Learn More: mermaidcottages.com
Daufuskie Island
It’s an island that will make you slow down. Literally — the speed limit is 23 mph. You can only get there by ferry or boat. Walk on the beach and mellow out.
Location: Hilton Head Island, SC ⇱ | Learn More: daufuskieisland.com
Read More in Our Magazine
A version of this story appears in Issue Two of the Gear Patrol Magazine, 286 pages of stories, reports, interviews and original photography from five distinct locations around the world. Subscribe Now: $35