332 East Bay Street was built in 1817 in the Regency style. This stuccoed brick home, painted a cheery yellow, has side piazzas and a curved piazza on the front. Since 332 East Bay sits on a corner with a small business strip to one side with a substantial garden on the other side of this large lot, Primrose House stands out in the immediate vicinity.

Written By: Vinson Petrillo

What’s all the buzz on buttermilk? Buttermilk, a fermented dairy product, is on the rise as one of the freshest culinary trends. Not only is buttermilk a staple in classic Southern comfort foods, but it also can be used a number of nuanced ways. It is praised for both super versatile in sweet and savory dishes, and also super sustainable! The best part? It’s easy to make!

15 Church Street is part of the early 18 th century extension of Church Street after Vanderhorst Creek (now aptly named Water Street) was filled in. The property was originally owned by Captain Timothy Phillips of the Revolutionary War era, but the present house dates from 1842. The front of the property gives no indication of the size of this large property with dependency buildings.

59 Tradd Street is a jewel of a property, built by John Dart in 1773. 59 Tradd is a single house with approximately 2800 square feet, a small house by Charleston standards and the color of butter.

In the early part of the 20 th century, 59 Tradd became home to a young Alicia Rhett, one of Charleston’s most famous residents. Alicia was born in Savannah, but she was what Charlestonians would call well connected.

Zero George is changing up their infamous “Royale with Cheese” recipe for the summer to participate in the Blended Burger Project presented by the James Beard Foundation and the Mushroom Council. The Blended Burger Project is a nationwide competition that encourages chefs to create a healthier, more sustainable, and tastier burger by swapping out at least 25 percent of the ground meat for finely chopped mushrooms.

For those who really want to stir up something special in Charleston, the Zero George Cooking School offers a unique way to expand your culinary repertoire. Hosted in our 1804 kitchen carriage house and taught around our beloved Heston range, our cooking classes led by our own Chef Petrillo are an epicurean experience you’ll not soon forget.

This week we simply go next door from last week's post and visit 28 South Battery, built in 1860. While we don't have a sprawling Italian villa like 26 Battery, we do have the second floor arcades that mimic the house next door.

This approximately 5,000 square foot house was built by George S. Cook, the famous Civil War photographer. Cook, an orphan, later attempted several unsuccessful careers, but found his calling when the daguerreotype was born. He would set up a studio in a town, teach photography, then sell his business to his students and move to another town. He finally came to Charleston in 1849, built 28 South Battery the same year South Carolina seceded from the Union, and proceeded to document the Civil War here in photographs. Cook is also known for his photographs of the 1886 earthquake in Charleston.

With its fine dining, historic mansions and pristine beaches, Charleston often gives visitors the impression of being an opulent city. While it’s true that many locals and visitors take advantage of Charleston’s more luxurious offerings, there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the Holy City on a budget.

In fact, one of the best things about Charleston is that many of its attractions are free. Rather than burn a hole in your wallet, consider this list of free things to do in the Holy City.

This week we visit 32 South Battery, just a few doors down from last week’s post. Built around 1782, 32 South Battery originally enjoyed a front row view of the Ashley River and Charleston Harbor across what is now White Point Gardens, the first public park in Charleston. The view is still good, and the mansion commanded a huge price when it was sold in 2015: $7.72 million.

32 South Battery was built for Colonel John Ashe, a wealthy gentleman who made his fortune in shipping; appropriately, the framing of the house used wooden pegs similar to those in shipbuilding. The construction is attributed to Mr. Miller of the Miller and Fullerton partnership. Miller’s partner was Scottish master builder John Fullerton whose name is associated with several grand houses in Charleston during this era.

This week we simply go around the block to 20 South Battery, an 1843 mansion.  When built, this grand house had a front row view of the Ashley River and Charleston Harbor across what is now White Point Gardens.