Jesse Hawkins of The Mocktail Project got On the Road with Toyota last weekend, traveling to Charleston from Lexington, KY to experience a safe adventure chock full of good eats, delicious destinations, and an itinerary full of fun.
Interested in crafting your own trip to Charleston? Check out Jesse’s customized itinerary for some travel inspo + insider tips. Don’t forget the road trip snacks!
Jesse settled in at Emeline on Friday evening before enjoying dinner at Frannie & The Fox and waking up refreshed + ready to hit the road the next morning.
FUEL UP: HANDY & HOT
69 WENTWORTH ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29401
Jesse fueled up with breakfast from Handy & Hot – a new grab + go eatery from Vivian Howard – before making his first pit-stop of the day. Grab a hand pie, fill up a cup of coffee, and hit the road!
PIT STOP: HERON FARMS LAB
1783 HARMON ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29405
Heron Farms is the world’s first indoor saltwater farm, and Jesse got a tour of the lab where he learned all about Charleston sea beans – a delicacy to leading coastal chefs and beverage professionals but one with a limited growing season + availability. Heron Farms’ facility + technology allow this nutrient-rich vegetable to be available year round.
LUNCH BREAK: RODNEY SCOTT’S BBQ
1011 KING ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29403
With temperatures in the high 70s, Charleston sure was showing off last weekend. And what better way to spend a sunny Saturday than with an outdoor BBQ lunch at Rodney Scott’s? Fill up on your choice of meats + sides, and make sure you save room for Ella’s Banana Puddin’.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITY: THE GIN JOINT
182 E BAY ST #2169, CHARLESTON, SC 29401
Jesse visited local gin hotspot where owner James Bolt led him on a mocktail crafting adventure. Bringing the day full circle, Jesse rounded out the afternoon sipping a mocktail with a Charleston Sea Bean garnish.
ROUND OUT THE DAY: AT O-KU
463 KING ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29403
After a long day of adventuring, Jesse settled in for dinner at O-Ku for a fresh + flavorful sushi dinner. If you don’t imbibe there’s no need to worry – O-Ku has a wonderful spirit-free selection.
Interested in crafting your own day trip to the Holy City? Tag us in the fun @chswineandfood and stay tuned for the opportunity to enter to win your own CHSWFF adventure complete with a new Toyota Venza.