Originally recognized to honor the American labor movement, for most Americans Labor Day has come to signal the end of summer. With the holiday always falling on a Monday, many use the holiday as a chance to getaway for a long weekend, head to the beach before school starts back up, or have a cookout at home to spend time with family and friends. With its rich history, southern hospitality, beautiful beaches, and lowcountry fare, it’s no wonder many flock to Charleston SC to spend the Labor Day weekend. Beyond the beach, you can find something for everyone.
Host an Oyster Roast
Labor Day kicks off the beginning of Oyster season in the lowcountry. While local lore used to warn, “only eat oysters in months that contain the letter “R” in the name. You know, September, October, December, January. Not June, July, August.” That advice might have rang true a century ago, do we still need to follow it today? Modern-day oyster farming and strict environmental rules and enforcement have changed the landscape of oyster eating so it’s now safe to eat oysters year-round, and there truly is no better place than Charleston. During the fall and winter weekends in the Lowcountry steam billows up from long tables of hot oysters, littered with saltine crackers, buckets for empty shells, cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges. With lots of great resources for putting on the perfect oyster roast, you can easily host one yourself, or have it catered by a local company that specializes in nothing but oyster roasts. If hosting an oyster roast isn’t on your agenda, there are lots of places around Charleston to find one. The iconic place for locals looking for the best of the restaurant oyster roast game is Bowens Island Restaurant, located on an island between James Island and Folly Beach. The restaurant, in operation since the 1940s, is known for its locally-harvested oysters and fried seafood platters.
Local Goods and Fare
If you’re looking for the local go-to on summer weekends, you have to visit The Charleston Farmers Market. Every Saturday* from April through November, the farmers market hosts more than 100 local artisans, farmers, food trucks, and more downtown in Marion Square, with street performers and bounce castles, it’s fun for the whole family. If you’re just visiting Charleston for Labor Day weekend, there are some unique vendors to browse and even pick up something special to take back home with you.
Sandy Summer Send-off
Labor Day might have you thinking summer is over, but in Charleston – far from it! Charleston’s warm weather serves up beach days well into fall, but if you’re in town for the holiday weekend, it’s a great time to hit the sandy shores. Charleston’s beaches are the perfect place for sand castles, surfing, and relaxing the day away. Pack your beach bag (don’t forget the essentials!), fill the cooler, cue your favorite playlist, toss the frisbee, and hit the beach with friends and family.
Explore some of Charleston’s favorite beaches (Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island)
Bust Out the Grill
Long weekends are the perfect time to host family and friends, or invite them over for a fun-filled cookout in the backyard. With backyard games like cornhole, and fresh cuts from the Charleston farmers market (above), you can’t go wrong. For those who aren’t a grill master, there’s always the option of ordering barbecue catered from one of Charleston’s many tasty, top-notch, local BBQ joints – check out these 5 Best BBQ joints in Charleston.
Any of our luxurious Folly Beach vacation rentals!
If you’re thinking about visiting Charleston SC for Labor Day weekend, we have the perfect spot available to book your reservation. Whether you are looking for a vacation that includes wandering the streets of the downtown historic district, or splashing in the waves at the beach, view our portfolio of luxury rentals and book your Labor Day Weekend in Charleston NOW.
