BBQ icon Rodney Scott shares his insights on the must-see sights, activities, and culinary delights in Charleston, South Carolina

Hailing from Hemingway, South Carolina, just 90 miles from Charleston, Chef Rodney Scott began his BBQ journey with his father at their family business at the age of 11.

Jump ahead to today, and you’ll see Scott featured on the big screen in the latest season of Netflix's "Chef's Table," which debuted on September 2.

Heads up: If you tend to cry on planes, keep some tissues close. You might shed a few tears and your stomach will definitely be rumbling for the next 45 minutes.

Right after graduating high school, Scott dedicated himself to the pit full-time. Working 12-hour night shifts, he spent his evenings tending to the coals and dreaming big. A massive dose of passion, a few creative twists, countless pounds of pork, and a New York Times feature in 2009 transformed his life.

This dedication and effort resulted in exponential growth for the business, leading Scott to officially take the reins in 2011.

In 2017, Scott expanded from his original spot in Hemingway to open Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston.

However, Scott first needed to take his whole-hog operation on the road to secure funding after a fire ravaged the original pit. Over just 18 days, he visited six cities, raising $80,000 during his tour.

He constructed a brand-new 2,000-square-foot pit that resembles a mini airplane hangar, adorned in the company’s signature white and Carolina blue.

All those nights spent tending the fires paid off: In 2018, with a second location thriving, Scott was nominated for and won a James Beard award for Best Chef, Southeast.

Today, Scott operates another location in Birmingham, Alabama, one of the first spots he introduced whole-hog BBQ outside of South Carolina. When he debuted his dishes there, the crowd went (hog) wild.

Scott, who fondly recalls watching planes soar above as a child, now spends two to four days a month traveling (pre-COVID). He's even ventured as far as Melbourne for its food and wine festival.

Scott's episode of "Chef's Table" was filmed back in November 2019, well before the pandemic disrupted everything. Now, his restaurants are fully open for dine-in, outdoor dining, and take-out, with social distancing measures in effect.

Scott noted that tourism in Charleston is slightly slower than usual, and while things aren’t as bustling as before, people are still arriving from all over to satisfy their BBQ cravings.

Now that you’ve discovered the best BBQ spots in Charleston, we asked Chef Scott, who is gearing up to open locations in Atlanta and two more in Alabama, to help us craft the perfect weekend itinerary down south.

Top dining spots in Charleston

Big Bad Breakfast

"Start your day the right way. I can’t get enough of the chicken and waffles; I'm there all the time," Scott reveals. James Beard Award winner and New Orleans native John Currence has always embraced a "love affair with breakfast," which is evident in his homemade biscuits, jellies, and bacon.

Melfi's

Charleston might not be the first city that comes to mind for great Italian cuisine, but Melfi's could change that perception. With its sleek dining area, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a lively meal with friends, or a quick pizza stop on a solo adventure.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is anything but ordinary. Housed in a former bank, the food here is as impressive as the setting. Pro tip: Sit at the bar for their fantastic drink menu and be sure to try the smoked oysters—order a second round because they are that good.

Nana's Seafood & Soul

If you know, you know. And now you do. Satisfy your shrimp cravings here, but don’t skip the potato salad—it's made with Duke's mayonnaise, the only choice when you're in the South. This local favorite is about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, but it’s definitely worth the trip.

Delaney Oyster House

Delaney's goal is to breathe new life into "Lowcountry's legacy in the annals of America's traditional oyster houses," and we’d say they’ve succeeded. Located in a historic Charleston home, this charming restaurant boasts an abundance of oysters, caviar service for a touch of elegance, and delicious cheddar bay hushpuppies—what more could you want?

And, of course, you can’t leave without grabbing some BBQ before heading to the airport. For visitors, Scott recommends the Rod's Original (the signature pork sandwich topped with cracklins). "Mix it all together, add a splash of sauce, and it's a fantastic bite," Chef suggests. He also urges you to try the ribs, chicken, and what he calls "true Southern" sweet tea. If you're not quite ready to hit the road, you can order a jar of Rodney's Sauce online until you can enjoy the real deal.

Things to see and do

Experience a Gullah Tour

Gullah tours delve into the "places, history, and stories that highlight the rich and diverse contributions of Black Charlestonians," a culture that continues to flourish in and around Charleston today. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this essential aspect of Charleston with Alphonso Brown—born and raised just south of the city—who is the go-to expert on all things Gullah. He is the author of the popular "A Gullah Guide to Charleston" and lectures on the Gullah language and Black history in the area.

Visit the Charleston City Market

Make sure to check out these two highlights at the Charleston City Market: Artwork from Gallery Chuma and sweetgrass baskets crafted by the renowned Corey Alston, as recommended by Scott. Artisans have been weaving baskets from local marsh grass since the 17th century. Bring home a modern take on this tradition from your Charleston trip. The market, housed in a Greek Revival-style building constructed in 1841, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy the beach at Sullivan's Island

Just a short drive from downtown, Sullivan's Island is the perfect escape without going far. Burn off those fried shrimp with a stroll along the three-mile beach, or try your hand at kayaking, sailing, fishing, kiteboarding, or paddleboarding.

Stroll across the Ravenel Bridge

The Ravenel Bridge stands as a landmark in the city. Completed in 2005 over the Cooper River, this cable-stayed bridge features dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, and it hosts the annual Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in late March.

Scott's parting advice for those heading to the Holy City? "Come with an appetite and wear your comfy shoes." We couldn't agree more.