Been there once a few years ago so I only have limited knowledge of the area.  I got really cheap flight to Charleston so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and went down there for a long weekend.  I stayed in Mt. Pleasant near the Rt. 17 bridge.  I was several blocks from a Whole Foods market.  Within walking distance but found it to be not a very pedestrian friendly area.  A short drive to the SE was Hog Island with many nice restaurants on the inlet.  I recall eating at Wreck of the Richard and Charlene and Red's Ice House, which were located next to each other on the water.  I recall a lot of sketchy areas in Charleston so be careful where you stay.  Good luck and have a great trip.  

-- Modified on 9/11/2016 7:12:36 PM

The East Bay Meeting House has nice little events (I may or may not have fallen madly in love with a sailor-poet who fancied himself as the next Charles Bukowski), and the Vendue Hotel has an amazing rooftop restaurant/bar that serves salads with vegetables so fresh I thought I'd been transported to a farm and amazing views of the harbor.  

Almost everyone native you meet has knowledge of the history of the area and is willing to give a free lecture or tour of something you'll never learn in a book. There's a joint Air Force/naval base nearby as well as The Citadel and lots of horny guys around with money to spend (albeit young and with curfews).  

I loved my time there. I keep meaning to go back. I should, soon.