Why Foodies Should Visit NoMo, Charleston
Charleston is known for being a hotbed of history, so it’s rare when a new neighborhood springs up.
NoMo is one such neighborhood, named in 2015, and short for “north Morrison” as it sits north of Morrison Yard, on North Morrison Drive.
Although there are no hotels or big attractions in NoMo, this neighborhood shouldn’t be overlooked on your trip to Charleston — especially if you’re a foodie.
Find out what there is to do near NoMo and where you should eat on your next trip to Charleston.
History of NoMo
NoMo itself is a relatively new Charleston neighborhood, so you won’t find a ton of historical sites like you would further south on the peninsula. The land that would become NoMo was occupied by industrial buildings until recently (and some of those buildings remain and have been transformed into breweries and restaurants).
Historic neighborhoods, such as Rumney, Cool Blow, and New Market, once graced the area that would be renamed as NoMo. There was even a plantation here, Magnolia Umbra.
During colonial times, the land was owned by Joseph Blake, who was the governor of the Carolinas in the 1700s, and so the land was dubbed “Blake Lands”.
In 1760, a racetrack, New Market, opened in the area, and you can still visit New Market Creek, which was named after the racetrack.
Of course, two of the industries in the area were beer brewing and rum distilling, and there are plenty of breweries and distilleries in NoMo today.
NoMo Today: A Foodie Haven
Today, NoMo is home to tech companies and restaurants. If you’re planning a vacation to Charleston, you’ll probably end up in NoMo to dine at one of the many highly rated eateries in this neighborhood.
There are more than a dozen restaurants in NoMo, but here are about a half-dozen of our favorites.
NoMo Breweries & Distilleries
Of the more than 30 breweries in Charleston, NoMo is home to nearly half a dozen. There is a brewery for every type of beer drinker.
Head to Palmetto Brewing Co. if you’d like to try a taste of history, as Palmetto is the oldest brewery in Charleston.
Cooper River Brewing Company is an ideal brewery to visit if you want to try just a taste of several different types of beers; you can purchase a 5-ounce taste for only $2.
Edmund’s Oast is for the more adventurous types who crave a little more flavor. Try the peanut butter and jelly beer if you want to break free from ho-hum IPAs.
The only distiller in the neighborhood is the High Wire Distilling Co., which is a whiskey distillery that sources all of its ingredients right in Charleston.
goat. sheep. cow.
Yes, the name is a little out of the ordinary, but so is the cheese at this fromagerie. This is where you’ll head if you’re looking for a nice cheese and charcuterie board (a.k.a., an adult Lunchable or Girl Dinner).
Yet, this fromagerie also offers plenty of pantry products, so it’s the perfect place to assemble a picnic if you’re planning to head to the beach for the day or to pop a squat at Waterfront Park.
Lewis Barbecue
This Texas-style barbecue joint receives rave reviews and is a must on your trip to Charleston — especially if you’re visiting in the spring or the fall, when the temperature is just right for sitting at one of the long picnic tables in the backyard.
What to Do Near NoMo
There aren’t very many activities in NoMo — other than eating — but this neighborhood sits near the entrance to the Ravenel Bridge, which connects Downtown Charleston to other points of interest, including Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, and many of Charleston’s beaches.
Ravenel Bridge
One of Charleston’s most iconic modern structures, the Ravenel Bridge spans 1,546 feet across the Cooper River to Mt. Pleasant.
Built in 2001, this bridge was named after Arthur Ravenel Jr., a U.S. congressman, who helped raise funding for the bridge.
You can appreciate this bridge from the shore, drive across it, or rent a bike and pedal out to Mt. Pleasant.
Mt. Pleasant
On the other side of the Ravenel Bridge is the hidden gem of Mt. Pleasant. If you want to get out of the city for the day and explore another walkable Charleston neighborhood, you might consider taking a trip to Mt. Pleasant.
The neighborhood is home to plenty of restaurants and boutiques. You can bike through the neighborhood at Page’s Okra Grill or LoLa, before heading down to Shem Creek, Sullivan’s Island, or one of Charleston’s many beaches.
Charleston Beaches
It’s easy to get to Charleston’s beaches from NoMo. Isle of Palms Beach is only a 25-minute drive across the bridge from NoMo, and Sullivan’s Island Beach is only about a 20-minute drive from NoMo.
If you’re planning on spending a decent amount of time at Charleston’s beaches but want to stay on the peninsula, you might want to consider booking a hotel near NoMo.
Sullivan’s Island & Shem Creek
Sullivan’s Island and Shem Creek are the perfect destinations for a day trip from Charleston. You can easily get to Sullivan’s Island in about 15 minutes from NoMo, and Shem Creek is right next door, offering plenty of outdoor activities, such as boating and hiking.
Where to Stay Near NoMo
Sadly, there are no hotels located in NoMo Proper, but there are a few highly rated hotels nearby. If you want to stay in an area that’s a bit quieter than Downtown or if you’re planning on eating your way through NoMo, definitely consider staying at the Moxie or the Iris.
Moxie Charleston Downtown
The closest hotel to NoMo is the Moxie Charleston. Rooms at the Moxie start at around $150 a night during the off-season.
This hip hotel features 158 guest rooms, an industrial vibe, a bar, and a restaurant.
The Iris
If you want to stay near NoMo but would rather book a room that embraces Charleston’s high-class charm, check out the Iris.
Rooms start at around $200 a night here during the off-season.
Although the hotel does not offer a bar or restaurant, the hotel rooms are actually mini apartments that feature kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor spaces.