I love Charleston, it is my wife and myself's favorite city to visit, as you said the dining is great. If you are doing the NC trip this year I suggest http://www.river18.com/ it is worth playing for the 9th hole alone. I played there last summer and the greens are a hybrid bent and were in very good shape even though it was hot. I have played all of the Big Cats courses and I like Tigers Eye and Leopards Chase the best of the 4. Have fun my friend.