Footlight Players Theater is one of the premier community theaters in South Carolina. It stages a total of six plays during the regular season. Footlight Players renders shows that are suitable for a wide audience. The theater also hosts late-night series of shows replete with comedy, songs, dances and skits. There's more to this venue than plays alone, for it holds theater program for the kids and also rents its 240-seat auditorium and lobby for meetings, receptions, and cocktail parties. Call or check website for program dates, times and ticket prices.

Apart form giving students some of the best academic facilities, the college of Charleston also concentrates on the active learning programs of the students. Chapel theater is one of the resources provided by the college for students to showcase their talent. The 106-seat venue hosts various theatrical performances by some well known artists as well-'Lobby Hero', 'Under the Lights' and 'Desdemona' are some of the plays that have been performed here in the past. Equipped with all the modern facilities, the theater is an ideal place to host small plays and dance performances. Call or visit the website for upcoming programs and ticket prices.

Theatre 99 is a place to blow up laughing. A large stage and with a capacity to seat about 125 people, the theatre has become a place to end the day with a nice hearty laugh. The Piccolo Fringe series, a comedy extravaganza saw crowds visiting again and again. After all who doesn't like comedy? Watch out for the Brandy Sullivan and Greg Tavares of The Have Nots perform along with other hilarious members of the Theatre 99. They call themselves the Improv family, although an odd name for a comedy, they perform a fast paced and humorous show. Theatre 99 is conveniently located above the Bicycle Shoppe. As regards admission they are very strict. Arrive 30 minutes before the show or else reservations not claimed 5 minutes before show time are sold to the waiting list people. So be on time to make the most of the laughter riot.

Rounding out the list of sushi joints in Charleston is Tsunami. Appetizers, hibachi and katsu entrees, udon noodles, and tempura are a few things you can expect to find on the menu, as well as long list of nigiri and rolls. The trendy atmosphere, quality food and emphasis on drinks all have a hand in Tsunami's success. Come for the food, and stay for the live music. At night, the restaurant becomes a club that is open late.

The atmosphere at Wasabi is island-chic, with lots of bamboo and huge paper umbrellas, like the kind you stick in a tropical drink. A long sushi bar runs the entire length of a wall so you can watch chefs prepare your sushi in front of you. Wasabi has won the "Best Sushi" category from the Charleston City Paper numerous times and after dining there it's easy to see why. Rolls are prepared with fresh ingredients in innovative ways. However, sushi and rolls are only a part of the menu. You can also choose from appetizers and a full list of entrees prepared on the hibachi which include filet mignon, chicken, shrimp, scallop, or salmon, as well as a number of teriyaki and tempura dishes. At night, the restaurant turns into a club with DJs, live music, and free-flowing drinks.

Cru Cafe is located in a classic 18th century Charleston single-style home and offers traditional American comfort food for lunch and dinner. The chef and owner John Zucker also does catering for parties. If you are taking the kids along, then check out their special children's menu before ordering. Their seating arrangement is comfortable, and you can opt to sit indoors, on the patio, or on the terrace, enjoying the cool breeze while eating. The food is not expensive-with good options even for the vegetarians-and they have an extensive wine list. If you are in a hurry, you can also order take out. -Natasha Lawrence

You will find Fulton Five covered in vines and tucked in a small alley off of King Street. Dinner here is usually reserved for a special occasion. The atmosphere is very romantic--think Lady and the Tramp. Pale green walls and candlelight reflecting off of brass accents only add to the charm. The food is mostly Italian, and the menu varies according to season. Dishes like mushroom and goat cheese crostini, pan-seared red snapper, and filet mignon are all impeccably prepared. Reservations are highly recommended.

Located in the old Seaman's Church with beautiful stained glass windows across from Old City Market, this high-energy pub with an eclectic American menu features 13 flat screen TVs and four projection screens for avid sports fans. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacking, popular items include the half-pound burger, sandwiches, wraps and soups. A few house favorites are the Crab Cake Imperial, Calypso Mako Shark and Blackened Chicken Pasta. The restaurant also offers private party packages with a variety of menus. Popular with the locals is the jazz brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10a to 2p.

Located in the historic Planters Inn across from the Old City Market, this four-star restaurant prides itself on outstanding, elegant cuisine, traditional Charleston charm and ambiance and attentive service. House specialties include Wild Mushroom Grits with Lowcountry Stew and Bourbon Grilled Jumbo Shrimp. Chef Robert Carter is well known for his creative menus and diners will find it difficult to choose from numerous options. A popular dining establishment with locals and visitors, Peninsula Grill has been awarded accolades as one of America's top 50 hotel restaurants in Charleston. Reservations are highly recommended.

An inexpensive American-style café open for lunch and dinner, it features a full bar, spicy hot toddies, and live evening entertainment. The unpretentious store front hides a gem of a dining establishment by the Old City Market. It's a great place to relax with specialty coffees and some of Charleston's most delectable desserts such as Tollhouse Cookie Pie or Turtle Cheesecake. A huge slice of the Heath Bar Cake is plenty for two people. Popular with the late-night crowd when it gets really busy, this is a " "must" for both locals and visitors exploring the city. -Natasha Lawrence