North Charleston is often tagged as the ugly cousin of South Carolina's major port city. They could not be more different, with crime rates higher in the former and historic landmarks concentrated in the latter.

But North Charleston is experiencing a makeover that is raising its profile.

In 2010, the city received an award for municipal excellence from the National League of Cities, a municipal advocacy group.

The Park Circle has in particular been recognized as an especially attractive spot. Last year, This Old House Magazine named it one of the country's "Best Old-House Neighborhoods."

Meanwhile, new restaurants and other businesses have converged on East Montague Avenue, a few blocks away from the revitalized circle.

Cork Neighborhood Bistro: A small bistro frequented by the young and stylish and headed by the chef Jimmy Owens, Cork has seasonal salads, beers and meals made with fresh ingredients from local farmers - and, of course, Southern-style grits.

1067 E. Montague Ave, 843-225-2675, corkbistro.com.

The Sparrow: Opened in 2012, this spot is easily the most colorful new concert venue in North Charleston. Old-school arcade games share space with large photographs on the wall of everyone from Mohandas K. Gandhi to George Harrison. The place regularly plays host to local musicians and rock bands of all sorts.

1078 E. Montague Ave, 843-744-7753.

Evo Craft Bakery: In August, the popular Evo Pizzeria got a complementary bakery, where locally brewed coffee and tea are featured alongside freshly baked pastries and breads, all at reasonable prices.

1075 E. Montague Ave, 843-225-1796, evopizza.com.

Dig in the Park: This sports bar, opened in 2011, features a huge patio with an outdoor grill. And unlike many spots on East Montague Avenue, it stays open on Sundays.

1049 E. Montague Ave, 843-225-5201.

South of Broadway Theater Company: This mainstay of the South Carolina theater scene offers a full season of adult and youth theater and concert performances.

1080 E. Montague A, 843-745-0317, southofbroadway.com.

The New York Times

(China Daily 05/05/2013 page16)