The man, the myth, the legend. American actor Bill Murray is arguably Charleston’s biggest local celebrity.
That’s right, Bill moved to Charleston a while back and continues to pop up at local events and invest in new Charleston ventures. For this reason, a Bill Murray run-in is kind of seen as a right of passage to becoming a true Charleston local. For many, it takes years for this to happen, but with a stroke of luck and sprinkling of strategy, you might be able to find him much sooner! Here are the best Charleston places to frequent if you want to up your odds of a Bill Murray sighting.
Charleston RiverDogs baseball games
This is first on the list because if you ask a local whether they’ve met Bill Murray, there is a high probability they will tell you it was at a baseball game! Bill Murray is part owner and self-appointed “Director of Fun” for the Charleston RiverDogs baseball team and often attends the games. Sometimes he even throws or catches the first pitch. Thirsty Thursdays will get you $1 beer (plastic cups of Budlight and Mich Ultra, before you get too excited), and Friday night games end with fireworks!
Rutledge Cab Company
Bill Murray is part-owner and CFO (Chief Fun Officer) of this retro American eatery known for its boozy milkshakes and Monday burger nights. I’ve heard a tale or two about Bill walking up to a table at Rutledge, eating someone’s fries, and whispering “they’ll never believe this happened” before anyone has time to register what just happened. Oh, Bill…
Harold’s Cabin
Bill is also co-owner of this funky mountain cabin-inspired restaurant and bar in the Westside neighborhood. Make sure to go up to the rooftop garden, where they grow the herbs muddled in that delicious cocktail you’re probably drinking. Harold’s is super close to the RiverDogs ballpark, so you can always double up by hitting up their happy hour before heading over to a baseball game.
Queen Street Grocery
This is a long-time local breakfast & lunch spot first opened as a local apothecary and grocery store almost 100 years ago. Today, they are known for their sandwiches and crepes, one of which is named after Bill Murray. The Murray crepe is filled with turkey, brie, green apple, spinach, basil pesto and sriracha and will hit the spot whether or not Bill happens to be eating one next to you.
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
This is rumored to be Bill Murray’s downtown coffee shop of choice, and I know a few locals who have scored a picture with him here. You can order a coffee or beer (or $4 mimosa all day long for that matter), then join many a College of Charleston student sitting on Kudu’s vine covered patio while waiting (hoping!) for Bill to do the same.
Sullivan’s Island
Bill owns a house here- most of Charleston’s wealthiest residents do- and locals know to respect their privacy. That being said, for all my years here, I’ve never heard about a Bill spotting on Sullivan’s, but don’t let that stop you. The beaches on Sullivan’s Island are wide open to the public, popular among locals and tourists alike, and one of the best places to catch a Charleston sunset. You will enjoy a day on this charming island with or without Bill.
Along Historic Broad Street
I have to include this spot, as it is where I had my first Bill Murray sighting! I was out for a run with a friend and good ol’ Bill was cruising down Broad Street in his vintage car, stopped to let us cross, and we both freaked out when we registered who it was waving us along. He’s also been spotted napping on the Broad Street sidewalk. Bill or no Bill, a walk along Broad Street, the main drag of historic Charleston, is a great way to soak up the architecture and history of the city.
