Charleston, the oldest city in South Carolina with a birthdate of 1670, is the pride and joy of the state, reaping national recognition from up and down the city’s coastline for its rich history, renowned architecture, distinguished restaurants and Southern manners.
You can’t help but be attracted to the Holy City – whether for business or pleasure – that’s situated on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic formed by the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. There’s something to do here year-round. Tour wartime sites, such as World War II’s memoriam, Patriot’s Point, or Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Or tour the streets by horse and carriage to hear all about block after block of antebellum history. Travel by boat or soak up the sun on several beaches in the Charleston area, from Isle of Palms to Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach. And if tots are in tow, explore the new Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Seek retail therapy in any of Charleston’s shopping districts centered on King, Meeting and Broad streets – from local unique boutiques and artisan shops to antique and souvenir stores. Hit the Charleston Farmers Market or Charleston City Market on a weekend morning for more gifts like handcrafted sweetgrass baskets, or homemade pies.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, Charleston’s smorgasbord of restaurant offerings along King, East Bay and Broad streets is guaranteed to satisfy any variety of craving. The city has become a leading food destination in the Southeast, with the likes of Savannah, Atlanta and Miami, dedicated to locally sourced produce, meat, beer and spirits that combine to produce the finest fusion of Southern and modern American dishes. After sunset, rise to the occasion on one of Charleston’s gorgeous rooftop bars that overlook the charming skyline.
