|
Elegant and refined, Charleston mixes
European charm with new world energy and excitement. Featuring
beautiful buildings, winding streets and a touch of old world
luxury, Charleston is the smaller, more comfortable New Orleans of
the Upper South. The city was founded in 1670 and boomed as a center
for rice and indigo trading. Since then, Charleston has occupied a
notable place in American history and its beauty remains famous
throughout the world. Conde Naste regularly rates it as one of the
top ten city destinations in the world.
The streets of Charleston feature historic houses and narrow
apartment buildings with stucco walls and wrought iron balconies
(make sure you check out Calhoun Mansion). There is something of a
Caribbean touch to Charleston, with its palm trees and welcoming
feel. After strolling through the historic district, most visitors
head over to Waterfront Park, which features a landscaped square and
boardwalks projecting into the river. White Point Gardens features
lovely gardens, a good view of the water, and lots of gentle
breezes to cool a visiting family. The
Charleston Museum is the oldest in the nation, dating from 1773. The
market area features old-fashioned open stalls where vendors sell
all sorts of goods and services. Charleston is located on the end of
a small peninsula that points into the famous Charleston Harbor,
where traders and immigrants have disembarked for centuries. In the
middle of the harbor sits Fort Sumter, the site of the battle that
started the Civil War. A wonderful museum within the Fort tells the
full story.
|
The city was home to many dissenting
Protestant denominations and is filled with old churches, many of
them the first of their kind in America. Indeed, Charleston Harbor has brought
many cultures to mingle in this gentle city, and the influence of
black, Protestant, Huguenot, and Jewish colonists is still felt.
There are numerous points of interest just outside the city.
Charleston's famous beaches draw visitors from far away for sun
bathing and relaxation. Just beyond Charleston is Magnolia
Plantation & Audubon Swamp Garden, modeled after a real plantation.
The ornamental gardens are stunning in the summer when the flowers
are in bloom. Visitors can enjoy the wild flowers and wild
alligators of the swamps from the safety of a scenic tram ride.
Charleston has earned raves for its beauty and its easygoing
culture, as well as its value to families and travelers. Travel &
Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Family Fun have rated the city a
Top Destination in the United States for value, #1 in friendliness,
and #2 in the South for families.
Looking to experience old world charm and elegance in a friendly
enjoyable atmosphere?? From the Harbor to the plantation, Charleston
has lots to offer adults and families looking for a unique
destination.
|
|
Public Beaches
Sunbathing 5-10 miles east of the city.
Both Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are heavily used on weekends.
Travel a little further for quiet spots.
Old Charleston Market
North and South Market Streets between Meeting and East Bay streets
A narrow line of low-roofed nineteenth-century sheds, packed with
'basket ladies' selling crafts, jewelry, spices, T-shirts and trinkets.
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is the site of the first battle that started the Civil War.
A pleasant boat trip docks at this island which features a good Civil
War museum inside the fort.
Magnolia Plantation & Audubon Swamp Garden
Stunning ornamental gardens (best in spring and early summer) with tram
rides through the swamp, complete with alligators and lush flowers.
Splash Zone
When the temperatures start rising, visitors of all ages will enjoy this
favorite summer playground located within the James Island County Park.
The park features two 200-foot tube slides, a Caribbean play structure
with slides, a 500-foot lazy river, and a recreational pool.
Nathaniel Russel House
This national historic landmark is one of the most important
neoclassical homes in America. Features include art and furnishings from
the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Often called the "Independence Hall of South Carolina," the Old Exchange
was built in the late 1700's. Today, this impressive building is filled
with historical items of the state and region.
Gibbes Museum of Art
This museum features an outstanding collection of more than 7,000
American paintings, prints and drawings from the 18th century to the
present.
Aiken-Rhett House
Dating from 1819, this mansion was once the headquarters of Confederate
general Beauregard. Of special note are the original wallpaper, paint
colors and some of its furnishings. The house, kitchen, slave quarters
and work yard are maintained much as they were when the original
occupants lived here.
American Military Museum
The museum has on display hundreds of uniforms and artifacts from all
branches of service, dating from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Its collections also include antique toy soldiers, war toys, miniatures
and weaponry.
Calhoun Mansion
This lavish mansion is an interesting example of Victorian architecture.
Built in 1876, it's notable for ornate plasterwork, fine wood moldings
and a 75-foot domed ceiling.
Charleston Place
The city's only world-class hotel, this Orient Express property is
flanked by a four-story complex of upscale boutiques and specialty
shops. The hotel is so beautiful that visitors find it's worth visiting
as an attraction, even if they're not staying there.
Circular Congregational Church
Simple yet attractive, this church has a beamed, vaulted ceiling and is
an splendid example of Romanesque architecture.
City Hall
The intersection of Meeting and Broad streets is known as the "Four
Corners of Law", representing the laws of nation, state, city, and
church. On the northeast corner is graceful City Hall, dating from 1801.
The second-floor Council Chamber has numerous interesting historical
displays and portraits.
Dock Street Theatre
Built on the site of one of the nation's first playhouses, the building
combines the reconstructed early Georgian playhouse and the preserved
Old Planter's Hotel (circa 1809). The theater, which offers fascinating
backstage views, welcomes tours.
|
Charleston Museum
A vast collection of city memorabilia conveniently located across from
the town visitor center.
Edmondston-Alston House
Featuring spectacular views of Charleston Harbor, this imposing home was
built in 1825 in late-Federal style and was transformed into a Greek
Revival structure during the 1840s. It is tastefully furnished with
antiques, portraits, prints, silver and fine china.
French Protestant (Huguenot) Church
This church is the only one in the country still using the original
French Huguenot liturgy.
Heyward-Washington House
Built in 1772, this home was the backdrop for DuBose Heyward's book
Porgy, which was the basis for the beloved folk opera "Porgy and Bess".
The neighborhood, known as Cabbage Row, is central to Charleston's
African-American history. President George Washington stayed in the
house during his 1791 visit. It is filled with fine period furnishings
and its restored 18th-century kitchen is the only one in Charleston open
to visitors.
Joseph Manigault Mansion
A National Historic Landmark and an outstanding example of neoclassical
architecture, this home was designed in 1803 and is noted for its
carved-wood mantels and elaborate plaster work. Some furnishings are
British and French but most are Charleston antiques.
Market Hall
Built in 1841 and modeled after the Temple of Nike in Athens, this
imposing landmark building includes the Confederate Museum, where the
Daughters of the Confederacy preserve and display flags, uniforms,
swords and other Civil War memorabilia.
Old Powder Magazine
This structure was built in 1713 and used during the Revolutionary War.
It is now a museum with costumes, armor, and other artifacts from
18th-century Charleston, all described during an interesting audiovisual
tour.
Boone Hall Plantation
This plantation is found at the end of one of the South's most majestic
avenues of oaks, and was the model for the grounds of Tara in "Gone With
the Wind." You can tour the first floor of the classic columned mansion,
which was built in 1935 incorporating woodwork and flooring from the
original house; however, the primary attraction is the grounds featuring
formal azalea and camellia gardens.
Fort Moultrie
At this site Colonel William Moultrie's South Carolinians repelled a
British assault in one of the first Patriot victories of the
Revolutionary War. A 20-minute film tells the history of the fort.
Museum on the Common
This small museum has an outdoor maritime museum and a Hurricane Hugo
exhibit that documents the 1989 storm damage through video and photos.
Patriots Point
Tours are offered on all of the vessels located here at the world's
largest naval and maritime museum. Visitors may tour the aircraft
carrier Yorktown, the World War II submarine Clamagore, the destroyer
Laffey, the nuclear merchant ship Savannah, and the cutter Ingham.
Palmetto Islands County Park
Located across from Boone Hall Plantation, the park features a Big Toy
playground, 2-acre pond, paved trails, an observation tower, marsh
boardwalks and a "water island."
Beachwater Park
This beach features 300 ft of beach frontage, seasonal lifeguard
service, rest rooms, outdoor showers, a picnic area, snack bar and a
150-car parking lot.
Folly Beach County Park
This large beach has 4,000 ft of ocean frontage and 2,000 ft of river
frontage. The beach facilities include dressing areas, outdoor showers,
rest rooms, and picnicking areas; beach chairs, raft, and umbrella
rentals; and a 400-vehicle parking lot. Pelican Watch shelter is
available year-round for group picnics and day or night oyster roasts. |
