It’s hard not to fall in love with Charleston’s southern pride and small town charm. If you’re coming from a big city like New York or Los Angeles, then a trip to Charleston may feel a bit like a time warp. While there’s still the typical hustle and bustle of early morning traffic, more often than not you can find locals leisurely walking under the cool shade of Spanish Moss-covered trees or quietly reading a novel outside their favorite coffee shop.
While there are countless ways to tour Charleston, perhaps the best way to truly experience South Carolina’s oldest city is by picking a theme and sticking to it. Here are five unique ways to live, eat and breathe the Charlestonian lifestyle.
For the Day Trip Traveller
If you only have one day in Charleston, you’ll undoubtedly want to visit the top tourist attractions in the city. Day excursions are especially common among those vacationing in nearby beach towns like Isle of Palms, Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island.
The city is completely accessible by foot but if you need a breather, just hop on one of the four DASH trolley lines. The downtown area trolley is free and stops at several of the major historical landmarks. Like any savvy traveller, the first thing to do is get your bearings. A good starting point is the Visitor Reception and Transportation Center located at 375 Meeting Street.
For a crash course in Charleston history, visit the Charleston Museum right across the street fro the visitor center. Take a walk through The Citadel, a historic military college dating back to 1842. Slow things down with a walk through the French Quarter located along the waterfront between Market Street and Broad Street. Browse through various art galleries, churches and take in the historic architecture.
For the Pop Culture Enthusiast
Movie fanatics might be surprised to learn that Charleston is a popular film destination. Both The Patriot and O, a modern take on Shakespeare’s Othello, filmed scenes at The College of Charleston. Similarly, The Notebook and Dear John film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels of the same names also filmed in Charleston. In addition to The American Theatre, The College of Charleston campus and the William Aiken House, Ryan Gosling fans will want to venture to neighboring towns to see the other main attractions like Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant. Don’t worry about finding a place to stay here; there are plenty of options in Charleston and the surrounding areas.
For the History Buff
Besides the Charleston Museum and The Citadel, travelers interested in Charleston’s history should take a trip to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Head to Liberty Square in downtown and board the ferry for a thirty-minute journey to the island. Fort Sumter is a National Monument and while it consists almost entirely of ruins, there are markers along the way indicating the historical importance of each site in addition to a museum. White Point Gardens, at the tip of the peninsula, is another point of interest, particularly for the impressive historic mansions lining the Promenade.
For the Vintage Shopper
Open 365 days of the year, Charleston’s City Market continues to be a popular stopping point for locals and tourists alike. Find the main entrance along Meeting Street opposite Market Hall. The market consists of four blocks of open-air buildings that allow for shoppers to browse easily through the different stalls. Vendors sell everything from sterling silver jewelry and local fashion designs to artwork, pottery items and sweetgrass baskets. If you’re in the mood for snagging today’s latest fashions, make your way to King Street where bigger name brands and boutiques are located.
For Culture Enthusiasts & Foodies
Sometimes the best way to experience a new city is by tasting the local dishes. Sign up with Culinary Tours of Charleston for a glimpse into the local culture and the growing food scene. Typical tastings include Stone Ground Grits, Sweet Tea, Lowcountry Barbeque, Charleston Benne Wafers and of course, locally made gourmet chocolates. Their Charleston Kitchen Tour allows for an up-close and personal look into a few of the city’s most talked about restaurants plus a few tasting stops.
by Megan Eileen McDonough
