If it’s one
thing Charleston is known for,
it’s the architectural delights
in the historic Battery area. Fabulous
homes with their ornate porticos,
piazzas (porches), staircases and
doorways done up in Italianate,
Federal, Adamesque,
Victorian,.Georgian, Grecian…
it’s a smorgasbord of it all. And
they are as beautiful as ever,
partially with the help of the
Preservation Society. Colonial
Charleston developed its own unique
style of house: one with a false front
on the street including a front door
that opens to a full-length piazza
(porch) where you will find the real
front door. Was it because the property
was taxed according to the amount of
street footage? Or was it to catch any
slight breeze coming off the water on
hot sultry nights?
Read about places to stay in
Charleston
Not only are people swarming to visit
Charleston, but after a week of
Southern sizzle and charm, some
actually go home to Indiana and put
their houses on the market! Is it the
history? The climate? The genuine
friendliness of our people? The
beaches? The beautiful, affordable
homes? The she-crab soup? Yes to all of
that, and more.
There are so many places to see and
things to do, it can wear a person out.
Some guests never make it off the
piazza, lazily swaying back and forth
in a Pawleys Island hammock under the
palm-leaf fan.
Location is everything, realtors will
tell you, and it’s true of your
lodging. There are B&Bs on the
Battery, beautiful eight-bedroom
beachside vacation rentals for the
whole clan in Mount Pleasant, and more
modestly priced motels in surrounding
areas. You’ll find what fits your
needs at Three Incredible
Accommodations Values or Vacation
Rental Homes.
But let’s say you’ve
recharged your own battery and
you’re ready to hit the town.
Charleston Tours and Dining can save
you time and standing in line. In fact,
by visiting it online, you can make
some choices before you ever leave
home.
Read about our favorites places to eat
in Charleston
You might start with a carriage ride
around the Battery, followed by a few
hours wandering down Charleston’s
narrow streets. Then rest your feet as
you enjoy the boat ride to Fort Sumter.
You’ll see fabulous houses and
secluded gardens, cobblestone streets,
dolphins in the harbor, and local
artisans weaving sweetgrass
baskets.
You’ll pass the spot on the
Battery where in 1861 Gen. Beauregard
watched as the first shot was fired in
the Civil War, and you’ll visit
the little island where tenacious
Confederate soldiers held out for an
amazing 27 months before surrendering.
Are their ghosts still defending the
shores? Why not?..
That night, you can look forward to a
delicious dinner at one of
Charleston’s many excellent
restaurants, or perhaps on Shem Creek.
There’s one for every budget and
taste close by, from wings and beer to
shrimp n grits to Beef Wellington. Let
our dining section
Charleston's Finest Dining help you
choose.
The next day, after a delicious
breakfast if you’re staying in a
B&B or a continental breakfast at
your hotel, you could spend hours
drifting through the art-deco elegance
of stores on
King Street, or buy t-shirts and
local art at the more casual stalls in
the Market. There are museums, art
galleries, historical homes and
buildings, an aquarium, and the Imax
Theater to keep you busy.
In the evening, theater buffs can
choose from the oldest continuously
running theater in the country (Dock
Street Theater) to the Footlight
Players, a performance by the
Charleston Symphony Orchestra or
perhaps the College of
Charleston’s Gospel Choir.
Visit our cultural venues in
Charleston.
By the way, one of Charleston’s
many nicknames is The Holy City.
You’ll understand why as you look
around and see beautiful churches and
synagogues on nearly every corner.
Make your own tour visiting all of the
historic churches.
Our proximity to Hilton Head, Seabrook
and Kiawah entices golfers and tennis
players year-round. We have our own
courses, of course, to putter around
on. Myrtle Beach, with its 130+ (they
build new ones daily, it seems!) golf
courses, big-name entertainment and
lots of outlets is an easy two-hour
drive.
By now it’s starting to feel like
home, and thoughts of relocating swirl
through your head. Are you serious?
Check out the relocation and
real estate guide, and the Homes
for Sale Guide… sure, the Battery
houses are out of most price ranges but
real estate in the greater Charleston
area is still considered to be
reasonable, according to analysts.
It’s all here waiting for you.
Pack those bags! |
