Charleston in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is a charming city with great southern food and hospitality. If you enjoy American war history, beaches and palmetto trees, gardens and graveyards, or fresh seafood, Charleston should be on your list of places to visit. Where to Stay To experience the character of this city, a B&B close to downtown is the best accommodation option, but for a serene and secluded getaway, check out the Inn at Middleton Place, located right along the Ashley River. It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, but a stay at the Inn includes access to the historical Middleton Place, which has beautiful gardens, stables, and a museum. Historic Places Charleston is known for its many churches and its long history. The city played an important role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Fort Sullivan and Fort Sumter were the setting for battles of the Revolutionary War and Civil War respectively. Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, is accessible by ferry from Liberty Square, where you can visit an education center to learn about the Battle of Fort Sumter before you take a tour of the island. The Battery (or Battery Park) offers great views of Fort Sumter, antebellum homes, and a scenic park along the promenade. Museum Mile on Meeting Street downtown, is where many historic churches, buildings and museums are centralized. Check out the 300 year old Powder Magazine, South Carolina’s oldest public building. Islands and Around Since Charleston consists of a group of barrier islands, there are a few great places to enjoy the beach. Folly Beach is a good suggestion for a beach day. Located  a short distance from downtown Charleston, it has its own little beach town. Right off the coast is Morris Island Lighthouse, one of the best-known landmarks of South Carolina. On Johns Island, you’ll find the Angel Oak, a large southern Live Oak tree estimated around 1500 years old, making it one of the oldest Live Oak trees in the world. Shopping and Dining Downtown Charleston is great for shopping and dining. Walk along the palm tree lined cobblestone streets and check out the Market, a covered outdoor marketplace where you can see (overpriced) handmade crafts and souvenirs. Gilligan’s is a popular restaurant right near the Market, where you can try the South Carolina specialty, She-crab soup. Another option is Jestine’s Kitchen, which has amazing southern food at a great price. It gets very busy for dinner, so be prepared to wait. Charleston – Trivia One last note about Charleston – it consistently places near the top of the list of the most haunted cities in the United States. Whether you enjoy ghost stories and ghost hunting, or just like to hear tales of characters from the city’s past, look into taking a walking tour of Charleston’s haunted places, which often include graveyards, jails, and dungeons. Many of these guided tours are available at night for an extra spooky way to spend an evening in Charleston.