Delights of Charleston

Named the “Holy City” by the locals because of the high number of churches, Charleston, South Carolina is a treasure of a vacation destination.  Located in the heart of “low country,” and near the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston draws visitors from many different categories.  The historic hotels, eclectic restaurants, historic architecture and destination shopping areas draw visitors to Charleston from all over the world.

Civil War buffs will love visiting Patriots Point and Fort Sumpter, the site that kicked off the Civil War.  Adventurers will love the water sports including sailing, motor boating and the very popular activity, flyboarding.

Though on a small scale, the shopping in Charleston can compete with major shopping destinations like New York and Chicago.  Along historic King Street, you’ll find national brands, such as Pottery Barn, H&M and even Louis Vuitton.  

If searching for handmade items, there are two places to start your search.  The Saturday market occurs every weekend in the park located on King Street, across the street from the historic Francis Marion Hotel.  Local vendors display handmade artwork, fresh vegetables, pickles and jams, and more.  This is a perfect place for getting a special and unique gift.  

The most famous of the outdoor markets is the City Market which spans three blocks between Market Street and King Street, near the Doubletree Hotel.  You’ll find more handmade items at this market with everything from scarves, jewelry, ornaments, artwork to my personal favorite, handmade seagrass baskets.  Descendants of the Gullah community can be seen every few feet weaving and selling incredibly beautiful handmade baskets.  Take the time to talk to the basket weavers.  Learning a little history from the weaver’s story will add a personal element to your basket purchase.

If architecture is your thing, then Charleston is your place to be.  Not many cities in the United States offer such historic architecture to study, all within walking distance.  A walk down King Street combines modern capitalism with 19th century charm.  Venture “South of Broad” street for an amazing visual journey through Charleston’s historic residential homes and mansions. 

Keep heading south until you reach the waterfront to see “the Battery,” a picturesque row of historic homes which, just like their city, have withstood countless hurricanes and endured for us to enjoy.

Carriage tours of the "South of Broad" area are very popular in Charleston. I recommend that you do this on your first day in Charleston.  The tour guides are incredibly knowledgable about the city’s history and the one hour tour is packed with facts and sights that will draw you back to the area.  Don’t forget your camera because the distinct Charleston architecture with wrought iron, exposed bricks, cobblestones and columns beg to be photographed.

After you know your way around, rent a bicycle and ride along the water's edge around the southern tip of the peninsula. 

Side entry front doors are common in Charleston architecture.

Church steeples are everywhere in Charleston.

Dining is one of the biggest draws to Charleston.  This city is emerging as one of the top food cities in the nation.  The quality of restaurants compare easily with New Orleans, New York, San Francisco and Chicago.  While you can find regional and ethnic cuisines, most of the popular restaurants feature “low country” cuisine.  

 In the northern end of the historic district, you’ll find hip, trendy restaurants geared to the uptown younger set.  The further south you go, the more upscale and refined dining you will find.  Fine dining in Charleston has a decided casual feel.  Staples of low country cuisine such as Shrimp and Grits, She Crab Soup and pimento cheese can be found on almost any menu with an upscale twist or a traditional presentation.  Fried seafood and chicken are a must at casual restaurants. Try Closed for Business, for eclectic sandwiches and a varied beer menu near the corner of King and Meeting Streets, www.closed4business.com.  Visit Slightly North of Broad or (SNOB) for a refined upscale menu with a southern twist, while taking in the exposed brick and wrought ironwork. 

For good food with a few of the water, try Fleet’s Landing.  This 1940’s former U.S. Navy building features fantastic views of the harbor and Fort Sumter with “navy nautical decor.”  The menu features items with an inventive twist on southern favorites.  Try the Stuffed Hush Puppies, She Crab Soup and one of the “Blue Plate Specials.” http://www.fleetlanding.net

Poogan’s Porch, located in a restored Victorian two story home on Queen Street, is one of the most well known restaurants in Charleston. 

Named for the home’s previous owner’s dog who claimed the porch for his own, the restaurant’s “low country” menu will make you feel at home.  Open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner, the restaurant has an extensive wine list and makes mean Bloody Mary’s.  The biscuits and fried chicken are to die for!

http://www.poogansporch.com

Head uptown on King Street to Stars.  The inventive Tapas menu is great for sharing and the roof top bar attracts the locals.  Try on of the eclectic cocktails or a wine on tap. 

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