by Joy Boudreau

Created on: March 20, 2007   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Charleston, SC is a place rich with history and full of magic. Charleston was one of the first colonies - originally named Charles Town. The city played a major part in the Revolutionary War and later in the Civil War. You can still visit the ruins of Fort Sumter - where the "short heard round the world" was fired. When you visit Charleston, you will find yourself transported into the past. The buildings are wonderfully kept up, and there are many beautifully restored homes. For a fee, you may tour many of the homes.

Activities abound in Charleston, SC. Truly there is something for everyone. The aquarium lets you tour sea life from the rivers and streams of South Carolina all the way to the Atlantic ocean dwellers. Of course, there is the beach. You will not find a sandy beach in downtown Charleston, however. You will have to go to the Isle of Palms, or to Folly Beach. Both are within reasonable driving distance. For the history buffs, you may take walking tours and river cruises. Even self-guided tours are fun. There is a lot to look at. Play in the fountain at Waterfront park. Relax on the swings on the pier. Walk along the cobblestone streets, look at the beautiful gardens and houses. If you find a garden with the gate open, that is an invitation to come in and enjoy the flowers. For those who like old cemeteries, Charleston is a treasure. If you look, you can even find signers of the constitution buried in Charleston. For the ladies, there are hundreds of shopping opportunities. From the mall to the open air market on Market St, you can find anything and everything that you're looking for. Everyone enjoys the carriages rides and ghost tours (twighlight is the best time for ghost tours).

Speaking of ghosts, one of my favorite restaurants is haunted. Stop and eat at Poogan's Porch on Queen St. I won't tell you the story - I'll let you ask the waiter about the latest sitings...

You will find restaurants for everyone in Charleston. Sticky Fingers and Bubba Gumps are favorites. You will find sandwich shops, seafood diners, and high class joints - the aroma of grilled meat fills the air calling you to come in and indulge. Ice cream shops, chocolate shops - You will not lack for food in Charleston.

A few tips:

1) While staying in a hotel downtown Charleston is fantastic, your pocket book will love you if you book a room in North Charleston instead. It is only a 15-20 minute drive into Charleston and the directions are simple.

2 Parking garages are plentiful, but if you don't mind a little extra walking, you can park for free along the Battery (at the tip of the peninsula)

3) There are few public bathrooms. You are discouraged from using a restaurant's facilities unless you are a patron. However, there are mens and ladies rooms in the parking garages.

4) Lunch at fine restaurants is cheaper than dinner.

5) Don't plan too much in one day. You will enjoy yourself more if you take your time and enjoy the culture. One activity a day (perhaps two, if one is in the morning and one in the afternoon) is plenty.

6) If someone stops and talks with you, chances are he or she is a native Charlestonian, and is showing genuine southern hospitality. Relax and smile. They are not after your pocketbook.

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