Travel Dream Streets

Dream Streets

Exploring the Holy City on foot via king and Meeting

BY JOHN O’MARA

There are countless reasons to visit the areas in and around the city of Charleston, South Carolina. There are the beautiful beaches of Sullivan’s and Kiawah islands, as well as historic sites such as Fort Sumter National Monument and Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. And the narrow peninsula upon which the old city sits is overflowing with museums, beautiful parks, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and watering holes of every variety. One could spend a week exploring and never have to return to the same place twice. However, or this visit, we’re keeping the wandering down to a minimum. In fact, we’re going to park the car (save some gas money) and not stray more than a few blocks beyond the boundaries of King and Meeting streets.

King and Meeting form parallel lines that stretch from White Point Garden at the very tip of the peninsula all the way up through the heart of the historic district. The journey north up more than 30 city blocks has one passing numerous local landmarks including Washington Park, Gibbes Museum of Art, Marion Square and the College of Charleston campus. Step a block or two off these two main arteries through the Holy City (a nickname earned because of its abundance of churches and steeples) to visit grand mansions like the Edmondston-Alston House, a Federal style home built in 1825 and now open for public tours. A few blocks away is the Hayward-Washington House, a restored 18th-century Georgian beauty that once belonged to a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Historic names, houses and other buildings pepper the neighborhood, most of them still serving as private residences. There’s the Branford-Horry House (built in 1765), the 262-year-old Samuel Wainwright House, the elegant Poyas-Mordecai House and its trademark Charleston second-floor side-porch perched high above Meeting Street. On they go, block after block of gorgeous homes and gardens, particularly south of Tradd Street. Historical markers are as plentiful as dollar weed in your neighbor’s front yard. Finding these markers and other hidden gems like the Shamrock Garden along Legare Street or the little cemetery outside the Circular Congregational Church are what make exploring Charleston a true adventure. Each street seems prettier than the last, so go ahead, peek over the garden walls or through the gates for glimpses of what hides behind.

As for food and lodging—again, no need to venture far off King and Meeting. Upscale accommodations are plentiful and available at the Grand Bohemian and Charleston Place. The Mills house has a rooftop pool, an especially nice amenity in the summer. Two Meeting Street Inn sits steps from the waterfront Battery and views of the Ashley River and Fort Sumter. Hungry? You can hardly throw an oyster shell without hitting something delicious. The raw bar at The Darling is wonderful, as are the shrimp and grits at Tommy Condon’s Irish pub. The desserts and sandwiches at La Patisserie in the Hotel Bennett shouldn’t be missed. Don’t take out word for it. See where you feet lead you in this coastal gem of a city. u

Autumn has arrived and the leaves are changing, particularly in places north of Northeast Florida. To see fall colors at their best, it’s best to head to places like Great Smokey Mountain National Park in North Carolina. The highest peak in the mountain range is Clingman’s Dome, where a 54-foot observation tower at the very top allows for 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness. The Appalachian Trail skirts right past Clingman’s, marking the highest point along the trail’s nearly 2,200-mile path. The hike up is not for the feint of heart but the views are worth it. If you are up for the challenge, keep in mind the road to the trailhead is closed December through April.

GRAND OPENING

Perched only a stone’s throw from the rambling waterfalls of the Reedy River in Greenville, South Carolina, the Kessler Collection debuted it’s latest boutique hotel earlier this summer. The Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, presents a rustic yet sophisticated setting with wood timbers and stone walls. Leather chairs, mounted deer trophies, and a fireplace in the lobby add more upscale country charm. Of course, being a Kessler property, fine artwork is placed throughout the entire property. Both its signature restaurant, Between the Trees (helmed by Michelin Star chef Nicolas Abello), and Spirit & Bowers lounge offer outdoor seating overlooking the Reedy. Amenities include a wellness center, electric car charging stations and bike rentals.

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