D E S T I N AT I O N S
Southern
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CHARM Charleston is a quirky city with history and beauty around every corner, not to mention the satisfying Lowcountry cuisine for which this US state is famous
W O R D S A L LY S O N P O R T E E
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obblestone streets, quaint corners with hidden treasures, long avenues with Spanish moss draped from tree to tree, pristine waterfront views, salty marshlands, charming architecture, art galleries, Lowcountry Southern Cooking, and walkable views – this is Charleston, South Carolina, and it’s a must visit. South Carolina, the eighth state admitted into the union of the United States in 1788, has a unique history. With its name signed to the Declaration of Independence, it joined 12 British colonies and defied the British crown by choosing to secede from Great Britain in 1776. Today, as you walk the streets of Charleston, old world British colonial-style architecture circa 1600s to mid-1700s yells out of symmetrical façades, SEPTEMBER 2021
pillars, columns, and multi-pane windows. South Carolina was also the first state to secede from the United States in 1860 when the port city of Charleston fired cannons at Fort Sumter, which can be seen today from the Battery. Now 351 years old, Charleston draws tourists from all over the world. New York City may have skyscrapers that kiss the sky, Chicago may have deep-dish pizza, Texas may have roaming steer, and Los Angeles may have a robust cinema industry that entertains us in our living rooms, but Charleston has charm, some of the best Southern Lowcountry food on offer, amazing hospitality, and captivating nooks and crannies no matter where you turn. So, put those the bright lights and big city vibes to the side and prepare to be amazed at one of America’s gems.
