Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Holiday Hotspot – Charleston South Carolina Following the war, many historically significant buildings in Charleston were repaired instead of replaced. It is this trip back in time to the heart of South Carolina that now attracts visitors in search of history, culture, character, southern charm and entertainment. The city centre around King Street is a delightful place to stroll, perhaps pausing to admire White Point Gardens, the Calhoun Mansion or the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. In addition, the Confederate Museum, the Charleston Museum
Palmetto Carriage Tours Charleston
www.robertwalshe.com
and the Aquarium are all well worth visiting. The city is also brimming with art galleries such as the Gibbs Museum of Art. There are many historic homes to visit such as the Edmonston-Alston House which overlooks the harbour, and the neo-classical Manigault House. Middleton Place a former plantation home with America’s oldest landscaped gardens, begun in 1741 by Henry Middleton, second president of the First Continental Congress. As for the house, a large part of the three-building residential complex was destroyed during the Civil War, but the section that contained the gentlemen’s guest quarters was restored. It now serves as a house museum. www.middletonplace.org
One of the things that you must do when you visit is to take a guided carriage tour. Most last around an hour and you will learn about buildings, history, architecture and the people of Charleston. www. palmettocarriage.com The rise in popularity of craft brew and small batch spirits has boomed in recent years. Palmetto Brewing Company on Huger Street boasts 7,000 square feet of brewing space with a tasting room and outdoor courtyard to host up to 240 patrons. www.palmettobrewery.com Whether you are visiting for a weekend or family holiday, Charleston has accommodations to fit any budget. The Francis Marion Hotel named after a local war hero could not be situated in a more picture perfect place. The lobby of the four star hotel still exudes its original 1920’s opulent style. Marion Square across the street hosts many events like the weekly farmers market & local festivals. www.francismarionhotel.com Charleston also offers excellent restaurants specialising in southern cuisine. Halls Chophouse on Upper King Street is the go to spot for people looking to add a little style to their culinary travels. Their “gospel brunch” on Sundays featuring the Plantation Singers is unlike any other. Expect dishes such as shrimp & grits, crab cake eggs ben-
Robert Walshe with The Plantation Singers at Charleston Gospel Brunch
edict, and French toast with a twist. www.hallschophouse.com. Owners the Hall family are always on hand to welcome guests and their other dining experience “High Cotton” located in historic downtown offers an old-style plantation atmosphere. A committed member of the farmto-table movement their menu is strong on meat and fish and their cocktails delight. www.highcottoncharleston.com Charleston Grill meanwhile delivers a flawless dining experience. Chef Michelle Weaver creates groundbreaking cuisine with a menu broken into four types of dishes: pure focuses on fresh ingredients, lush delivers lavish French fare, cosmopolitan explores exotic and imaginative cuisine, and southern is the grill’s take on local favourites. A jazz ensemble nightly adds a hip, yet unobtrusive element. www.charle-
stongrill.com For a more informal experience Artisan Meat Share on Spring Street led by Chef Craig Deihl delivers an impressive charcuterie programme. Expect handcrafted sandwiches at this counter-serve eatery, a meat lover’s heaven that doubles as a butcher shop providing locally sourced beef and pork. www.artisanmeatsharecharleston. com For full information, tour and destination details www.charlestoncvb.com Delta airlines fly daily from Dublin to Charleston via Atlanta. www.delta.com My preferred car rental company was Hertz & pick up is available at the International airport. www.hertz.ie Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland. He is also Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com