The Ultimate Charleston SC Travel Guide

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What to do and see in Charleston

ISSUE 3| 2022 C HARLE STON

T RA VEL

GUIDE

CHARLESTON TRAVEL GUIDE

With its stunning architecture, rich history, proximity to the water, wide range of cultural and recreational activities and its widely renowned Southern Charm, it's not hard to understand why Charleston (nicknamed The Holy City) was named, not only the Best Small City in the World by Conde Nast but also the number one of the US cities to visit by Travel & Leisure.

Julia x thevelvetrunway.com

In fact Charleston, South Carolina, has been named the Top City in the World by Conde Nast Traveler nine years in a row and voted the best American city by Travel & Leisure readers for 10 years in a row making it a World's Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree.

Charleston This 17th-century Southern port was

It has everything to offer visitors from

initially known as "Charles Town," and was

discovering its rich history, its natural

named after King Charles II of England. Its

beauty (such as the colorful historic

nickname is the Holy City because of its

homes of Rainbow Row, the Pineapple

history of religious tolerance and its many

Fountain in Waterfront Park), gorgeous

places of worship.

beaches, a variety of food, art and entertainment options, great shopping,

It has a rich history, as like much of the

as well as its cultural and recreational

South, Charleston's wealth was built with

activities that cater to locals and visitors

slave labour, especially on the cotton and

alike.

rice plantations, so it isn’t particularly surprising that Charleston was also where

Here is my guide for what to do in

the American Civil War began with the first

Charleston and why you should have

shots being fired here by the Confederate

Charleston on your travel bucket list.

Troops when they fired upon Fort Sumter, successfully driving out the federal forces.

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Contents 6

WHEN TO GO The best time of year to visit Charleston

9

WHAT TO DO Our top ten tips for what to see and what to do

11

STROLL AROUND THE HISTORIC CENTER

14

TAKE A PHOTO IN RAINBOW ROW

17

VISIT CHARLESTON CITY MARKET

20

SHOP ON KING STREET

24

VISIT THE MAGNOLIA PLANTATION

28

VISIT MIDDLETON PLACE PLANTATION

32

RELAX ON THE BEACH

35

TAKE A TRIP TO FORT SUMTER

38

VISIT MAGNOLIA CEMETERY

41

RIVER CRUISE AND HORSEDRAWN CARRIAGE

44

WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO EAT

C H A R L E S T O N

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G U I D E

When to go Located on the South Carolina coast, Charleston has a subtropical climate, which makes temperatures and conditions favorable most of the year, although you should be aware that Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30 annually, with peak time between August and October.

The best times to visit Charleston are in the Spring (March to May) and the Fall ( from September to November), when temperatures are pleasant but not too stifling.

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When to visit Charleston

High Season :Spring and Fall

There are two peak seasons in Charleston. The first is in spring, from March to May, when the temperatures are mild and the

Shoulder season: Summer (July/ August)

Low season : Winter (January to March)

Summers can be

Winter is off-season in

oppressively hot and

Charleston, with the exception

humid in Charleston, and

of the holiday season.

Hurricane Season starts in

magnolia trees and azaleas are in

June with peak time

full bloom. However, hotels may be

between August and

easily booked up, especially during

October.

the Easter holidays.

It can be quite chilly at this time of year, but you are more likely to find good hotel deals and it will be easier to book attractions as there are fewer

The second peak comes in the Fall

tourists.

from September to November, when the temperatures cool off and it’s therefore more enjoyable for sightseeing.

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C H A R L E S T O N

T R A V E L

G U I D E

What to do Our top ten picks for visiting Charleston: an overview of the top 10 attractions, including Fort Sumter, the Magnolia Plantation, the historic centre, the Isle of Palms and more.

FIAT LUXE ROOFTOP BAR AND RESTAURANT Experience a panoramic view of Charleston’s skyline paired with an expansive spirit selection and specialty seasonal cocktails.

Fiat Luxe at the Hotel Bennett

Stroll around the historic centre You can easily explore all of the historic district on foot (or by bicycle), covering Marion Square, King Street, Market Street, the French quarter, the Waterfront Park, Church Street and the Battery.

Here are some of the stopping points you mustn’t miss!

The French Quarter Charleston’s French Quarter might not be as renowned as the one in New Orleans, but it’s just as beautiful, and both Rainbow Row and Charleston Market can be found in this area. It also has some cute boutiques and great restaurants.

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Waterfront Park

The Battery and White Point Garden

This half-mile stretch of waterfront

Named for its former use as an artillery

overlooks the Cooper River and the

battery, this defensive seawall is now a

Charleston Harbor, and in the middle

picturesque walkway which runs from

of the park you will find the much

Waterfront Park along East Battery Street,

photographed Pineapple Fountain,

which is famous for its gorgeous

which has become a must-see for any

antebellum homes, to White Point Garden

visitor to Charleston.

at its southern tip.

It’s the perfect place for taking a stroll

White Point garden provides a spectacular

and strategically placed benches under

view of Fort Sumter and Charleston

shady trees make it also a great place

Harbor, where the Ashley and Cooper

to rest and admire the river view.

rivers empty into the Atlantic Ocean. You can also see an impressive display of cannons which served to defend the city during the Civil War

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Rainbow Row is probably one of the

Take a photo in Rainbow Row

most iconic parts of Charleston and comprises a block of 13 colorfully painted houses (running from 83 to 107 East Bay Street), and while each is privately owned, city ordinances are in place to keep their pastel colors intact.

It’s one of the most photographed spots in Charleston and will be easy to find if you just look out for the crowds of tourists taking photographs there!

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As time went on, other residents on the street began to paint their homes various pastel colors as well, and the houses along this row were restored and painted in pastel pinks, yellows, blues, and greens during the 1930s and ‘40s.

There is much debate as to whether this was a question of simply copying your neighbour, a way to make the houses cooler during the stifling Charleston Summers or just a way for drunk sailors to find their way home easier.

Others speculate that the different colors were the merchants’ way of indicating what types of items they sold there.

Whatever the reason, this pastel colored row However the houses that make up

of houses is now one of Charleston’s most

Rainbow Row were not always

iconic and instagrammable spots!

brightly colored and so aesthetically pleasing! They were first constructed

From Rainbow Row, you are just a short walk

around 1740 and were used by

from the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront

merchants who would run their

Park.

business on the ground floor and live on the top floor, but after the Civil War, this area was rather run-down and considered a slum.

INSIDER TIP : GET THERE EARLY IN

This all changed in 1931 when Dorothy Porcher Legge and her

THE MORNING FOR THE BEST

husband Judge Lionel Legge

LIGHTING AND TO AVOID THE

purchased some of the houses on East Bay Street, and Dorothy decided to paint the homes a pretty shade of pastel pink, hoping to make the area look nicer.

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Charleston City Market is one of the country’s oldest public markets and

Visit Charleston City Market

it spans four city blocks from Market Hall to East Bay Street in the French Quarter.

It was built in 1804 and although you may hear people refer to it as the “slave market”, no slaves were ever bought or sold here! It was actually the market where slaves went to buy meat, vegetables and seafood for the plantation.

Today it is home to more than 300 vibrant entrepreneurs selling souvenirs, crafts, art, jewelry, woven baskets, Christmas decorations and the famous Gullah sweetgrass baskets.

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Charleston City Market Photos courtesy of ExploreCharleston.

The Day Market is open every day of the year except Christmas Day from 9:30am- 5pm and the Great Hall shops stay open until 6pm.

The Night Market is open every Friday and Saturday evening from March to December from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m and is a free event with live entertainment and over 100 talented artisans showcasing their crafts.

Take a stroll through the market to experience Charleston's true Southern charm, and if you are looking for a uniquely Charleston souvenir or piece of artwork, this is the place to find it!

You will find a mix of handcrafted and reproduction products, and if you want to be sure that a product is 100% fabricated in the Charleston area, look for a green and creamcolored tile that reads “Certified Authentic: Handmade in Charleston”, as Charleston City Market has implemented an award program to recognize vendors who produce locally handcrafted products.

Each honoree receives a ceramic tile with the City Market seal to display so that shoppers can be sure that they sell certified local products. The goal of the program is to recognize and support local artisans and bring awareness to the uniqueness of their craft.

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Citrus Club at The Dewberry

Photo Credit : Andrew Cebulka

thedewberrycharleston.com/drinks-dining

The crown jewel in a city known for its steepled skyline and sea-skimming views, The Dewberry’s 8th floor terrace features the highest rooftop in Charleston.

Shopping on Historic King street (or just strolling and window shopping)

Shop on King Street

needs to be at the top of your list of things to do in Charleston.

King Street is home to a variety of shops and boutiques, from national retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora and Anthropologie to local shops such as Beau & Ro, Croghan’s Jewel Box, The Boutique, Shoes on King, Candlefish, House of Nomad and more.

It also boasts some of Charleston’s trendiest restaurants, best cocktail bars, hotels, art galleries, and lively nightlife.

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King Street can be split into three main shopping districts : Upper King, Middle King and Lower King and each has its particular thematic.

Lower King Street runs from Broad Street to Market Street and is aptly named the Antique District, as you can find antiques from any period and from all over the world. It was voted the "Best Antique Shopping in the U.S." by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine.

Middle King, from Market Street to Calhoun Street, is the King Street Fashion District, and was named one of the country's "10 Top Shopping Districts in the USA'' by Forbes Traveler.

Here, you will find a mix of national brands, such as H&M, Luleman, J Crew and Anthropologie interspersed with locally-owned boutiques.

Just North of Market Street and between King and Meeting streets, you will find the Shops at Charleston Place, located in the Charleston Place Hotel where you can shop high end luxury brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tommy Bahama.

Upper King Street, from Calhoun Street/ Marion Square to Spring Street, is the Design and Dining District, and is also home to the majority of the best restaurants in Charleston. It was initially named the Design district because of its stunning architecture, art galleries, home furnishings and interior decor shops but it is now also one of the liveliest areas for Charleston’s nightlife and boasts some of the city’s vibrant new restaurants.

On the second Sunday of each month, King Street is blocked off to traffic from Calhoun to Queen Street from 1 to 5 pm to enable visitors and locals of all ages to enjoy shopping, live music, and open-air dining.

Whether you are shopping for souvenirs, clothing, high end goods, or antiques, or just looking for a great place to eat, Charleston is the place to be!

And every Saturday from April until the end of November, Marion Square is home to the Farmer's Market, which is a great place to pick up freshly prepared food, as well as artwork and handcrafted goods. During the first three weekends in December, the farmers market is transformed into a seasonal Christmas market, with extended opening hours.

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Visit the Magnolia Plantation

The Magnolia Plantation is a former rice plantation near the Ashley River, which has been owned by the Drayton family since 1676.

It was originally a rice plantation, but when the Civil War effectively ended the plantation economy of the South, Magnolia Plantation had to find a new source of income, and in 1870 the gardens were opened to the public for the first time, making Magnolia Plantation one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country and Charleston’s earliest tourist attraction.

The Magnolia Plantation tells two stories though : first, the history of the Drayton family that owned the property from its inception and second the story of the African-American families who were enslaved here before becoming paid staff.

African-American people have lived

Once you have finished the main house

and worked at Magnolia throughout its

tour, then head to The "From Slavery to

350-year history, first as enslaved

Freedom" Tour, where you can see a

workers and then, after emancipation,

reminder of what life was like for the

as paid garden staff, and the guided

enslaved workers and see the contrast

tours at this plantation tell both stories

between the two sides of the

and don’t sugar-coat this period of

plantation. The Magnolia Cabin Project

American History.

at the plantation preserves five former slave dwellings that date back to 1850,

I really recommend doing the Main

with each of the five cabins

House tour followed by the "Freedom

representing a specific period.

to Slavery" Tour to understand this tale of two sides. The 45-minute guided tour of the Main House explores the

Take some time to explore the beautiful

history of the Draytons and Magnolia

gardens and find out why Travel and

Plantation, and covers most of the

Leisure called Magnolia “One of

beautifully decorated home, whilst also

America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” .

telling the stories of the family who lived here.

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Year-round beauty is provided by camellias, daffodils, azaleas, and of course magnolias! And of course, there is the wildlife, including the alligators, who are very real, and I would personally not ignore the sign that reminds you not to feed them!

They also offer a tram tour around the property, and a rice-field boat tour (where you are almost guaranteed to see alligators!)

There is also a shaded outdoor food stand to take a drink and/or snack break during your explorations.

General admission includes access to Magnolia's historic gardens, the zoo and nature center, the Tropical Conservatory, the horticultural maze, and the hiking and biking trails through the woods, swamp, and around the former rice impoundments. The house tour, nature

PRICE: ADULTS $29 CHILD, AGES 6-12 $15 CHILDREN 5 AND UNDER - FREE HOURS: OPEN EVERYDAY 9:00-5:00 EXCEPT CHRISTMAS EVE 9AM-3PM CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY!

tram, nature boat and swamp garden incur an additional cost.

Buy tickets here.

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Middleton Place is another plantation option for visitors to Charleston, and although it shares common features with Magnolia, it is a different experience, as it offers a sit-down restaurant and even has its own inn if you want to stay the night!

The historic site, located along the Ashley River, encompasses 110 acres including the Gardens, House Museum, Stableyards, and Eliza’s House.

As with the Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place tells the history of the Middleton family that owned the property from its inception in 1741, and secondly the story of the enslaved Africans and African-Americans who lived and worked there.

Visit Middleton Place Plantation

In 1741 Henry Middleton married Mary

The house tour is an optional extra to

Williams, the only daughter and heiress of

your entrance ticket, but Eliza’s House,

John Williams, a wealthy landowner. Mary’s

named for its last resident, Eliza Leach,

dowry included the house and the land

which introduces visitors to the

that was to become Middleton Place. Mary

institution of slavery and the lives of the

and Henry would have 7 children and in

enslaved Africans and African

1755, flankers were built on the north and

Americans who labored at Middleton

south sides of the main house to meet the

Place, is included in your entrance.

needs of their growing family.

Eliza’s House is a reconstruction The North Flanker housed a library,

African-American freedman’s home,

collected artworks and a music room. The

which houses a permanent exhibit on

South Flanker, which today serves as a

slavery entitled “Beyond the Fields”,

House Museum, was built as plantation

which documents the story of slavery in

offices and gentlemen’s guest quarters.

South Carolina and at Middleton Place.

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The focal point of the exhibit is a panel with the names of over 2800 African and African-American men, women and children enslaved by the Middletons.

General Admission currently includes access to 65 acres of formal landscaped Gardens, a look at 18th and 19th century plantation life with exhibits, displays, artisans and historic animal breeds in the Stableyards and daily outdoor tours. The House Museum Tour is an additional $15.

PRICE: ADULTS, 14 AND UP $29 ($32 IN PERSON) STUDENT, AGES 14 AND OVER WITH STUDENT ID $15 CHILD, AGES 6-13 $10

You can buy tickets here or buy a package with transport from Charleston and lunch here.

HOURS : OPEN DAILY, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED

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Stay and Dine at Middleton Place

Hotel guests and non-residents can also choose to eat at The Adjacent to Middleton Place National Historic Landmark, the 55-room Inn at Middleton Place blends nearly seamlessly with its natural environment and provides a relaxing place for guests to unwind. Floor to ceiling windows, cypress wood paneling, seasonal fireplaces, and an opportunity to explore the landscape along the historic Ashley River are just a few of the reasons to love The Inn, and guests also receive complimentary general admission to Middleton Place for the length of their stay.

Middleton Place Restaurant, which offers traditional Low Country favorites, such as shrimp and grits, fried chicken and collard greens.

Inspired by the recipes and spirit of former resident chef and renowned southern chef Edna Lewis, all dishes are made from fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, many of which are provided from the on-site farm and gardens.

Relax on the Beach!

Downtown Charleston is just a short drive from the area's three popular beaches: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, and Sullivan's Island Beach, with each having its own distinct feel.

Folly Beach attracts more young visitors in pursuit of the best surf, whereas Sullivan’s Island is quieter and more residential and the place where you are most likely to find locals. Isle of Palms is somewhere in between with plenty of activities for all the family.

Known to locals as the “Edge of America”, Folly Beach is everything a lively beach town should be: Surf shops, lively bars and restaurants, where dress code is beach casual, are abundant, and it’s a great place to take advantage of the area's natural beauty, practice watersports and catch some of the area's best waves at the area known as “The Washout”, where high winds create the best surf.

Fairly small, at a little over three square miles in area, Sullivan’s Island boasts a 3 mile sandy beach, great restaurants and unique shops, plus a colorful history, as it is also home to Fort Moultrie. So you can combine a day on the beach with visiting the fort where Captain George S. James ordered his battery to fire a 10-inch mortar shell, which soared over the harbor and exploded over Fort Sumter, announcing the start of the American Civil War. Take a walk to see the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse and if you get tired of the beach, then there is a wide variety of restaurants and bars just a few blocks back from the beachfront.

The neighboring Isle of Palms is a great place to spend a day on the beach and it is family-friendly with relatively easy parking.

With six miles of white, sandy beaches, the Isle of Palms is known for its quiet atmosphere, pristine beaches and clean water, its marina, natural wildlife as well as upscale resorts, spas, championship golf and great restaurants.

Isle of Palms was voted number 6 among the Top 10 North America Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards.

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You'll be glad you came!

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See where the first shots of the Civil War rang out over 150 years

Take a trip to Fort Sumter

ago with a ferry ride, narrated by a National Park Ranger, along the Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter.

The 30 minute boat trip will take you past the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Battery and White Point Garden, and you will probably be accompanied by one or more dolphins on your trip as they love to play in the wake of the boat.

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When you arrive at Fort Sumter, you will have approximately one hour to visit the grounds where America’s Civil War began, and you can choose to learn more about the role of this fort in US history with a short presentation by a National Park Ranger, before exploring the fort ruins and browsing the Museum and Souvenir Shop at your own pace.

Boats depart at scheduled times from two sites in Charleston. The primary departure point is the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center in Liberty Square at 340 Concord Street, but boats also depart from Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant.

The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The building and exhibits inside are free to enjoy. Restrooms and a water bottle fill station are available for your convenience and water bottle filling stations are also available on Fort Sumter.

Please be aware that, although entrance to the visitor centre is free, there is a fee for the concession-operated ferry, and that private boats are not allowed to dock at Fort Sumter.

You can book tickets here.

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ÉLEVÉ Élevé was concocted for the curious, and offers handcrafted delicacies in a sumptuous setting.

Refresh your mind and nourish your soul in the elegant rooftop garden, as you overlook the cobblestone streets of magical downtown Charleston.

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The 128 acre Magnolia Cemetery was

Drive or walk around Magnolia Cemetery

founded in 1849 and first dedicated in 1850 on the land of a former rice plantation as part of a new rural cemetery movement that crossed from Europe to America in the mid19th century.

It is home to 35,000 permanent residents, including authors, poets, artists, Confederate and Union soldiers, prominent politicians, bootleggers, prostitutes, and socialites.

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Some of its well-known residents include governors Thomas Bennett, Langdon Cheves, Horace L. Hunley and Robert Barnwell Rhett, as well as hundreds of Confederate soldiers. The Confederate Soldiers buried here include five generals - Micah Jenkins, Arthur Manigault, Roswell Ripley, James Conner and C.H. Stevens.

Today, Magnolia Cemetery continues as one of the best and most beautiful examples of rural and Victorian cemetery design and its beautifully landscaped paths, ponds and green spaces make it a must-visit spot in Charleston.

You can simply drive through Magnolia Cemetery or you can pick up a walking map at the front office and wander through the cemetery for free, or book a walking tour here.

HOURS: OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 5 PM (OPEN UNTIL 6 PM DURING DST) ADDRESS : 70 CUNNINGTON AVE CHARLESTON SC 29405

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Getting out on the water is a must when you visit Charleston, and a cruise through the Charleston Harbor on an oldfashioned 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht is the perfect way to experience this.

You can watch the sun set over historic Charleston on a one and a half hour sunset cruise, or opt for a daytime trip.

DURATION : 1 1/2 HOURS PRICE: TICKETS START FROM €36,82 BUY TICKETS HERE

Take a riverboat cruise or a trip in a horsedrawn carriage.

Explore Charleston's historic district on a horse or mule-drawn carriage tour, that takes in some of the historic downtown district’s most elegant mansions and gardens, learning about the architecture of each place as you drive along. Catch the scent of jasmine flowers from deep, shady porches, and pass by rows of bristling palmetto trees.

Get an overview of Charleston’s dramatic history, from long-ago pirate raids to plantations, Revolutionary battles, the Civil War, and Reconstruction from your guide.

You can pre-book here.

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C H A R L E S T O N

T R A V E L

G U I D E

Where to stay and where to eat Our top picks for where to stay and where to eat in Charleston

If this is your first time visiting Charleston, then a great place to stay would be the historic center, including Marion Square, King Street and the French Quarter neighbourhood, as from here you can easily visit most of Charleston on foot or by bike.

Where

However, if you are on a budget, you could save money on accommodation by staying in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, or North Charleston, but you would then have

to

the cost and inconvenience of needing to hire a vehicle or

stay

If spending time on the beach is a key priority, then you

depend on public transport to get around.

might want to consider staying out on Sullivan's Island or the Isle of Palms. This is great if you want to be able to walk to the beach and chill in beach bars and restaurants but much less convenient for sightseeing.

We stayed in Marion Square, which was the perfect location for sightseeing and we only needed to use.a car to get to the plantations and the beach.

Have a look here for some places to stay.

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Francis Marion Hotel

Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (the “Swamp Fox”), the Francis Marion Hotel became an instant Charleston landmark when it opened in 1924. Rising 12 stories above the Historic District, the hotel offers spectacular views of Charleston and provides easy access to a wealth of Charleston's activities.

The hotel is conveniently located on Marion Square in the heart of downtown's Historic District and is within walking distance of the magnificent gardens, museums, antique shops, local boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife that has made Charleston one of the South’s premier cities.

Designed by renowned architect W.L.Stoddart, the hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in the 1990's, which earned it an esteemed National Trust Award.

The hotel has over 200 guest rooms, as well as 3 ballrooms, 8 breakout meeting rooms, and offers self park or valet parking next door to the hotel.

Rich history with modern convenience in the heart of historic Charleston

Guests can enjoy classic Southern As soon as you step into the luxurious lobby, you will experience the history and charm that are inherent to the Francis Marion hotel, but you will also find all the modern facilities you would expect of a luxury hotel, including doormen, bell service, a concierge service, complimentary WIFI and complimentary use of the business center.

If you are looking to relax, then you might want to try the Spa Adagio and the well-equipped 24 hour fitness center.

cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, a Charleston restaurant, known for its artfully prepared dishes using local farm fresh ingredients. Or simply relax with cocktails and jazz piano music in The Swamp Fox Bar. Or you can simply order room service or pop into the onsite "Starbucks" coffee shop.

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The northern part of King Street is home to some of the city's best bars and restaurants. Try Indaco Italian Restaurant for relaxed dining with an outdoor patio or The Ordinary for seafood eaten in a bank from the 1920's.

Charleston’s French Quarter is known for its cobblestone streets, beautiful courtyards and stunning architecture but it also has a reputation for refined restaurants and eclectic craft cocktails. Try Muse Restaurant and Wine Bar or Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge.

Where to eat

If you're looking for beach vibes, then you could try the Obstinate Daughter or Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island or head acros to the Isle of Palms and try Coconut Joe's or Islander 71.

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I hope you find this guide to Charleston helpful.

Don't forget to visit The Velvet Runway for more travel guides and tips.

Happy travelling!

Julia x julia@thevelvetrunway.com thevelvetrunway.com

Copyright ©2022 Julia Rees / The Velvet Runway All rights reserved.