SPRING 2021 ®
TRAVELER of Charleston
The Source For All Things Charleston
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From the Publisher FEATURES
Traveler of Charleston Team
Welcome to Charleston First-Time Visitors Guide Things to Do: Tours + Attractions Charleston Area Events Maps
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ou deserve some time in one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Shake off the challenges of the last year and spend some time soaking up Charleston sunshine. Our local restaurants, museums, tour companies and attractions are ready to welcome you with a heaping dose of southern hospitality. Soak in some gorgeous spring weather with a walk on the beach, a stroll downtown or Sunday brunch outdoors. Take a guided tour, visit a historic attraction, or shop our boutiques and markets – all wonderful ways to support local businesses. If this is your first visit to Charleston, you are in for a treat. Be sure to check out our First -Time Visitors Guide on Page 12. With so much to see and do here, this guide will ensure you experience the best of what Charleston has to offer.
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KEITH SIMMONS has an extensive publishing, marketing and advertising background and founded Traveler Magazine in 2005. His purpose was to develop an affordable and effective visitor medium where businesses could advertise their service. Traveler is now one of the leading visitor resources in the city. Keith lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and three children. He enjoys fishing, kayaking and spending time with his family. HOLLY FISHER is a long-time writer and editor with a love of telling stories. She has lived in Charleston more than 15 years and enjoys sharing the tales of the Holy City with visitors and newcomers to the area. Holly lives in the Mount Pleasant area with her husband, daughter and two dogs. When she isn’t at her computer writing for work and for fun, you can find her reading or doing CrossFit. SALLY HEINEMAN honed her knack for graphic design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where she received a BFA in Graphic Design. Drawn to the South and the love of everything Lowcountry, Sally opened the doors of her graphic design business, Heineman Design, in 1992.
**Please note, we’ve done our best to ensure the information in this issue is current and up to date. Because of COVID-19, many restaurants, attractions and events are operating at limited capacity or may have reduced hours. Please call ahead or check their website for the latest information.
TRAVELER
®
of Charleston
Member of: Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston Restaurant Association; Summerville/Dorchester Chamber of Commerce.
Publisher/Founder.................... Keith Simmons Editor........................................... Holly Fisher Graphic Designer...................... Heineman Design Circulation................................. Brian Bean Cheral McCombs Cover Photographer ............... Kim Graham
info@TRAVELERofCharleston.com | 843-410-2577 | TRAVELERofCharleston.com TRAVELER of Charleston is produced by the Traveler Communications Group, LLC, and is published four times yearly and distributed to various locations throughout the Charleston area, including all visitors centers, hotels, airports, beach rentals, grocery stores, high-traffic areas, advertiser locations and many other points throughout the surrounding area. Concept, design and contents of TRAVELER of Charleston are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. www.travelerofcharleston.com.
The copy and advertising deadline for the next issue is May 30, 2021. 4 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com SPRING 2021
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to CHARLESTON HIS AMAZING PLACE ONLY GETS BETTER WITH TIME. Each year more people flock to this historic port city to explore the history, culture and architecture, and bask in Southern goodness. In recent years, Charleston has become a destination for shopping and its incredible culinary scene is attracting global attention.
From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, this is one city that truly offers something for everyone. But the Holy City has a storied past. An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations. As you’re visiting our beloved city, get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms and delight in all the amazing beauty Charleston has to offer.
1718
1670 English colonists settle Charles Town on the Ashley River
Blackbeard the Pirate sails into Charles Town Harbor with four ships; takes hostages for ransom
1740 Charles Town becomes most critical port in North America for exporting rice
1783 City renamed “Charleston”
1718 1680
Pirate Stede Bonnet is hanged at White Point
Charles Town relocates to the peninsula; population 1,000
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1736 Dock Street Theatre opens; first building in colonial America used exclusively for theatrical performances
1770
1775-1783
College of Charleston founded
Revolutionary War; Siege of Charleston in 1780
1824
1920
Charleston Museum opens to the public (founded in 1773)
Preservation Society founded to protect historic resources
1828-29 Young Army recruit named Edgar Allan Poe is stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island
1864
2016
H.L. Hunley sinks U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston harbor
1989 Hurricane Hugo hits the city and surrounding areas with 135 mph winds
In January Joseph P. Riley Jr. retires after 40 years as Charleston mayor
2006 Charleston Wine + Food Festival founded
1886 1861 1791 President George Washington visits, lodging at what is now the HeywardWashington House and attending a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom
Confederate troops fire the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter
Major earthquake hits Charleston, damaging 2,000 buildings, killing 110 people
2005 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River opens
1977 Spoleto Festival USA begins
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FIRST-TIME VISITORS GUIDE
Charleston has so much to offer that it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to see and do first. If you only have a short time to visit or if it’s your first time in the Holy City, there are a few things you just can’t miss. We’ve compiled a list of the mustvisit attractions and tours to see while you’re here.
CARRIAGE TOUR Book a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown. Your tour guide is randomly assigned a route and will delight your tour group with stories and facts about Charleston from her earliest days to the present.
BUS TOUR Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still take in the sights with a bus tour. Board a climate-controlled bus to see some of historic Charleston’s best views from architecture to gardens.
HIT THE BEACH There are amazing public beaches in Charleston, each with its own vibe and amenities. Visit Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, or check out Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, both of which are located near Mount Pleasant.
SHEM CREEK One of the most picturesque waterways in the area, Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is a great spot for kayaking or simply enjoying drinks and a fresh seafood dinner with a water view.
PLANTATION TOUR Area plantations have tours and special exhibits that offer visitors an eye-opening understanding and deeper education of slave life in the Lowcountry. Local plantations include Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, McLeod Plantation and Middleton Place.
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TO SAVE MONEY, EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE ATTRACTIONS AND MANY MORE VISIT TOURPASS.COM AND CHOOSE A 1, 2, 3, 4 OR 5-DAY PASS
RAINBOW ROW If you’re walking down Market or King streets, take a detour to Rainbow Row and Battery Park starting on East Bay Street. Rainbow Row includes a stretch of 13 brightly colored historic homes that you’ve probably seen in famous photographs. Rainbow Row also sits along the Battery, a Civil War-era defensive seawall and promenade along the Charleston harbor. Continue along the Battery to White Point Garden, a public park on the tip of the peninsula. Walk the park to see several statues and monuments.
WALKING HISTORY TOUR To fully immerse yourself in Charleston culture and history, walk the historic streets on a history tour. These guided tours offer a whole new perspective on the Holy City and afterward you’ll feel like a local with all your newfound Charleston knowledge.
HISTORIC HARBOR Take a harbor tour for a view of Charleston’s skyline and a closer look at the spot where the Civil War began. On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston's harbor. Union soldiers surrendered the fort 34 hours later and tried for nearly four years to take it back.
ANGEL OAK Take the picturesque drive to Johns Island to stand under the branches of the majestic Angel Oak tree. Part of a public city park, its canopy of branches spans 17,000 square feet. The tree is located at 3688 Angel Oak Road. SPRING 2021 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com 13
Things To Do Charleston is known for her rich history, picturesque scenery and culinary excellence. Many experienced touring companies are ready to show you a great time.
How to use this magazine: You’ll find each type of tour and attraction categorized for easy reference. Many listings include a map grid locator. Find the grid location, then reference the maps on pages 24 through 27.
WHETHER YOU’RE A HISTORY BUFF, WATER ENTHUSIAST OR SIMPLY ENJOY STROLLING THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF CHARLESTON YOU’LL FIND PLENTY OF WAYS TO EXPLORE THE HOLY CITY. See a plantation home, tour the harbor, take a carriage ride or visit a museum.
THINGS TO DO
Adventure Sightseeing
Bulldog Tours
AdventureSightseeing.com • 843-762-0088 “See it All” with Charleston’s top-rated bus tour company. With over 30 years of experience offering guided tours of Charleston, Adventure Sightseeing is a must do when visiting. 90minute city tours and plantation tours. The most available combination tours offer great savings on the most popular tours and activities. Departing from the Charleston Visitor’s Center. Free downtown hotel pick up available too!
18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com As seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted Places,” this walking tour company will have you exhilarated and entertained. Choose from four tours: Ghost & Graveyard, The Dark Side of Charleston, Ghost Dungeon and Haunted Jail Tour.
Barrier Island Eco-Tours 50 41st Ave • Isle of Palms Marina • (Map: N:6) 843-886-5000 • nature-tours.com • Naturalist guided boat excursions to Capers Island Preserve. Travel the salt marsh creeks, see dolphins and wildlife up close, explore the “boneyard beach” and walk inland trails. Morning and sunset eco-tours, creek fishing, crabbing, kayaking and beach-side cookouts.
Charleston Crab House Downtown: 41 S. Market St. • (Map I:7) 843-795-1963. James Island: 145 Wappoo Creek Dr. • (Area Map) • 843-853-2900 charlestoncrabhouse.com • Serving Fresh Lowcountry seafood everyday! Indoor/patio, casual and family friendly. Visit James Island for waterfront dining or Market Street for rooftop dining. Reservations recommended
Charleston Harbor Tours Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Rd. • Mount Pleasant (Map: L:4) • 843-884-4371 boonehallplantation.com • One of America’s oldest plantations with more than 320 years of history. Located 8 miles north of Charleston. The “Avenue of Oaks,” nine original slave cabins, house tours and shows included in admission. Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:30p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
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Charleston Maritime Center. • 10 Wharfside St., Charleston • (Map: J:5/6) • 843-722-1112 charlestonharbortours.com • Board the Carolina Belle for Charleston’s top-rated harbor tour. This 90-minute tour is live narrated by the Captain and covers over 75 points of interest and 300 years of history. See Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, Fort Moultrie, Castle Pinckney, The Battery, The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, dolphins, pelicans and much more! Offering great combination packages with other popular attractions saving you time and money!
THINGS TO DO
Charleston Harbor Tours & Palmetto Carriage Combo 843-722-1112 • CharlestonHarborTours.com PalmettoCarriage.com • Join two of Charleston’s most reputable tour companies for the most popular combination tour. This is a great way to save time and money and get a great overview of the Holy City. Book tickets in advance and you can save $6 on adult tickets. You can even split the tours up over different days. Book online or call for tickets.
Charleston Water Taxi Downtown: Maritime Center • 10 Wharfside St. (Map: K:5/6) • Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriots Point • (Map: O:2) Waterfront Park Pier • (Map J:8) • 843-330-2989 charlestonwatertaxi.com • The water taxi runs on a continuous loop around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point (USS Yorktown) and downtown Charleston with pick-up/ drop-off points at the Maritime Center and Waterfront Park.
Deep Water Vineyard 6775 Bears Bluff Rd. • Wadmalaw Island (Area Map) • 843-559-6867 deepwatervineyard.com • Open: Tue - Sat 10 am - 5 pm • After indulging in a tasting at Charleston's only winery, stay and relax. There are animals, a garden, outdoor games and 50 acres to explore. It's a full day of fun for the whole family.
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THINGS TO DO
Fort Sumter Tours
Palmetto Carriage Works
843-722-BOAT(2628) • fortsumtertours.com Walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers as you visit this National Historic Site. Cost includes tour of Charleston harbor onboard the boat plus an hour to explore the fort. The National Park Service maintains the Civil War era fortifications as well as restrooms, a gift shop and the Fort Sumter Museum. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and the only tour that stops at historic Fort Sumter.
8 Guignard St. • (Map: H:7) • 843-723-8145 palmettocarriage.com • Departs from The Big Red Barn every 15 to 20 minutes, rain or shine, beginning at 9 a.m. Tours are one hour long, covering about 25 blocks of residential and historic districts. Guides are city licensed.
Isle of Palms Marina 50 41st Ave • Isle of Palms • (Map: O:6) 843-886-0209 • iopmarina.net • Your one stop shop for all your island needs. Book a boat tour, fishing charter, harbor or dolphin cruise or go jetskiing, rent a boat or stop into our ship store for all your grocery and beer needs.
Nature Adventures 1 Shrimpboat Ln. • Mount Pleasant (Map O:2) • 843-568-3222 kayakcharlestonsc.com • Our focus is on creating experiences! Take a guided kayak or standup paddleboard tour or rent the equipment. Located on picturesque Shem Creek where dolphins and wildlife are all around to experience up-close.
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Schooner Pride – Charleston’s Tall Ship 360 Concord St. • Charleston • (Map: J:5) 843-722-1112 • schoonerpride.com • Board this beautiful, 49 passenger sailing vessel for a unique and breathtaking excursion on Charleston Harbor. Each 2-hour sail is unique as the Pride sails with the wind and tides, but you are sure to have an experience you won’t forget.
Terrace Oaks Antique Mall 2037 Maybank Highway • James Island (area map) • 843-795-9689 • Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. • terraceoaksantiques.com A leader in the Charleston area for multidealer antique shops since 1988. The 10,000-squarefoot, climate-controlled shop houses 90+ booths with all different tastes and styles. When it comes to antiques, they have just about anything your heart desires.
Tidalwave Watersports 69 41st Ave • Isle of Palms (Map: N:6) tidalwavewatersports.com • 843-886-8456 Tidalwave offers the ultimate in parasailing, waverunning, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and boat riding in the Charleston area.
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Charleston Area Events SPRING 2021
BLESSING OF THE FLEET & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Pay tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry at this annal event. Enjoy a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. Event is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25. experiencemountpleasant.com NORTH CHARLESTON ARTS FEST From April 28 to May 2, enjoy numerous events highlighting more than 100 national, regional and local artists and performers as they produce concerts, theater presentations, children’s programs, workshops, exhibitions and public art installations. All events are free or modestly priced and held at various venues around North Charleston. northcharlestonartsfest.com THE LOWCOUNTRY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Presented by Boone Hall, this Mount Pleasant festival is a springtime tradition. From April 29 to May 2, enjoy a Family Festival with a petting zoo, acrobatic dog shows, pig and duck races, a threestory slide tower, two giant jump pillows, playground area, live entertainment and 22 TRAVELER ofCharleston.com SPRING 2021
vendor exhibits. Festival rides are also available (tickets purchased separately from admission). The U-Pick Strawberry field will be open for limited hours during the festival. boonehallplantation.com FESTIVAL OF HOUSES AND GARDENS Join the Historic Charleston Foundation on Fridays from April 30 to May 21 for the popular Glorious Gardens Tours featuring exclusive access to private gardens in Charleston’s historic district. Or enjoy a Morning History Walk with some of Charleston’s most knowledgeable licensed guides. historiccharleston.org
CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS Beginning May 4, take in a baseball game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park overlooking the Ashley River. The Charleston RiverDogs is one of the minor league affiliates for the Tampa Bay Rays. Due to COVID restrictions, seating may be limited so purchase your tickets in advance. milb.com/charleston SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA Considered a premier international performing arts festival, this annual event fills Charleston historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with dozens of performances by worldrenowned artists and performers. This year’s festival is planned for May 28 to June 13. spoletousa.org
For even more Charleston area events, check our online calendar at travelerofcharleston.com/events
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MAPS
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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, J:1 Battery, G:10 Charleston Museum, G:4 Charleston Place, G:7 Children’s Museum, G:4 Citadel Military College, B:1 College of Charleston, F:6 Dock Street Theatre, G:8 Four Corners of Law, G:8 Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, H:6 Gibbes Museum, G:H King Street Shopping District, G-6:7 Marion Square, G:5 Market Hall & City Market, H:7 Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, H:9 Old Slave Mart Museum, H:8 Rainbow Row, H:9 South Carolina Aquarium, J:5 St. Philip’s Church, H:8 St. Michael’s Church, G:9 The Powder Magazine, G:8 Visitor Center, G:4 Waterfront Park/Pineapple Fountain, I:8
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Getting Around Some transportation options for getting around downtown Charleston and the surrounding areas. ■ WATER TAXI: Transports visitors from downtown Charleston (Aquarium Wharf or Waterfront Park) to Mount Pleasant (Patriots Point or Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina). Taxi runs each hour; $12 for allday passes, 3 and under are free. No reservations needed. Call 843-330-2989 for pickup. charlestonwatertaxi.com ■ BUS: The CARTA bus system has regular routes that travel to major destinations. The DASH trolley service is available free of charge if you’re traveling around downtown Charleston. ridecarta.com | 843-724-7420 ■ RICKSHAWS AND PEDICABS: Available in downtown Charleston as are taxi cabs for transportation around the Lowcountry.
■ UBER AND LYFT Ride services are available in the area.
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