Start with our Top-Rated Charleston Harbor Tour and combine it with any of these Top Attractions for great discounts!
• City Bus Tour
• Plantation Tour
• Boone Hall
• Middleton Place
• Carriage Tour
• Aquarium
• Patriots Point
From the Publisher
TIFFIN SIMMONS has worked in marketing and advertising for 20 years in diverse industries. She resides in Mount Pleasant with her husband and three children. Tiffin is also very active on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of her children’s school. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching her favorite sports teams.
Welcome to our lovely Lowcountry! As locals, we delight in sharing with you the best that our fair city has to offer, from photo-worthy sites and delicious bites to immersive thrills and giftable frills. In this new edition, you’ll discover plantation tour insights, chilling ghost tales, and can’t-miss annual events. There are also tips for visiting our beautiful beaches, because there’s something magical about standing in the sand as the sun meets the sea. With a well-guided visit, we’re certain you’ll love Charleston as much as we do!
LAUREN B. JOHNSON has worked as a magazine editor and writer for more than 20 years in New York, Baltimore, and Charleston. She lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, three children, and a Dalmadoodle rescue puppy. An avid dabbler in creative and outdoor pursuits, Lauren is happiest when reading, cooking, running, and adventuring with her energetic crew.
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN has been a Charleston resident since 1995 and started his own design business, mclaughlin design, in 2004. When he’s not humbly changing the world with his ground-breaking design, you can find him on the water enjoying life in the Lowcountry.
Traveler of Charleston Team
Historic Carriage Tour Haunted Carriage Tour
[ WELCOME ] to CHARLESTON
EACH YEAR, MILLIONS FLOCK TO THIS PORT CITY to explore its history, culture, and architecture and bask in its Southern goodness. In recent years, Charleston has become a preferred destination for shopping and outdoor adventuring, while its incredible culinary scene continues to attract global attention.
But the Holy City also has a storied past. An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations.
From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, Charleston truly offers something for everyone. As you’re visiting our beloved city, take time to get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms, and delight in her amazing beauty.
1670
English colonists settle Charles Town on the Ashley River
1718
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
1775-1783
Revolutionary War; Siege of Charleston in 1780
1791
President George Washington visits, lodging at what is now the HeywardWashington House, and attends a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom
1718
Pirate Stede Bonnet is hanged at White Point 1680
Charles Town relocates to the peninsula; population 1,000
1736
Dock Street Theatre opens; first building in Colonial America used exclusively for theatrical performances
1770 College of Charleston founded
1783
City renamed “Charleston”
1824
Charleston Museum opens to the public (founded in 1773)
1827-28
Young Army recruit named Edgar Allan Poe is stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island
1864
1920 Preservation Society founded to protect historic resources
H.L. Hunley sinks
U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston harbor
1989 Hurricane Hugo hits the city and surrounding areas with 135 mph winds
2023 International African American Museum opens
2016 Joseph P. Riley Jr. retires after 40 years as Charleston mayor
1861 Confederate troops fire the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter
1886 Major earthquake hits Charleston, damaging 2,000 buildings, killing at least 60 people
1977 Spoleto Festival USA begins
2006 Charleston Wine+Food Festival founded
2005 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River opens
Landmarks we Love
Experience Holy City history and revel in our beautiful public spaces while visiting these favorite attractions at little to no cost
Angel Oak
As many as 400 years old, the majestic Angel Oak towers 65 feet high and measures 25.5 feet around. The wellshaded park offers a picnic area and gift shop.
3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
For a bird’s eye view of the harbor, follow the 2.5-mile bike/pedestrian lane along this iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River. Park free at East Bay & Cooper Sts. downtown or at Mt. Pleasant’s Memorial Waterfront Park.
The Battery Bordered by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, this landmark defensive seawall and promenade along the lower Charleston peninsula is now famous for its stately antebellum homes.
East Battery Street & Murray Boulevard, Charleston
St. Michael’s Church & Graveyard
St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church edifice in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. In the 1680s, a small wooden church – the first in the new town of Charles Town – was built on this spot for the families of the Church of England and named St. Philip’s. John Rutledge, the first governor of South Carolina and signer of the U.S. Constitution, is buried in the graveyard here.
80 Meeting Street, Charleston
Riley Waterfront Park
This 12-acre public park along the Cooper River boasts peaceful pier swings, dolphin watching, and the iconic Pineapple Fountain.
1 Vendue Range, Charleston
Rainbow Row
This well-photographed strip of pastelhued historic houses is awash in colorful tales explaining its unique look. One story holds that the color code helped drunken sailors coming in from the port remember where to bunk.
83-107 East Bay Street, Charleston
DISCOVER MORE!
Scan this QR code for additional sites and expanded descriptions.
ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH
TRANSITION TO FREEDOM
Holy City Haunts
WE’VE GOT SPIRITS, YES WE DO
IN THE HUSH OF THE COBBLESTONED ALLEYWAY, can you hear the phantom shots? Does pausing among slate markers in the overgrown graveyard raise goosebumps on your arms? Have you glimpsed a pale apparition looming ‘round the old jail? In one of America’s most haunted cities, twilight heralds the specters of a macabre past, from patriots and plunderers to soldiers and smugglers.
“So much has happened here since 1670 — wars, enslavement, and natural disasters. Along with Charleston’s fortunes and wealth, deep family roots, seaside port, wellpreserved architecture, and social culture, that history is a recipe for rich tales of those who came before us,” says Bulldog Tours founder John LaVerne.
So will you brave the city’s chilling sites alone or seek a tour guide to hold your hand? Either way is sure to be a scream.
OLD SOUTH CARRIAGE
THE 10 SPOOKIEST SPOTS
“Duelers’ Alley”
During the 19th century, Charleston’s gents defended their honor with pistols along the French Quarter’s Philadelphia Alley. Pedestrians on the brick-clad block have reported hearing phantom gunshots and the eerie whistling of young Dr. Joseph Ladd, who tragically lost such a dispute.
Magnolia Cemetery
This hauntingly beautiful property on the banks of the Cooper River provides a final resting place for some 35,000 souls. Or does it? Many visitors to the oak-canopied cemetery feel they’re being watched. (To tour the 150-acre site at night, link up with Bulldog Tours.)
Blind Tiger Pub
Draped in vines and supernatural lore, the brick-walled courtyard of this former speakeasy is the perfect place to enjoy a spirit (whether guzzled or ghostly). The restaurant sits atop a Prohibition-era tunnel system and, according to employees, is a hotbed for unusual activity.
White Point Garden
After being held at Provost Dungeon (brave a visit to that sunken prison, too), gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet and his salty crew were hanged at White Point, their bodies tossed into the marshy graves and souls left to roam the park.
Poogan’s Porch
Diners at this Queen Street restaurant may feel its namesake spirit brush their ankles in search of scraps. But the pup isn’t the only personality to inhabit the Victorian manse. Tortured by the death of her sister, the former owner might also be spied staring out of an upstairs window.
The Pink House
The blushing building at 17 Chalmers Street has known life as a tavern, bordello, and private residence. The property has also known the afterlife, as legend holds that the former tavern owner climbs the stairs to the third floor and throws open windows on sultry summer evenings.
(continued ...)
FIRSTHAND FRIGHTS
LOCAL TOUR GUIDES SHARE STORIES TO
SEND
SHIVERS DOWN YOUR SPINE
“The shadowy ‘Gray Man’ who lurks around St. Philip’s Church causes many to feel a sense of dread. Some even believe his spirit claimed a life at the turn of the century, spawning another ghost for the graveyard.”
–Tommy Doyle Owner of Palmetto Carriage Co.
“I’ve heard accounts of and had my own very memorable experiences at the Old City Jail, from a hammer spontaneously flying across the room to spirits carrying small objects from guests into closed-off rooms. Some guides have even become so unsettled by strange noises and ghostly touches that they refuse to walk into the place now. ”
– John LaVerne Founder of Bulldog Tours
“The tragic tale of the teenage bride Harriet Mackie [rumored to have been poisoned just before her nuptials] is embedded in so much truth. I love hearing guides recount that event in front of St. Michael’s Church.”
– Derek Evenhouse General Manager of Old South Carriage Co.
“The revenant spirits of the orphans who died on the site of Berry Hall are playful, but the audio aspects of their visitations scare me. Hundreds have heard ‘Ring around the Rosie’ being sung, bottles and marbles dumped on the floor, and fire alarms in the night.”
– Ed Macy
Guide with Sandlapper Tours; coauthor of Haunted Charleston & Haunted Harbor
Unitarian Church Graveyard
While Lavinia Fisher’s body lies in a nearby potter’s field, the soul of the nation’s first female serial killer may rest here. Some also speculate that the overgrown cemetery holds the secret grave of Edgar Allan Poe’s Annabel Lee. So which is the ghostly lady in white making her way among the markers?
Dock Street Theatre
Ghostly lore lurks behind the curtain of one the country’s oldest theaters, which is said to be haunted by a famed 19th-century actor and a well-dressed damsel who glides along the second story.
OTHERWORLDLY ESCORTS
BY HORSE
Palmetto Carriage Works: Take a twilight carriage ride through the old walled city as you listen to chilling tales of Charleston’s storied specters. palmettocarriage.com
Old South Carriage Co.: Available from dusk until dark, this nighttime tour takes passengers past spine-tingling sites as bewitching guides share the city’s haunted history. oldsouthcarriage.com
VIA BOAT
Sandlapper Water Tours: A bounty of tales awaits onboard this haunted harbor tour, which dives into the deep superstitions surrounding Charleston’s maritime history. sandlappertours.com
Joe E. Berry Residence Hall
This College of Charleston dorm sits on the site of the former Charleston Orphan House, where a 1918 fire took four young lives. The St. Philip Street hall now sees spirited shenanigans, like false fire alarms, the eerie sound of marbles rolling, even the faint trill of “Ring around the Rosie.”
Circular Graveyard
Dating back to 1695, the city’s oldest English cemetery contains some 500 tombstones, with many more unmarked graves buried in the ground. In addition to intricate headstone carvings, this chilling churchyard may also house the restless soul of a Revolutionary War soldier.
ON FOOT
Bulldog Tours: With licensed guides, nocturnal visitors can enter Magnolia Cemetery, hallowed burial site for Civil War soldiers, tragic mariners, and more intriguing relics. bulldogtours.com
Ghosts of Charleston: When the sun goes down, the pages of The Ghosts of Charleston by Julian T. Buxton III come alive through gifted raconteurs. buxtonbooks.com
THROUGH DOORWAYS
Bulldog Tours: Gain exclusive nighttime access to frightening sites like the Old City Jail that held Charleston’s first criminals, WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, and the cavernous Provost Dungeon. bulldogtours.com
SAILING EXCURSIONS
Top - Rated by ousands of previous guests
SPECIAL EVENTS on the Charleston Princess
• Blues & BBQ Cruises
• Wine Down Wed. Cruises
• Jam on the Water Cruises and more!
Reservations recommended. Call or visit our website to buy tickets and to check cruising/sailing/event schedules.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Charleston Treasures of
SOUVENIR S TO REMEMBER
Want to take a piece of Charleston home with you? Discover these unique items that will help you keep the spirit of our city alive long after your visit.
Seabags 84 N. Market Street
Picnic Stripe Pier Tote
Handcrafted from recycled sail cloth on the working waterfront. $215 seabags.com
Gold Creations
74 South Market Street
5 King Gate Pendant (Various Sizes)
Sterling Silver starting at $25. 14K Gold starting at $145. goldcreationschas.com
Lowcountry Olive Oil
272 Meeting Street
Best of the Lowcountry Gift Box
Lowcountry Blend Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar, Charleston Spice Dipping Spices, a Charleston Candle Tin, a locally made grater/dipping plate, Nanna’s Pecan brittle tin and two Charleston coffees. $100 lowcountryoliveoil.com
Deep Water Vineyard
6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island Charleston’s only vineyard & winery featuring muscadine and blended wines. On-site tastings and subscription to their Wine Club is also available online. deepwatervineyard.com
Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry 84 N. Market Street
Palmetto Moon sterling silver & 14kt yellow gold bracelet $389, earrings $189. dacubasfinejewelry.com
Navigating the Past
A guide to Charleston’s historical plantation sites
With its temperate climate, fertile soil, and coastal geography, the Lowcountry cultivated more than 300 plantations beginning in the 17th century. Today, a mere handful operate as public sites for exploration, education, and reflection. While all boast beauty and complex history, each has a distinct character.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens boonehallplantation.com
While many know the picturesque Avenue of Oaks from The Notebook, visitors to this 1681 plantation experience a very different historical account, thanks to talented Gullah storytellers. Complete with hymns and dancing, the program takes place alongside tours of original slave cabins. In contrast to this dark past, the gardens include antique rose varieties and a tropic conservatory. Visitors can also take a tractor tour across the 738-acre estate and enter the existing main house, built in 1936.
Stop by Willie’s Roadside Market at Boone Hall Farms to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies from this continuously working farm.
Middleton Place middletonplace.org
Travel to the 18th and 19th centuries with the Middletons (including two Founding Fathers) and generations of enslaved people. Here, grand garden rooms lead to a terraced lawn and residential house museum, while in the stableyards, interpretive artisans demonstrate their crafts. Alongside an exhibit at a Reconstruction-era freedman’s cottage, these presentations examine the contributions of thousands of people enslaved by the Middletons.
Treat yourself to a traditional Lowcountry meal at the Middleton Place Restaurant, which serves produce from the onsite farm and gardens.
Charleston Tea Garden charlestonteagarden.com
Nestled on Wadmalaw Island, America’s only tea garden is steeped in unique experiences. Inside the production facility, visitors can watch the factory in action and learn the process of making tea. Aboard a trolley, see some 320 varieties of Camellia sinensis bushes, which bloom from August to October. And sample various Charleston Tea Garden brews, produced with a larger leaf for farm-fresh flavor.
Don’t miss the state-of-the-art greenhouse, where farmers propagate tea plants with cuttings from existing plants.
Drayton Hall draytonhall.org
The country’s oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public, this antebellum manse showcases a rare early example of Georgian Palladian architecture. Guests can also visit the largest documented African American cemetery in North America and soak in ancient live oaks, river vistas, and a lovely courtyard garden.
Delve into conservation efforts at a lab that lets guests witness preservation work on artifacts uncovered by archeological excavations.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site ccprc.com
Home to a 600-year-old grand oak known as the Wisdom Tree, McLeod Plantation confronts this cotton plantation’s role in American slavery. Charleston County Parks & Recreation opened the preservation site to share the stories of heartbreak and hope surrounding the enslaved people who lived and died here. In addition to restored slave quarters, visitors may tour the first floor of the main house, constructed in 1854.
Download the “McLeod Plantation: Transition to Freedom” app to hear the differing perspectives of those who lived and worked on the Sea Island plantation.
MORE TO EXPLORE!
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens magnoliaplantation.com
Outdoor opportunities abound at this 17th-century estate, home to miles of paved and gravel trails. A tour of the 1870 Magnolia House focuses on 19th-century family life, while restored slave cabins examine the 350-year history of the former rice plantation. Other must-sees include the Audubon Swamp Garden, where boardwalks weave through tupelo trees and cypress knees, and a wildlife center featuring local critters.
Reserve a boat tour ticket to see gators, birds, and more marsh dwellers in their natural habitat as you motor along former rice fields in a shady pontoon.
Scan this QR code to discover additional historical plantation sites.
Love Saving Money?
Of course you do! Check out these exclusive coupon offers that you can instantly use. Simply visit TravelerofCharleston.com/coupon or scan the QR code (open the camera on your smartphone and hover over the code) for savings!
Adventure Sightseeing Bus Tour
$5 off ticket when booked online.
Code: TRAVMAG24
See page 46
Boone Hall Plantation
$3 off adult admission. Present ad on page #5 at gate. No advance reservation is required. See page 5
Charleston Craft Beer Cruise
$5 off/person when you book online.
Code: TRAV24
See page 33
Charleston Harbor Tours
$5 off adult ticket when you book online.
Code: TRAVMAG24
See page 24
Charleston Tea Garden
$2 off Trolley Tour. Code: TRAVELER
See page 43
Drayton Hall
$2 off audio tour. Code: TRAVELER2
See page 31
GrayLine Historic City Bus Tours
$3 off adult Historic City Tour. Code: CITY3 enter code near bottom of checkout page. See page 47
Middleton Place
$3 off per adult. Present ad at counter
See page 31
Nature Adventures Kayak & Paddleboard Tours
$2 off tours, $5 off rentals. Code: TRAVELER enter near bottom of checkout page.
See page 34
Old South Carriage
$2 off per person when booked online.
Code: MAG24
See page 7
Palmetto Carriage Tours
$2 off per adult ticket. Can book online or in-person by presenting ad on page 2. Code: TRAVMAG
See page 2
Sandlapper Water Tours
$2 off Ghost or Nature tours when booked online. Code: TOC
See page 35
Schooner Pride Sailing Tour
$5 off ticket when booked online. Code: TRAVMAG24
See page 25
SpiritLine Dinner Cruises
$10 off per person when you book online. Code: TC10 enter near bottom checkout page
See page 11
Departs
WATER TAXI SCHEDULE
Aquarium Wharf/Maritime Center
Departs bottom of the hour (:30) starting at 9:30 am
Patriots Point (USS Yorktown)
Departs forty five min after the hour (:45) starting at 9:45am
Waterfront Park/Historic Market St
Departs fifteen past the hour (:15) starting at 9:15am
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Departs top of the hour (:00) starting at 9:00am
Famous Landmarks
· Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, J:1
Battery, G:10
Charleston Gaillard Center, H:6
· 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
· Gibbes Museum, G:8
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
Getting Around
Some transportation options for getting around downtown Charleston and the surrounding areas.
n WATER TAXI:
Transports visitors from downtown Charleston (Maritime Center or Waterfront Park) to Mount Pleasant (Patriots Point or Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina). Taxi runs each hour; $17 for allday passes, 3 and under are free. No reservations needed. Call 843-330-2989 for details. charlestonwatertaxi.com
n 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
n RICKSHAWS AND PEDICABS: Available in downtown Charleston as are taxi cabs for transportation around the Lowcountry.
n UBER AND LYFT
Ride services are available in the area.
20th Annual Sweetgrass Festival July 27
Charleston Area Events
JULY
4 Fireworks Blast
The home of the historic aircraft carrier USS Yorktown kicks off this patriotic holiday with a free fireworks celebration, including food trucks, live music, and a pyrotechnic blast after sundown. Parking is available for $20. 5-10pm, patriotspoint.org
12 (& August 2) Reggae Nights
Summer Concert Series
Bring chairs or a blanket to listen to traditional old-school roots reggae with a new-school attitude under the beautiful sky at James Island County Park. 8-11pm, ccprc.com
27 20th Annual Sweetgrass Festival
Engage with local sweetgrass basket makers and shop their artful merchandise while learning about the Gullah Geechee people’s history and culture. The festive day includes live performances, craft and cooking demonstrations, and historical reenactments. Harry M. Hallman, Jr. Blvd., Mt. Pleasant; 10am-3pm, experiencemountpleasant.com
AUGUST
2, 9, 16, 23 Waterfront Music & Movies
Head to Mt. Pleasant’s Memorial Waterfront Park for free Friday films alfresco! Settle onto blankets and beach chairs to enjoy musical entertainment, gorgeous sunset views, and an outdoor movie against the backdrop of the Charleston Harbor. 6pm, experiencemountpleasant.com
30-Sep 1 Lowcountry Jazz Festival
An All White Party at the Charleston Gaillard Center kicks off this smooth jazz festival weekend, which includes energetic performances by Billboard charting saxophonist Art Sherrod, Grammy winner Samara Joy, and more top talent. gaillardcenter.org
SEPTEMBER
21 Sweet Tea Festival
Drink in the birthplace of sweet tea during this free festival in Historic Downtown Summerville. Celebrate by sipping samples, perusing local vendor and artisan booths, and jamming out to musical performances from southern songwriters. Hutchinson Square, summervilledream.org
28-29 Mermaids & Mateys Festival
Buccaneers and bathing beauties will flip for this popular Folly Beach fest, awash with celebrations of the sea. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, crafts, live music, kids activities, and more during the Salty Saturday Center Street Closure, followed by a Sand Sculpting Contest on Sunday. visitfolly.com/mermaids-mateys-event
OCTOBER
6 Latin American Festival
Delight in the vibrant culture, rhythmic music, and flavorful food of Latin America and the Caribbean at this annual festival. Against a backdrop of merengue, reggaeton, bachata, and salsa, taste authentic staples like empanadas, shop folkloric arts and crafts, and play children’s games. Noon-5pm, ccprc.com
28 Charleston Mimosa Festival
Party with a punch at this 21-and-up event at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium. Attendees can fill their souvenir glasses with flavored mimosas, brunch punch, beer, and wine while listening to live and DJ music. 1-5pm, charlestonwinefestivals.com
NOVEMBER
2 Harvest Festival
Kick off fall at Johns Island County Park with local bluegrass music, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and a crafters market. And what festival would be complete without lipsmackin’ fare like Carolina barbecue and kettle corn? 11am-5pm, ccprc.com
28 Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble Thanksgiving is all about tradition, so it seems apt to start the day with the longest running 5K in Charleston, which winds through historic downtown and around South Battery. Marion Square hosts both the Race Expo (Wednesday, November 27) and the postrace party. 9-11am, turkeydayrun.com
DECEMBER
8 Wine Under the Oaks
This favorite Boone Hall event welcomes the see and be seen set to the back lawn for a sophisticated afternoon of sipping and savoring. Admission includes unlimited wine samples, complimentary oysters and desserts, cooking demos, and live music. Must be 21. boonehallplantation.com
15 Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade
Brilliantly lit floats and community groups march along West Coleman Boulevard to the delight of thousands of onlookers. Santa even makes an appearance at the end of the parade. 5:30-8pm, experiencemountpleasant.com
ONGOING
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
Carve out a day of old-fashioned farm fun at the pumpkin patch. Watch pig races, get lost in a corn maze, bounce on giant inflatable pillows, and take a silly Halloween hayride before picking the best pumpkin for your porch. Sept. 27-Oct. 27 Fridays & Saturdays, 10am-5pm, Sundays, noon-5pm, boonehallplantation.com
charleston.com isheretoshow youtherichhistoryand cultureofthisfriendlywaterfrontcity. Also findthebestplacestoeat,placesto stayandbestthingstodowhileyou'reintown.
The Sound of Charleston
From gospel to Gerschwin, listen to the soundtrack of Charleston history during this concert at the Circular Congregational Church. 7pm, soundofcharleston.com
Holiday Festival of Lights
Two million lights bring a twinkle to the holiday season at this crowd-pleasing annual festival that features animated displays, train rides, gift shopping, Santa visits, and more. Nov. 15-Dec. 31, ccprc.com
Dancing on the Cooper
Feeling frisky on a Friday night? Head to the Mount Pleasant Pier and dance under the stars to shag, funk, rock, country, Motown, and more live music. 7-10pm, ccprc.com
Second Sunday on King Street
Stroll, shop, dine, and enjoy Charleston’s “Main Street” during a vehicle-free, pedestrian-only afternoon. Expect special events and activities, shopping, food, wine, and more. 2nd Sundays, noon-5pm, shop2ndsunday.com
Farmers Market
Through November (with additional weekend holiday markets in December), the farmer’s market in Marion Square hosts a variety of local vendors, entertainment, food trucks, and family fun. Saturdays, 8am-2pm, charlestonfarmersmarket.com
Weekend Wine-Down
Deep Water Vineyard welcomes guests to its Wadmalaw Island patio bar for wine, mimosas, meads, and more. Relax with live music, food trucks, and wine tastings. Saturdays, 10am-5pm, deepwatervineyard.com
Charleston Riverdogs
Through September 8, catch Charleston’s minor league baseball team as they play home games all season at the picturesque Joe Riley Stadium overlooking the Ashley River. milb.com/charleston
Craft Beer Cruise
Cruise around Charleston Harbor aboard the Daniel Island Ferry while sipping ice-cold seasonal craft beer from local breweries. Boat departs from the Charleston Maritime Center. Saturdays, 2-3:30pm, charlestoncraftbeercruises.com
Awendaw Green Barn Jam
This laid-back wooded spot at Sewee Outpost hosts an original music showcase each week, complete with bonfires, food trucks, and hip vendors. Don’t be fooled by the low-key vibe—this old barn venue boasts professional sound tech. Wednesdays, 5:45pm, awendawgreen.com
A Day at the Beach Your Guide to Charleston’s Islands
By Holly Fisher
If you came here to unwind, our local beaches offer the perfect respite. Soak up the laid-back vibe of Folly Beach, the family-friendly feel of Isle of Palms, or the unspoiled ocean views at Sullivan’s Island. Each sandy strip has its own character, so use this guide to decide where to bury your toes.
FOLLY BEACH
Often frequented by locals and surfers, this laid-back barrier island beach has plenty of restaurants, surf shops, hotels, and rentals. While Folly is a short drive from the heart of downtown Charleston, summertime traffic can be extra heavy. If you’re not staying on the beach, plan to arrive by 10 a.m. Also, a beach renourishment project is underway until the fall; check cityoffollybeach.com for how this might impact your visit.
Where to park: There’s limited parking at Folly Beach County Park (1100 W. Ashley Ave.). Arrive early to secure a spot. Parking fees vary ($5-$15). You can easily access the beach via the park, which also has restrooms, outdoor showers, a seasonal snack bar, and lifeguards.
Rules to know: Alcohol is illegal on the beach. Leashed dogs are permitted except from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sept. 30. Surfing without a leash is prohibited. No surfing from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West ( swimming zone) from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sept. 15. More info and beach rules: cityoffollybeach.com
Fun fact: One of Folly’s famous visitors was composer and pianist George Gershwin, who composed the classic opera Porgy and Bess while here.
ISLE OF PALMS
Minutes from Mount Pleasant, family-friendly Isle of Palms has plenty of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and public restrooms. “Front Beach,” which stretches along Ocean Boulevard from 10th to 14th Avenue, is set aside for beachgoers. Arrive early if you’re not staying on the island, as the bridge backs up quickly with traffic.
Where to park: Parking is regulated 9 a.m.6 p.m. Vehicles can park on any road right-ofway within the Beach Parking District unless otherwise marked. Metered street parking is available as well as paid parking at the Municipal Lots on Pavilion Drive, Isle of Palms County Park, and Front Beach. For access to picnic tables, showers, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, and a playground, opt for the county park. Parking fees vary ($5-$15).
Rules to know: Alcohol is illegal on the beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach off leash from 5-9 a.m. through Sept. 14 and 4 p.m.-10 a.m. Sept. 15-Mar. 31. At all other times, dogs must be leashed, even in the water. More info and beach rules: iop.net
Fun fact: Loggerhead sea turtles often lay eggs here throughout summer. From July until October, the hatchlings emerge at night to make their way to the ocean. Do not disturb any nests or hatchlings, and fill in any holes you dig. If you’re staying on the beach, turn off any outside lights at night.
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
This barrier island north of Charleston harbor has less than 2,000 residents. With its unspoiled views and terrific dining options, Sullivan’s is a favorite among locals. The beach has few short-term rentals and no hotels, so plan a day trip to this beach, located next to the Isle of Palms.
Where to park: Parking can be tough after 10 a.m, as street parking is only permitted on one side of the road. Obey all posted signs; don’t park in private yards or driveways.
Rules to know: Sullivan’s has no public restrooms/showers or lifeguards on duty. Alcohol is illegal on the beach. All dogs visiting the island must have a dog permit and wear the town-issued collar, which are available at Town Hall, 2056 Middle St., (843) 883-3198. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Sept. 30; off-leash and leashed hours vary. More info and complete beach rules: sullivansisland.sc.gov
Fun fact: This island has a long military history of protecting Charleston harbor from invaders. Visit the restored Fort Moultrie — first built with palmetto logs in 1776 — to learn about American seacoast defense up through World War II.
KIAWAH ISLAND
Much of this island and its white sand beaches are private, but you can access a public beachfront at Kiawah Beachwalker Park. It has restrooms, picnic areas with grills, a seasonal snack bar, and boardwalks. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally.
Where to park: The county park lot opens at 9 a.m. and usually fills by 10:30 a.m. in summer, so arrive early. Parking fees vary ($5-$15).
Rules to know: Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be leashed at all times except in designated off-leash areas. More info and complete beach rules: kiawahisland.org
CURRENT CAUTION
Riptides (AKA rip currents or undertows) form at surf beaches like those along the Lowcountry coast. These dangerously swift channels move up to 8 feet per second and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Minimize your riptide risk with these helpful tips:
RECOGNIZE
A riptide may appear as a calm gap between wave breaks or a narrow stream of dark/discolored or foamy water moving away from shore, especially between sandbars.
AVOID
Steer clear of inlets, jetties, and piers. Heed posted warning flags.
ESCAPE
If you do get caught, don’t panic; a riptide won’t pull you under. Swim parallel to shore or toward breaking waves, then angle back to the beach. If you can’t break free, tread or float until help arrives.
