What Gives Charleston Its Charm?

Charleston, South Carolina has been around since the late 1600s, sitting on a large natural harbor midway down the state’s coastline. It has long been a favorite stop for visitors traveling the east coast of the USA, and has unmistakable charm. Is it the cobblestone streets with the clatter of horses’ hooves, the multi-colored mansions from the 19^th century, or the modern array of fantastic foodie venues?

To really see the heart of Charleston, walk around the historic district and learn the history of the architecture. This will show you the antebellum mansions and their formal gardens as well as the quaint character of the city streets lined with moss-covered oak trees. For an in-depth look into the past, visitors flock to Boone Hall Plantation, America’s most photographed plantation house. Tours at the plantation include frank representations of slavery in the south, alongside a garden tour and butterfly pavilion.

For more active visitors, there are watersports, ziplines, and nature trails in multiple city and county parks. Rent a kayak and tour the harbor where you can see waterfowl and dolphins, or take a spin on a standup paddleboard at sunset. There are many parks in the city limits, with views of the water and well-maintained walking trails.  Just north of the city, you’ll find a zipline run by outdoors adventurers where you can climb up and play in the trees, zipping from trunk to trunk in a thrilling ride through the canopy.

Now that you’ve built up an appetite, you can’t visit Charleston without sampling some of its amazing culinary gems. Conde Nast Traveler recently voted Charleston the #1 Food City in America, and with good reason. The seafood is especially fresh here, where the shrimping boats pull up next to the dock each afternoon. Good down-home comfort food like its famous burgers, and exotic cuisine from a diverse population are everywhere in this foodie city. Southern traditions flavor its fried chicken and mac n cheese, and don’t miss the local breweries and beer gardens where multiple craft beers are available.

When you visit Charleston, you can choose to stay in a historic hotel, a romantic Victorian bed and breakfast, or an affordable room on the waterfront. Now, can you see the charm of this southern capital? It’s everywhere you look.