Destination attractions things to do in charleston

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Charleston is a city with a past, a unique mix of culture and lush surroundings. South Carolina is nicknamed The Palmetto State because of the palmettos, or miniature palm trees that give it an island feel. Whether you are a trivia buff, crave historical battle sights or architecture, or you are looking for a little outdoor recreation and sunshine, Charleston has it all.

HISTORY:

Check out the Charleston Historic District, where you will be treated to antebellum homes with beautiful gardens, Corinthian columns, and ironwork balconies. It is here you will find the Charleston Museum. Founded in 1773, it is the oldest museum in the country. Take some time to browse the dozens of shops and restaurants along King, Meeting, Broad and Market Streets.

Established in 1841, the Old City Market is located between Meeting and East Bay Streets. It carries everything from produce to wares to antiques, in its small shops and restaurants. You will even be able to find artisans producing their wares.

Seasonally in downtown Charleston you will find the Charleston Farmers Market every Saturday, March thru December. It carries fresh local produce and home-baked goods. The proceeds go back to the local economy, supporting the lowland farmers in the area.

BEACHES AND RECREATION:

Morris Island Lighthouse was built in 1673, and was the first lighthouse to be erected in the Southern United States. Though it was replaced in 1767 the lighthouse has stood through various battles and storms. Standing at 161-feet, this red-and-white striped tower is no longer operational, and is only accessible by boat. The best places to spot it are the harbors at James Island and Folly Beach.

The Cape Romain Lighthouses are a unique pair of lighthouses. The older of the two stands at 65-feet and is made of brick. Built in 1827, and to this day remains the oldest of its kind. In 1857, it was replaced by a 150-foot octagonal tower. Though confederate troops destroyed the original lantern in 1861, it was restored, and functioned until 1947. These two lighthouses can only be seen by boat, and are located at Moores Landing off US 17 in Awendaw, SC.

Folly Beach has over 4,000 foot of ocean frontage. It includes highlands, sandbars, marshland, and beaches. It is located on Folly Island.

Take some time out at Waterfront Park, relax in the garden or enjoy the sights of passers-by on the pier. It has 1,280 feet of waterfront property, including beaches and picnic tables as well. Located on Concord St., in Charleston, its open to the public.

If beaches arent your outdoor-style Wannamaker County Park has over 1,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands, and a freshwater lagoon for paddle-boating. There is also Whirlin Waters Adventure Waterpark, which covers over 15 acres, and has something for everyone!

INTERESTING SITES:

Cabbage Row is located on Church St., and was used as the inspiration for Catfish Row in the story Porgy, the inspiration for the opera Porgy and Bess.

The strip of homes known as Rainbow Row takes its name from the fourteen multi-colored houses which duplicate the colors of the rainbow. This area dates back to the 1740s and was part of Charlestons waterfront district during the 18th Century. You can find Rainbow Row on E. Bay St.

Built in 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House is recognized as one of Americas historical dwellings. Along with period antiques and architecture, it features a free-flying spiral staircase. It is located on Meeting St.

At Magnolia Plantation and Audubon Swamp Garden you see two sights at once! In 1676 the Drayton family (whose descendants still own it) acquired the grounds. Here you will find a tropical garden, nature trails, a train tour, along with a petting zoo! This is one of Americas oldest gardens, known to have a large collection of camellias and azaleas. Adjacent to the Plantation is the Audubon Swamp Garden. In this 60-acre black water cypress and tupelo swamp you will see wildflowers, bogs as well as various kinds of shrubs and greenery. It is viewable via boardwalks and bridges, and make sure you keep your eyes open for the wildlife C including the alligators! They are both located at 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston.

Drayton Hall was built in 1742 and houses the enormous two-story brick structure that was built by John Drayton. This 125-acre site is a tribute to Georgian-Palladian architecture. The site includes marsh and garden walks. Its past has an even more historical twist - it is the only plantation house on the Ashley River that endured both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. You can find it at 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston.

Fort Sumter is where the first shots were fired that began the Civil War. It is located at City Marina at 17 Lock Blvd., and tour boats depart regularly.

These are just a few of the sites to see in Charleston, South Carolina, but no doubt you will not run out of things to do. Its a history with a past, and its been said that in Charleston, South Carolina, its where history lives.