Historic Charleston is a Beautiful Place to Visit for Culture, Swimming, and Camping.
This is the place to vacation for all ages.
Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful city with oak trees covered in moss lining each side of the streets.
Stepping into the past, I immersed myself in the intriguing history of Charleston's architecture. This was my first visit, and I was fortunate to be accompanied by close friends.
As I walked down one cobblestone path, a lady making roses sat inside one of the pathways. I stopped to talk with her. She was from New Orleans, but she was making the roses out of sea straw. I bought one from her to take home and treasure in my cabinet.
Boardwalk
We walked to Folly Beach from the parking lot across the street. We had to go through a nice picnic area and then to the beach. This was a fantastic day of swimming. Then we went down the coast to one of the cafes and had lunch. Of course, I do not remember the name. It was lovely sitting on the deck and watching ships in the water.
Going back to the pier was fascinating. It was the most enormous pier I had ever been on. Many people enjoyed their strolls along the water and looked out at the ships as they went by. I enjoyed watching the funny birds waiting on fish. I call them the Kellogg bird.
Then, we left the pier to return to the shops built with beautiful architecture. We walked up and down the cobblestone streets until we were ready to return to our house.
We were fortunate to be staying in the Navy quarters, courtesy of a friend who served twenty years in the service. This unique setting added a touch of history to our vacation, and I'm excited to share some insider tips about Charleston that will surely enrich your visit.
When we got back to the house, we all packed up to get ready to go home. Then, we took a stroll around that neighborhood. It was the same housing my friends lived in before the big hurricane came that almost destroyed Charleston. It was 1989; Hurricane Hugo came with all his might at over 100 miles an hour. It took five years of recovery for some of the islands and two years of tourism to pick back up.
Things to Do
Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful southern city enriched with history, culture, and the hidden darkness of the past. Over time, historians have revealed this dark past, which has been narrated in museums and on tours.
You can take many tours, including bus, walking, and carriage tours. Here is one of the links: charlestoncvb.com
Harbor Cruise would be my pick next time I go to Charleston. I imagine cruising the river, relaxing with a beautiful dinner and music. The meal is made to order with locally grown ingredients. You listen to wonderful music while eating, drinking, and visiting The Battery and the Ravenel Bridge. As you return to Charleston Harbor, the sun is going down, the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen.
True History
The next day, you could take a three-hour tour of a neighborhood outside the typical tourist route. You could sample the cuisine Charleston is known for, learn the true history of the slave trade, have Lowcountry cuisine and ice cream, and visit the many stores.
There are so many untold stories, but more and more are coming to light.
Visit The Old Slave Mart. It is a museum that still collects items from the past to tell the real story of enslaved humans.
It was part of a slave market that belonged to Councilman Thomas Ryan. It was a private auction for years until the Union Army closed it.
Boone Hall Plantation
This has been a full-working plantation for the last 350 years. Boone and his family were the ancestors of founding fathers Edward Rutledge and John Rutledge.
The plantation was sold many times, but in the 20th century, Harris McRae bought it and continued to farm the land, focusing on peach trees and tours.
I urge you to read about the Boone Hall Plantation or wait until my newsletter comes out next week. It is too fascinating not to write about, and it would take too long for this newsletter.
Charleston in the 1900s
Charleston was a culture center in the 1900s, and in the 1920s, it turned into the Charleston Renaissance, with artists, writers, and painters in watercolor and oils. There were architectures. This was a period between WWI and WW2 when the city came together to preserve it and started booming again. By the 1940s, it was known to help the Southern Renaissance to get tourism going in Charleston. Wikipedia
Lodging
There are 454 hotels in Charleston. I will list a couple.
Comfort Suites North
Great Location
Good breakfast
Swimming
Starlight Motor Inn
Lounge and Bar
4.8 miles from Citadel Museum
5.1 miles from the airport
This was my pick. Good reviews. Nice and clean.
Dining and Nightlife
Ritual
Largest rooftop restaurant and bar. At night, it becomes a nightclub with a DJ. Can you imagine eating dinner with your friends or loved ones and then dancing the night away? This is only Thursday through Sunday.
They have a flair for international food here. Chow down on seafood, tacos, or lamb chops. The menu looked like it had something for everyone. Yes, they have a hamburger for those who donât like seafood.
There are many restaurants here to satisfy your taste buds. The links are above. But don't forget that this is the South, and we serve shrimp and grits all the time yaâll.
And do not forget our sweet tea. If you donât like it real sweet, ask for half and half, like I do.
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