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Charleston Travel Guide
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| Charleston |
Astronomers are pretty sure that Charleston
is not the center of the universe, but the city's residents
would like a second opinion. Fierce local pride is a Charleston
institution, and it has helped sustain the city for more than
300 tumultuous years -- from colonial times, through the Revolutionary
and Civil Wars, to the present.
Pride has also sustained thousands of historic buildings that
have been built over the centuries, and this is a big reason
that travelers visit today. Stroll through the blocks of pastel
houses bedecked with their breezy piazzas (the grand Charleston
word for porches), and you'll better understand where the
pride comes from. Spend some time lolling in the near-tropical
warmth of the state's coastline, called the Low Country, relaxing
on the area beaches, and you'll likely find this a very pleasing
corner of the cosmos.
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| Charleston
Travels & Tours |
South Carolina Aquarium
Just
entering this museum is a delight; the structure itself
extends out over Charleston Harbor and as guests draw near
the entrance, they enter beneath a beautiful stained glass
wall. Entering the Great Hall, the centerpiece is the breathtaking
Carolina Seas Exhibit. Spend the day walking through a mountain
ravine, exploring the rivers of the Piedmont region, visiting
with swamp dwellers and marveling at the 300,000-gallon
Great Ocean Exhibit.
Civil War Walk
The
attack on Fort Sumter was Charleston's first experience
in the Civil War, but certainly not the most vivid. In 1863,
The Union and Confederate armies descended on the port city
in a siege that virtually devastated the town. The tour
was founded and is led by Chris Phelps, author of The Bombardment
of Charleston. He will introduce you to people, places and
events that shaped that pivotal period of Charleston's history.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort
Sumter had been under construction for more than 30 years
in December of 1860 when Major Robert Anderson relocated
his troops there in the middle of the night from Fort Moultrie.
On April 12, 1861 the first shot of the Civil War was fired
on the Fort by Confederate troops at Fort Johnson. Following
34 hours of fighting, Major Anderson surrendered but the
siege continued for two more years. Fort Sumter has since
stood as a symbol of Southern resistance.
Charleston River Dogs
This
South Atlantic league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
plays its home games at the Joe, the Joseph P. Riley Jr.
Park. The largest outdoor event facility in Charleston,
it offers a great view of the Ashley River. The stadiums
box seats are a steal at a comfortable USD8 per person and
four main concession areas keep the crowds fueled for cheering
the team on.
Lowcountry Ghost Walk
Ghost
tours are enormously popular and Lowcountry Ghost Walk is
one of the best. This is the city's original year-round
tour and it is filled with local ghostly legends and folk
tales. Hear hair-raising stories of Sue Howard's ghost,
the ghost in City Hall and the Gullah Boo Hag. You may want
to leave a light on when you go to bed!
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Charleston
teems with wonders of the natural world at the Southeastern
Wildlife Exposition. A combination of vibrant art and living
creatures, the festival offers animal exhibits and selections
of paintings, carvings and sculptures. In February, over
500 exhibitors and fine artists contribute to displays at
13 locations in downtown Charleston. Food and drink are
available.
Nathaniel Russell House
In
the early 1800s, this neoclassic dwelling was the home of
Nathaniel and Sarah Russell. The marriage of the Russells
resulted in the merging of two great merchant families who
made a fortune peddling rice and indigo. The interior of
the home can only be described as graceful—intricate
plasterwork, uniquely designed rooms and a breathtaking
free-flying staircase are just a few of the architectural
highlights. Much of the art displayed around the home is
of Charleston origin, and each room is decorated in fine
turn-of-the-century style.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Located
in Charleston Harbor, this museum is home to USS Yorktown,
nicknamed "The Fighting Lady." This historic battleship
played an important role in the Pacific in WWII, sinking
the largest battleship ever built. In 1970, Yorktown participated
in the recovery of the crew of Apollo 8, shortly before
being decommissioned. Moored beside her is USS Laffey, a
WWII destroyer, and USS Clamagore, a diesel attack submarine.
Many interesting displays and exhibits lie within these
vessels.
Festival of Houses and Gardens
March
marks the beginning of the annual Festival of Houses and
Gardens, courtesy of the Historic Charleston Foundation.
This is an award-winning series of tours through some of
the most beautiful private residences and properties in
America. Tours and events vary daily.
Historic Homes Walk (The)
Charleston
is known for its amazing architecture that blends an early
American influence with more than a little English style.
Many of these well-preserved homes date back to the mid-eighteenth
century. As you walk 1.5 miles down Charleston's avenues,
your guide will regale you with stories of the people and
events that helped give these historic structures their
unique character.
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| Nature
and Adventure |
| Charleston's
climate, like the rest of coastal South Carolina, is mild
and humid up until the height of summer, when the heat index
jumps. January temperatures are moderate, with some days
experiencing temperatures below freezing along the coast,
but most range 37-59 F/3-14 C. Expect temperatures to run
53-76 F/11-24 C along the coast in April, 61-83 F/16-27
C in May. Severe thunderstorms or tornadoes can occur in
spring. Visitors expecting to enjoy the beaches will find
pleasant conditions through the summer, though July and
August are hot (high 80s F/30 C to above 90 F/32+ C) and
humid. Humidity at 55%-60% in high heat can take a lot out
of you, so pace your sightseeing to allow for rest stops.
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