The South Carolina city of Charleston is known for its generous southern hospitality, but the city has more to offer than simply charm. From Civil War history to scenic waterfronts and family-friendly attractions, Charleston offers something for every visitor. If you’re planning a visit, here are five things you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Charleston.
The Battery
Once a defensive seawall, The Battery and White Point Garden offer a tranquil way to spend a few hours on Charleston’s scenic waterfront. War monuments, cannons and shots still line the park, offering a glimpse of the city’s Civil War past. After strolling through the park or enjoying a picnic lunch, be sure to view the historic mansions that sit by the harbor.
Old City Market
This daily market established in 1807 sprawls throughout four city blocks near the harbor, offering a one-stop shop for souvenirs and local crafts. The most popular items at Old City Market are the signature sweet grass baskets, a craft which originated with the slaves of West Africa. The market also has a food court with Italian and seafood restaurants.
South Carolina Aquarium
The 385,000-gallon salt water tank at South Carolina Aquarium is a sight to behold, with its sharks, pufferfish and sea turtles. The aquarium is also home to otters, stingrays, octopi, jellyfish and a rare albino American alligator. Children can get hands-on with the touch tanks and the entire family can enjoy daily programs with lemurs, sea turtles or the daily featured creature.
Drayton Hall
Take a look back in time at America’s infancy with a tour of Drayton Hall, a plantation that is also one of the country’s only pre-Revolutionary houses to remain close to its original condition. Here, you’ll not only get an authentic view of historic Georgian Palladian architecture, but you’ll also learn about Southern history, including the slave trade and the roots of the African American community.
Fort Sumter National Monument
While the 1861 battle of Fort Sumter saw no casualties (other than a mule), it still managed to spark a civil war as tensions between the Union and Confederacy reached a boiling point. The Union fought for four years to reclaim Fort Sumter after it fell, and today the fort still stands as a monument to the country’s war-torn past. Fort Sumter is accessible by ferry and free to tour.
(Main image: pocketwiley)
