There’s so much to love about Charleston
There’s so much to love about Charleston
April 15, 2010
By Brooke Rawlins
ajc
Filled with American history, Southern charm and eclectic beauty, Charleston, S.C., is easy to love. Antebellum houses line the streets in the city’s historic district, beaches embrace the sandy shores and oak trees stretch their limbs over paths and roads.
Enlarge photo
The Long Bridge at Magnolia Plantation is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Magnolia still belongs to, and is run by, the original family.
Charlesotn Area CVB The Long Bridge at Magnolia Plantation is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Magnolia still belongs to, and is run by, the original family.
Enlarge photo
The Aquarium Wharf offers spectacular views of the Cooper River, the USS Yorktown and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Here, one can visit the South Carolina Aquarium, IMAX and more.
Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau The Aquarium Wharf offers spectacular views of the Cooper River, the USS Yorktown and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Here, one can visit the South Carolina Aquarium, IMAX and more.
More travel stories
* Roadtrip: Beaufort, S.C.
* Weekend in Pittsburgh
* So much to love about Charleston
* Spoleto’s top 10 events
* New airport terminal raises new questions
* Travel guide
* Travel deals
* Still Traveling blog
* Atlanta Airport
* Beaches
* Southeastern travel
* U.S. and International travel
Founded as Charles Town in 1670 and named after King Charles II, Charleston has survived a British siege in the late 1700s, a few major fires and even a 7.5 earthquake in 1886 that resulted in millions of dollars of damage.
This historic city has also emerged as a flourishing arts community, having been named a top 25 arts destination by “AmericanStyle†magazine in an annual poll.
A weekend getaway is not enough time to take advantage of all the city offers. It is, however, plenty of time to relax on the beaches, explore the rich history and take a stroll through the historic district.
Don’t Miss
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
There aren’t too many 334-year-old plantations still around, but Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of them. The plantation gardens are among the oldest public gardens in the United States. Guided interpretive tours are available, including the Swamp Garden Walk, a self-guided walk that takes about 45 minutes to an hour and includes sightings of turtles and alligators and osprey. Admission $15 adults, $10 children. Guided tours $7. 3550 Ashley River Road, 1-800-367-3517, www.
magnoliaplantation.com
South Carolina
 Aquarium
Take a water adventure at the South Carolina Aquarium and learn about the area’s diverse habitats, including mountain streams, swamps, salt marshes, coastlines and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can touch stingrays, crabs and sea urchins and take part in educational programs. Aquatic experts discuss how they feed and take care of sharks, alligators and sea turtles. $17.95 adults, $16 seniors and $10.95 children 2 to 11. 100 Aquarium Wharf. 843-720-1990, www.scaquarium.org
Charleston
 Carriage Tours
If you’re looking for a romantic way to see Charleston’s architecture and learn about its rich history, tour the city in a horse-drawn carriage. Classic Carriage Works offers hourlong tours through Charleston’s historic district. Twilight carriage rides are available by appointment. $20 for adults, $12 for children. 10 Guignard St. 843-853-3747, www.classiccarriage.com
Angel Oak Tree
Estimated to be 1,500 years old, this live oak tree is one of the oldest living things in the South. The 13-mile drive southeast from Charleston to Johns Island is well worth the time.
The Angel Oak Tree is about 65 feet tall and its largest limb is 89 feet long. Free. 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, 843-559-3496, www.angeloaktree.org
French Quarter
 Art Walk
Held on the last Friday of March, May, October and December by the French Quarter Gallery Association, the French Quarter Art Walk welcomes guests to view local art and taste fine wine. Charleston’s French Quarter art galleries display unique art and local eateries serve food and wine.
Artists are on hand in the galleries on the evenings of the events. 5-8 p.m., in the French Quarter, located between South Market Street and Tradd Street. Free. 843-722-1944, www.french
quarterarts.com
If you go
It takes about five hours to drive from Atlanta to Charleston. From Atlanta, take I-20 east for about 200 miles and then take I-26 east for about 110 miles.
Where to stay
◠Planter’s Inn. Located in Charleston’s historic district, the upscale Planter’s Inn is within walking distance of nearby shops and eateries. $260-$500. 112 N. Market St. 800-845-7082, www.plantersinn.com
â— Shem Creek Inn. This inn is located about three miles from downtown Charleston. Shem Creek Inn overlooks Shem Creek and is within walking distance of local restaurants and stores. $99-$269. 1401 Shrimpboat Lane, Mount Pleasant. 843-881-1000, www.shemcreekinn.com
Where to eat
â— A.W. Shucks. Once a meat, seafood and produce warehouse, A.W. Shucks is a favorite seafood restaurant among Charleston residents. In addition to oysters, menu items range from seafood gumbo to shrimp and flounder combination platters to crab cakes. Entrees $13.99-$23.99. 70 State St. 843-723-1151, www.a-w-shucks.com
â— FIG. Relaxed with an eclectic feel, FIG is a bistro and cafe serving items including cornmeal-dusted triggerfish, Strube Ranch bistro steak and pan-roasted black grouper. Menu items may change daily. Entrees $26-$32. 232 Meeting St. 843-805-5900, www.eatatfig.com
Visitor information
Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. 843-853-8000, www.charlestoncvb.com.
Votes:23
Comments: 0