Founded in 1670, Charleston County is home to Charleston. Located in South Carolina, Charleston is the second-largest city and the oldest in the state. Generally, the French Quarter and Battery districts are known for their elegant French Quarters and antebellum mansions. Its historic downtown is on a peninsula formed by two rivers, Cooper and Ashley, flowing into the Atlantic and protected from the open by surrounding islands. It was captured during the Civil War without much property damage, so the historic part of the town has hundreds of years old buildings. This city is a major destination for domestic as well as international visitors.
There is nothing better than visiting Charleston, thanks to its incredible diversity, which guarantees unforgettable vacations for anyone who visits. Here is a list of some of the things you can try in Charleston.
The Library Society founded the museum in 1773 to explore and preserve Charleston's natural and cultural history and the surrounding coastal regions of South Carolina. The Charleston Museum is the first museum established in the U.S. A vast collection of exhibits at the museum showcases the authentic cultural heritage of the region today. Its shows also include the local history and decorative arts and an exquisite silver collection in one of its buildings out of two.
The two historic buildings are –
The Heyward-Washington House: An 18th-century house owned by Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Heyward Jr.
The Joseph Manigault House: An early 19th-century home in the federal style.
Charleston Culinary Tours combines this southern city's distinctive culinary culture, rich history, and heritage. Various tour operators across the city offer five different culinary tours – Downtown, Upper King Street, Mixology, Chef's Kitchen, and Chef's Showcase at the Farmer's Market. To experience Charleston's best cuisine, they visit many restaurants, bars, and markets. While highlighting the region's history, the visitors will be able to experience the local cuisine. No matter which culinary tour you take, a local culinary and history buff will always be there to guide you through the city's history. With each stop, you will learn and sample and taste some of Charleston's finest food offerings and have a chance to meet the owners and chefs of the establishments. They are making a mark on Charleston's burgeoning culinary scene.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a beautiful two-and-a-half-mile-long cable-stay bridge over the Cooper River that carries eight lanes of traffic plus a pedestrian walkway and cycle path. It is the modern landmark of Charleston and a superb place from where one can view Charleston's harbor and the downtown district. People can enjoy walking, running, and biking across the bridge. The experience of walking across the bridge is once in a lifetime opportunity. While you cross the bridge, the skyline and vistas from the bridge are so spectacular in the daytime but even more impressive at sunset.
Charleston's city market is one of the nation's oldest public markets, which is bustling and has a vibrant culture. The market is open year-round, and over 300 local entrepreneurs come together to display their arts, crafts, wares, collectibles, antiques, clothing, jewelry, and artisanal fare. It is spread over a large area, including The Market Hall, built-in 1841, and is a Greek Revival-style hall. Moreover, there are three open-air sheds, which house hundreds of entrepreneurs operating small local businesses. Also, if you're staying late in the evening, visit the famous night market held from Thursday to Sunday. It features an array of local items, from body products to handmade clothes to fine arts and sculptures, along with many local and international food and beverage stalls. A great place to pick up some souvenirs.
Charleston Harbor is home to Fort Sumter, an island fortification. During the American Civil War, the first shots were fired here. Since the mid-20th century, it has been open for a public visit as a part of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, operated by the National Park Service. This sea fort is built on the artificial island protecting Charleston from naval invasion and is only accessible by boat.
The ideal time to visit Charleston is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the temperatures remain mild but not stifling and perfect for foot tours and festivals. The wettest seasons last from June to September, with chances of a given day being a wet day. From December to February, visitors will experience the low season because of the winter season.
