Charleston, South Carolina, nestled along the Atlantic coastline, beckons travelers with its timeless charm, rich history, and culinary delights. A city steeped in Southern elegance, Charleston offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses. On a recent visit to see friends in the Columbia area, we set aside a couple of days to swing down to Charleston to explore the top sights, culinary treasures, and must-do activities that make Charleston a destination like no other.
Charleston’s historic district, a living museum of cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture, is a testament to the city’s rich past. The iconic Battery promenade along the seawall is adorned with majestic mansions and provides a picturesque journey through time. Visitors can lose themselves in the stories whispered by Rainbow Row, a row of pastel-colored Georgian homes that seem to blush under the Southern sun. Each house told a story of resilience and revival, standing as vibrant witnesses while they reflected the city’s diverse history.
We embarked on a narrated horse-drawn carriage ride down the narrow streets through the historic district, and as we rumbled past homes where renowned historic figures were known to visit, the past seemed to whisper through the moss-draped oaks. It took us back to a much different world–with an infinitely slower pace.
To delve even deeper into the city’s history, you can also explore the historic plantations along the Ashley River. Magnolia Plantation, with its romantic gardens, and Boone Hall Plantation, featuring the iconic Avenue of Oaks, offer an immersive experience into the region’s antebellum heritage. They are known to transport visitors to an era of Southern gentility. Since our time was limited, we chose to see those during our next visit.
While historic homes may immediately come to mind when thinking of Charleston, historic vessels may not. However, a trip to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum allows visitors to explore the USS Yorktown. An American Heroine from WWII to Vietnam, the ship was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Commissioned on April 15, 1943, World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady” would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. She received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II and would later earn 5 battle stars for service off Vietnam. The ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December 1968. Decommissioned in 1970 and placed in reserve, Yorktown was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Charleston in 1975 to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Berthed beside the carrier is the destroyer USS Laffey, whose size may pale next to the mammoth Yorktown, but whose story does not. She earned the nickname “The Ship That Would Not Die” for her exploits during the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Okinawa, when she withstood a determined assault by conventional bombers and the most unrelenting kamikaze air attack in history. Laffey survived despite being badly damaged by four bombs, six kamikaze crashes, and strafing fire that killed 32 and wounded 71.
Charleston is a culinary haven, where every bite tells a story of tradition and innovation. The city’s vibrant food scene ranges from classic Southern comfort food to inventive, modern cuisine. Indulge in the quintessential flavors of the Lowcountry with dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes.
Charleston’s historic market, a bustling hub of activity, is a sensory delight inviting you to meander through its stalls. Sample local delicacies, pick up handmade crafts, and marvel at the craftsmanship of sweetgrass baskets, a traditional art form passed down through generations. From these baskets to handmade crafts, the market is a treasure trove of Southern craftsmanship and goodies.
If you know us, you know we love to explore truly local restaurants, and Charleston did not disappoint. Each restaurant has its own unique flair, and with only a couple of days, we opted for a “tried and true,” a “new,” and a “sounds different!” They were all delicious. Our first stop was the iconic Hymans. A “tried and true” for me, but a first time visit for Wes. Serving hungry diners since 1890, Hymans has been named #15 on TasteAtlas’ List of the 150 Most Legendary Restaurants in the World for their dish of Shrimp and Grits.
Since we love seafood, and Charleston sits right on the Atlantic, we took in the “new” while visiting the historic district. After some exploration, we grabbed a booth at the Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar and were treated to the best shrimp platters we have experienced in a long time. The ambiance and options of both indoor and outdoor dining were enjoyable, as was the incredible selection of market fresh fish. Amen Street proudly supports Charleston’s local fishing industry with fresh fish, and a daily changing menu which includes a variety of seafood dishes as well as a Raw Bar featuring a comprehensive oyster selection of more than 20 varieties from local suppliers and respected sources along East Coast.
Before leaving the historic district, we made the obligatory stop to pick up pralines. Whether your first choice is Savannah’s Candy Kitchen or Savannah Sweets, don’t let the name fool you. Those pralines are a favorite in the Lowcountry whether you are in Georgia or South Carolina.
Grits is a staple of Lowcountry cuisine and when we got ready to experience the “sounds different,” I told Wes he could choose. That is how we ended up experiencing The Grit Counter. Self-described as “nothing more Southern than a bowl of grits – and nothing more fun than a Grit Bowl,” we were amazed by the options on the menu along with a “Build Your Own Bowl” experience where you select your meat, your grit flavor, two fixin’s, and sauce. Wes selected The Harvest Bowl which consisted of grilled chicken, carrot cake grits, smoked gouda mornay sauce, roasted corn, fried hominy, and dried cranberries. I kid you not. He liked it. I was glad he did (and glad I did not order it). I opted for the Hot Chicken Sandwich and sweet potato fries. If you visit, be sure to top off your meal with the “Banana Pudding” Sweet Corn Soft Serve Ice Cream. Sounds weird, but was weirdly delicious!
From the refined to the lively buzz of a diner counter, the city’s dining establishments offer a diverse array of culinary delights.
Charleston’s artistic soul is showcased in its museums and galleries. The Gibbes Museum of Art, an architectural gem in itself, features a collection that spans centuries and genres. From classical Southern portraiture to contemporary Lowcountry masterpieces, the museum is a testament to Charleston’s rich artistic heritage featuring more than 10,000 American works.
The city’s commitment to the arts extends beyond museums. The Gaillard Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Charleston that produces, commissions, and presents year-round music, dance, comedy, theater, and family performances and programs. You may opt to take a stroll through the French Quarter Art Walk, where galleries open their doors to showcase the talents of local and international artists. The vibrant arts scene adds a dynamic layer to Charleston’s cultural landscape.
What truly sets Charleston apart is the genuine warmth of its people. Locals welcome visitors with open arms, sharing stories and recommendations that add a personal touch to the experience. From the knowledgeable guides leading historic tours to the friendly faces in the market stalls, Charleston’s hospitality is as much a part of the journey as its historic landmarks and culinary delights.
In Charleston, time seems to slow down as visitors are transported to an era where Southern grace and charm makes one feel like a welcomed guest in a grand Southern home. With its historic marvels, culinary treasures, artistic gems, outdoor adventures, and welcoming atmosphere, Charleston invites travelers to become part of its story—a story that unfolds with every step through its charming streets and every savory bite of its delectable cuisine.
The enchanting city of Charleston, South Carolina beckons with its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and antebellum elegance. We will remain drawn to this Southern gem, a destination where past and present embrace each other and dance together in harmony.
For more information, visit charleston.com or charlestoncvb.com.
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