Looks like you’re next visit will be to Charleston, SC based on your answers to our city quiz
Welcome to Charleston! Jen and Katie here, the editors of CHStoday, and we’re so excited to show you around. Before we get started on the tour, here are a few Chucktown facts:
○ Charleston (or Charles Towne, as it was called then) was founded on April 18, 1670. We celebrated our 350th birthday last month. 🎂 The Holy City was the scene of many significant American “firsts” – including the first historical district, the first tea plantation, and the first golf club.
○ As locals, we obviously love our city – but visitors love it, too. For nine consecutive years (and counting!), Charleston has been named the #1 small city in the US by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
○ There’s truly something special here for any type of traveler. Interested in exploring the outdoors? We’ve got marshes, creek, rivers and beaches. Are you a history buff? 350 years of it right here. Big on trying new bars + restaurants? We’re home to several James Beard winners in either category. Looking for a more traditional getaway? Our local resorts boast luxurious accommodations and golf courses with unbeatable views.
Alright, let’s have a look around.
History tours
Visit now: Local tour company Bulldog Tours is taking some of those subjects and breaking it down for you via virtual tours on Facebook Live. They’re happening daily at 2 p.m. EST – or you can go back to their page and watch previous tours at your convenience.
Visit later: When in-person tours resume, be sure to check out one of their ghost tours for an immersive look at the spookier side of Charleston’s past. And/or consider booking a food tour for a well-rounded sampling of our vibrant food scene.
The South Carolina Aquarium
Visit now: What’s a visit to a coastal city without a trip to the aquarium? The South Carolina Aquarium is hosting a boatload of virtual events that offer something for everyone over on their Facebook page. Mondays at 10 a.m., you can take a virtual tour of the aquarium and its inhabitants; and on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., they host Turtle Talks where you can get an up-close look at the turtles being rehabilitated at their Sea Turtle Care Center.
On May 13 at 6 p.m., New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe will stop by for a virtual launch party celebrating her latest book, “On Ocean Boulevard”, which takes place on the shores of Charleston. Attending the event costs $40 and includes a signed hard copy of the book, a litter sweep bag, and a bookmark that will all be delivered to your door. Tickets here.
Visit later: When – not if! – you make the trip to the Holy City, you’ve gotta check out the touch tank. This exhibit lets you go beyond the class enclosures and actually pet some of their sea creatures – including Atlantic stingrays.
The Ravenel Bridge
Video courtesy of Explore Charleston and Vive Media
Visit now: The Ravenel Bridge (also called the Cooper River Bridge) is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Holy City. Spanning the Charleston Harbor, the bridge connects downtown Charleston with neighboring Mount Pleasant, and is one of the longest bridges of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. You can take in its beauty virtually by watching the short sunset timelapse video above.
Visit later: If you’re a runner (or a walker), consider taking part in the Cooper River Bridge Run. The 10k race is typically held in early April (though this year, the event has been rescheduled for August 1), and is one of the largest annual events in Charleston. Past participants have included both Oprah Winfrey and Charleston resident Bill Murray. After the race, there’s a huge party at the finish line (Marion Square, located in the heart of downtown Charleston) – and many of the bars and restaurants along King Street throw parties and offer celebratory specials.
If running a race isn’t included in your dream vacay itinerary, make sure to at least take a drive along the bridge during your trip – or, utilize its bike and pedestrian trail for a stroll or a bicycle ride.
The Beach
Visit now: No need to daydream while looking at your tropical desktop background all morning. Instead, explore our area beaches in real time through live webcams using the links below:
○ Folly Beach | 30 minutes from downtown Charleston |
○ Kiawah Island | 45 minutes from downtown Charleston
○ Edisto Beach | 1 hour from downtown Charleston
○ Isle of Palms | 20 minutes from downtown Charleston
○ Sullivan’s Island (no webcam available) | 15 minutes from downtown Charleston
Visit later: Each of our local beaches has its own unique character and charm. Before visiting, we recommend you spend a little time reading up on each before choosing where to park your beach chair. Pro tip: Be sure to peruse our guide to local beach rules beforehand as well – rules vary from beach to beach.
Eatin’ in CHS
When it’s safe to visit, you’ll have plenty of delectable food options.
Jen’s personal favorites include The Obstinate Daughter, 167 Raw, The Darling Oyster Bar, Chez Nous, R Kitchen, and brunch at Poogan’s Porch. (Brunch in Charleston is an absolute must.)
Katie loves Fleet Landing, NICO Oysters + Seafood, Fulton Five, 39 Rue De Jean, Jestine’s Kitchen, and a light lunch at Five Loaves Cafe.
We’ve also got plenty of articles to help you navigate the local food scene.
○ You can’t miss these classic Charleston restaurants that are a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
○ Raw oysters are a big deal around here. If you’re visiting in the winter time, be sure to hit up an oyster roast (they happen almost every weekend). If visiting another time, dine at one of these spots.
○ And if you’re gluten-free, we’ve got you covered there too. Check out this list of 20+ local restaurants with gluten-free options.
○ For all the tried and true staples, there are plenty of new openings on our radar. Here’s a list of what’s opening in 2020.
○ If you come to town and get the urge to cook, you’ve gotta check out one of our local farmers markets. If you’re staying downtown, wandering through the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.
○ If your hotel is located outside of the peninsula, consult this list of downtown restaurants that provide free parking for customers.
That brings us to the end of the tour. You didn’t think we could show you all of Charleston, did ya? Some things you just have to experience in person, like kayaking along our waterways on a sunny day or strolling along the Battery for unbeatable harborfront views.
If you still haven’t had enough of CHS, scroll through our Instagram feed for a closer look at the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and historic architecture. And if you’re ready to book your stay, visit our CVB to learn more about our city’s top-notch hotels. We can’t wait to see you. 👋
If you’d like to take our quiz again and see what city you end up in next, you can do so here. Or, follow the links below to navigate directly to the virtual tour of one of our six sister cities:
○ Asheville, NC
○ Chattanooga, TN
○ Columbia, SC
○ Greenville, SC
○ Lakeland, FL
○ Raleigh, NC