Charleston Area
In the city of Charleston, South Carolina, the origins of American culture are woven like strands of sea island cotton into the fabric of life. Unsurpassed for its architectural artistry, the city stands wall-to-wall with gracious mansions where the Old South grew up and came of age.
Charleston's cobblestone streets, ancient cemeteries, forged iron gates, and churches all have intriguing stories to tell, as do the guides who whisk you away in horse-drawn carriages and lead you through antebellum antiquities.
You can spend the day traversing the tree-canopied drives, docks, homes and gardens of magnificent plantations. Shop for everything from antiques to zithers. Immerse yourself in history at the Charleston Museum, aboard the Hunley, or between the canons of Ft. Sumter.
Float through the South Carolina Aquarium. Dine your way through centuries of Southern cooking, or the inspired specialties of famous Charleston chefs. Best of all, you can be back to mix a nightcap and watch the moon rise over the beach on Kiawah, a quick 30-minute drive away.
