Charleston A Retreat From the High Tech World

South Carolina's Historic City With Museums, Festivals & Dining

Apr 29, 2009

Charleston, South Carolina, has been celebrated year-after-year as one of the must-see and "friendliest" cities in the United States.

Crossing Arthur Ravenel Bridge into Charleston displays the gracious city in a majestic manner. A splendid suspension bridge that should be the model for all future construction; it soars in perfect keeping with its environment. The light and airy appearance (though very solid) opens onto the vista as one enters the city.

According to the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau 7% of all hotels in the United States are located in Charleston. But, it isn’t the hotels that draw guests to Charleston it is the extraordinarily well-maintained buildings (thanks to a very active Historic Preservation Society), the river views, the low country cuisine, museums and the shopping.

Founded in 1670 by British colonists, Charles Towne (as it was originally known) became the most vital and important port in North America. Based on religious tolerance and freedom, French Huguenots, Baptists, Congregationalist and Presbyterians flocked to the city followed by the Scots. In 1749, the first Jewish Congregation formed in the area followed by a Lutheran church and a Methodist Assembly. This all-welcoming spirit continues today.

Festivals and annual events provide an interesting schedule within which to plan a visit. For exact dates and details visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau website. January brings the Low Country Oyster Festival. March continues with food celebrations with the Food & Wine Festival followed by the annual Festival of Houses & Gardens and then Fashion Week.

The North Charleston Arts Festival runs from May 1 though 9, 2009 and includes a full program of events, exhibits and interactive opportunities. Sculptors from across the country submitted proposals to the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition. The exhibition, at Riverfront Park on the banks of the Cooper River, will remain on view through March 2010. Atlanta sculptor Corrina Sephora Mensoff is one of the winning artists. Her work, entitled “Where I have Come From & What Will I Leave Behind” is a 9-foot canoe of forged and fabricated steel and recycled metal with castings of seashells and sand dollars. Inside the canoe is a silhouette of the artist and a fisherman’s net pours out of the interior.

Perhaps the best-known annual event is the Spoleto Festival at the end of May – a 17-day series including 120 performances by celebrated artists and performers. December is a month-long Christmas party when the historic homes are decorated in period style.

One of the top golf destinations in the world, in 1786 Charleston inaugurated the first golf course in the United States. The LPGA relocated to Charleston in 2007. Renowned golf course architects including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio have designed the beautiful greens – Charleston is presently home to more than 24 public and private courses.

Low-lying geography defines Charleston in many ways, most specifically its cuisine. African, Caribbean and Cajun influences are found in the area’s recipes. Abundant seafood and ideal marshy conditions for growing rice are the focus at home and restaurant tables. She Crab Soup, Gumbo, Low Country Boil and grits are some of the staples. For true local cuisine, visit Gullah Gourmet in nearby Mt. Pleasant. The Gullah are an African American people residing in South Carolina who maintain their rich heritage and traditions from food to woven Sweet Grass baskets.

Hungry, be prepared to reserve well in advance or stand in line this proves true for both lunch and dinner in Charleston. Carolina’s on Exchange Street serves up Low Country recipes with dashes of European touches. While the name may sound pedestrian, The Charleston Grill is the one restaurant not to miss and live jazz completes the experience. Deep-fried everything is another signature of the Southeast – worth the calories and walking tours will keep the weight gain to a minimum.

Feeling puckish in the middle of the day, gelato at Paolo’s on John Street is the way to go. A few steps down is 39 Rue de Jean, a welcoming place for a cocktail, wine by the glass and small appetizers, from which one could make an entirely satisfying meal.

Accommodations run from economy to ultra luxurious and are found in the Historic District though hotels within 3 miles are worth considering. For an authentic experience the Francis Marion Hotel (in operation since 1924) with spectacular views of the Harbor. The Mills House Hotel is another prime hotel, boutique in size and fully renovated in 2006 this property combines the lush style with contemporary amenities. The Andrew Pinckney Inn is just one of the many bed & breakfast operations but this one is smack dab in the middle of the Historic District.

There are more than 15 museums and historic sites open to the public including The Charleston Museum, The Postal Museum, a children’s museum, The Old Slave Mart and naturally The Confederate Museum. Visiting the museums and historic sites takes a full day and two would be best.

Shopping on Charleston’s King Street resembles an outside mall in any major city today. From Victoria’s Secret to Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue, the shopping is less than charming. Check out the side streets for slightly more unique options. Unless desperate for the latest handbag, shoes or outfits stay out of the stores and spend more time in the museums and restaurants.

A more personal look at Charleston, by Pat Conroy, who has written often and in depth about South Carolina is forthcoming from Doubleday in August 2009. South of Broad chronicles the lives of seven classmates over a 20-year period. What better companion for a visit to Charleston than the poetic words of such an esteemed author.

The copyright of the article Charleston A Retreat From the High Tech World in South Carolina Travel is owned by Dindy Yokel. Permission to republish Charleston A Retreat From the High Tech World in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.