LTPD Travels from home to: Christmas in Charleston

Welcome to Charleston!

From the mix of old and new, the laid back atmosphere, top notch southern dining, sweeter-than-sweet-tea locals, to the beautiful antebellum mansions, Charleston is absolutely charming. You're bound to fall in love with the southern hospitality - check out Southern Living's video below of "The South's Best City: Charleston"

Many will argue that the best time to visit Charleston is in the Fall, Winter and Spring. However, if you're looking to catch some sunshine on some of South Carolina's

famous beaches, summer is for you!

(There's just something about seeing Christmas decorations next to palm trees!)

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Historic Charleston

Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II, Charleston's original location was on the west bank of the Ashley River (now Charles Towne Landing) and was abandoned in 1680 for its present site. It easily became the fifth-largest city in North America within ten years.

With a rich 300 year history, Charleston today is America's most beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure. Often described as a "living museum". Though tourists come near and far for the carriage rides and colorful buildings, it wasn't always this way.

Take a look at the brief historic timeline below:

• 1670: This is the year 150 English colonists, servants, and slaves sailed into the Charleston harbor. The proprietors of Albemarle Point honored their king, Charles II, by naming the settlement Charles Town in his honor.

• 1740: Due to many docks and piers along its edge, Charles Town had become a busy seaport. Ships carrying goods were often traded back and forth, also bringing the luxuries of Europe — caused a international influence to this growing community. By 1740, it was considered one of the most critical ports in North America for exporting, and the colony benefitted greatly from the economic success.

• 1776: The Revolutionary War ended Charleston’s Golden Age. That year, a British fleet failed to take Colonel William Moultrie’s palmetto fort on Sullivan’s Island, but two years later they attacked by land. As the surrounding countryside was torched, the British took control. By 1783, Charles Town had become Charleston.

• 1860: Charleston lay divided concerning state’s rights; the Ordinance of Secession was signed in December 1860, making South Carolina a separate entity from the United States. The first shots of the war were fired upon Fort Sumter on April 21, 1861 and would continue to ravage the state until it ended in 1865.

• 1900s: Charleston once again was established as a cultural center. Preservation effort went into effect in the 1940s, allowing this beautiful city to retain her natural charm, distinction, and tradition.

Why is it called the Holy City?

Over the years, the settlement was attacked from sea and land by France, Spain, pirates, and Native Americans. The earliest settlers came here from England but were later followed by immigrants from Scotland, France, Germany, Ireland, and other countries. These immigrants brought with them numerous Protestant denominations as well as Judaism and Roman Catholicism. For this reason, Charleston earned the nickname of "Holy City" as it was known for its tolerance for all religions and it numerous historic churches.

Things To See & Do

Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in a rich coastal culture, hop on a tour, splash in the waves or find your bliss in a spa oasis, you'll find what you are looking for here in Charleston.

Carriage Ride

A horse-drawn carriage tour through downtown Charleston is an absolute must to take in the city's rich history. There is many different companies to choose from offering an array of different tours. From general history, to mansions, even nighttime ghost tours - you can't go wrong taking in the sights from a horse and buggy!

Click here for a list of carriage tour companies

Plantations & Gardens

Middleton Place (Click here to visit their website)

Home to America’s oldest and most important landscaped gardens, the historic site encompasses 110 acres including the Gardens, House Museum, Stableyards, and Eliza’s House.

Boone Plantation (Click here to visit their website)

Boone Hall Plantation has been recognized as the #1 Plantation in the Charleston area according to USA Today's 10BEST and is a "must see" according to NBC Daytime Television.

Magnolia Plantation (Click here to visit their website)

Come see why Magnolia is SC’s “Most Visited Plantation” and why Magnolia is the only garden in South Carolina selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens."

Drayton Hall (Click here to visit their website)

Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Place to See in South Carolina. America’s oldest unrestored plantation open to the public c. 1738.

Get ready to Island Hop!

It wouldn't be a trip to Charleston without feeling the sand between your toes! The Charleston area offers plenty of opportunities to catch a good sunrise or sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Just a short drive North or South of the city you'll find several beachside communities all unique with what they have to offer!

Folly Beach - low-key, casual beach town

Beach town offering plenty of shopping, restaurants and things to see!

Isle of Palms - a lively escape

Check out Sea Biscuit Café for a cozy, homestyle breakfast. After, head just across the street to see the locals catch some waves.

Sullivan’s Island - upscale tucked away oasis

A very quiet seaside town. A local favorite is to take the Sullivan's Island Nature Trail to the beach. Parking to access this trail is very limited, but if you park on the main street in (Middle Street) you'll have only a few blocks to reach the trail. A tourist favorite for lunch/dinner is The Obstinate Daughter, serving craft beers and American cuisine in a country-chic atmosphere.

Shopping

Downtown King Street is the place to be for all of your shopping needs. The street itself is a very old & new mix of historic buildings. The buildings that are home to house hold names of top brands and small boutiques will having you wish you packed lighter!

What & Where to eat

Charleston is often referred to as "low country cuisine". A blend of African cuisine and food found locally, like seafood! Dishes include fish, gumbo, stew, shrimp, and grits - very similar to dishes found in New Orleans. There is of course other flavors and styles of food to try in Charleston - like my favorite, Italian!

Wild Olive (John's Island)

I cannot speak highly enough about this place! I would honestly fly to Charleston just to eat here again. Every dish I tried was to die for! Our meal started with calamari that was tender and fried to perfection. Next, the mushroom soup...it will leave your mouth watering!

Fleets Landing (Charleston)

Waterfront restaurant that converted me into a seafood eater! I'm not saying these are the best hush puppies around but for someone like me who absolutely refuses to eat seafood, this place is the place to try! Their Seafood Hush puppies are the size of baseballs and are stuffed with shrimp, lobster and crawfish! Click here for their recipe to make from home!

Henry's on the Market (Charleston)

For the best "upscale" night life I'd recommend Henry's. King Street is the most popular spot for the college aged kids with multiple bars to choose from, but I personally find Henry's on the Market to be the most centrally located, right across from Charleston's City Market, and the most unique! Established in 1932, Henry’s is the oldest continuous restaurant in Charleston and the state of South Carolina. With live jazz and a rooftop deck you can't go wrong swinging by here for a drink and appetizer!

Other bloggers recommend:

1. Butcher & Bee

2. Goat. Sheep. Cow.

3. The Darling Oyster Bar

4. The Cocktail Club

Where to Stay

In your mind you're already here. Now it's time to look at all of your options to get a good nights rest and the perfect place to kick up your feet after a long day exploring!

Bed and Breakfasts or Air bnb's are the way to go in this charming city! Not only because you'll be able to soak in some southern charm but because you will have the opportunity to be in walking distance to most things to do in the city! Check out Airbnb Charleston!

There is also plenty of hotels, historic inns, and cottages to choose from. Check out this list from Charleston's Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Click here

For more information on Charleston, SC and to request a free visitor's guide visit their website here.

Hopefully you enjoyed your visit to Charleston, SC from the comfort of your home! Keep a look out for more travels from home with LTPD Travel by subscribing to our blog!

LTPD Travel is a travel program through Lockport Township Park District offering day and overnight trips from Lockport, IL.

Check out our website at Lockportpark.org!