The world is full of wonderful places, and every single one of them is beautiful in its own way. Now, certain destinations are truly beautiful, but for various reasons quite forgettable, meaning that you won’t be in the mood to see it again.
In contrast, some cities may not be as popular as some others, but have a specific charm that’s going to quietly get into your skin and stay with you for a very long time, long after you’ve gone.
That’s precisely what Charleston is. It may not be on your map right now, but once you go through this informative guide and read all about the magical cobblestone streets, palmetto trees, waterfront views, etc., you’ll quickly change your mind and immediately add it to your list of must-see places.
History Buffs Will Love It, For Sure!
This city is renowned for being a so-called open-air museum, and that’s totally justified. It was established back in 1670, and is one of the most influential cities when it comes to American history.
It is filled with stories that impacted this nation. That’s precisely why whenever you step into the historic district, you feel as if you traveled back in time, because you’d cast your eyes on wonderfully preserved buildings, old churches, and antebellum houses.
Rainbow Row, with its pastel series of beautifully-colored historic houses, is one of the most popular places in Charleston. History out there isn’t solely restricted to guided tours, and other things that you can easily find anywhere.
It is part of the atmosphere that’s woven in architecture and tradition, and that’s what makes it so unbelievably authentic and special.
Experience Stunning Views With Boat Tours
If you’re a fan of breathtaking views and romantic sunsets, then you cannot skip Charleston’s boat tours. Namely, with a private boat tour, you’ll get the chance to experience out-of-this-world views of the city’s skyline, along with the views of private islands, forts, and lighthouses. Seeing Charleston by boat is an amazing way to cast your eyes on the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, bottlenose dolphins, and you may even encounter playful pelicans.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be going on this tour with a partner or not; if you’re a romantic soul, you’re going to be blown away by the romantic sunset that’s going to become even more enjoyable if you have a glass of cold beer or wine.
Architecture That Has Its Own Unique And Interesting Story
There are lots of things Charleston is renowned for, and one of them is its sensational architecture, which “offers” a wide range of styles, starting from Georgian, Colonial, to Victorian, and others.
Marvelous single-house design is a great example of how people have quickly adapted to the coastal climate. If you go on a walking tour, you’ll get a glimpse of how Charleston transformed over centuries, and how it has successfully survived wars, hurricanes, and many other elements that have tried but haven’t succeeded in killing its spirit and charm.
In other words, it is a perfect place for creative and talented photographers who are looking for places that are going to inspire them.
Are You A Foodie? If Yes, Then Search No More!
If you’re looking to have some sort of cultural storytelling through delicious meals, then you’re going to fall in love with this place in a flash. You should start off your morning at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits, which is one of the most popular places among locals due to blackberry jam, pimento cheese, and, like the name suggests, buttery biscuits.
Once you’re done with breakfast, and you conclude that you’re in the mood for brunch or lunch, then it’s time to pay a visit to Miller’s All Day and make sure to treat yourself to a mouthwatering donut sandwich, which represents a perfect mixture of savory, salty, and crunchy.
Certainly, one of the most popular dishes in this city is the Frogmore stew, and don’t fret, you won’t be eating frogs. Namely, this meal (that’s supposed to be shared) comprises potatoes, shrimps, sausage, and corn on the cob.
There are certain places that may also add crab claws to further spice things up. Speaking of it, bear in mind that not every restaurant uses this name for this dish. Some restaurants, like Charleston Crab House, use Lowcountry boil, so don’t let it confuse you.
The bottom line is that Charleston is a perfect place for foodies and anyone who loves trying out something new and interesting, so you’re going to love this aspect of this place, for sure.
Intricate Cultural Heritage
As concluded previously, Charleston is a real heaven for passionate history lovers, and even though there’s no doubt that it is beautiful, you’re going to love its history even more! It played a huge role in the transatlantic slave trade, which is something that you must be familiar with if you define yourself as a history buff.
Places like Fort Sumter represent the sites where the first shots were fired during the American Civil War. This fort mustn’t be overlooked once you decide to visit this destination. Sensational harbor views are going to sweep you off your feet.
Still to this day, the cultural impact of the Gullah Geechee people (descendants of Central and West Africans) remains strong in the tradition of this city, cuisine, and language.
Are You A Shopaholic?
After a long day of walking and exploring, there’s nothing better than to treat yourself with something nice. That’s if you haven’t already spent all your money. If you managed to save something up, then it’s time to take a stroll along King Street.
According to the seasoned shopaholics, it’s one of the most popular places in the United States in terms of shopping. Out there, you’ll get the opportunity to feast your eyes on luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, J. Crew, and others.
Once you buy everything you need, you can rest your feet at beautiful, yet cozy bars and lounges.
Unmatched Hospitality
There’s no denying that this city is packed with spectacular amenities, cuisines, etc., but none of these things would be complete without its unmatched hospitality. Those who have visited Charleston before will immediately confirm this fact.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be spending some time at a café, visiting a local shop, or talking to a tour guide; you will instantly recognize their genuine hospitality. Their welcoming and warm side is going to make you feel as if they’ve known you for decades.
It’s the kind of place where strangers are treated like locals, and where every conversation flows seamlessly, which isn’t something that you can easily find anywhere else.
You’ll Never Get Bored
Truth be told, is that this city is “active” all year round, meaning that you can visit it anytime you want to, and you’ll never get bored because it’s full of fantastic activities even for the finickiest tourist.
If you want to do nothing but simply relax and unwind, then you can visit sensational beaches that stretch along the coastline. On the other hand, if you’re a hyperactive person who’s always in the mood to do something fun, then this destination has something for you, too!
You can opt for biking if you want to explore the streets of Charleston and admire its architectural style. If you’re more into water activities, then paddleboarding and kayaking are going to embellish this vacation, for sure!
The point is that there’s always something interesting to do in this city, so it’s up to you to determine what currently suits your mood the most.
Slow-Paced Tempo
If you’re looking for the city’s hustle and bustle, then New York City and other cities may be your thing; however, if you’re searching for a place that’s a lot more relaxed and slow-paced, in general, then you’re going to love Charleston, for sure.
This city will certainly remind you of how essential it is to sometimes slow down a bit and forget about daily troubles and responsibilities. That’s exactly what you’ll get out there. You can get a coffee on a shaded patio or have evening strolls along the waterfront.
The entire point of this city is to remind you to take a break for a little bit and distance yourself from fast-paced places. At times, slow-paced cities like Charleston, that offer a slower tempo, are much better than those that are a bit chaotic.
Something For Everyone
One of the perks of this city lies in the fact that it appeals to every traveler. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a history connoisseur, a beachgoer, or a romantic couple who is looking for a perfect getaway; you’ll find something appealing and interesting in this city, and that’s what makes it so special.
Even if you plan on visiting it with your family, you’ll be able to enjoy a plethora of thrilling activities.
Even if this city wasn’t in your plans, we honestly hope that after reading this article, you will realize that you’ve missed out on a real gem that deserves to be explored just like any other fantastic destination.