JoeTro

I'll be visiting Charleston next month for a couple of days for an interview at MUSC. It's at the top of my list as far as programs go, so I'd like to spend the time outside of the interview (basically Saturday after 2:30 pm and Sunday until about 3 pm) doing:

(a) sightseeing - I'm a big art fan, as well as history. Any must-see museums, sites, plantations that are accessible from MUSC?

(b) exploring potential neighborhoods I may want to live in should I get to go there. In a perfect world, I'd prefer a urban-feeling, walkable area so I would not need a car. It would be great to therefore be convenient to groceries, shops, restaurants, as well as at least some transport to get me close to MUSC should I not be right by there. Maybe Charleston doesn't really work this way, but a boy can dream.

I have no idea if fodorites know of this, but, being gay, I'd also be interested to know a bit more about any gay-friendly areas, from a living perspective.

Thanks for your help!

suewoo

Hi, Joe,

Charleston has some great neighborhoods near MUSC. The only unfortunate thing is many of the places close by will also have college students since College of Charleston is right near the hospital. It's a walkable town but you might want to consider getting a car at some point to really enjoy the area. It will be tough to get to the plantations or the beaches without one. Our public transportation system is abysmal.

There are tons of art galleries in the Historic District. Consider staying there rather than one of the hotels closer to the hospital just so you can enjoy it. The best recommendation I can give you is just walk down East Bay Street and enjoy the beautiful houses.

There used to be a GREAT gay bar long ago called Garden and Gun (hahaha) but it's defunct now. I'll check with my gay buddies and find out about current nightlife. There is a place called Club Pantheon just by the Visitors' Center. You can like them on Facebook to find out what's happening. I saw the Lady Chablis there one time! There's a strong gay population here, so don't worry about that part.

Look at some of the trip reports on here and if you have other questions I'm happy to help. MUSC is a great place to work.

JoeTro

Thanks for all of the tips, Sue! I'm not so opposed to college students, although I do love my current neighborhood precisely because the complex is more than just college folks. I think I will stay at the B and B near MUSC just for convenience sake, but I'll try to get to the Historic District in my time away.

From everything I've heard, people seem to really love Charleston, so I'm excited to visit and will try to check my misconceptions of it being too small for me at the door. I was pleasantly surprised by both DASH and the CARTA as public transport options, but it's a shame to hear that they aren't so nice.

suewoo

No problem. You will not understand the draw of Charleston unless you visit the Historic District! So make sure you walk down there and eat at one of the (Way too) many world class restaurants. You won't be sorry.


I used to live in DC. I saw that you're going there too. I absolutely loved it, and the public transpo there is so much more useful. But you're right to want to live a little closer in than up at Cleveland Park. I lived at 19th and T NW and it was a great neighborhood.

Sounds like you are going to be busy! Let us know where you land.

JoeTro

Thanks, Sue! I also have interviews in LA (where I am currently), Dallas (where I'm from) and Chicago, so it will be exciting to see where I end up.

suewoo

SO exciting for you! Even if you don't end up living here enjoy your trip.

palmettoprincess

A great way to get to know communities before you move is reading their local papers. Both the Charleston Courier and Atlanta papers have most of their content online.

JoeTro

Thanks - I definitely knew about AJC, but I'll have to check out the Charleston one.

suewoo

Joe,

The Charleston paper may put you off, lol! Try the City Paper, both here and in DC.

JoeTro

So I've just arrived in Charleston and am staying at Bee/Ashley. Can I ask what constitutes the "historic district" that I am supposed to see (I'm assuming by the water where some of the stately homes are) and how I am supposed to get there? Dash? The other transport starting with a D?

Finally, I'm dining at Blossoms tomorrow. Can I take transport there?

suewoo

Can you walk? It's a bit of a hike but the weather's nice enough. The HD is south of Calhoun St. and you're not that far away. Just walk south on Ashley.

If you want a ride to Blossom, call a cab. You can catch a pedicab back to your B&B.