Hi! I have a few more vacation days left this year, and I'm seriously thinking of Charleston. As much as I enjoy Europe, I think it's a good idea to see our country, too, and I've never been to what you would call the "deep south". An article about Charleston caught my eye recently in Bon Appetite magazine, and after doing some very preliminary research, Charleston appeals to me very much.

Is October a nice time to visit Charleston? Fall is my favorite time of year, and my experience has been that September/October are always good times to visit.

Believe me, I will be doing loads more research, which I think is integral to a great vacation. I have read about several walking tours that sound fascinating: the Civil War Tour, and a ghost tour. I love the Civil War period, and Fort Sumter is at the top of my list. Is this tour worth doing?

One more question, and I hope it won't offend anyone. I'm just curious, but if I'm out of line, please let me know. I guess what I want to know is how Charleston has reconciled it's past (slavery, etc.....) with the present. Are there lingering resentments that a "traveler" wouldn't necessarily notice, but a native would? I noticed while doing my brief research that there are several museums,etc....devoted to African-American history, which is terrific. Please understand that I'm not in any way questioning the integrity of Charlestonians (is that the term?), but it's more like a curiosity as to how life in the city is/has been/was affected by is history.

Thanks so much!

Betsy

You will love Charleston. I think it may be the US's most "European" city in that it is so walkable in the historic district. The restaurants are wonderful. There are at least 2 guided (personal) tours that are available. One is Sara Ragsdale and the other is a Gullah tour given by a Gullah descendent. You may want to choose a plantation tour also. We particularly like Middleton. Enjoy yourself. October in Charleston is scrumptious.

We were in Charleston only once and stayed at one of the many B&B's near one of the many colleges in town. We like historical towns too and did a couple of mansion and plantation tours. We spent one day at Patriot Point which has several old military vessels, such as an air craft carrier and a submarine, you can tour. Very interesting! Fort Sumter was kind of a disappointment though. You take a long ferry ride out to the fort during which they give you a full lesson about the fort's history. Once there it's kind of stark, not much to look at really. We both thought is was boring.

Thanks so much, Gretchen and Lenore. I love to explore cities by walking, so it sounds like Charleston will be right up my alley! I've heard great things about Sara Ragdale, and a plantation tour is a must. Thanks for the tip. I'll check out Patriot Point, too.

Can't wait until October!

Betsy

Gretchen, does Sara Ragsdale have a web site?

Thanks!

Betsy

We just got back from a wonderful weekend in Charleston and did not want to leave! We stayed at the French Quarter Inn which just opened and it was fabulous. We ate at Charleston Grill, Peninsula & Magnolia's. Charleston Grill was my definite favorite. We took the Civil War tour which was great and the Ghost Tour which was fun. Great city - - I think we'll make this an annual trip!

Betsy, you've made a wise choice to consider Charleston. It's a wonderful city with much to its credit.

Concerning your question. I first went to Charleston as a child some 20 years ago. I think at that time, the issue of slavery wasn't dealt with as frankly as it is now. At the Charleston Museum, they have very detailed exhibits on slavery and its repercussions. It also includes some profiles of heroic slaves who risked their lives to help the Union during the Civil War. I think it is presented in a very truthful, unbiased way.

As someone else mentioned, the Gullah culture is slowly but surely being revealed through historical research. It is a welcome thing.

Another interesting discovery of late is the Hunley, a very early submarine used during the Civil War. Its story and its recovery are fascinating.

Fall is a lovely time to visit as school has started and temperatures have cooled. Charleston is an extremely "walkable" city with plenty of things to see and do. My friends and I still like to go to the Battery and stroll past the lovely houses while watching the sun set over the water.

One thing I love about Charleston is that there are many types of architecture from the Federal the ante-Bellum. The house guides are all very knowledgeable and let me pepper them with questions.

Hope you do decided to go.

Joann, sounds like you had a great time! The Civil War tour sounds right up my alley, assuming it is informative and worthwhile. The Ghost tour sounds like a lot of fun.

Tom, thanks for your informative response! The Charleston Museum is a definite, and I'm anxious to see the exhibits on slavery, etc..The Hunley is also a must-do, and whatwith plantation tours, Fort Sumter, etc.., it sounds like I'll have plenty to do. I don't know much about the Gullah; is this a kind of native culture, sort of like Creole/Cajuns are to Louisiana?

Thanks!

Betsy

Betsy, I think this link explains it better than I can:

http://www.gullahgourmet.com/history.htm

There are also "Gullah weekends" held throughout February. This was recently featured in Southern Living magazine.

Hi there - You'll love Charleston. October should be fine, weather still warm, but too cool for beach/swimming. September would be warm enough to spend a day doing the whole East Coast beach town thing on Folley Beach. If you can go NOW...the town will be at it's most beautiful, the azaleas and other spring flowers will be spectacular.

As to the city, please bring comfy shoes and walk, walk, walk. I've been to Chas dozens of times, never tire of wandering around. Tour one of the houses near the battery. I would SKIP the Fort Sumpter tour if I were you. It's very, very boring. Go to the aquarium. Possibly tour one of the plantations on the AShley river. (touristy, but hey, you're a tourist)

Don't be freaked out by the "Slave Market" on Market STreet. It's not where slaves were sold, but where slaves came to sell their handcrafts, etc. There you will find Gullah ladies selling sweet grass baskets, they are very expensive, but a unique and useful souvineer of your trip.

I think Charleston (and the south) has less racial division that the rest of the country now.

You will find GOBS of beautiful historic inns (B&Bs), but if you are not a B&B person, I recommend Charleston Place for it's location(although it is overpriced).

Have fun!

Donna, thanks for the tips and info. Comfy walking shoes are the first things on my list to buy; I sure could use the excercise, so that will be a good thing! The Gullah culture sounds fascinating; I'd love to take home a souvenir. This is going to be a learning vacation for me in a way; I've never been "down south", and I can't consider Florida the Deep South. I just can't......

Hi Betsy!

October is generally beautiful here in Charleston. Keep in mind, though that it is hurricane season. (But, we've been here for 7 yrs. and have had to evacuate just twice).

I'm posting a site from the Post & Courier (local newspaper) that includes a great listing of Tips for Tourists - includes all of the tours, dining guides, boats, aquarium, plantations, etc.

http://www.charleston.net/visitor/index.html

We get a LOT of company and so far my favorite plantation is Middleton. If there is a play being presented at the Dock Street Theatre (Rhett Butler was there!), go just to see the inside of the building! The Ghost Tour is fun.

When you get to town you should first go to the Visitor Center (parking garage is next door)- buy a pass for DASH (trolley service is only $2 per day). Definitely see the Battery, Market, and Waterfront Park. The closest beach is Isle of Palms (and Folly Beach is also nearby).

Charlestonians are the friendliest, most polite people you'd want to meet - but do be aware that walking downtown (Market area) late at night should be done with others. There are sooo many great restaurants, jazz bars, etc.

Post to me if you would like more info.

Carol, with my luck, I'll bring a hurricane with me........! I'll presume that the weather will be fine, and cross my fingers....

Thanks for alerting me about the Dock Street theatre. I hadn't thought much about nightime entertainment (except dinners, of course). Choosing a plantation to visit is going to be a very hard decision!

You've been very helpful (everyone has), and I can't wait for October to get here.

Betsy

This is my favorite city in the US also, the walking tours are definetely worth it and fort sumter is neat. The whole city is amazing and the folks are friendly. I stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast (cant remember name) that was really nice. The Hominy Grill was fantastic!!! I had dinner there by myself and they have my favorite bottle of wine on the menu, I wanted a glass not the bottle,they opened a bottle, gave me a glass, then left the bottle on my table and never charged me for it. Go figure!! This city used to be called the "Paris of the South" and once you visit you will know why. Have fun and bring comfy shoes to walk in.

Charleston is a great choice. They have done a great job at historic preservation. Remember Charleston was not destroyed by Gen Sherman. (It's ironic a lot of antiquities were transfered to Columbia prior to Shermans "visit" and were destroyed.)
There is an "upper crust" provincialism there but this has diminished over the years and should not be evident to a tourist. (Ask what "S O B" means).
As a tip for a great unique souvenir. Get a sawgrass basket in the marketplace or on the road side on US 17 North.

MH, Paris is my favorite place in the world, so if Charleston is even half like Paris, I'll fall in love with it. Hominy Grill is a must do for me; I've read so much about it. The problem with reading comments about restaurants is that it makes me hungry!

John, SOB means South of Broad, right? LOL The NOB'ers wanted what the SOB's had! No, I didn't guess that. I have to admit that I read it in a guide book!

Betsy

We were in Charleston and Savannah last year around this time: Here's some of our itinerary in Charleston:
Things to do
§ 1st Visit the visitors center
§ Charleston museum...
§ Andrew Low house
§ the houses around the Battery are spectacular....
§ Magnolia plantation and don't miss the walk on the boardwalk through the swamp...really interesting Fort Sumter (I'd skip it, the boat ride is too long!)
§ Angel oak is incredible. A drive out in the country to 1400 yr old oak tree..shades an acre...the largest tree I've ever seen. If you are interested, I'll email you directions.

§ Edmondston-Alston House "is a gracious example of early 19th-century commitment to elegance, style, and comfort. Built in 1825 by Charles Edmondston, a prosperous merchant and wharf owner; Greek Revival details were added in 1838 by Charles Alston, a wealthy rice planter. Alston family furniture, silver, books, and paintings remain in place much as they have been for over a century and a half. Look seaward from the second floor piazza where General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter." Guided tours, Tues.-Sat. 10-4:30; Sun. and Mon. 1:30-4:30 (last tour at 4:30).

Where we ate:
Anson’s- Loved this restaurant...don't let them seat you upstairs
Ate at Hominy Grill...very good

I love this thread- we are planning to go to Charleston for my birthday in April.
Question- Are there places to ride bikes (meaning mountain bikes)? Are there trails nearby the city?
Also, any idea how long to drive between Atlanta and Charleston? Thanks everyone!

Toni, thanks for your input. It sounds like you had a wonderful experience! I'll admit now that I can't skip Fort Sumter. Not only am I a Civil War buff, but I don't mind a long boat ride,presuming it's informative. My whole life is spent rushing around, so this will be a nice chance to relax. I'm definitely looking forward to the Charleston Museum, and getting a chance to explore these beautiful homes down by/in the Battery.


Thanks again!

Betsy

Loved the city several years ago. We also found Ft. Sumter to be a disappointment; there was nothing there. Spend your precious time in town; we enjoyed the horse drawn carriage tour (hokey as it might be). Bring lots of money if you want to buy a seagrass basket; I bought 2 small Xmas ornaments. We stayed at the Vendue Inn. http://www.vendueinn.com/ Charleston is a gorgeous city.