Sightseenig in Charleston
 

Can anyone recommend the "can't miss" sights in Charleston? We are going to be there for three days over Memorial Weekend.

During our annual stay in Mrytle Beach, we always like to do a day trip to Charleston. It is so beautiful! I highly recommend a carriage ride. They take you through the historic district. The homes are incredible! There seem to be a lot of tour companies doing the carriage rides. We have always used Old South Carriage Company, they're the ones with the red sashes. We found the guides to be amusing and very informative. The carriage rides are all situated in the old city market area, a delightful little shopping area you won't want to miss. We have also visited the Magnolia Planation and the Boone Planation, we enjoyed both. If you have young children they might enjoy the Aquarium. There is a touch and feel tank. I highly recommend you visit the Charleston Visitor Centre when you arrive. It's at 375 Meeting St. You can get lots of information on tours, restaurants etc. Enjoy your trip!

It really depends on what type of traveler you are. If you are a history buff, you will be in heaven. There are many historic homes to tour, The Nathanial Russell house being a major one. There is also the Dungeon and Provost Exchange (great for kids.) As mentioned before, a carriage ride is a great way to orient yourself to the city.

There is a public market "The Market" that is very touristy and sells only "stuff", not food. Many people think that this is the old slave market but it isn't. The slaves where brought through here but were not "traded" here. There is another museum on Cabbage Row dedicated to slavery in a very honest and forthcoming way, not sugarcoated.

The best way to see Charleston is on foot. So wear comfy shoes and watch your step! Walk along The Battery at White Point Gardens and make your way up Rainbow Row. Take a 1/2 day trip out to Ft. Sumter, only accessible by ferry. Visit a plantation home west of the Ashley River (West Ashley) or Boone Hall in Mt. Pleasant.

You certainly won't be bored or underfed in Charleston! Have a great trip!

Hi wmo, you will enjoy Charleston, it is a beautiful city. And yes do wear comfortable shoes. You might enjoy visiting St. Michaels which is a very old historical church. If you do note the white steeple. It was painted black during the Civil War to keep the North from bombarding it. I did not take a carriage ride but imagine that would be fun to do. And if you like to walk (I do) you will enjoy Charleston so much. It is a very walkable city (just watch out for all the cracks and bumps on the sidewalks). The houses are so beautiful as are their gardens. Have a wonderful trip.

We like Middleton Place the best of the garden plantations. They also have a restaurant that serves really good food.

While the Market doesn't have food, there are numerous restaurants on the streets paralleling it and a candy shop that has wonderful pralines.

I second the Nathaniel Russell house. It is wonderful! It is my favorite house to tour in Charleston. I've been back a few times and it is beter everytime!

Here's the website...http://www.historiccharleston.org/russell.html