South Carolina Travel Guide
Historic Charleston
By the editors of Kaboose.com, with Margaret Soria
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Charleston, South Carolina, a favorite vacation spot of mine, was founded in 1670 and has been through it all. This port city has suffered fires, earthquakes, pirates, the Civil War, and a hurricane – and it is still around, with some battle scars to shows its history. Visitors can walk the cobblestone streets lined with shops and antique boutiques, or they can wander through the Old City open air market. Gullah basket ladies will be at the entrances and exits of the market selling their wares. Also in the heart of the city, you will find museums, art galleries, and private gardens that will amaze. You must stop at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the city – our favorites are Kaminsky’s Dessert Bar, Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub, and more.
Where to Stay
Residence Inn Charleston Downtown/Riverview
90 Ripley Pt. Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-571-7979
The Residence Inn is located among historic homes, waterfront marinas, southern plantations, and downtown shopping. And is also conveniently located just a short trip over the Ashley River to the downtown Charleston historic district. Some amenities include complimentary hot breakfast buffet, high-speed internet access, complimentary on-site parking, and complimentary evening shuttle service to Historic District from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
20 Patriots Pt. Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 888-856-0028
The Charles Harbor Resort and Marina is located on the banks of the Charleston Harbor and overlooks Fort Sumter and Shem Creek. They offer a full service marina, which is complete with fishing charters, sailing excursions, and harbor tours. Some amenities include a water taxi for a short ride to Historic Downtown Charleston and the South Carolina Aquarium, fitness center, swimming pool, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a restaurant.
Planters Inn
112 N. Market St.
Charleston, SC, 29401
The Planters Inn is located in the Historic Downtown District and just 10 minutes away from the beautiful beaches. It is also near the City Market and a short walk to restaurants, antique shops, galleries, and the theatre district. Some amenities include high-speed internet access, gourmet continental breakfast/signature breakfast, umbrellas, whirlpool tub, and a view on balconies overlooking the history of Charleston, SC.
What to Do
Fort Sumter National Monument
340 Concord St.
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843- 883-3123
Fort Sumter memorializes one of the defining moments in America's past. The first shots of the Civil War were fired here. The preserved national monument is under the management of the National Park Service. Tour boats depart from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston, which is handicapped accessible, and Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant.
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Phone: 843- 884-4371
The Boone Hall Plantation was established by Major John Boone, who was one of the original settlers of South Carolina back in 1681. It was a rice plantation, which was then converted into a cotton plantation in the 1800s. Major Boone is believed to be buried beside the avenue of oaks – a ¾ mile drive that is lined with Spanish-moss draped live oaks -- and his grave is indicated by an unmarked vault. Along the avenue, you will find nine original slave cabins, known as Slave Street. They are one of the few remaining intact in the Southeast. Visitors can tour parts of the Plantation building, and drive around the grounds, visiting spots that offer historical information.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
25 Ann St.
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-853-8962
This interactive children's museums offers children ages three months to 12 years and their families the chance to cast nets and count the catch, steer the boat through stormy waters, cook dinner, and hear the sounds of ocean life on a 30-foot Shrimping Trawler …the only thing missing is the smell of that salty sea air. Across the way, switch eras completely and check out life as a medieval duke or duchess at Castle Stories, where you can dress up in medieval costumes, put on a puppet show or explore the shadow wall! Toddlers age three and younger can twist and turn and slide through the tunnels in the Totally Toddler area. Kids can create, make and take home projects of their imagination in Creativity Castle, aka The Art Room, where three different themed activities are featured each week, or paint Dreyfus the dragon.
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