Europe in America: Charleston, South Carolina

Southern Charm and European Sophistication

Charleston, South Carolina, is a charming, sophisticated southern city with a distinctly European vibe. The diverse backgrounds of French, English, West African, and traditional Southern American cultures blend into the architecture, art, food, and lifestyle. Though it’s the largest city on our list, Charleston still feels like a small town, with its historic downtown and cobblestone streets dotted with cafes, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. From a rich history and culture to a thriving arts scene and plentiful water activities, Charleston is full of things to do. One of the best ways to learn about Charleston’s history is simply by exploring its beautiful neighborhoods and centuries-old mansions on foot.

Did You Know? Buildings in Charleston must be no taller than the tallest church steeple, which is Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church. The “Holy City” gets its nickname from its skyline full of steeples.

Historic Sightseeing

– You won’t want to miss The Battery, a landmark defensive seawall stretching along the city’s southern tip and Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of intact pre-Revolutionary row houses in the United States. This row of Southern-style mansions overlooking Charleston Harbor was once the center of the city’s maritime activity and one of Charleston’s most popular destinations.

– Visit White Point Gardens, a park located in the heart of the historic downtown district. You’ll find beautiful views of Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor along with lots of oak trees and plenty of green space.

– The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is South Carolina’s most historic building. Completed in 1771, the Exchange and Custom House was the economic, social, and cultural center of the colony. The Declaration of Independence was presented to the people from its steps.

Museums & Attractions

– Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum is America’s first museum. The museum is full of historic artifacts, natural history, and decorative arts. The museum also manages two historic homes that you can tour with an additional ticket.

– The Gibbes Museum of Art is Charleston’s only visual arts museum. The permanent collection contains artwork inspired by the region’s unique landscape and cultural heritage. The museum also hosts half a dozen special exhibits every year.

– The Aiken-Rhett House Museum is a great example of antebellum life. Built in the early 1800s, much of the home’s original style is preserved. Self-guided tours allow you to experience its antique furnishings, original wallpaper, slave quarters, and stables. Everything has been maintained to provide you with a sense of life in the Old South.

Tours & Experiences

– Take a sunset sail or afternoon dolphin sail on Charleston Harbor to get a view of the Holy City from the water. The ships stay in the sheltered harbor, so it is a smooth sail!

– Explore all things spooky and supernatural in Charleston’s most haunted and infamous places on a Ghost Tour. We recommend Bulldog Tours, where you can choose from a variety of options, including Haunted Jails, Ghosts & Graveyards, and Dungeons.

– Head to Charleston Tea Plantation, the only commercial tea farm in North America, to take a trolley ride through the 127-acre farm, tour the factory, and take some tea bags home for a tasty souvenir. If you are there in May, enjoy the First Flush Festival celebrating the first harvest of the year.

Hotel Zero George (Courtesy of Explore Charleston, ExploreCharleston.com)

Dining & Shopping

– You can’t talk about Charleston and not bring up its amazing culinary scene. There are world-class chefs here cooking up everything from fine cuisine to traditional Lowcountry fare. Happy hour is lively every day of the week, so head out between 4 and 7 for some great food and drink specials. A few of our favorites are Barsa Tapas Lounge & Bar, High Cotton, and Uptown Social. To get a more in-depth look at some of the restaurants, book a Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour to combine a historic tour with a culinary adventure.

– Downtown Charleston is full of independent boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. Spend an afternoon wandering the streets to discover the perfect find. Because parking in Charleston can be difficult, we recommend staying at one of the outstanding downtown hotels for a convenient home base and some of that famous southern hospitality.

Feature Photo: Courtesy of Explore Charleston, ExploreCharleston.com