Brightly colored buildings, a lively foodie escape, and miles of beaches, Charleston, South Carolina is a destination that has a bit of something for everyone – one of those cities you could easily spend a weekend in and never do the same thing twice… unless you want to, of course. The milder weather means you’ll have plenty of sun for whatever you choose, and the Charleston’s long history promises plenty of activities to choose from. Charleston is the perfect getaway.
To start your getaway, get acquainted with the city on foot. Charleston isn’t a large town, so getting to know the area is easy. Begin with a leisurely stroll through the Joe Riley Waterfront Park. The park’s two fountains and incredible views are a perfect way to start any day. From Waterfront, head over to Rainbow Row, the eclectic and iconic homes dating from the late 1740s to the mid-1840s. When you get there, you might recognize them – and you might have to wait for your own chance to sport pics of these homes on your own Instagram feed.
Once you’ve gotten your pics, find your way to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. These two buildings – one, a commercial exchange; the other, a custom-built home – were built in the early 1770s and have served many purposes over the last 250+ years. In addition to their original purposes, they’ve also been used as headquarters for the military, a post office, a museum, and even as the city hall at one point. Admission grants you a guided tour of the ground and upstairs floors, as well as the cellar – the Provost Dungeon.
It’s no secret that Charleston is also home to many southern plantations. You can explore slavery’s dark history at the nearby Old Slave Mart. Located in the French Quarter, this museum pays homage to the slave trade – this is the actual place where they auctioned off slaves prior to the Civil War. In case you’d like to peruse this information about a darker part of our history on your own, all tours are self-guided. Be prepared – it’s a sobering look into the past of South Carolina and our nation.
Cap off your day on a brighter note and find your way to Charleston’s Historic City Market. Rain or shine, this indoor market spans four entire city blocks. Artisans have been selling their wares here since the 1790s.
As you explore these spots, you’ll find much more along the way that will spark your curiosity. You will discover that Charleston is the perfect getaway.
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