Ive lost count how many times I have come here, but one thing is for sure it never gets old. There is just so much to tell you. Charleston boasts the first public college, museum, and playhouse in the U.S. The first golf club in America was established in Charleston in 1787. North America's longest cable-stayed bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, spans the Charleston Harbor, connecting historic Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina, is compact and pedestrian-friendly. You won't need a car if you're planning a short weekend trip and aren't leaving the core, which is packed with restaurants, shops and historic sites.
I love walking down King Street. My first order of business is a double espresso and the Hotel Bennet. I pop in and out of little boutiques, ALWAYS buy things I don’t need, have dinner in one of my trusty faves, usually Rue De Jean, which is where I ended up tonight. AND, I had my usual, a crisp glass of French white wine paired with some cheese, Moules Frites, crusty French bread and butter.
In the morning, I put on my walking shoes and get my steps. I love walking the beach but walking in Charleston is next level. The personalities of Charleston’s neighborhoods are as distinctive as that of the city as a whole. From residential antebellum boroughs to barrier island locales, there is no shortage of places to explore. I head south, walking through the French Quarter, a perfect amalgamation of old and new, and one of Charleston’s must-visit locales. This small southeastern corner of the peninsula is named after the French Huguenots that immigrated here to escape religious persecution. The area is both quaint and romantic; its cobblestone streets are home to miscellaneous shops, historic churches, and eclectic art galleries. The French Quarter is where visitors can find the Charleston City Market. From there I head South of Broad, possibly the most famous area in downtown Charleston, and the epitome of Southern charm. Strolling the cobblestone streets of this part of the city are often graced by the clip-clop of horses’ hooves, as visitors embark on carriage tours of this historic district. South of Broad is home to The Battery, an iconic promenade, as well as the beautiful Rainbow Row. From the battery I head north to Lower King, an area along King Street, thats known as the Antique District. Travel & Leisure even voted King Street the “Best Antique Shopping in the U.S.”
Harleston Village is home to everything from the College of Charleston to grand hotels to quiet residential streets. The College of Charleston, the 13th-oldest institution of higher education in the country, is a must-see when visiting Charleston. Harleston Village is Charleston’s artsy, intellectual district; it is home to the archival Library Society, as well as the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.
Other areas of Charleston are really starting to pop, but I will be honest, I dont spend much time there. I should, but I am a creature of habit I suppose. Upper King is known as the design center, with many up and coming restaurants and the nightlife scene. NoMo, short for North of Morrison, is one of the city’s most up-and-coming districts. It has a hip, youthful feel; it is popular among college students and young professionals. NoMo is known for its selection of trendy bars and restaurants.
Charleston ranks No. 6 on a list of the “Top US Cities for Food and Drinks”. So it’s no wonder I am happy here. Anytime I can get good food, food wine, surrounded by history I am quite content.
コメント