| If we had to pick any city on the Eastern | | | | townhomes situated along the battery. |
| seaboard for a relaxing weekend getaway, hands | | | | The Market Street outdoor market offers a |
| down we will select Charleston, South Carolina | | | | bounty of local and regional goods, from delicious |
| every time. Nestled against the shore of the | | | | preserves to the intricate palm weavings of the |
| Atlantic Ocean, situated almost dead center on | | | | Gullah women. Here are just a few favorite sites |
| the state's coastline border, Charleston is great | | | | to see in and around the city as well. |
| little town rich in antebellum history, colorful | | | | The Citadel - the famed military school allows |
| architecture, and fine lowcountry cuisine. | | | | visitors to stroll the grounds and witness the |
| The downtown area provides visitors with many | | | | weekly afternoon parades |
| opportunities to enjoy individual or guided walking | | | | Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum - Location |
| tours, taking in the beauty of a city immortalized | | | | on Charleston Harbor, visitors can explore the |
| as Rhett Butler's home and a true survivor of the | | | | USS Yorktown and take in Charleston's storied |
| Civil War. | | | | military history |
| Here follows just a brief primer of personal | | | | Fort Sumter National Monument - The scene of |
| favorites - from food to fun to relaxation. Once in | | | | struggle between Confederate and Union forces, |
| the city be sure to pick up a downtown map, as | | | | visitors may take a ferry from Patriot's Point to |
| you will need it to wind through the many mews | | | | tour this preserved war monument |
| and avenues that conceal delightful hidden | | | | Charleston Walking Tour - One of the best ways |
| treasures. | | | | to know the city is with a guided tour. Various |
| Where to Stay | | | | themes apply, from spooky twilight ghost walks |
| Staying in the downtown area is a must, as it | | | | to a lively pub crawl, knowledgeable and friendly |
| allows for maximum walking time and close-up | | | | guides further enhance your visit |
| enjoyment of Charleston. As you compare prices | | | | What to Eat |
| on Internet travel sites and searches, you may | | | | Lowcountry cuisine is the order of the day in |
| find rates fluctuate according to the season. The | | | | Charleston, from succulent shrimp with grits and |
| Spoleto Festival, held annually in the early | | | | tasso gravy, to savory pork dishes. Dining in |
| summer, tends to bring large crowds, so it is | | | | Charleston ranges from casual fare at Aaron's Deli |
| important to book early if you plan to soak up | | | | to elegant at the 82 Queen. It's nearly impossible |
| the sun. Otherwise, here are a few favorite | | | | to have a bad meal in downtown Charleston, and |
| accommodations which offer the location and | | | | if you are looking for cozy and quaint you cannot |
| amenities to guarantee a relaxing weekend: | | | | go wrong with these favorite haunts: |
| The Ansonborough Inn - 21 Hasell St, Charleston, | | | | Poogan's Porch - 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC |
| SC 29401 | | | | 29401 - a great place to enjoy a late sitting or |
| Planters Inn - 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC | | | | Sunday brunch. |
| 29401 | | | | The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene - 106 |
| Fulton Lane Inn - 202 King St, Charleston, SC | | | | Haddrell St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 - A local |
| 29401 | | | | recommendation for seafood, this is literally a |
| What to See | | | | hidden treasure, and you will have to ask for |
| The more often you visit Charleston, the more | | | | directions. |
| acquainted you will become with the names of | | | | Kaminsky's - 78 N. Market Street, Charleston, SC |
| the short streets that bisect the downtown area | | | | - a great place for a late night coffee and dessert |
| - Market, Meeting, King and Queen. Along the way | | | | in the heart of downtown. |
| you are certain to enjoy some of the most | | | | For a weekend fling or an extended vacation, |
| beautiful homes in the South, preserved | | | | Charleston is one spot on the map to visit. Family |
| antebellum structures that hearken back to | | | | friendly and a romantic backdrop for |
| another time, and the delightful pastels of | | | | honeymoons, this city is full of Southern charm. |
| Rainbow Row, a series of eye-catching | | | | |