Founded in 1670 and an integral player in both the Revolutionary and the Civil War, Charleston, South Carolina nearly rivals Plymouth, Philadelphia, Jamestown and New York when it comes to the rich tales of America’s inception and history. Because of its storied past, a tourist could literally spend weeks in the Holy City (nicknamed for its sky line of steeples as well as its religious tolerance) without visiting every home, plantation, park, fort, barrier island, beach and church that played a role in the making and shaping of our great country as well as this particular corner of the American south.
The city found itself nearly destitute after the Civil War and spent most of the twentieth century economically depressed. The benefit of these challenges? Its beautiful architechture was preserved as was its unique culture, including Gullah, and its one-of-a-kind cuisine.
When the city was rediscovered by much of the world in the 1970’s (thanks, in part, to Gian Carlo Menotti choosing the city as the American sister for Spoleto, a renowned international arts festival), and when it got a significant face lift thanks to Hurricane Hugo (and homeowner’s insurance), Charleston has made a remarkable comeback.
In fact, the Holy City seems to be having its twenty-first century moment as it was recently named by Fodor’s as one of two “must see” cities to visit in the entire United States. Add to that being selected as the #1 tourist destination in America by travel magazine, Conde Nast, in 2011… plus Bon Appetit selecting our farm to table joint, Husk, as the best new restaurant in the country, and you’ve got a town that is abuzz with travelers (and citizens who are thankful to be so squarely back on the map.)
Here are a few places you must see if you come to Charleston:
If you’re into architecture try the plantation, Drayton Hall.
If you’re into gardens, try Magnolia Plantation in early spring.
If you’re into American History, try Fort Sumter.
But, if you really want to soak in the atmosphere, park your car and simply meander – on foot – through the streets South of Broad. Peek behind wrought iron gates into lush private gardens, duck into alleyways that seem eerily quiet, slip into cool churches with exquisite stained glass windows and creaky floorboards, meander along the High Battery where grand piazzas meet the harbor and listen for the bells from the steeples that toll the hour.
And when your stomach begins to growl, eat. Eat from the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby island farms. Eat at Husk, Hominy Grill, Rue de Jean, Il Cortile Del Re, McCrady’s, The Grocery, Lana, Macintosh, Hall’s Chophouse, Slightly North of Broad, Virginia’s, Fig, Basil….
May you be blessed by walking, worshiping and feasting your way through Charleston!
For more information on Beth Webb Hart’s lowcountry set novels click here
