In decades past, Charleston was largely unknown to visitors from the wider world. But this city of pastel buildings, quiet alleys and picturesque gardens has been discovered. Millions now flock yearly to Charleston, which in 2014 was named the top tourist destination in the United States and No. 2 in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. While the city’s historic district with its almost 5,000 historic structures is still the main draw, visitors are also attracted to world-class dining and shopping and an array of festivals, including the Spoleto Festival USA.
What’s new
In a city known for its past, the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau each year announces what’s new and this year’s release ran seven pages. There are dozens of new shops and restaurants. Also in Mount Pleasant is the new Vietnam Experience at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The attraction immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of war with a soundtrack of thudding helicopters, machine guns and the cries of jungle creatures.
Classic attractions
It may seem a bit cliche, but take a carriage ride. There are several companies and they generally charge about $25 a head for adults, with discounts for children. You’ll get a one-hour tour of areas in the historic district – carriages take different routes to ease congestion — and you also get a quick introduction to the city from the drivers.
Be sure to visit White Point Garden and the Battery and stroll through the historic district, peeking into quiet gardens behind wrought iron fences. The nearby sea islands boast sandy beaches and there are antebellum plantations along the Ashley River and in Mount Pleasant.
People watching
If you want to look at people — and a lot of them — head to the Charleston City Market, the open air market dating to the early 1800s, which four years ago underwent an almost $6 million face—lift. Here you can buy everything from T—shirts to pottery and anything else that 150 vendors can sell. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the night market features musicians and other performers.
Another place to watch people is the city’s Waterfront Park with its pier with wooden swings. It’s also a great place to catch the sea breeze on sultry afternoons. Across the sweeping Ravenel Bridge is the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Here too are benches on the pier, a great place to watch the sunset.
