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