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Browsing Charleston
4 Unity Alley
4 Unity Alley combines the character of an 18th century warehouse exterior with contemporary rooms and modern amenities. Literally hidden in an alley, this bed and breakfast offers antique reproductions, beautiful gardens and huge rooms. The bed and breakfast caters to business travelers as well as families. Swimming, jogging, golfing and tennis can all be located within a short distance from the inn. A full breakfast is served in the formal dining room. There is a $50 service charge for canceling your reservation. A few credit cards are accepted but cash, personal check or traveler's checks are preferred.
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Aiken-Rhett House
This is perhaps the most remarkable home in downtown Charleston. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Aiken-Rhett House is a revealing architectural portrait of the antebellum South. Owned at one time by wealthy planter and former South Carolina governor William Aiken, the house is decorated with fine examples of classical art and sculpture. Around the home, the original servants quarters, sheds, kitchens, and stables reveal a fuller view of Charleston city life in the 1800s.
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Angel Oak
No visit to Charleston would be complete without a visit to the area's oldest living resident. About 1,400 years old, the Angel Oak has a few years on its Lowcountry neighbors and has seen more history than could fill a series of textbooks. While most of the area's live oak trees were harvested in the 18th and 19th centuries for shipbuilding, this hardy specimen survived and now measures roughly 65 feet tall and more than 25 feet in circumference. On a sweltering summer day, this is the tree to park yourself under; there are 17,000 square feet of shade under its wide canopy, with the longest outstretched limb reaching out 89 feet. The land where the tree grows has gone through a series of hands, but it now belongs to the City of Charleston.
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Barksdale House Inn
George Barksdale, formerly of the South Carolina House of Representatives, built his home in 1778. After his nephew, Thomas Barksdale, sold the property in 1817, the houses condition slowly deteriorated until it was painstakingly restored in 1985. Today, the Barksdale Inn is a 14-room bed and breakfast. Each room offers comfort and intimacy with a blending of modern luxuries and traditional furnishings. Tea and sherry are served on the back porch each afternoon. In season rates are higher.
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Beachwalker County Park
This park offers public access to the beautiful beachfront of Kiawah Island. Lifeguards watch over the 450-foot swimming area during high season and outdoor showers and well-maintained dressing rooms are available. Stroll the boardwalk, set up a cookout at the picnic area equipped with grills, play Frisbee and enjoy a cold drink from the snack bar or rent a beach chair and umbrella and just stretch out with a good book. See their website for further information.
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Bohicket Marina
Located close to both Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, this marina offers full service convenience. Built in the early 80s, its floating docks have slip sizes from 30 to 55 feet and face docks up to 112 feet. Nine docks are divided into 200 slips and there is an 80 boat dry stack as well. The marina features phones, showers, fuel, laundry facilities, a lounge, a store and on-call repair services. Customers can also enjoy sunset and dolphin watching cruises, nature tours, sport fishing and kayaking. Fees vary; call for details.
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Boone Hall Plantation
In the early 18th century, cotton plantations were enormously profitable and a giant of Charleston's lowcountry cotton farming was this stunningly beautiful estate. The house and grounds are available for tours and special events. Boone Hall is an understandably popular setting for weddings. The world-famous Avenue of Oaks and the plantation house alone make this a worthwhile tour. Open all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. See their website for prices and further information.
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Buxton East Bay Theatre
Buxton’s East Bay Theatre offers old world charm complete with chandeliers, velvet carpeting, and a raised wooden stage, all in an intimate setting. The venue seats 80 guests (and 1 ghost) in its over-stuffed theater seats rescued from the Old Garden Theatre prior to its closing. The theater makes a pleasant escape from the Charleston summer heat with a variety of lectures, storytelling, plays, Gullah singers, musical performances, and other original Lowcountry works. Check the website, or call ahead for shows and showtimes.
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Charles Towne Landing State Park and Zoo
Ancient history lovers, animal aficionados, and American history buffs will congregate at the Charles Towne Landing State Park and Zoo for a myriad of informational and interesting activities. More than just a historical site, the Charles Towne Landing State Park and Zoo shows visitors the exact spot where settlers landed and founded the first permanent European colony in the Carolinas in 1670. Visitors can see a life-sized model of a trading vessel from the 17th century and learn about the excitement and hardships of maritime travel in that era. Additionally, the park provides lectures and exhibits on the growth of the colony, agriculture, African-American history, and even a zoo showcasing the types of animals that the settlers would have encountered in the "New World." The Charles Towne Landing State Park and Zoo is also a field site for archaeologists who are currently uncovering the remains of ancient Native American civilizations.
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Charleston City Market
Four blocks of open-air buildings filled with a wide assortment of vendors selling high quality products make up Charleston City Market. The land for the market was willed to the city by a wealthy Charleston family in the early 19th century, with the stipulation that it be put to public use. Market Hall (the main building) is eye-catching, due in part to its resemblance to a Greek temple; it was constructed in 1841, and IT is now home to the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. At the market, don't miss seeing one of Charleston's most popular wares: the sweet-grass baskets. Weavers create these beautiful baskets by hand, a craft passed down by slaves from West Africa.
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Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773, this is the nation's first and oldest museum. With informative exhibits that include archaeological finds from the area, natural science displays, and the collected memorabilia of early patriots and Charlestonian families, the museum offers a unique insight into the roots and early inhabitants of this beautiful, historical city. Learn about the Native Americans who lived here long before the first English settler set foot on these shores, or see George Washington's christening cup in the museum's extensive early silver collection. Kids will love Kidstory, which brings history to life with interactive exhibits that young learners will appreciate and enjoy.
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Charleston Place Hotel
Climb this hotel's grand staircase beneath a mammoth chandelier, past amazing palladium windows and into the lap of luxury. The beautiful lobby, the site of afternoon tea and after dinner coffee and liqueurs and the Lobby Lounge, is a quiet place for a nightcap. Offering historic southern charm with all the modern comforts and conveniences, including fine dining at the Charleston Grill and Palmetto Café, Charleston Place has 40 luxury suites available. The exclusive Club Level has concierge service and provides hors d'oeuvres and desserts in a magnificent drawing room.
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Charleston Tea Plantation
Attention tea connoisseurs! This is the only working tea plantation in the United States; you can learn about tea harvesting, processing and packaging. The plantation supplies the official tea of the White House and grows over 300 varieties on its 127 acres. If you are visiting during the summer, wear a hat or take an umbrella as the sun will be intense and there is little shade available outside. See their website for further information.
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Charleston Waterfront Park
Don't miss this wonderful park located in the center of downtown. Spanning over 1,000 feet along Charleston Harbor, this is a must-see for any walking tour of the city. Sit on one of several family-sized swings on the pavilion and watch ships come and go. Find an old-fashioned park bench in a shady spot and watch people stroll by as children romp on the large green and run along the palm tree-lined walkways. Two artfully designed enormous fountains invite children to splash and play.
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Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
Explore, Play, Learn and Discover at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Charleston's only museum built just for families is interactive, hands-on fun for the entire family. Step into any of the museum's eight hands-on exhibits and encounter a unique, interactive learning experience.
Create a masterpiece in Creativity Castle, catch a butterfly, taste chocolate mint, rosemary or lemongrass, and learn the basics of botany in the Children's Garden. Take the wheel of a 30-foot replica shrimp boat, cast a net and weigh your catch on the dock scales. Read a book on King Arthur’s bed, dress up in a medieval costume or cook a feast in the two-story castle. Learn about the importance of making healthy eating choices as you shop in the healthy grocery store. More »
Citadel Archives & Museum
Located on The Citadel campus, home to the historic Lords of Discipline, this museum covers the history of The Military College of South Carolina and Corps of Cadets from its founding in 1842 to present day. Presented in chronological order, the exhibits include photographs, documents, cadet uniforms and arms. Citadel rings from 1895 to the present make an impressive display in the foyer, accompanied by photographs of Citadel men who lost their lives in war. Archive documents include letters, diaries, reports, photographs, films and videotapes. Admission is free.
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College of Charleston
The oldest higher educational institution in South Carolina, the College of Charleston was established in 1770 by a notable group of scholars that included several Founding Fathers and three signers of the Declaration of Independence. The school has always played an important role in the Charleston community; most notably in 1836 when it was the first institution in the country to become a municipal school, after the city took responsibility for its financial support. Although the buildings on campus have faced considerable challenges (several hurricanes and the Civil War), there are many beautiful historical structures still standing on this popular, verdant campus. Primarily focused on liberal arts, the College of Charleston remains a respected scholastic institution to this day.
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Dock Street Theatre
This theater is housed on the restored site of the first building designed for theatrical performances in the United States. In reverence to this rich heritage, the city of Charleston purchased the adjacent hotel and set about restoring the theatre to its original glory; in 1937 it re-opened to accolades. Today it is home to the Charleston Stage Company, which produces and performs plays and musicals. The theatre plays host to hundreds of concerts and events each year as well. Admission varies, but generally ranges from USD12-USD25.
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Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is a National Trust Historic site resting on 630 lovely acres. The building was completed in 1742; today it stands as a quality example of Georgian-Palladian architecture. Owned by the Drayton family for seven generations, the house remains close to its original condition. Drayton Hall regularly hosts school field trips.
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Family Circle Tennis Centre
Surrounded by lush landscape and old oaks, the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island is host to the Family Circle Cup. Located along the banks of the Wando River, this 17 court complex includes 13 composition and four hard surface courts. One of them can seat 10,000 fans! Around the courts there is a handsome two-story clubhouse with an expansive pro shop, cherry-wood floors, locker rooms and a small fitness room. Although it looks like a private club, it is, in fact, a public facility, open to all. So you can schedule a tennis vacation and get instructed on the perfect serve. And when you're not hitting those forehands, seize the opportunity to explore the historic and cultural nuances around Charleston.
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Folly Beach
This six-mile-long by half-mile-wide stretch of sandy beach sports condos, a fishing pier, and loads of history. In the 1930s, the giant pier and pavilion (later destroyed by fire) rose to fame for billing such big-name acts as Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, the Ink Spots, and Guy Lombardo. Gershwin fans may be interested to know that George and Ira composed "Porgy and Bess" while staying on the beach. Although fire wiped out most of the beach's historical structures, the area is still a popular draw for surfers, picnickers, anglers, and sunbathers, and it offers a pleasant retreat from harried site-seeing for the brain-tired traveler.
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Fort Moultrie National Monument
This fort is a superior example of how coastal defenses have evolved over time. It is actually the third structure built to defend the coast on Sullivan's Island; the first two versions of Fort Moultrie were destroyed in hurricanes. Edgar Allan Poe penned a poem and the story "The Gold Bug" while stationed here in the early 1800s, and Seminole Indian Chief Osceola was buried at the entrance to the fort. Artillery buffs will find the historic cannons fascinating. Admission: $3 Adults; $1 Seniors; Children under 16 are free; $5 Family; $20 Annual Pass. Credit cards are not accepted.
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Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter had been under construction for more than 30 years in December of 1860 when Major Robert Anderson relocated his troops there in the middle of the night from Fort Moultrie. On April 12, 1861 the first shot of the Civil War was fired on the Fort by Confederate troops at Fort Johnson. Following 34 hours of fighting, Major Anderson surrendered but the siege continued for four more years. Fort Sumter has since stood as a symbol of Southern resistance.
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Gibbes Museum of Art
This museum's permanent collection includes over 10,000 pieces of art--primarily American art with an emphasis on the art of Charleston and the South Carolina Low-country. The museum features a historical collection of paintings, prints, drawing, photographs, portraits, and sculpture. Noted artists on display include Washington Allston, Gilbert Stuart and America's first professional female artist, Henrietta Johnston. The Gibbes is a great place to learn about the history of Charleston through art.
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Governor's House Inn
South Carolina Governor Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. He lived with his wife at this house on Broad Street, which has since become a National Landmark. Built around 1760, the building houses the quintessential bed and breakfast in Charleston. Innkeepers Karen Spell Shaw and Robert Hill Shaw are continuing three generations of lodging excellence. The Governors House Inn is located in Charleston's historic downtown just a short stroll away from many of the city's attractions.
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H.L. Hunley Submarine
One of the Civil War's most fascinating mysteries is the story of the H.L. Hunley. The Hunley has the distinction of being the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel in combat, a feat that would not be repeated until World War I. However, the story of the Hunley is mired in tragedy. After being constructed, two consecutive crews testing the Hunley drowned in the submarine. It was the third crew that enabled the Hunley to make its infamous mission. It was on February 17th, 1864, that the H.L. Hunley came across the Housatonic, a Union ship, floating about three miles from the Charleston Harbor. The crew on the Hunley fired upon the Housatonic and successfully sunk the vessel within minutes. After the confrontation, the Hunley headed back to port in Charleston. Then, after signaling Confederate soldiers stationed on nearby Sullivan's Island, it vanished.
For 137 years many believed that the submarine was lost forever; however, in 1995 adventurer Clive Cussler and his team found the submarine buried in sand at the bottom of the ocean near the Charleston Harbor. The Hunley has since been raised and is currently being studied by scientists attempting to discern its final moments. Fortunately for the rest of us fascinated by the mystery of Hunley, visitors can now see the craft at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, where tours of the H.L. Hunley are available on the weekends. More »
Heyward-Washington House
Thomas Heyward, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, built his splendid home in 1772. In 1791, the city rented the home for use by an honored guest: George Washington. The building is decorated with Charleston-manufactured furniture and the gardens showcase flowers that were available and popular in the 18th century. The Heyward-Washington House has been featured on Home and Garden Television. Guided tours are available. Tickets are available at the house or through the Charleston Museum.
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Isle of Palms County Park
With 600 feet of ocean frontage, this public access beach is a great place to come and spend the day. Lifeguards are on duty for safety during the high season and there is plenty of parking available. Stroll the dunes boardwalk, set up a family get together at the designated picnic area, play sand volleyball and let the kids enjoy the play area. Or just rent a beach umbrella and chair and while away the day reading a good book. Snack and drink vending machines are available. See their websit for further information.
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Jewish Heritage Collection
South Carolinas Jewish Heritage can be traced back to the 18th century, thanks to the more than 300 interviews housed in this collection. The Jewish Heritage Collection is located at the College of Charleston's Robert Scott Small Library and also contains family trees, documents and photographs. The material presented here was the outgrowth of a program started in 1995 by Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, the College of Charleston's Jewish Studies Program. The library gladly accepts photographs or artifacts to add to the collection. See their website for further information.
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John Rutledge House Inn
One of the city's most esteemed accommodations, the John Rutledge House Inn carries the honor of being the site of countless gatherings leading to the formation of our country. No expense is spared to provide the guest with amenities. The rooms are decorated beautifully with antique fixtures, and the upstairs sitting room showcases a marble fireplace and ornate molding. The inn's builder was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Joseph Manigault House
Designed and built in 1803 by Charleston architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother Joseph, this historic gem is one of the nation's most beautiful remaining examples of the Adam architectural style. An elegant staircase graces the interior, along with a superb collection of period furniture. Outside, you'll find a lovely gate temple in the rear garden. The house was nearly torn down in the 1920s, but it mercifully survived, although the gate temple was used as the restroom for an oil company's service station for a while. During WWII, the house found a new life as a USO canteen for servicemen passing through Charleston's Navy Yard. Now, the house has reclaimed its original grandeur and is owned and operated by the Charleston Museum as a National Historic Landmark.
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Joseph P Riley Jr Park
It was named after the former mayor of Charleston, the Honorable Joseph P Riley, Junior. Located on the Citadel, and affectionately called 'The Joe', this state-of-the-art baseball venue can seat 6,000.
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Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, located downtown on Charleston's Hasell Street, is the second oldest synagogue in the United States and the oldest in continuous use. The temple has the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the continental United States (after New York, Newport, and Savannah). Beth Elohim is acknowledged as the birthplace of Reform Judaism in the United States. The congregation's facilities include the synagogue, originally constructed in 1794; Pearlstine Hall, formerly called Bicentennial Tabernacle, which was erected to commemorate the congregation's 200th anniversary; the Archives Museum; and a classroom building.
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Karpeles Manuscript Museum
The Karpeles library is the world's largest repository of original manuscripts and documents. David and Marsha Karpeles founded the institution in 1983 to encourage children to learn. It is one of seven branches nationwide. It is housed in a building dating back to 1791 and served as a Methodist church and a Confederate hospital. In addition to historical manuscripts, the museum in Charleston makes space available for school programs, art exhibits and community service. All library services are free.
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King Street
No trip to Charleston would be complete without an homage to the popular King Street; so after hitting the beaches or playing a few games of golf, make sure to pay a visit to this exciting and diverse street. A busy boulevard in historic downtown Charleston, King Street offers visitors a variety of great choices for upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife. There are cafes, delis, seafood joints, sushi restaurants, and more to tantalize the taste buds, while antique stores, art galleries, jewelry stores, book sellers, lingerie and bath boutiques, clothing stores, and many other shops make for the perfect day of shopping. Visit one of the many bars or pubs in the neighborhood to cap the day off with a little after-dinner entertainment.
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Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
In existence since 1676, this plantation is a journey back through time. Walking along a numbered path, you will find many beautiful cypress and live oak trees along the river. The Barbados Tropical Garden, Biblical Garden, and Horticultural Maze offer a variety of landscaping styles. For those who ride bicycles, several trails wind through the woods. Plan to spend several hours here. See their website for further information.
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Marion Square
This fun park aims to increase community sociability by connecting several surrounding neighborhoods together in an area that has historically been a bastion of public activity. Today, this park boasts a farmers' market, fountain, garden, walking paths, performance space, and historical monuments. Activities in this busy area vary seasonally; in winter, the town Christmas tree is erected here, and in the summer, the square plays host to festivals and markets. Originally called the Citadel Green, the area was rechristened Marion Square, after Francis Marion, when the location of the Citadel was moved.
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Middleton Place
This 18th century plantation is home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Known for beautiful geometry and symmetry, the gardens run along the West bank of the Ashley River. On these magnificent grounds is the House Museum, once home to Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house, filled with period antiques, has survived both fire and earthquake. Guided tours given on the half hour. Admission: $15 Adults; $8 Children; House tour an additional $8 per person. Photography and strollers are prohibited in the house.
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Morris Island Lighthouse
The numerous lighthouses and other guiding structures that have stood on Morris Island have withstood a lot from both man and mother nature: hurricanes, earthquakes, and even the Civil War. However, after each lighthouse falls a stronger one is put up in its place. The lighthouse that stands on Morris Island today is well fortified and has been a charming addition to the Atlantic seaside since 1873. Although the lighthouse was deactivated and its duties were taken over by an automated tower on Sullivan's Island in 1956, plans to raze the historic structure failed; it is currently under the protection of Save the Light, Inc., a preservation group that works on restoring the famous lighthouse.
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Nathaniel Russell House
In the early 1800s, this neoclassic dwelling was the home of Nathaniel and Sarah Russell. The marriage of the Russells resulted in the merging of two great merchant families who made a fortune peddling rice and indigo. The interior of the home can only be described as graceful—intricate plasterwork, uniquely designed rooms and a breathtaking free-flying staircase are just a few of the architectural highlights. Much of the art displayed around the home is of Charleston origin, and each room is decorated in fine turn-of-the-century style. Admission is $7.
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Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Definitely a site not-to-be-missed when you're in Charleston, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is considered one of the most historically important colonial buildings in the country. Built in 1771 to accommodate the burgeoning export-import trade, and as a place to conduct both private and public business, the building became the social, economic, and political hub of the city. It was here, on the front steps in March 1776, that South Carolina was first publicly declared an independent colony. Later, in 1788, it was here that the convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution met. The Provost Dungeon, located under the Palladian-styled Exchange Building, has seen its share of history, too. Built in 1781 with a brick barrel vaulted ceiling, the prison was manned by the British and used to confine colonists suspected of giving intelligence to the Americans during the Revolutionary War. More recently, archaeologists have discovered that part of the original seawall of Charles Towne can be seen from the dungeon. Both the Exchange and the Provost Dungeon are leased to the state of South Carolina and open to the public.
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Old Slave Mart Museum
Constructed in 1859, this sole survivor of a larger complex of buildings was originally built to host slave auctions. It only served this purpose for a short time, however, before the end of the Civil War brought an end to the practice, and the building was renovated into a tenement dwelling in 1878. Sixty years later, Miriam B. Wilson bought and transformed the old building, transcending its ignoble origins by opening a museum of African American history, arts, and crafts. While the museum eventually closed as a private venture, the City of Charleston bought the property in the late '80s, and reopened it with a similar mission in mind, reminding and educating visitors of the wretched business of human trade that once took place within its walls.
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Patriots Point Golf Links
Located across the harbor from Charleston, South Carolina's most historic city, Patriots Point is a par-72, championship golf course with the feel of the great links courses of Scotland. The layout is set on a secluded penninsula, surrounded by the waters of Charleston Harbor. The ever-changing wind that typically sweeps across the harbor also shapes the personality of the challenge from one round to the next. Patriots Point is known for the consistant quality of its putting surfaces, cooler temperatures in the summer months and the three beautiful, but challenging, finishing holes.
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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Located in Charleston Harbor, this museum is home to USS Yorktown, nicknamed "The Fighting Lady." This historic battleship played an important role in the Pacific in WWII, sinking the largest battleship ever built. In 1970, Yorktown participated in the recovery of the crew of Apollo 8, shortly before being decommissioned. Moored beside her is USS Laffey, a WWII destroyer, and USS Clamagore, a diesel attack submarine. Many interesting displays and exhibits lie within these vessels. Admission: $14 Adults; $12 Seniors and Active Duty Military with ID; $7 Children ages 6-11; children under age 6 are free.
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Rainbow Row
These mid-18th century row houses on East Bay Street are a colorful addition to historic downtown Charleston. The houses originally served double duty as places of commerce and domesticity: the ground floor was a store, with the owner living on the top floors. Having been saved from destruction and restored by the Society for Preservation of Old Dwelling Houses in the 1920s and 1930s, visitors can't miss these multicolored structures and will see them replicated on many images and postcards throughout Charleston.
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Ravenel Bridge
This $632 million feat of engineering was opened in 2005 after 10 years of planning. Notable as North America's longest cable-stayed span, the bridge sports 8 lanes of traffic, 15 ramps, and runs 3.5 miles from Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant to Charleston's Crosstown Connector. The 12-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian lane that runs along the ocean side makes it a popular scenic span for those looking for a more up-close-and-personal experience with the bridge. Folks who choose to walk the bridge will also appreciate (provided they're not afraid of heights!) the two diamond-shaped tower piers, which include viewing platforms that stretch 12 feet over the water, 198 feet in the air. From a distance, the Ravenel at night is also a sight to behold, although during loggerhead turtle nesting season, the lights are dimmed considerably so as not to confuse the moonlight-sensitive hatchlings.
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Shops at Charleston Place
Located on the first floor of the luxurious Charleston Place Hotel, this posh collection of exclusive shops offers shopping at its most refined. Walk the polished marble floor past majestic columns and the grand staircases and mammoth chandelier of the hotel to browse the wares at shops like Crabtree & Evelyn, Gucci, April Cornell, Talbot's and Laura Ashley. Find a gift to please the fussiest relative at VSOE Boutique, pick up a stylish swimsuit at Everything But Water or stock up on the finest goodies at Godiva.
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Smith-Killian Fine Art
Smith-Killian is the place to go for realism and color. Everything from landscapes to architecture and still life are expressed through paint, photography and sculpture. The gallery features works by Betty Anglin Smith and her children: Jennifer Lynn Smith, Shannon Smith, Tripp Smith. The work of Darrell Davis and Martin Gates is also displayed.
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South Carolina Aquarium
Just entering this museum is a delight; the structure itself extends out over Charleston Harbor and as guests draw near the entrance, they enter beneath a beautiful stained glass wall. Entering the Great Hall, the centerpiece is the breathtaking Carolina Seas Exhibit. Spend the day walking through a mountain ravine, exploring the rivers of the Piedmont region, visiting with swamp dwellers and marveling at the 300,000-gallon Great Ocean Exhibit. General Admission tickets for adults 12-61 are $15, tickets for seniors (62+)are $13, tickets for Youth/child (3-11) are $8, and tickets for children 2 and under are free. The park is closed in Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day, and half day Dec 24 (open 9am-1pm).
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St. Michael's Church
A quintessential example of colonial architecture, this classic church was completed in 1762--ten years after the St. Michael's Anglican congregation was founded--making it the oldest church building in Charleston. The inside is modeled after 18th-century English church designs, and the church's bells were even imported from England. During the Civil War, the church's large, white tower made it an easy target for Union cannons and gunner ships, so it was painted over with black; this, unfortunately, did little to hide the beautiful tower, as the black was in stark contrast to the blue sky! Both Robert E. Lee and George Washington had pews in St. Michael's, which visitors can see restored to their 18th-century conditions.
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St. Philip's Church
St. Philip's Episcopal Church has the distinction of being the oldest congregation in South Carolina. Its first building, completed in 1681, originally stood where St. Michael's Church is today. The stunning structure found at 146 Church Street was the congregation's third building. The church was designed by Joseph Hyde in 1838, with a steeple added by E.B. White ten years later. The church's graveyard is the final resting place for some notable figures: Vice President John C. Calhoun, South Carolina Governor Rawlins Lowndes, and author Dubose Heyward, among others.
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White Point Gardens / Battery Park
Encircled by the harbor, and boxed in by South Battery, King Street, Murray Boulevard, and East Bay Street, this pleasant park offers refreshing ocean breezes and lots of lovely views. Children enjoy climbing on, and pretending to lift, the immense cannons and cannonballs strewn about, while adults enjoy strolling the oyster-shell-filled walks or looking at some of the homes of the battery. It's a nice spot to stop for a rest when you're feeling a bit brain-dead from exploring Charleston's rich history; toss a Frisbee or have a picnic on the grass. The park can get crowded on weekends when the weather is nice but is generally pretty quiet during the rest of the week.
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Wild Dunes - Harbor Course
Golf at Wild Dunes is the game devoted players dream about. Before and after they play it. Ranked as 'Best In The State' by Golf Digest, both of our 18-hole, championship courses were designed by Tom Fazio and offer two distinct and equally exciting approaches to the game you, and we, have a passion for. The Harbor Course challenges a player's shotmaking and strategic thinking skills with a layout incorporating marshes, lagoons, and a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway. Both courses take dramatic advantage of the unique, natural beauty of the coastal environment and will leave you wanting to come back for more.
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Wild Dunes - Links Course
Tom Fazio's first solo design is ranked among the world's best, year in and year out. With its rolling fairways framed by moss-bearded live oaks and rustling palms, the Links Course is as much a visual bounty as it is a golfing challenge. Noteworthy for massive, humpbacked sand dunes and finishing holes along the Atlantic Ocean, the Links recalls golf's ancient Scottish heritage.
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Wild Dunes Resort
This luxurious holiday resort is nestled in the Isle of Palms. It offers various custom-made packages, such as golf packages, tennis packages, and romance and family packages. For the adventurous lot, the Extreme Island Adventure and Go Wild packages are the perfect adrenaline boosters. The resort offers a variety of accommodations - from well-furnished ocean-view homes to villas located on the beach, and 93 rooms and suites in the Boardwalk Inn. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The villas have well-equipped kitchens, and the resort offers great monthly rates to guests who stay for a longer duration.
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