CHARLESTON ’S CHARM DISCOVER
Charleston’s longest running carriage company, Palmetto Carriage Works offers a charming trot through history with tales only our family and horses know best. Start at the Big Red Barn, meet our hoofed celebrities, like treat-loving Bezos, and tour 25 blocks of mansions and landmarks with expert guides and friendly horses. Ready for an unforgettable ride?
Charleston’s Original Carriage Tour $5 Off With Code: TRAVMAG
Explore Charleston with a Little Horsepower
Book online or head to the Big Red Barn!
TIFFIN SIMMONS brings two decades of expertise in marketing and advertising across a diverse range of industries. A resident of Mount Pleasant, she shares her home with her husband and three children and is deeply committed to her local community. In her free time, Tiffin enjoys diving into a good book and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Welcome to Charleston, South Carolina! Get ready to immerse yourself in our unparalleled blend of history, scenery, and culture as we guide you through the city’s hidden gems and local favorites. Dive into art and history in “Must-See Museums,” explore chilling tales with “Holy City Haunts,” and savor local flavors in “Dinner & A View.” Whether you’re uncovering an historical secret or enjoying a delicious meal under the Lowcountry sky, let us help you craft unforgettable memories in our charming city.
LAUREN B. JOHNSON has worked as a magazine editor and writer for more than 20 years in New York, Baltimore, and Charleston. She lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband, three children, and a Dalmadoodle rescue puppy. An avid dabbler in creative and outdoor pursuits, Lauren is happiest when reading, cooking, running, and adventuring with her energetic crew.
CRAIG MCLAUGHLIN has been a Charleston resident since 1995 and started his own design business, mclaughlin design, in 2004. When he isn’t behind a screen, you can find him in a boat behind a lens capturing images of local wildlife with his wife in the many creeks in the Charleston area.
Publisher Tiffin Poulton-Simmons
Founder/President .................. Keith Simmons
Editor ........................................... Lauren B. Johnson
Graphic Designer ..................... mclaughlin design
Advertising Sales Ted DeLoach
Circulation Jim & Sandy Duke, Alan Wilson & John Bizzak
Cover Artist ............................... William R. Beebe
TRAVELER OF CHARLESTON TEAM
$17 all day pass to 4 points around the harbor from Downtown Charleston to Mt. Pleasant (Patriots Point). Includes dolphin watch.
Grab dinner at Kings Tide, Concerts and events at Credit One Stadium. Also include the following: cash bar, bathroom, climate controlled and sunset cruises.
[ WELCOME ] to CHARLESTON
EACH YEAR, MILLIONS FLOCK TO THIS PORT CITY to explore its history, culture, and architecture and bask in its Southern goodness. In recent years, Charleston has become a preferred destination for shopping and outdoor adventuring, while its incredible culinary scene continues to attract global attention.
But the Holy City also has a storied past. An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations.
From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, Charleston truly offers something for everyone. As you’re visiting our beloved city, take time to get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms, and delight in her amazing beauty.
1670
English colonists settle Charles Town on the Ashley River
1718
Blackbeard the Pirate sails into Charles Town Harbor with four ships; takes hostages for ransom
1710
Ships of enslaved Africans begin arriving directly from West and Central Africa, and Charleston becomes a major hub for the Transatlantic Slave Trade
1740
Charles Town becomes most critical port in North America for exporting rice and other commodities
1775-1783
Revolutionary War; Siege of Charleston in 1780
1791
President George Washington visits, lodging at what is now the HeywardWashington House, and attends a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom
1718
Pirate Stede Bonnet is hanged at White Point 1680
Charles Town relocates to the peninsula; population 1,000
1736
Dock Street Theatre opens; first building in Colonial America used exclusively for theatrical performances
1770 College of Charleston founded
1783
City renamed “Charleston”
1824
Charleston Museum opens to the public (founded in 1773)
1827-1828
Young Army recruit named Edgar Allan Poe is stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island
1864
1920 Preservation Society founded to protect historic resources
H.L. Hunley sinks
U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston harbor
1989 Hurricane Hugo hits the city and surrounding areas with 135 mph winds
2023 International African American Museum opens
2016 Joseph P. Riley Jr. retires after 40 years as Charleston mayor
1861 Confederate troops fire the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter
1886 Major earthquake hits Charleston, damaging 2,000 buildings, killing at least 60 people
1977 Spoleto Festival USA begins
2006 Charleston Wine+Food Festival founded
2005 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River opens
Landmarks we Love
Experience Holy City history and revel in our beautiful public spaces while visiting these favorite attractions at little to no cost
Angel Oak
As many as 400 years old, the majestic Angel Oak towers 65 feet high and measures 25.5 feet around. The wellshaded park offers a picnic area and gift shop.
3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island
Arthur
Ravenel Jr. Bridge
For a bird’s-eye view of the harbor, follow the 2.5-mile bike/pedestrian lane along this iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River. Park free at East Bay & Cooper Sts. downtown or at Mt. Pleasant’s Memorial Waterfront Park.
The Battery Bordered by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, this landmark defensive seawall and promenade along the lower Charleston peninsula is now famous for its stately antebellum homes.
East Battery Street & Murray Boulevard, Charleston
St. Michael’s Church & Graveyard
St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church edifice in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. In the 1680s, a small wooden church – the first in the new town of Charles Town – was built on this spot for the families of the Church of England and named St. Philip’s. John Rutledge, the first governor of South Carolina and signer of the U.S. Constitution, is buried in the graveyard here.
80 Meeting Street, Charleston
Riley Waterfront Park
This 12-acre public park along the Cooper River boasts peaceful pier swings, dolphin watching, and the iconic Pineapple Fountain.
1 Vendue Range, Charleston
Rainbow Row
This well-photographed strip of pastelhued historic houses is awash in colorful tales explaining its unique look. One story holds that the color code helped drunken sailors coming in from the port remember where to bunk.
83-107 East Bay Street, Charleston
DISCOVER MORE!
Scan this QR code for additional sites and expanded descriptions.
ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH
museums
BRIGHT SITES
TO SPARK
YOUR CURIOSITY ABOUT CHARLESTON
LIKE A SMALL CROSS SECTION OF THIS DYNAMIC CITY, CHARLESTON’S MUSEUMS
SHOWCASE HISTORY, ART, COMMUNITY, FLORA, AND FAITH. MANY OF THESE SITES ARE CONCENTRATED ALONG MUSEUM MILE, A WALKABLE STRETCH OF MEETING STREET DOTTED WITH GALLERIES, ARCHIVES, HISTORIC HOUSES, PARKS, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND EVEN A POWDER MAGAZINE. FAR FROM JUST FUSTY COLLECTIONS, THESE FASCINATING EXPLORATIONS UNITE TO TELL THE CENTURIESOLD STORY OF OUR FAIR CITY USING BRILLIANT, MODERN FLAIR.
THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM
While the complete skeleton of a North Atlantic right whale hanging in the lobby may first draw visitors in, the unfolding of thousands of prehistoric and historic artifacts throughout America’s first museum keeps all ages engaged. “Guests regularly comment that this should be a first stop for anyone visiting Charleston, as it gives an excellent background concerning the history and culture of the Lowcountry and helps put other sites in context,” says director Carl Borick. From early colonial artifacts and historical weaponry to hands-on experiences for kids and an extraordinary natural history gallery, The Charleston Museum weaves together the rare, the beautiful, and the occasionally odd to create a fascinating tapestry of the Lowcountry then and now. The museum also maintains two of the premier historic buildings open to the public in downtown Charleston: the federal-style Joseph Manigault House and Revolutionary Warera Heyward-Washington House.
360 Meeting St., (843) 722-2996, charlestonmuseum.org
HISTORIC CHARLESTON FOUNDATION HOUSE MUSEUMS
Inside these elegant spaces, witness two distinct styles of preservation. Through cutting-edge technologies and modern techniques, Nathaniel Russell House has been restored to its 1808 heyday, including its “flying” three-story staircase, elaborate plaster ornamentation, and formal gardens. Just up the peninsula, Aiken-Rhett House has been frozen in time as a portrait of urban life in antebellum Charleston.
Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth St., (843) 723-1159; Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meetings St., (843) 724-8481; historiccharleston.org
GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART
Shift your vision of the Holy City from monochrome to bold color at this Southern art museum, which frames Charleston through 350 years of historical, modern, and contemporary works by some of the nation’s most celebrated artists. Itself a work of art, the museum’s stunning three-story Beaux Arts building houses a permanent collection of paintings, miniatures, decorative arts, and sculptures, as well as rotating special exhibitions.
135 Meeting St., (843) 722-2706, gibbesmuseum.org
INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
Stand in the exact spot where thousands of enslaved Africans first disembarked in this country and absorb the unvarnished stories of the African American experience across generations. Through historical artifacts, rich art, eye-opening films, and digital interactive exhibits, visitors experience the history, culture, struggles, and successes of African Americans in the U.S. 14 Wharfside St., (843) 872-5352, iaamuseum.org
THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM
GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART
INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
OLD EXCHANGE & PROVOST DUNGEON
If the Old Exchange walls could talk, they’d tell of lavish dinners and dances for George Washington, the U.S. Constitution signing, and business among Charles Town’s elite, but the accounts from the bottom-floor prison would offer darker tales of British prisoners of war and enslaved Africans. Since these walls don’t talk, however, costumed interpreters lead daily dungeon tours and answer questions from visitors along the self-guided tour of the Exchange. 122 East Bay St., (843) 727-2165, oldexchange.org
DELVE DEEPER
PATRIOTS POINT NAVAL & MARITIME MUSEUM
Enlist military history to engage your crew aboard World War II-era aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and the destroyer USS Laffey, anchored in Charleston Harbor. In addition to experiencing what it was like to live and work on board these vessels, visitors can simulate a moon flight inside an Apollo 8 replica, brave a holographic Vietnam experience, pay tribute to American heroes in the Medal of Honor Museum, and zip among historic aircraft on the carrier’s flight deck.
40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, (843) 884-2727, patriotspoint.org
SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM: Commune with 5,000 coastal animals at this hands-on facility featuring a brand new touch tank, VR experiences, and a Sea Turtle Care Center. scaquarium.org
SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM: Inside the architecturally historic Fireproof Building, discover manuscripts, maps, and artifacts that tell of the state’s storied past. schistory.org
NORTH CHARLESTON FIRE MUSEUM: Fire up the fun with vintage firefighting vehicles, interactive safety lessons, and an indoor playground with a sliding pole. northcharlestonfiremuseum.org
EDMONDSTON-ALSTON HOUSE: Cross the threshold of one of the oldest houses along the High Battery and step into 19th-century high society. edmondstonalston.org
H.L. HUNLEY SUBMARINE: Submerge yourself in the mysterious history of this sunken combat submarine with interactive exhibits and an up-close look at the conserved wreckage. hunley.org
PATRIOTS POINT NAVAL & MARITIME MUSEUM
is pleased to announce the completion of its permanent exhibit galleries with the launch of
is pleased to announce the completion of its permanent exhibit galleries with the launch of
BEYOND THE ASHES
BEYOND THE ASHES
The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings
The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings
Covering Lowcountry history from the Reconstruction era to the 21st century
Covering Lowcountry history from the Reconstruction era to the 21st century
Haunted History Tours with Charleston’s Original Carriage Company
Discover Charleston’s eerie past with Palmetto Carriage Works’ haunted tours. Passed down through generations, our ghostly tales come alive with expert guides and cozy carriage rides. Glide through shadowy streets and haunted landmarks as our trusty horses lead the way—expect thrills, chills, and an unforgettable night!
Holy City Haunts
WE’VE GOT SPIRITS, YES WE DO
IN THE HUSH OF THE COBBLESTONED ALLEYWAY, can you hear the phantom shots? Does pausing among slate markers in the overgrown graveyard raise goosebumps on your arms? Have you glimpsed a pale apparition looming ‘round the old jail? In one of America’s most haunted cities, twilight heralds the specters of a macabre past, from patriots and plunderers to soldiers and smugglers.
“So much has happened here since 1670 — wars, enslavement, and natural disasters. Along with Charleston’s fortunes and wealth, deep family roots, seaside port, wellpreserved architecture, and social culture, that history is a recipe for rich tales of those who came before us,” says Bulldog Tours founder John LaVerne.
So will you brave the city’s chilling sites alone or seek a tour guide to hold your hand? Either way is sure to be a scream.
OLD SOUTH CARRIAGE
THE 10 SPOOKIEST SPOTS
“Duelers’ Alley”
During the 19th century, Charleston’s gents defended their honor with pistols along the French Quarter’s Philadelphia Alley. Pedestrians on the brick-clad block have reported hearing phantom gunshots and the eerie whistling of young Dr. Joseph Ladd, who tragically lost such a dispute.
Magnolia Cemetery
This hauntingly beautiful property on the banks of the Cooper River provides a final resting place for some 35,000 souls. Or does it? Many visitors to the oak-canopied cemetery feel they’re being watched. (To tour the 150-acre site at night, link up with Bulldog Tours.)
Blind Tiger Pub
Draped in vines and supernatural lore, the brick-walled courtyard of this former speakeasy is the perfect place to enjoy a spirit (whether guzzled or ghostly). The restaurant sits atop a Prohibition-era tunnel system and, according to employees, is a hotbed for unusual activity.
White Point Garden
After being held at Provost Dungeon (brave a visit to that sunken prison, too), gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet and his salty crew were hanged at White Point, their bodies tossed into the marshy graves and souls left to roam the park.
Poogan’s Porch
Diners at this Queen Street restaurant may feel its namesake spirit brush their ankles in search of scraps. But the pup isn’t the only personality to inhabit the Victorian manse. Tortured by the death of her sister, the former owner might also be spied staring out of an upstairs window.
The Pink House
The blushing building at 17 Chalmers Street has known life as a tavern, bordello, and private residence. The property has also known the afterlife, as legend holds that the former tavern owner climbs the stairs to the third floor and throws open windows on sultry summer evenings.
(continued ...)
FIRSTHAND FRIGHTS
LOCAL TOUR GUIDES SHARE STORIES TO
SEND
SHIVERS DOWN YOUR SPINE
“The shadowy ‘Gray Man’ who lurks around St. Philip’s Church causes many to feel a sense of dread. Some even believe his spirit claimed a life at the turn of the century, spawning another ghost for the graveyard.”
–Tommy Doyle Owner of Palmetto Carriage Co.
“I’ve heard accounts of and had my own very memorable experiences at the Old City Jail, from a hammer spontaneously flying across the room to spirits carrying small objects from guests into closed-off rooms. Some guides have even become so unsettled by strange noises and ghostly touches that they refuse to walk into the place now. ”
– John LaVerne Founder of Bulldog Tours
“The tragic tale of the teenage bride Harriet Mackie [rumored to have been poisoned just before her nuptials] is embedded in so much truth. I love hearing guides recount that event in front of St. Michael’s Church.”
– Derek Evenhouse General Manager of Old South Carriage Co.
“The revenant spirits of the orphans who died on the site of Berry Hall are playful, but the audio aspects of their visitations scare me. Hundreds have heard ‘Ring around the Rosie’ being sung, bottles and marbles dumped on the floor, and fire alarms in the night.”
– Ed Macy
Guide with Sandlapper Tours; coauthor of Haunted Charleston & Haunted Harbor
Unitarian Church Graveyard
While Lavinia Fisher’s body lies in a nearby potter’s field, the soul of the nation’s first female serial killer may rest here. Some also speculate that the overgrown cemetery holds the secret grave of Edgar Allan Poe’s Annabel Lee. So which is the ghostly lady in white making her way among the markers?
Dock Street Theatre
Ghostly lore lurks behind the curtain of one the country’s oldest theaters, which is said to be haunted by a famed 19th-century actor and a well-dressed damsel who glides along the second story.
OTHERWORLDLY ESCORTS
BY HORSE
Palmetto Carriage Works: Take a twilight carriage ride through the old walled city as you listen to chilling tales of Charleston’s storied specters. palmettocarriage.com
Old South Carriage Co.: Available from dusk until dark, this nighttime tour takes passengers past spine-tingling sites as bewitching guides share the city’s haunted history. oldsouthcarriage.com
VIA BOAT
Sandlapper Water Tours: A bounty of tales awaits onboard this haunted harbor tour, which dives into the deep superstitions surrounding Charleston’s maritime history. sandlappertours.com
Joe E. Berry Residence Hall
This College of Charleston dorm sits on the site of the former Charleston Orphan House, where a 1918 fire took four young lives. The St. Philip Street hall now sees spirited shenanigans, like false fire alarms, the eerie sound of marbles rolling, even the faint trill of “Ring around the Rosie.”
Circular Graveyard
Dating back to 1695, the city’s oldest English cemetery contains some 500 tombstones, with many more unmarked graves buried in the ground. In addition to intricate headstone carvings, this chilling churchyard may also house the restless soul of a Revolutionary War soldier.
ON FOOT
Bulldog Tours: With licensed guides, nocturnal visitors can enter Magnolia Cemetery, hallowed burial site for Civil War soldiers, tragic mariners, and more intriguing relics. bulldogtours.com
Ghosts of Charleston: When the sun goes down, the pages of The Ghosts of Charleston by Julian T. Buxton III come alive through gifted raconteurs. buxtonbooks.com
THROUGH DOORWAYS
Bulldog Tours: Gain exclusive nighttime access to frightening sites like the Old City Jail that held Charleston’s first criminals, WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, and the cavernous Provost Dungeon. bulldogtours.com
SPECIAL EVENTS on the Charleston Princess
• Blues & BBQ Cruises • Wine Down Wed. Cruises • Jam on the Water Cruises and more!
Top-Rated by thousands of previous guests
Reservations
dinner & a view
Perhaps it’s the briny tinge of the breeze or the warmth of the South Carolina sunshine, but no matter the reason, alfresco dining in the Lowcountry appreciably enhances the flavor of a meal. For a true taste of the city, make a reservation at one of downtown’s notable outdoor dining places. Soak in the views at the casual waterfront restaurant Fleet Landing, or put the surf in surf and turf with a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina or Charleston Princess (see page 35 for details). Feeling lofty? Take to the skies with stunning rooftop venues such as The Watch, Fiat Lux, Eleve, and Citrus Club. The city is also teeming with Euro-style sidewalk spots, including Carmella’s, 39 Rue de Jean, Gaulart & Maliclet, Babas on Cannon, and Amen Street, as well as cool courtyard patios at Edmund’s Oast Restaurant, Leon’s Oyster Shop, The Palmetto Cafe, Poogan’s Porch, 82 Queen, and Le Farfalle.
EAST OF THE COOPER
For a more expansive menu of waterfront venues, cross the Ravenel Bridge. Along Mount Pleasant’s Shem Creek, find dockside dining at Sunsets, Tavern & Table, Water’s Edge, and Saltwater Cowboys. In the Old Village, find proper plates at fine dining establishment Post House as well as the come-as-you-are seafood shack The Wreck of Richard & Charlene. Skip over to Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms for a smorgasbord of oceanfront restaurants, or skirt along IOP to Islander 71 for a bite of the Intracoastal Waterway.
JAMES & JOHNS ISLANDS
NORTH CHARLESTON/DANIEL ISLAND
Above the Peninsula, North Charleston’s bustling Park Circle sets out sidewalk and patio seating at EVO Pizza, Jackrabbit Filly, DIG in the Park, and others along Montague Avenue. For an elevated experience, book a patio table at MOMO in Riverfront Park on the banks of the Cooper. Or catch the Daniel Island Ferry and venture over to Daniel Island’s freshest restaurant catch, The Kingstide, for sophisticated seafood served with a breathtaking view.
On the southern Sea Islands, creekside dives like Bowens Island, Ellis Creek Fish Camp, and Charleston Crab House channel a more rustic vibe that’s perfect for shuckin’ and crackin’. For a wood-fired party under the stars, seek out Lost Isle on Johns Island. And much like the islands East of the Cooper, nearby Folly Beach delivers on dining near the dunes, with Pier 101 stretching out over the sea.
SUNSETS
TRANSITION TO FREEDOM
charleston by SEA
A GUIDE TO THE AREA’S BEST HARBOR TOURS, BOAT TRIPS, & WATERY ADVENTURES
CHARLESTON’S WATERWAYS GUARD A HISTORY AS DEEP AND COMPLEX AS THAT OF THE PENINSULA THEY PROTECT. FROM THE HARBOR’S VITAL ROLE IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THIS NATION AND THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE TO ITS WITNESS OF INFAMOUS PIRATE ESCAPADES AND HEROIC BATTLES, OUR RICH MARITIME HISTORY INVITES VISITORS TO DIVE IN.
SCHOONER PRIDE
TOUR THE HARBOR
Two main harbor tour companies offer passengers the chance to see more than 75 points of interest, including Civil War forts, a WWII aircraft carrier, homes along the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge. Both offer 90-minute tours with expert narration, climate-controlled spaces, and expansive open-air decks.
Charleston Harbor Tours offers daily and sunset tours departing from Charleston Maritime Center. Passengers have the option to add a gourmet lunch box on select tours. charlestonharbortours.com
SpiritLine Harbor Tours runs tours multiple times per day from Aquarium Wharf downtown and Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. spiritlinecruises.com
SAIL SUNNY SKIES & SUNSETS
Schooner Pride promises an unforgettable experience on Charleston’s only three-mast tall ship, modeled after an 18th-century trading vessel. The winds and tides dictate the course of each two-hour sail, making every 90-minute harbor cruise on this majestic vessel a unique adventure. Tours depart from Aquarium Wharf. charlestonharbortours.com
Palmetto Breeze offers comfort and speed on a sailing catamaran with a generous wooden deck where passengers can lounge in chairs and soak up panoramic views of the city. Choose from morning or sunset sails, as well as specialty cruises such as Sunday Funday, Mermaid Monday, or Aloha Wednesday. Tours depart from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. palmettobreeze.com
Captain Cocktail brings the pontoon boat party with a custom sound system, coolers for BYO beverages, energetic games, and a private restroom onboard. These 90-minute harbor tours and evening lights cruises depart from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. charlestonboatparty.com
DINE ON DECK
Brunch, Wine & BBQ Cruises can be enjoyed aboard the sleek Charleston Princess. Operated by Charleston Harbor Tours, these special event cruises include a gourmet Sunday brunch, curated wine tastings, and a casual BBQ buffet with a side of live music. Tours depart from Charleston Maritime Center. charlestonharbortours.com
SpiritLine Dinner Cruises indulges diners with live entertainment and a three- or four-course plated meal aboard the Spirit of Carolina luxury yacht. Local ingredients and full-service bars pair with amazing harbor and sunset views for an unforgettable evening. Tours depart from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. spiritlinecruises.com
CAPTAIN COCKTAIL
CHARLESTON HARBOR TOURS
REVIST THE PAST
Fort Sumter Tours ferries history buffs to this National Historical Park, which stands sentry to the pivotal events set off by the first shots of the Civil War. Fort Sumter Tours operates the only boat permitted to dock at the coastal fortification. Twohour tours depart from Fort Sumter Visitor Center downtown as well as Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. fortsumtertours.com
RIDE WITH A VIEW
Charleston Water Taxi offers scenic and stress-free trips across the harbor with an all-day pass. Whether you’re commuting or sightseeing, the water taxi captures unbeatable views of the city, Ravenel Bridge, and USS Yorktown. Plus, playful dolphins often put on a show. With hourly stops at Waterfront Park, Patriots
DIVE INTO NATURE
Point, Charleston Maritime Center, and Charleston Harbor Resort, these covered catamarans deliver a perfect blend of convenience and adventure for the entire family. charlestonwatertaxi.com
Daniel Island Ferry operates round-trip runs and evening cruises between Daniel Island and downtown for Credit One Stadium concertgoers, day trippers, Kingstide diners, and sunset seekers. Daily schedules vary with the seasons. diferry.com
Barrier Island Eco Tours leads naturalist-guided trips through salt marshes to Capers Island Heritage Preserve, a barrier island accessible only by boat. Tours depart from Isle of Palms Marina and include a Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise, Capers Island Wildlife Exploration, and Blue Crabbing Excursion, along with private inshore fishing charters. nature-tours.com
Nature Adventures hosts two-hour kayak and paddleboard outings guided by marine biologists, pro birders, and master naturalists. Explore miles of tidal waters, see working shrimp boats, and skirt protected bird sanctuary Crab Bank Island. Tours depart from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. Rentals are also available. kayakcharlestonsc.com
Dolphin Water Sports revs up the excitement with jet ski experiences right in Charleston Harbor and along its beautiful beaches. Dolphin watch for an hour or spend the day jumping waves offshore with a privately guided tour or independent rental from this family-owned company. Tours depart from multiple convenient locations. jetskisc.com
BARRIER ISLAND ECO TOURS
CHARLESTON WATER TAXI
charleston gift guide
Want to take a piece of Charleston home with you? Discover these unique items that help you keep the spirit of our city alive long after you visit.
Charleston Tea Garden
6617 Maybank Highway, Wadmalaw Island
Located just a short drive from downtown, the Charleston Tea Garden offers factory tours, hosts a trolley tour, and operates a gift shop with a wide variety of locally grown teas. Starting at $8.95. charlestonteagarden.com
Very Charleston Gift Basket
The Very Charleston Basket is a great way to take home or deliver the flavors from the Lowcountry, including Benne Wafers, Key Lime cookies, Pecan Pralines, Peach Butter, a Southern Pecan Praline, Charleston Tea Garden tea, and the Very Charleston illustrated book. $68.95. charlestonspecialtyfoods.com
Sweetgrass Basket
Historic City Market
Sweetgrass basket artists continue a Gullah tradition carried over from West Africa. Using sweetgrass, palmetto, and other local materials, they craft intricate baskets celebrated for their beauty and cultural significance. $100 and up.
Rainbow Row Ornament
Hang a Charleston icon on your holiday tree!
Capture Charleston’s charm with this Rainbow Row ornament inspired by the city’s most photographed landmark. The detailed keepsake reimagines the iconic row of pastel-colored historic homes that have brightened East Bay Street since the 1930s. $38.99. oldworldchristmas.com
Gold Creations
74 South Market Street
The “Flowers Of Charleston” Collection brings the beauty of the city’s lush gardens to life in every piece, such as this 14K Yellow Gold GC Original Diamond Magnolia Pendant. Starting at $1,150. (Also available in sterling silver.) goldcreationschas.com
Charleston Coffee Roasters
Locally roasted with the finest beans, these coffees are grown by sustainable farmers who treat workers well and pay them fairly. Choose from a wide variety of flavors and bodies, such as Charleston Organic, Kiawah Blend, King Street Blend, and more. Starting at $17. charlestoncoffeeroasters.com
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
From New York Times bestselling local author Mary Alice Monroe, this highly anticipated epic and triumphant new novel celebrates the land and spirit of the early 20th-century Lowcountry. maryalicemonroe.com
Dacuba’s Fine Jewelry
84 N. Market Street
This family-owned jeweler is known for its Charleston-inspired designs, such as this Palmetto Moon Destination sterling silver and 14K yellow gold bracelet ($389) and cuff bracelet ($289). dacubasfinejewelry.com
Charleston Receipts Cookbook
First published in 1950, Charleston Receipts is the oldest Junior League cookbook still in print and contains 750 classic Charleston recipes, Gullah verses, and sketches. $24.95. jlc-boutique.myshopify.com
Deep Water Vineyard
6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island
Charleston’s only vineyard and winery features 30 different wines and meads. Enjoy onsite tastings or subscribe to the Wine Club online. deepwatervineyard.com
Sea.Life.
RELAX ON THE FRONT PORCH OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Step into the charm of Walterboro, SC - the Front Porch of the Lowcountry. This summer, explore our historic downtown, stroll beneath centuries-old oaks, and experience true Southern hospitality. Whether you’re chasing art, antiques, or adventure, Walterboro welcomes you to relax, recharge, and stay awhile. Your Lowcountry getaway begins here!
discounts and deals
Check out these exclusive coupon offers that you can instantly use. Simply visit TravelerofCharleston.com/coupon or scan the QR code with your smartphone for savings!
Adventure
Sightseeing Bus Tour
$5 off ticket when booked online.
Code: TRAVMAG25
See page 54
Boone Hall Plantation
$3 off adult admission. Present ad at gate. No advance reservation is required.
See page 5
Charleston Harbor Tours
$5 off adult ticket when you book online.
Code: TRAVMAG25
See page 28
Drayton Hall
$4 off general admission.
Code: TRAVELER4
See page 43
GrayLine Historic City Bus Tours
$3 off adult Historic City Tour. Code: CITY3 enter near bottom of checkout page.
See page 55
Learn Charleston
10% off tour.
Code: Traveler10
See page 48
Middleton Place
$3 off per adult. Present ad at counter.
See page 43
Nature Adventures Kayak & Paddleboard Tours
10% off tours and rentals.
Code: TRAVELER enter near bottom of checkout page.
See page 37
Old South Carriage
$2 off per person on Daytime or Haunted Tours when booked online.
Code: MAG25
See page 7
Palmetto Carriage Tours
$5 off Daytime or Haunted tours when booked online or in person with ad. Code: TRAVMAG
See page 2
Schooner Pride Sailing Tour
$5 off ticket when booked online. Code: TRAVMAG25
See page 28
SpiritLine Dinner Cruises
$10 off per person when booked online. Code: TC10 enter near bottom checkout page. See page 17
A Day at the Beach Your Guide
to Charleston’s Islands
WANT TO UNWIND? OUR LOCAL BEACHES OFFER THE PERFECT RESPITE. WHETHER YOU’RE SEEKING THE BREEZY VIBE OF FOLLY BEACH, FAMILYFRIENDLY FEEL OF ISLE OF PALMS, OR UNSPOILED OCEAN VIEWS ON SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, THIS GUIDE WILL HELP DECIDE WHERE TO BURY YOUR TOES.
FOLLY BEACH
Often frequented by locals and surfers, this laid-back barrier island offers plenty of restaurants, shops, hotels, and rentals just a short drive from downtown Charleston. A dedicated swimming zone (ie, no surfing) can be found from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West through September 15. cityoffollybeach.com
Fun fact: One of Folly’s famous visitors was composer and pianist George Gershwin, who composed the classic opera Porgy and Bess while here.
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
This barrier island north of Charleston harbor has less than 2,000 residents. With its unspoiled views and terrific dining options, Sullivan’s is a favorite among locals. The island has few short-term rentals and no hotels, so plan a day trip. sullivansisland.sc.gov
Fun fact: This island has a long military history of protecting Charleston harbor from invaders. Visit the restored Fort Moultrie—first built with palmetto logs in 1776—to learn about American seacoast defense up through World War II.
ISLE OF PALMS
Minutes from Mount Pleasant, family-friendly Isle of Palms has buckets of amenities, including shops, restaurants, rentals, and public restrooms. “Front Beach,” which stretches along Ocean Boulevard from 10th to 14th Avenue, is set aside for beachgoers. Through Labor Day, visitors can ride the weekend shuttle from Mount Pleasant Towne Centre to the beach. iop.net
Fun fact: Loggerhead sea turtles lay eggs here throughout summer. From July until October, the hatchlings emerge at night to make their way to the ocean. To keep them safe, don’t disturb the nests or babies, fill in any holes you dig, and turn off outside lights at night.
KIAWAH ISLAND
Much of this island and its white sand beaches are private, but you can access a public beachfront at Kiawah Beachwalker Park. kiawahisland.org
CURRENT CAUTION
Fun fact: Centuries before Kiawah Island became a world-class resort destination, wealthy planter John Stanyarne purchased the island from a Cusabo tribe in order to grow subsistence crops and raise cattle.
GOOD TO KNOW
Park It: Beach traffic backs up quickly and parking on the islands can be tough after 10 a.m. Arrive early to secure a spot and heed all posted parking signs. County parks on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Kiawah Island offer limited parking for a fee ($5 to $15), as well as various amenities, including lifeguards, public restrooms, outdoor showers, and seasonal snack bars. Get the scoop at ccprc.com.
Hot & Dry: Alcohol is illegal on all Lowcountry beaches except Kiawah, which permits drinking in designated areas.
Salty Dogs: Pups are allowed on all beaches, but leash times and rules vary. Four-legged visitors to Sullivan’s Island must also fetch a town-issued permit. For specifics, dig into your destination’s online beach info.
Riptides (AKA rip currents or undertows) form at surf beaches like those along the Lowcountry coast. These dangerously swift channels move up to eight feet per second and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Minimize your riptide risk with these helpful tips:
RECOGNIZE
A riptide may appear as a calm gap between wave breaks or a narrow stream of dark/ discolored or foamy water moving away from shore, especially between sandbars.
AVOID
Steer clear of inlets, jetties, and piers. Heed posted warning flags.
ESCAPE
If you do get caught, don’t panic; a riptide won’t pull you under. Swim parallel to shore or toward breaking waves, then angle back to the beach. If you can’t break free, tread or float until help arrives.
charleston area events
Steeplechase of Charleston
November 9
JULY
4 Fireworks Blast at Patriot’s Point patriotspoint.org
11 Reggae Nights ccprc.com
18 Dancing on the Cooper with Shem Creek Boogie Band ccprc.com
26 Annual Sweetgrass Festival experiencemountpleasant.com
AUGUST
1 Reggae Nights ccprc.com
3 Southeast Crab Feast southeastcrabfeast.com
29-31 Lowcountry Jazz Festival lowcountryjazzfest.com
SEPTEMBER
12 Dancing on the Cooper with Island Party Band ccprc.com
20 Sweet Tea Festival summervilledream.org
OCTOBER
4 Mermaids & Mateys Festival visitfolly.com
5 Latin American Festival ccprc.com
10-11 Riverfront Revival Concert riverfrontrevival.com
12 Charleston Mimosa Festival charlestonwinefestivals.com
NOVEMBER
1 Harvest Festival ccprc.com
9 Steeplechase of Charleston steeplechaseofcharleston.com
27 Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K turkeydayrun.com
DECEMBER
7 Wine Under the Oaks boonehallplantation.com
13 Holiday Parade of Boats charlestonarts.org (continued)
ONGOING
Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch
Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. September 26-October 26 boonehallplantation.com
Holiday Festival of Lights Daily, 5:30-10 p.m. November 15-December 31
Weekend Wine-Down
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. deepwatervineyard.com
Awendaw Green Barn Jam Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m. awendawgreen.com
Charleston Riverdogs Days & times vary milb.com/charleston
Farmers Market
Saturdays (through November), 8 a.m.-2 p.m. charlestonfarmersmarket.com
Second Sunday on King Street
2nd Sundays, noon-5 p.m. shop2ndsunday.com
The Sound of Charleston Days vary, 7 p.m. soundofcharleston.com
