The Must-See Attractions of Charleston, SC

Throughout my extensive travels, I somehow managed to overlook the Carolinas. Without any connections to family or friends in that region, it simply never crossed my mind. I always went to Florida or upstate New York, or even Delaware and Virginia for family vacations. Surprisingly, it wasn't until ten years ago when a close college friend relocated to Georgia that I finally set foot in that state. However, the Carolinas always seemed to be left out of my adventures, almost as if it’s an East Coast "flyover country." However, I've come to realize that there is an abundance of rich history waiting to be discovered in this region, all within a laid-back atmosphere. In December of 2023, I decided to finally take the plunge and visit the city of Charleston, South Carolina. As is often the case, this destination was highly recommended by friends who had previously visited. But the question remains: Will I find the same enjoyment exploring this city during the offseason?

Upside

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Walk and Wander

On the first day of any city I visit, I like to “walk and wander”, starting with a particular stop in the city and going from there. It's a bit risky because you might accidentally wander into a sketchy area, but it's still an exciting way to discover a place for the first time. Before embarking on this adventure, I usually check Google Maps to find interesting places to visit. While moving through, I came across the Charleston City Market and the Charleston Museum, which caught my attention. I checked the distance between the two on the map and realized it was just a short walk away. So, I decided to use this opportunity to wander around and soak up the city's atmosphere.

What really caught my attention was the city's character and architecture. It has this charming old-fashioned vibe, yet it feels so laid-back. Even though I visited during the "offseason" between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the town was still bustling with activity. The sidewalks are mostly made of stone and the streets are narrow, but surprisingly, it doesn't feel overcrowded or too touristy. They've done a remarkable job preserving the city's overall character while ensuring smooth traffic flow. The layout and colors of the buildings left me in awe, as they transport you to a different era while still maintaining a modern touch. Just by strolling through the streets, you can sense the rich history that has been beautifully preserved.

The Charleston Museum

This spot is located near the Visitors Center on Meeting St. It's conveniently close to the bustling city center, yet it maintains its own unique charm. Being the oldest natural history museum in North America, it has gone through several relocations before settling in its current spot. The building itself is around 45 years old, and unfortunately, its age is evident in the interior. Nevertheless, it's still fascinating to witness the city's transformation into what it is today. What struck me was the stark contrast between the city's violent history during the American Revolution, the Civil War, and subsequent periods, and its current relaxed atmosphere. The museum showcases the early days of Charleston as a port city for the Spanish, British, and eventually the Americans. Additionally, there's an impressive exhibit that delves into the city's involvement in the Civil War, from South Carolina's secession to its eventual readmission into the Union. Lastly, there's a captivating natural history exhibit that highlights the diverse fauna and animals that have thrived in this region up to the present day. They've got some exciting plans for the future, including exhibits on Reconstruction and the 20th century. It's impressive how well they've written these exhibits. Although the museum may not be in its prime, it's definitely worth a visit. Supporting museums like this by visiting and showing your patronage is the best way to ensure their growth and development.

Charleston City Market:

During my first two days in the city, I made sure to visit this marketplace. It became almost a tradition for me to start my day here, exploring the vibrant atmosphere. Spanning four city blocks, this market is a unique blend of open-air and closed-air sections. Local artisans showcase their craftsmanship, offering a diverse range of products from jewelry and shirts to art prints. As I walked through the open-air area, I appreciated the absence of pushy salespeople. However, they were always ready to answer any questions I had. The market is brimming with creativity, even boasting a cigar merchant who infuses Dominican-made cigars with bourbon and moonshine. Inside the enclosed section, I discovered a mini general store and a cozy coffee shop, all run by local merchants. Some of them even sell delicious food. It's truly a wonderful place to walk around, and I made sure to collect business cards from a few merchants, planning to order some of their incredible art prints in the future for my home. This marketplace also serves as a fantastic introduction to the city of Charleston.

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City Tour:

On the second day, I took tour of the city using the Gray Line Tour Bus. This tour was quite comprehensive as it went beyond the downtown area and showcased the rest of the city. The tour guide providing a synopsis of the history of the city (wars and even earthquakes galore!), with some interesting facts that you may not know about Charleston (it is the second most bombarded in war besides the nearby Fort Sumter, and did I mention they had a bad earthquake too?). In addition, most of the land is filled, similar to another colonial type city - Boston. The tour lasted for about 90 minutes and was definitely worth it, although I was surprised they didn't offer "hop on/hop off" tours. If you prefer a carriage tour, there are plenty of options available too.

Fort Sumter Tour:

Part of the package that I purchased for the tour also included a tour of the Fort Sumter National Park. At the conclusion of the city tour, I was dropped off at Liberty Square. Some people on the tour were also touring the site as well, so it was nice to see some semi-familiar faces. After listening to a brief explanation of the history of Fort Sumter’s historical significance to the city and the nation at the time of the American Civil War, we proceeded to get in line to enter the ferry. The ferry had plenty of seating on the lower and upper deck. As the upper deck was fairly packed, I proceeded to move to the lower deck where I found a seat I liked near one of the windows. I opened the windows to let the fresh air in. After a 30 minute boat ride, we landed at Fort Sumter.

What amazed me about Fort Sumter was how much of it still stands after all these years. I'm sure they've reinforced some parts, but it's mostly in ruins. However, it's perfectly safe to explore. This particular tour is managed by the National Park Service, and there’s usually a park ranger that gives a talk on the existence of the fort, with the build up and eventual destruction. There’s also a museum that gives an explanation of the history of the fort in case you miss anything (like I did!). I was on the last tour of the day, so I got to see the flag lowering. You have an hour on the island, which is plenty of time to hold your interest and you leave wanting to learn more. It was fascinating to see in person, and well worth a visit.

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The Final Verdict:

Charleston is a very charming, relaxing city that is perfect for just about everyone. Throughout the year, you'll have plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations with both locals and fellow travelers. If you're looking to save some money, consider visiting during the "offseason" months when prices are generally more reasonable. I enjoyed learning about the city's violent history at the Charleston Museum, and interacting with local merchants at the Charleston City Market. The city tour through Gray Line Tours was informative and entertaining, and there are many options for packaging and bundling your experiences, including visiting the great Fort Sumter National Park. As I always say with solo travel, it is whatever you want it to be. Perhaps you want to explore the area parks, and even National Parks. Perhaps you want to explore just the city itself. Perhaps you want to use the city to go on a road trip through the area. Whatever you decide, it is a fantastic place to go. I’ll be back someday for sure.