By: Charleston Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Enliven Your Senses
Bookended by two rivers, which it is said converge to form the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston, South Carolina is hemmed in by water and sky. A jewel box destination that looks like it has been painted in watercolor, Charleston is a sensorial plethora of cobblestone streets, pastel colored homes, flickering carriage lanterns, and historic landmarks. Church steeples – not skyscrapers – dot the skyline of this bustling port-of-entry for worldly treasures. Life is accompanied by a gentle rustling of palmetto fronds, lyrical sea island accents and soul-stirring coastal landscapes. Every meal is savored, and no one is a stranger for long. Let your senses come alive… Experience the flavors, sights, sounds and traditions found only in Charleston, South Carolina.
In Good Taste
Want to experience the heart and soul of Charleston? Taste the local cuisine. Comprised of heirloom recipes proudly passed from one generation to the next, Lowcountry cuisine has evolved over the past 300 years. Today’s chefs reap the best local ingredients to create dishes that celebrate Charleston’s authentic flavors. Many come to Charleston with one thing on their mind: food. Taste the best ingredients prepared in ways you never imagined. From white tablecloth restaurants and outdoor cafes, to a festive riverside Lowcountry boil or barbeque, every meal is an event in itself. Prepared with perfection. Served with a warm smile. Enjoy.
Love at First Sight
It’s time to see the sights! Living history is everywhere in Charleston. How do you prefer to explore? Discover hidden alleyways and the lore behind them on a historic walking tour; rent a bicycle and peddle your way through the Holy City streets; sail aboard a 3-mast schooner with the wind at your back or hear hundreds of years of history set against the sound of hoof beats on a carriage tour. Charleston exists as one of North America’s most architecturally significant destinations. See the confection colored homes of Rainbow Row. Stroll along The Battery, lined with stately, antebellum homes on one side and the Charleston Harbor on the other. Climb aboard a WWII aircraft carrier. Uncover the history of the H.L. Hunley. Take a visit to America’s first museum. Whether you’re interested in art, science, architecture, or artifacts, Charleston has the perfect place just waiting to be explored.
How Sweet the Sound
Enjoy a soundtrack to every season and discover how the Lowcountry gives rise to creativity. For more than 300 years, Charleston’s evocative beauty has inspired musicians, painters, poets, and playwrights; lending its setting to novels, movies, operatic scores, and canvases seen around the world. Standing ovations, one-man shows, historic theaters, high-energy festivals, Gullah crafts, and inspirational galleries contribute to Charleston’s multi-sensory cultural aura. From a Beaux Arts building with more than 10,000 works of art in permanent collection, and Charleston’s only three-tiered balcony concert hall to contemporary art installations that serve as a multidisciplinary laboratory of sorts for visual artists… Experiencing art is a way of life in the Lowcountry!
The Finishing Touch
Charleston is synonymous with the luxe life. Emporiums filled with antiques, chic boutiques that highlight up-and-coming designers, and one of the nation’s oldest public markets. Located in the heart of downtown and home to more than 300 entrepreneurs, artists, and craftsmen, the Charleston City Market is bustling with excitement. Take special note of the sweetgrass baskets, an indigenous art form and one of the most easily recognizable Gullah traditions. Stroll along Palmetto lined King Street, regularly shut off to traffic becoming a walking mall, where locals stroll with their pets, listen to live music, and dine at sidewalk tables. With its chic collection of apparel, accessory, and home décor boutiques, Freshfields Village offers a unique and relaxed shopping experience. If you’re looking for top designer brands and head-turning style, find it at Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. From tradition-steeped, handcrafted items and delicious artisanal products, Charleston is an incubator for talented entrepreneurs. “Made in Charleston” products make great gifts… Bring a little piece of the Holy City home with you.
Important Cookies Information: This message will appear only once. To give you the best possible experience, this site uses cookies and by continuing to use this site, you agree that we can save them on your devices. Our cookies do not collect personally identifiable information. For more information, please read our updated Privacy and Cookie Policy, which also explains how to disable cookies if you wish to do so.