Charleston’s nearby neighbor to the north, the City of North Charleston is one the state’s largest cities and is home to arts and cultural events, major concert venues, shopping malls, parks and some pretty big business.
Just 42 years old, the city is just hitting its middle-aged stride and creating a name for itself as a place for business, living and visiting. It’s home to Charleston International Airport, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner Aircraft assembly and delivery prep center and Joint Base Charleston and its massive C-17 military cargo planes.
The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, multiple shopping areas and historic communities. Put these North Charleston spots on your must-visit list:
Centre Pointe
If you’re looking for a day of shopping, head to this vast retail area with shops, restaurants and Tanger Outlets with dozens of retail stores and boutiques. Also, take the family to the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center, which has the largest collection of professionally restored American LaFrance fire apparatus in the country.
Riverfront Park
Situated on the banks of the Cooper River, Riverfront Park is open to the public year-round and is adjacent to the historic homes once occupied by Naval officers who were stationed on the Charleston Naval Base. The park is surrounded by grand oak trees and has a Performance Pavilion and meadow making it a choice location for concerts and festivals.
While at Riverfront Park, see the Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, erected in honor of the countless military personnel and civilians that served the United States and the greater Charleston region. The Memorial is the only location in the United States that displays both the Lone Sailor and the Homecoming statues. Riverfront Park also is adorned with 11 large-scale contemporary sculptures, on display as part of the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition.
Park Circle
This trendy area has coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pubs and more. With a hip vibe and a fun nightlife, this is the place to grab a cocktail before heading out to dinner. Also, check out the Park Circle Film Society, a volunteer-run nonprofit enriching the community through film. Also in this area is South of Broadway Theatre Company with a full schedule of plays and performances.
Visiting sooon? Check out these events:
North Charleston City Gallery Exhibit: Members of the Mount Pleasant Artist Guild will present a group show of works in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel and mixed media. Exhibit display is Dec. 1-31. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with a free reception at 5 p.m. Dec. 4.
City of North Charleston’s Christmas Festival & Parade: A holiday market, children’s activities, carriage rides, festive food and decorations, visits with Santa and an evening parade in Park Circle. Activities are 3-9 p.m. (parade at 5 p.m.) on Dec. 6.
Children’s Theatre – The Elves and the Shoemaker: The classic Brothers Grimm story takes the stage as an original musical with new lyrics set to traditional holiday melodies. The show is 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at Sterett Hall Auditorium, 1530 7th St.
Learn more about all there is to see and do in North Charleston at northcharleston.org.
