Happy Holidays from Charleston!
From the Traveler of Charleston team, warm wishes for a lovely holiday season! We look forward to bringing you even more Charleston visitor information in 2015!
Charleston’s Museum Mile Special Expands to Full Month
Throughout the month of January 2015, visitors can explore 11 downtown Charleston museums for $25. Previously just offered for one weekend in January, the Museum Mile package has been expanded to the full month. Passes are only sold in advance; not during the month of January so hurry and grab yours. Tickets are $25 for […]
Charleston Gift Guide: For the Kids
Make Christmas morning extra special with one of these gifts from a Charleston retailer. Give the littlest people on your gift list something that keeps giving all year. A membership to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry includes unlimited admission, discounts on birthday parties, members-only events and more. Price: $80 a year for a family […]
Charleston Gift Guide: For the Gents
Want to dazzle that special guy in your life with a cool Charleston gift? We have three ideas that will land you on the awesome gift-giver list. Every time your favorite guy has a drink, he can relive a favorite Charleston landmark, restaurant or attraction. Carolina Coaster Co. coasters are hand-made made from original photographs […]
Charleston Gift Guide: For the Ladies
Looking for the perfect gift for your mom, sister or wife? Or maybe you need a go-to hostess gift for an upcoming holiday party. These items are sure to delight. Rewined Candles are handmade and blended to mimic the flavors and scents of your favorite wines: Cabernet, Chardonnay, Champagne, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Riesling […]
10 Charleston Holiday Must-Do Events, Tree Lightings, Parades and More
Our Charleston holiday calendar is filling up fast! The season is full with wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday season here in the Lowcountry. We’ve picked 10 favorites that are sure to have you humming “Jingle Bells” while making your list and checking it twice. We highlighted the 25th annual Holiday Festival of Lights but […]
Holiday Festival of Lights Marks 25 Years
One of our favorite Charleston area holiday events is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park opens Nov. 14 with 2 million shimmering lights over a 3-mile loop. The festival is open nightly through Jan. 1, 2015. Throughout its 25-year history, more than 4 million people have […]
Charleston Gift Guide: Food Favs
Why not give friends and a family of taste of Holy City goodness this holiday season. Check out these delicious items perfect for any foodie on your gift list: Give the gift of Charleston all year long with a subscription box of Charleston goodies. Charleston Epicurean will compile a box of four to six locally made […]
Spanish Moss Hangs All Over South
One of the iconic images of the Deep South is a road, path or plantation driveway lined with live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. It’s a beautiful, natural scene that visitors (and many locals) just can’t help but photograph. Despite looking lovely, Spanish moss sometimes gets a bad reputation for killing trees or being filled […]
Art, History, Shopping Attract Visitors to North Charleston
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 […]
Small Town Charm is on Display in Summerville
Known as Flowertown in the Pines, the town of Summerville is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston. It’s the perfect spot to visit for a dose of small town charm, rich history and Southern hospitality. Situated on a pine-forested ridge, Summerville was first inhabited in the late 1700s as Charlestonians and Lowcountry residents flocked […]
Charleston Named Best U.S. City for Fourth Year
For the fourth year in a row, Charleston has been named the 2014 best city in the United States. Today, Conde Nast Traveler announced the results of its 27th annual Readers’ Choice Awards and, once again, the Holy City took the top spot in the United States. Charleston was also ranked No. 2 in the […]
Best Places to Dine, Drink in Charleston this Fall
By Scott Wink Charleston is one of the hottest culinary destinations in the world right now. Around every corner of the city you’ll find some of the country’s most talented chefs, hottest restaurants, and delicious locally made products. In order to get the most out of your time in Charleston you’ll need to do a […]
Spooky Tours Make for a Frightfully Fun Charleston
A city with this kind of deep history, colorful characters and abundance of dark alleys and church graveyards is bound to have a few ghosts – or at least some pretty great ghost stories. It’s fun to explore Charleston’s spooky side any time of the year, but fall is a particularly good time to hit […]
App’s Public Restroom Map Gets Attention
Even though our Traveler of Charleston app has been available for awhile, we recently added a public restroom locator so tourists (and locals) have information on (literally) where to go right at their fingertips. Our new feature caught the attention of WCBD News 2 and was featured in a news segment. (Also available on YouTube.) […]
Gibbes Museum of Art Closes for Renovations
In August, the Gibbes Museum temporarily closed for major renovations set to begin in October 2014. To date, the museum has raised more than $9 million toward its $13.4 million goal to restore the museum to its original Beaux-Arts beauty and build its endowment. The project is designed to showcase the museum’s collection, provide visitors […]
Download Charleston’s Free Mobile App
If you’re planning to visit Charleston, you’ll want comfy shoes for walking downtown, extra space in your suitcase for King Street shopping and an empty stomach to fill with delicious food. And, you’ll want to download the free mobile app from Traveler of Charleston. Developed with visitors in mind, our app has all the features […]
Art Season Comes Alive Throughout Charleston
Here in Charleston fall ushers in a new season of the arts with everything from plays and concerts to gallery showings and dance performances. It’s the perfect time of year to soak up the area’s thriving arts and culture scene. A great way to sample everything arts is at the OPEN Arts Expo Sept. 21 […]
Charleston Restaurant Week Returns for Fall Feast
If you love amazing food prepared by world-renowned chefs served in the country’s most-loved city, then you’ve come to the right place. And during the right week. Charleston Restaurant Week starts today and runs through Sept. 14. Sponsored by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association twice a year, restaurants all over the Charleston area offer specially […]
Carriage Companies Take Hot Weather Seriously
When visitors come to Charleston, one of their favorite attractions is a carriage tour. It’s a great way to get an entertaining overview of Charleston history, architecture and culture. The clip-clop of hooves is a common sound on the historic streets as horses and mules lead their carriages full of tourists during the summer season. […]
Charleston is Country’s Friendliest City
It wouldn’t be very friendly of us if we didn’t pause and give a big THANK YOU to all those kind Conde Nast Traveler readers who voted our lovely Charleston as the friendliest city in the United States. Participants in the Readers’ Choice Survey praised Charleston’s hospitality so much that “would consider living there full […]
Shark Week Has Arrived in Charleston
It’s everyone’s favorite summer tradition: Shark Week! Since 1987, the Discovery Channel has been devoting a week of programming to these ocean predators. Get geared up for Shark Week programming with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium for an up close and personal experience with sharks. From Aug. 1-10, the aquarium will celebrate Shark […]
Summerville: Adventure Awaits Just Beyond Charleston
Guest blog by Mary Alice Monroe The secret’s out … my beloved city of Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the best destinations in the world! The news made local headlines with The Post and Courier reporting that Travel + Leisure magazine ranked the Holy City as No. 1 in the U.S. and Canada. Charleston […]
Guide to Family Fun in Charleston
Whether your children love nature, water or games and sports, you’ll find a host of great activities to keep them busy during your Charleston vacation. We’ve compiled a guide of must-see attractions and activities for kids broken down by age. Most of these activities are suitable for children of multiple ages – and even adults […]
Are Dogs Allowed on Charleston Beaches?
Taking your four-legged family member along for a day at the beach might sound like a great idea, but before you go, know the beach rules for dogs. At many times of the year, especially during the busy summer months, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach without a leash. Here’s our guide for taking your […]
‘The Summer Wind’ is a Beautiful Beach Read
I finished reading “The Summer Wind” by Mary Alice Monroe and was immediately annoyed. I was going to have wait until next summer to get the last installment in the trilogy! Don’t you just hate when you get so engrossed in a book you’re sad when it ends? I felt the same way last summer […]
Charleston Area Beaches Guide
Each of Charleston’s area beaches has its own unique flavor and its own beach rules. Check out our guide so you’re prepared before you land on the sand. Folly Beach This barrier island beach is laid back and often frequented by locals and surfers. No possession or consumption of alcohol is allowed on the beach. […]
After Renovation, The Vendue is Charleston’s First Art Hotel
The Vendue, a boutique hotel in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, has reopened its doors after a six-month renovation project. The renovations introduced two new restaurant concepts, The Drawing Room and The Press; a property-wide art program; and updates to the hotel’s vast collection of room types. The property is made up of two main structures […]
Celebrate the History of Sweetgrass Baskets
All around the Historic Charleston City Market and dotting the northern stretch of U.S. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant you’ll find women making sweetgrass baskets – iconic images of the Lowcountry and her African history. Sweetgrass basket making can be traced back to West Africa, brought to the S.C. coast by African slaves. One of […]
When Visiting Charleston Beaches, Watch for Turtles
The area’s first loggerhead sea turtle lumbered onto the shore at Seabrook Island to lay the first eggs of the nesting season. The mother sea turtle deposited her 166 eggs appropriately on Mother’s Day, which is usually the time of year the first nests are discovered on the beaches. Sea turtle nesting season continues through […]
What Do You Love about Charleston?
Here’s another list of all the things we love about the Lowcountry in the springtime. What would your list of “Charleston loves” include? First springtime beach trip: There’s nothing like shaking off the chill of winter with that first warm weather trip to the beach. The feel of sand in your toes and saltwater on […]
A Local Kid’s Take on Charleston
Here at Traveler of Charleston, we recently hosted a young student for a career day. She wanted to learn more about writing and publishing so we gave her the chance to write a blog post about why she loves Charleston. Hope you enjoy it! By Madison Clark Living here is a blessing to me. Sure, […]
Share Your Photos in #MyCharlestonPic Contest
We know you’re taking all sorts of awesome photos during your Charleston visit and we want to see them. Share your photos with us via social media using the hashtag #MyCharlestonPic and we’ll pick the best one to publish in our summer issue (July-September 2014). We can’t wait to see the great Charleston images you […]
Charleston’s History is Deeply Tied to the Harbor
Charleston is most certainly a city by the sea. From the Civil War-era forts in the harbor to the port as a center for trade, Charleston’s history and economy are anchored in the water that borders the city. Rice and indigo trades flourished in the 18th century, bringing the city significant wealth and prominence. When the first shots of […]
‘The Summer Wind’ Continues Charleston Trilogy
Last summer, Lowcountry author Mary Alice Monroe released the first in a summertime trilogy set in the Charleston area. “The Summer Girls” hit the New York Times bestseller list and introduced readers to Mamaw, who gathers her three granddaughters at her Sullivan’s Island beach house under the guise of celebrating her 80th birthday, but with […]
From Strawberries to Grits, It’s Festival Time in Charleston
Charleston’s springtime calendar is filled with festivals and events that celebrate everything from grits to strawberries and from art to tea. Here are some of our favorite upcoming festivals: Flowertown Festival: From April 4-6, Summerville’s Azalea Park and surrounding streets will be filled with more than 200 arts and crafts displays. Visitors can take in […]
The Best Blooms in Charleston
It’s tough to beat the beauty of springtime in Charleston. From the wisteria and jasmine to the azaleas and camellias, the Holy City is literally bursting with colorful. So if you’ve had enough of winter (and who hasn’t), here are some opportunities to get out and enjoy the first blooms of spring. Camellia Walks at Middleton […]
Things to Love about the Lowcountry
Sometimes we just have to share a few of the things we adore about Charleston. As we wrap up winter and get ready for spring, we pause to offer up some things we love about the Lowcountry. Now, what do you love? The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival: It’s the perfect excuse to stuff […]
Tasty Spots for Brunch in Charleston
It’s tough to beat a relaxing weekend brunch – steaming cup of coffee and lingering over waffles or eggs Benedict. It’s the opposite of our usual gulp of juice, bite of toast and coffee in the travel mug. Brunch is even better when you’re on vacation or visiting a new city. So here are few […]
Plenty to Do on Valentine’s Day Weekend in Charleston
Nothing says “I love you” like a weekend in Charleston! Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Holy City. Our icy weather is thawing and it’s shaping up to be a terrific weekend. We have some ideas to get you started: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: This three-day celebration of all things nature and sporting opens Friday […]
When it Turns Chilly in Charleston
Hey, guess what?! We had some winter here in Charleston. Last week, our fair city pretty much shut down thanks to freezing rain and ice. Sure, our friends to the North thought we were blowing things out of proportion but you have to remember, the Southeast doesn’t really do “winter” so we don’t have things […]
Nature, History Highlights of Charleston Area Parks
We’re fortunate here in the Charleston region to have public parks ripe for exploration. They are not only beautiful places to visit but many are rich in history, culture and environmental resources. Here are three parks on the outskirts of Charleston you can put on your must-visit list: Caw Caw Nature & History Interpretive […]
It’s Oyster Season in Charleston
Quick, check the calendar. If there’s an “R” in the month, then it’s time to grab your favorite oyster knife and head to a Charleston oyster roast. Whether it’s a birthday party, a fundraiser or just a Friday night, Charlestonians love to attend an oyster roast. In the beginning When the water temperature reaches 70 degrees or greater, oysters […]
Charleston Restaurant Week Kicks Off 2014
We’ve long joked (sort of) that we could eat out in Charleston every night of the week and never dine at the same restaurant twice. Charleston Restaurant Week – organized twice a year by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association – is our chance to at least spend 12 days hitting up all the restaurants on […]
Summerville: Tastes Like Sweet Tea
It doesn’t get much more Southern than a glass of iced tea. But what you might not realize is that the very glass of tea you love has its roots right here in the Charleston area – in the town of Summerville, to be precise. Now the town is celebrating its tea history with the […]
Charleston Has Thriving Arts Community
Thanks to the annual Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston has long been on the radar for tourists interested in taking in world-class performances. But in the last decade, Charleston has experienced a surge in its arts community, making it a yearround arts destination. “There’s no excuse why if someone visits Charleston they can’t do something artsy while they’re here,” said Maggie Hendricks, executive director of the Charleston […]
Barbecue is a Best Bet for Charleston Dining
A bit like politics, religion and football, folks in the South are passionate about their barbecue. “I equate it to college football teams. Everybody feels strongly about their favorite barbecue and everybody else is the enemy,” said Aaron Siegel, owner/pitmaster at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ. “In general, it’s the type of thing people feel really strongly about. When you ask somebody about […]
Cook Up Hoppin’ John for Lowcountry Celebration
Cook up a pot of Hoppin’ John and you can ring in the New Year with a taste of the South – and good fortune. Legend has it that eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day will bring you luck. The black-eyes peas are said to resemble coins or pennies. Many people add collard greens and cornbread […]
Strolling Downtown Charleston at Christmas
In the days leading up to Christmas, we enjoyed some incredible weather here in Charleston. Forget winter boots – it was flip-flop weather! The usual Second Sunday on King Street event was extended during December and we took advantage of the warm weather and the fact a portion of King Street was closed to vehicle […]
Poinsettia Has Roots in Charleston
This time of year, Poinsettias are seen on porches, flanking fireplaces and adorning business entrances. They are the most popular flowering plant in the United States and a recognized symbol of the holiday season. But what you might now realize is that we owe this popular Christmastime flower to a man from Charleston. Joel Roberts […]
