The colonial harbour town of Charleston boasts over 800 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th century and as such is the epitome of the ‘Old South’. The climate is subtropical, meaning that even in winter daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 60°F (16°C). Springtime is mild and long. The summer months from June until August are hot (around 85°F (30°C)) and humid and the sea temperature of the Atlantic reaches a pleasant 84°F (28°C). Fall offers enjoyable warm temperatures until November. Winters are short and mild and invite you to engage in outdoor activities including golf.
Best Time to Visit Charleston
Thanks to its subtropical climate, Charleston is a great place to visit any time of the year. Weatherwise, spring and fall are a favourite due to the super pleasant and mild weather in these periods. Spring is a favourite for seeing the beautiful magnolia trees in their full bloom. Summers are hot and humid but a fantastic time to visit if you are after some splashing around in the warm Atlantic water. Fall, especially October, is the time to visit to avoid the crowd and get the best deals while winters are ideal for enjoying the mild weather outdoors.
Things to know about Charleston
Charleston- the Beauty of the South
Many say that Charleston is even more beautiful than Savannah. Besides the beautiful historic center of town you will also find plenty of plantages surrounding the city. Many of those can also be visited. Three of the most famous plantages are highlighted below.
Plantages:
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: The beautiful gardens are dotted with little ponds and bridges. Small enchanted paths lead through huge areas of greenery, vast varieties of flowers and trees and along the Ashley River. You will easily be able to spend half a day here whilst relaxing on your walks. A great experience is also a trip on a boat across the lake which was originally used to grow rice. It takes around 30 minutes and in between the reeds you will be able to spot birds as well as alligators.
- Middleton Place: Just two miles up north you will find this next plantage. In comparison to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Middleton Place has been designed in a very orderly way according to English landscaping. The place is famous for its terraced arrangements in between the estates and the Ashley River. Lots of water runs through this park as well and there are plenty of quiet corners with stunning views. It’s one of the main wedding destinations in the region. You can observe beautiful peacocks and also take a ride on a horse drawn cart.
- Boone Hall Plantation: This plantation is located in Mount Pleasant and is certainly worth a visit. Unique to this plantage is that you can not only visit the outdoor facilities but also the house from inside. Besides the beautiful flower gardens you can also see thousands of butterflies. And when walking through the park you also pass some old barracks which are a relic and give an insight of how things were back in the old days…
The city:
- Already as you enter the city you can tell that Charleston has this very special flair made of a combination of beautiful historic houses, small idyllic lanes and an immaculate condition of everything around.
- Heading first to the Charleston City Market you can hop on a horse carriage ride through the old town. The ride will take you through the lively center, past its historic houses, shops and restaurants. Then the horses take you in a side alley and it's here where you may be stunned by the most amazing, affluent neighbourhood including many original houses in the colonial style. The ride takes around 90 minutes and besides seeing all the beauty you will also be taught lots about the city’s history.
- If you need some time to relax the beautifully designed Waterfront Park is highly recommended.
- Wherever you walk around Charleston you will likely be charmed by its beauty and architecture. A whole lot of these magnificent historic houses can be visited. The Nathaniel Russel House, for example, was built in the Federal Style whereas the Edmondston-Alston House was designed in the Greek Revival Style.
- If you are after some dramatic history check out this: Denmark Wesey, a slave from the Carribean, won the lottery, bought himself out and built himself a house just like his old slaveholder. That’s where he lived happily until… he himself initiated riots which was the cause of his death as well as a factor in the beginning of the Civil War. There is a lot to be seen with regards to slavery. It was at the Old Slave Mart where slaves were actually auctioned and at many of the historic houses there are exhibitions with regards to slavery too.
- Especially for families, a visit to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is highly recommended. Among the inmates were many pirates and there is a show showing this part of American history.
- When visiting Charleston you will also notice its numerous churches. This little city is home to 50 churches giving it the nickname The Holy City.
- And you shouldn’t miss a walk down Rainbow Row. This road used to be a famous shopping mile and its marketing idea was Color Blocking. Houses are painted in all the colours of the rainbow making it a very special place for shooting some great pics!
- Finally and maybe most importantly- what to eat! Seafood and especially shrimp is the staple food in Charleston. Some great options include Hank’s Seafood or Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar.
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