Attractions
Charleston is just full of history. It's also the most beautiful city in the United States. It would be a terrible shame to visit Charleston and not explore some of the history and do a little sightseeing!
There are a million and one places to visit - the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeons, The Battery, Waterfront Park, Middleton Place Plantation, Fort Sumter, The Market, Magnolia Plantation, the H.L. Hunley, Patriot's Point, the Charleston Museum -the list goes on and on! We've boiled down a few of our favorites for you below.
For a completely guide to Charleston's attractions, go to http://www.charlestonsfinest.com/sc/places.htm.
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is, of course, where the first shot of the War Between the States was fired. As to exactly which side fired it ... well, that can be a touchy subject. : )
You can take the ferry from Patriot's Point, or from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, which is in downtown Charleston, closer to the wedding activities.
H.L. Hunley
During the Civil War, the Confederate H.L. Hunley became the first submarine to sink an enemy warship, the USS Housatonic. The Hunley also sunk - for reasons which are still a mystery - and it took well over 100 years for the wreck to be discovered. In 2000, it was raised, and is now at a Conservation Center. Tours are available, and there is also a museum adjoining the conservation center.
Patriot's Point
Patriot's Point is such a wonderful place to visit. The USS Yorktown, - a huge aircraft carrier - completely with a full aircraft display, is the main attraction. There is also the Cold War Memorial and Medal of Honor Museum. You can take a beautiful ferry ride from Patriot's Point to Fort Sumter, in the Charleston Harbor.
Middleton Place Plantation
Middleton Place is one of the most beautiful places in Charleston. It goes back to the 1700's, and was owned at different times by the Present of the First Continental Congress, a Governor of South Carolina, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a signer of the Ordinance of Secession. Middleton Place has America's oldest landscaped gardens, a house museum, stableyard, inn, and restaurant.
White Point Gardens and The Battery
The Battery is Lauren's favorite place to visit in Charleston. It overlooks Charleston Harbor, Fort Moultrie, and Fort Sumter. The large historic homes are beautiful, and there is always a fresh breeze. There are mortars and cannons left over from Civil War times, and several historic monuments. There is no admission, and it is within easy walking distance of The Market and the most historic streets of Charleston.
During the interchange with Fort Sumter, the rich homeowners on the Battery sat on their balconies sipping wine and calmly watching the "fireworks display." One of the houses still has a 500-pound mortar lodged in its attic!
Downtown Carriage Tours
No trip to Charleston is complete without a carriage tour. During the summer, the streets are full of horse-drawn carriages touring the historic areas of the city. The guides/drivers tell many interesting little facts about Charleston's history and architecture. This is a great way to see the sights!
The Market
Over 200 years ago, land was given to the town of Charleston to be used as a public market. Located in the heart of Charleston's historic district, The Market is now a beautiful, southern place to browse and shop. Hundreds of vendors market everything jewelry to sweetgrass baskets, to clothing, to sweets, to decorative housewares. Everything is definitely quite southern!
This is within walking distance of White Point Gardens and the Battery, the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeons, and a host of other attractions.
