Local Information

We’ve included some of Charleston’s historic sites below. Whether you’re planning a trip or enjoy living in our metro area, these 3 sites are a must for anyone interested in Charleston’s history!

• Fort Sumter National Monument: See where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861, and also get incredible views of the Charleston Harbor, the Ravenel Bridge, and downtown Charleston! Fort Sumter is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Charleston - not only because the fort provides an in-depth look at a defining moment in our country's history, but also because the boat ride to this island offers unbeatable views of the city. Boats depart from two locations - Liberty Square in Downtown Charleston (just south of the aquarium) and Patriots Point in

Charleston was recently ranked the Top City in the U.S. by the Readers’ Choice Awards at Condé Nast Traveler. This should come as no surprise since Charleston consistently ranks well for travel, livability, and jobs. However, this is the third year in a row Charleston has won this esteemed category by Condé Nast. The 6 factors used in the polls included Restaurants, Shopping, Culture, Atmosphere, Lodging, and Friendliness. Charleston also won The Friendliest City in the Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Visitors Bureau recently created this video in response to the Condé Nast awards: http://www.charlestoncvb.com/. You may recognize Elise Testone, a former American Idol contestant who is also a Charlestonian.

Charleston, South Carolina offers a range of museums to choose from, so we’ve included below 4 of our favorites:

• The Charleston Museum: The oldest museum in the country was founded in Charleston in 1773. Their various collections include artifacts from Charleston's natural and cultural history such as Edgefield pottery, Charleston silver, and Revolutionary War weaponry. The current traveling exhibit showcases quilts from the late 18th through 20th centuries and will be available for viewing until March of next year. Located at 360 Meeting Street, across from the Charleston Visitor Center.
• Gibbes Museum of Art: This is Charleston's main art museum. It has a great collection of regional pieces, from paintings by local artists to portraits of

Since some of Charleston’s most popular attractions are its historic plantations, we decided to dedicate a blog just to these homes. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply want to brush up on your history knowledge, be sure to check these out!

• Boone Hall Plantation: Perhaps the best plantation to visit this time of year, Boone Hall offers Fright Nights each Halloween – South Carolina’s biggest haunted house. You’ll also find the corn maze, which is a fun event for kids of all ages. Year-round, visitors can pick produce from U-Pick sections. These fields that have grown crops for about 325 years, making for a unique family experience. Boone Hall is the only one of these four plantations we’ve listed that is located in Mount Pleasant South

Charleston has a wide selection of activities for everyone to enjoy! Here are just some of the ongoing opportunities you can check out anytime:

• Learn to Sail: On Mondays and Saturdays you’ll find many half-day and multi-day classes that are designed for anyone who is interested in sailing. Cost is $95, but Groupon is currently having a deal for $47 per person. The Ocean Sailing Academy is located at 24 Patriots Point Road in Mt. Pleasant
• Wine and Design Painting Classes: Here you’ll find adult BYOB painting classes starting at 6:30 PM. They also host private parties, birthday events, summer camps for kids, and even after school programs. Wine and Design is located at 1331 Ashley River Road in West Ashley
• Sippin’ Saturdays: Until November 2, you

Celebrations and events are happening all over the Charleston area this coming weekend. Come be a part of our community!

• Folly Beach 40th Anniversary Celebration: On Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 PM and Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 AM and 12 PM celebrate Folly Beach's 40th anniversary. Events will include live music, shagging on the Pier (pictured), a 5K competition, carnival rides, and a classic car show. Located at the Folly Beach County Park (1100 West Ashley Avenue)
• Fall Carnival: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 AM to 12 PM, there is a free fall carnival hosted by the Charleston Miracle League. You’ll find games, a jump castle, and food at the Joe Griffith Miracle League Field located at 780 West Oak Drive in West Ashley
• 13th Annual ALS H.O.P.E. Beach 5K

Charleston Restaurant Week is happening right now through September 15. This is one of the most popular annual events in Charleston, and it’s a great time to explore the city’s renowned culinary scene. Participating restaurants are offering 3 course dinner options for $20, $30, and $40 per person. Most of these deals are discounted from their regular prices, so it’s a good opportunity to try some of Charleston’s new (or tried and true) restaurants at a more affordable price. You can learn more about Restaurant Week at http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/charleston-restaurant-week/ Just scroll down the page to see the $20, $30, and $40 specials.

We used one of the specials for Magnolia’s last night, and it was fantastic! It’s nice to have

Back to school time is here, but Charleston's summer events continue on! Check out these fun family friendly activities:

• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Through August 31, Magnolia Plantation is offering buy one get one free admission (regular cost is $15). Founded in 1676, this famous Charleston site is perhaps best known for having the oldest public gardens in the country (opened to the public in 1870). Located at 3550 Ashley River Road in West Ashley SC
• Calling all Wiener Dogs: On August 31, enter the wiener dog race or the costume contest to raise money for The Mary Ashley Barbot Transplant Fund. The cost is $25 per wiener dog and $5 per small dog costume. Located at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium, 360 Fishburne Street in Downtown Charleston

If you’re wanting to take advantage of the cooler temperatures we’re enjoying, here are some ideas to get started:

• The Charleston Pub Crawl will start on Saturday, August 24 at 2 PM. More than 20 bars and restaurants will participate in this pub crawl/scavenger hunt to raise money for Charleston Waterkeeper (a non-profit dedicated to keeping local waterways clean).
• If you’re wanting to try a new restaurant, the Charleston City Paper has added a summer installment of Dish. This local dining guide categorizes Charleston’s many eateries into Upscale Dining, Casual Fine Dining, Cheap Eats, and Bakeries in addition to providing some really helpful info and reviews. You can check it out at

Summer is warming up and so is the water! It’s the perfect time to experience the waterways of Charleston. For more details and options, check out the Charleston City Paper:

• Charleston Rowing Club: On Saturdays and Sundays starting at 8 AM, you can learn how to row on Horlbeck Creek. This is just one of many offerings this summer located at the Palmetto Island County Park in Mount Pleasant.
• Sailing classes: On Mondays and Saturdays, the Ocean Sailing Academy offers classes for beginners and more experienced boaters. Located at 24 Patriots Point Road in Mount Pleasant.
• Folly Creek Sunset Tours: You’ll find plenty of dates from July until November for these kayak tours that take place on Saturday and Sunday evenings. These are scheduled at