Access Charleston City Guide

How many ways can you experience the charm of historic Charleston South Carolina? Charleston's Historic Charm pre-dates the Revolutionary war to 1670. You can see where it all started at Charles Towne Landing. Ten years later, the settlers moved near Oyster Point, what is now White Point Gardens. The new Charles Town at Oyster Point was one of the only planned cities in the colonies with the street grid constructed prior to the construction of the homes. The original city was bound by the Cooper River on the east, Meeting Street on the West, what is now Water Street but what was then a creek on the south, and Broad Street on the North. Many people don't realize that at one point, Charles Towne was the nation's fourth largest city behind Philadelphia, New York and Boston! Originally a merchant town, great wealth was established as the result of trading rice, indigo, and slaves. When wind was the source of power for the trading vessels of the time, Charles Town was a natural stop for ships traveling from Europe, to the Caribbean, to Charles Town and then to ports north. (Read More on Early Charleston History)

You don't have to settle for just visiting the historic homes in Charleston. You can actually spend the night if you like. We have a great selection of historic homes restored and remodeled with modern fixtures and private baths. What's really great about most bed and breakfasts and inns in Charleston is that many of them have a great story to make the experience even more charming. If you want to have some more interesting stories to tell your friends, a bed and breakfast might be just the thing. If you're a little nervous about what it might really like to stay in what was once someone's home, versus a more predictable stay at a hotel, you might enjoy reading our special report Insider's View to Seven Great Charleston Bed and Breakfast Values. Then, you'll be able to answer the question How nice is it, really?

If a bed and breakfast isn't your thing, you might be interested in reading the report Three Incredible Accommodations Values in Charleston South Carolina. You can still have a historic experience by staying at what was once the Original Citadel Campus, but what is now an Embassy Suites. From the terrace outside your room, you can look down into the courtyard and imagine the Cadets in formation getting ready for chow. You can later join them for breakfast in the mess hall. Just don't get caught talking to them…someone might get the wrong idea. Also, there is the very historic Francis Marion Hotel, built in 1925 with gorgeous views of downtown Charleston as well as the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Since Accommodations will probably be the single greatest expense of your trip, check out these articles: Shopping for Online Accommodations Deals.

A Scrumptious Selection of Restaurants - Find them at Charleston Dining Another reason why so many people return to Charleston year after year is the wide variety of highly pleasurable dining experiences that are available. We've made this easy by providing you with CharlestonDining.com. There are listings to Charleston Restaurants as well as reviews for some. Also, you might appreciate our very quick reference, Ten "Sure Bets" for Restaurants in Charleston's Historic District.