When relocation clients visit Charleston, SC to see neighborhoods and homes, I also want them to experience all that the area offers. Here’s my top 10 activities and places to fit into your stay.
1. Relax on the beach at Isle of Palms, Sullivans or Folly. Check out this guide for more info on each sandy spot.
2. Visit a plantation. If kids are along for the trip, Magnolia is the best choice. There’s a swamp tour where they can see gators from a safe distance and a fun petting zoo.
3- Cruise into history. with a harbor tour to Fort Sumter, site of the first shots of the Civil War.
4. Book a downtown walking history or ghost tour with the always entertaining and informative Ed Macy, a Charleston native and author of several books on the area.
5. Chow down at Fleet Landing. Try the trigger fish, shrimp-n-grits or hush puppies. Wash it down with a Cat’s Head vodka lemonade or pomegranate mojito.
6. Stop by Belgium Gelato for a cold and creamy treat. Enjoy it by the iconic pineapple fountain in Waterfront Park (great photo opportunity).
7. Take of South-of-Broad stroll down East Bay. You’ll pass Rainbow Row, 13 colorful homes dating to the 1800s in a palette of Caribbean colors. Continue to White Point Garden for views of Charleston Harbor from the Battery. Walk back up Church Street (you’ll soon understand why Charleston is nicknamed the Holy City) and make a left on Queen Street and a right onto King Street for window shopping.
8. Enjoy dinner and drinks on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant and walk it off along the wharf, where you’ll see lots of dolphins and pelicans.
9. Attend a low country oyster roast or concert at Patriots Point, in Mt. Pleasant.
10. Kayak with Coastal Expeditions along any of the spectacular local waterways.
If it’s raining, no worries. There’s still plenty of fun to be had. Splash on over to The South Carolina Aquarium or head to the Hunley exhibit to learn about the world’s first combat submarine. And, even grown ups will have fun at Charleston Fun Park in Mt. Pleasant.
Susan Matthews is a Realtor serving greater Charleston. SC. Contact Susan.
