Best Things to do in Charleston. Guide to events, festivals and free transportation/title> <meta name="description" content="Best Things to do in Charleston. Rainbow Row, Battery Park festivals and events plus many photos /> <meta name="keywords" content="Best thinbgs to do in Charleston"> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow"> <meta name="robots" content="noodp, noydir"> <meta name="document-classification" content="Myrtle Beach, SC"> <link rel="canonical" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/charleston.html/" /> meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Best Things to do in Charleston. Guide to events, festivals and free transportation" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Best Things to do in Charleston. Rainbow Row, Battery Park festivals, shopping, sightseeing, events plus many photos" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Best things to do in Charleston, SC" /> <link href="https://plus.google.com/101168304376170451680"rel="author"Patricia Blackstock/> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" /> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1"> <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-2074205-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> </head> </head> <body> <div align="center"> <div style="position:relative;width:1025px;height:6751px;-adbe-g:p;"> <div colspan="8" style="position:absolute;top:128px;left:46px;width:882px;height:1248px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="center"> <font color="navy"><font size="7">Best Things to do in Charleston, S.C.<br /> Lots of Photos<br /> Rainbow Row, Historic District, Downtown,<br /> City </font></font><font color="navy"><font size="7">Market and more...a blogger's view</font></font> <p><font size="6">Rainbow Row - Patriot's Point - Battery Park-<br /> Fort Sumter - Folly Beach - Charleston Festivals<br /> Sweet Grass Baskets - The Aquarium of S.C.</font></p> <p><font size="5" color="navy">Very Best Things to do in Charleston:Restaurants, Plantations</font><br /> <font size="5" color="navy">Horse-drawn Carriage Rides... and don't forget free rides on DASH,<br /> Sweetgrass Baskets, plus many photos</font></p> <font size="5" color="#b22222">C</font><font size="5" color="#0cf0ac">h</font><font size="5" color="#b22222">r</font><font size="5" color="#aa1fff">i</font><font size="5" color="#0e0101">s</font><font size="5" color="#0ceb37">t</font><font size="5" color="#fa8072">m</font><font size="5" color="#0000bb">a</font><font size="5" color="#b22222">s in Charleston! </font><font size="5">Dec. 23, 24, 25, 2017<br /> </font> <p align="left"><font size="4">12/23 - 12/25 - 2017: Over the Christmas Holiday we stayed at the <a title="Franciis Maarion Hotel Charlesotn" href="http://francismarionhotel.com/">Francis Marion Hotel,</a> took the <a title="Old South Carriage Ride" href="https://www.oldsouthcarriage.com/historic-charleston-carriage-tours/">Old South Horse Carriage ride,</a> ate excellent meals at <a title="Coas Bar and Grill Charleston" href="https://www.holycityhospitality.com/coast-bar-and-grill/">Coast Bar & Grill</a>, <a title="Hall's Chophouse, Charleston, S.C." href="https://hallschophouse.com/">Hall's Chophouse,</a> and the <a title="Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar" href="http://francismarionhotel.com/swamp-fox-restaurant/">Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar</a>. Our transportation to "all things Charleston" was the<a title="Free Dash Trolley Charlleston" href="http://www.travelingink.com/travel-resources/transportation/dash-trolley"> FREE DASH Trolley</a>. We hopped on and hopped off many times all over the city, while our car remained safely at the Francis Marion Hotel. We walked through <a title="The Battery, Charleston, S.C." href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battery_(Charleston)">The Battery</a>, White Point Gardens, and the waterfront, and <a title="Charleston City Maarket" href="http://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com">Charleston City Market.</a> We visited the <a title="Apple Store Chrarleson" href="https://www.apple.com/retail/kingstreet/">Apple Store </a>where I bought a new band for my Apple Watch. We also spent time at <a title="Belmond Charleston Place " href="http://charlestonplacemeetings.com/rooms/shops/">Belmond Charleston Place </a>with beautiful store decorations, inside and out. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas Holidays!<br /> </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">Here's our <a title="Photo Gallery of long Charleston weekend" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/2017-charleston/">photo gallery</a> from our long Christmas weekend! The photos include the <a title="Christmas Lights at Johns Island" href="https://www.holidayfestivaloflights.com/hours-admission-1">Christmas Lights at Johns Island</a>, something we've talked about doing for several years. We finally had the time and opportunity! If you're wondering about a long-weekend getaway, Charleston was the perfect place for us.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">More </font><font size="4" color="#b22222">Best things to do in Charleston:</font><font size="4"><br /> <a title="Best Charleston REstaurants" href="https://charleston.eater.com/maps/best-charleston-restaurants-38">Best Charleston Restaurants</a>, <a title="Charlreston Plantations" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_plantations_in_South_Carolina">Plantations</a>, <a title="Horse-drawn Carriage Rides" href="https://www.viator.com/Charleston-tours/Horse-Carriage-Rides/d4384-g12-c26029?&mobile_redirect=no&mcid=28353&tsem=true&supag=38908464170&supkl=kl&supsc=s&supai=200110702294&supap=1t3&supdv=c&supnt=g&supti=aud-296349333587:dsa-297046589161&suplp=9010585&supli=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-5bC07bc1wIVUEwNCh3PyAaxEAAYAyAAEgK8j_D_BwE">Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides</a>, <a title="Visit Folly Beach" href="https://www.follybeach.com/">Folly Beach</a>, Shopping in <a title="Shopping in Charleston's Historic District" href="https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/shopping%7e205/?location=charleston-downtown~445">the Historic District,</a> <a title="Patriots Point Charlestob" href="https://www.patriotspoint.org/">Patriots Point</a> - Sweet Grass <a title="Sweet Grass Basket Weaving" href="http://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com/main/sweetgrass-baskets">Basket Weaving</a> - <a title="Fort Sumter" href="https://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm">Ft. Sumter</a>- <a title="The South Carolina Aquarium" href="http://scaquarium.org/">South Carolina Aquarium</a> - <a title="Charleston history" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Charleston">Charleston History</a> - <a title="Charleston Culinary Tours" href="https://charlestonculinarytours.com/">Charleston Culinary Tours</a> and more historic views of Charleston.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><a title="Spoleto Festival" href="https://spoletousa.org/">Spoleto Festival</a>, <a title="Piccolo Spoleto" href="https://www.piccolospoleto.com/">Piccolo Spoleto</a>, LowCountry <a title="LowCountry Oyster Festival" href="http://www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/lowcountry-oyster-festival/">Oyster Festival</a>, <a title="MOJA Arts Festival" href="http://www.mojafestival.com/home/">MOJA </a>Arts Festival..and don't miss the <a title="Islands of Charleston" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/islands-of-charleston.html">islands surrounding Charleston </a>where you'll find the <a title="Angel Oak" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/AngelOak.jpg" target="_blank">Angel Oak</a> on James Island.</font></p> <p align="left"></p> <p><font color="navy" face="Helvetica, Geneva, Arial, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif"><font size="4">All Photo and Copy by <a href="mailto:patricia@funbeaches.com" title="Contct Patricia Blackstock">Patricia Blackstock</a><br /> All photos enlarge when clicked</font></font></p> <p><font size="4" color="#006600"><strong>Charleston voted #2</strong></font><font size="4" color="navy"><strong><font color="#006600"> of 15 </font>"Cities of the World</strong>"<br /> by <a title="Condé Nast - Charleston voted #2 in Top cities in the Workd" href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-20/top-25-cities-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014" target="_blank">Readers' Choice Awards </a>Condé Naste Traveler</font></p> <p><font size="4" color="navy"><strong><font color="#006600">*</font></strong> <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zWq12BZzMvPE.kCfv6YCqa4R8&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0" title="Map of Historic District Charleston, SC" target="_blank">Map of the Historic District, Charleston S.C.</a><strong><font color="#006600">*</font></strong><br /> </font><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="5" color="navy">I hope yhou will enjoy our suggestions for<br /> best things to do in Charleston, S.C.</font></p> <p></p> <p><font size="4"><a title="Hurricane Matthew's effectg on the Charleston area." href="Web_Cams_Charleston,SC.html">Please view the Charleston cam page</a> for webcams, drones and videos of the Holy City.</font></p> </div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1982px;left:264px;width:125px;height:122px;"> <font size="2"><a title="Charleston Guide" href="Charleston-5-08/boat-ft.sumter.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/boat-ft.sumter.jpg" alt="Best things to do - Visit Ft. Sumter" width="125" height="122" border="0" /></a></font></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1982px;left:436px;width:122px;height:122px;"> <font size="2"><a title="Charleston Guide" href="Charleston-5-08/ft.sumter.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/ft.sumter.jpg" alt="Best things to do in Charleston" width="122" height="122" border="0" /></a></font></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1982px;left:596px;width:125px;height:122px;"> <font size="2"><a title=" Ft. Sumter Confederate cannons" href="Charleston-5-08/ft.sumter3.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/ft.sumter3.jpg" alt="Best Things to do in Charleston" width="125" height="122" border="0" /></a></font></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2286px;left:429px;width:125px;height:120px;"> <a title="charleston guide" href="Charleston-5-08/bridge1.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/bridge1.jpg" alt="Best of Charleston, things to do" width="125" height="120" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2286px;left:589px;width:125px;height:120px;"> <a title="Charleston Guide - River Bridge Charleston, SC" href="Charleston-5-08/bridge2.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/bridge2.jpg" alt="Best things to do in Charleston" width="125" height="120" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1982px;left:759px;width:125px;height:122px;"> <font size="2"><a title="Charleston Guide" href="Charleston-5-08/ft.sumter4.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/ft.sumter4.jpg" alt=" Ft. Sumter canons" width="125" height="122" border="0" /></a></font></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1424px;left:480px;width:86px;height:150px;"> <a title="That's me in Water Point Gardens" href="Charleston-5-08/me-battery.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/me-battery.jpg" alt="That's me in Water Point Gardens" width="86" height="150" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2446px;left:240px;width:675px;height:4304px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="4"><b>The Cooper River Bridge (above) is also known as the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.</b> It is North America's longest cable stay bridge spans 8 lanes of north-south traffic plus a bicycle /pedestrian lane. The bridge opened on July 16, 2005.</font> <p><font size="4">On April 12, 1861, the Confederate artillery opened fire in Ft. Sumter in the Charleston Harbor. <b>Ft. Sumter was the scene of the opening engagement of the Civil War. (Photos above.) </b>After Sherman forced the evacuation of Charleston, the United States once again raised over Ft. Sumter on Apr. 14, 1865 Fort Sumter became a National Monument in 1948.This large grassy area houses the monuments and historic statues. My friend Bonnie shows off a huge Platter Magnolia, and I'm standing near the monument, <b>Charleston City Market / Daughters of the Confederacy Museum</b>. The <strong>City Market </strong>is a must for anyone visiting Charleston. You'll find hundred of vendors selling baskets and other sweetgrass designs, southern-style candies, crafts, food items , local jewelry, painting, photography and much more.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4" color="black"><b>Best of Charleston Shopping - The Historic District<br /> </b></font><font size="4">For your best shopping experience in Charleston, be sure to spend some time at the </font><font size="4" color="black"><b>City Market located in the Historic District. </b></font><font size="4">This is where you'll find the famous hand-made <b>Sweetgrass Baskets</b> sewn with long leaf pine needles and strips of Palmetto leaves as well as a multitude of crafts souvenirs, jewelry, local candies, wafers and more on display inside the covered Market area You'll find the best of Charleston at <a title="Belmond Charleston Place " href="http://charlestonplacemeetings.com/rooms/shops/">Belmond Charleston Place </a>If you like shopping in style, the <a title="The shops at Charleston Place" href="http://www.charlestonplaceshops.com/" target="_blank">Shops at Charleston Place</a>! Even if you don't purchase anything, you'll love the polished marble floors, columns, grand staircase and the mammoth chandelier. There is something for everyone, including your discriminating Aunt Tillie!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4" color="black">Be sure to check <a title="Charleston money-saving deals with Groupon" href="https://www.groupon.com/local/charleston/things-to-do">Groupon.com</a> to save some money in </font><font size="4" color="black">Charleston</font><font size="3" color="white"> Charleston!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4" color="black"><b>Guide to Shopping! It is still one of the best things to do in Charleston. </b>After you leave the Historic area, you'll find plenty of good shopping in Charleston!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><a title="Charleston Citadel Mall" href="http://www.shopcitadel-mall.com/" target="_blank">Citadel Mall<br /> </a><a title="Northwoods Mall" href="http://www.shopnorthwoodsmall.com" target="_blank">Northwoods Mall<br /> </a><a title="EarthFare - The" href="http://www.earthfare.com/" target="_blank">Earth Fare</a> - The Healthy Supermarket<br /> <a title="Trader Joe's in My. Pleasant" href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's -</a>Mt. Pleasant. Sometimes we drive from Myrtle Beach just to shap at Trader Joe's<br /> <a title="Whole Foofs Mt. Pleasant" href="http://wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods</a> - Mt. Pleasant<br /> <a title="Freshfields Village" href="http://freshfieldsvillage.com/" target="_blank">Freshfields Village</a> Shops and restaurants crossroads of Kiawah, <a title="Sesbrook Island" href="http://www.seabrookisland.com">Seabrook </a>and Johns Island<br /> <a title="Mt Pleasant Towne Center" href="http://www.mtpleasanttownecentre.com/" target="_self">Mr. Pleasant Towne Center</a> - check the link for hours of of happy shopping!<br /> <a href="http://www.tangeroutlet.com/charleston" title="Tanger Outlets of Charleston SC">Tanger Outlets</a> Charleston, S.C.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">I often tell people one of the best things to do in Charleston is to check out the <a title="The Islands of Charleston, SC" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/islands-of-charleston.html" target="_blank">Islands of Charleston</a>. <b>Kiawah, Isle of Palms, Seabrook, James Island and Johns Island</b> are all an easy drive - and in many cases just a few minutes from <strong>Charleston</strong>. Each island has something beautiful and unique to offer visitors and is one of the best things to do in the Charleston area.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><b>The art of basket weaving </b>was introduced to the Carolina Lowcountry in the 17th Century. Today, Sweet Grass basket making is centered in the Mt. Pleasant community area. you'll see basket stands along Hwy 17 North, allowing basket makers to compete with retail markets and establish direct contact between themselves and their patrons. Watching how these baskets are made is one of the most interesting things to do. You can watch baskets as they develope new shapes, such as roses and picture frames. The basket weavers can be found in the historic City Market, along Market, and Meeting Streets, and even on 17 Bus. heading into Charleston.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4"><b>Charleston in has so many things to do! </b>Stop by the <a title="Charleston Visitors Bureau" href="http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/travel_support/visitor_centers.html?gclid=CLn2hrKjjMACFaTm7Aod1gMAVg" target="_blank">Visitors' Bureau </a>to see the best things to do in Charleston. Orient yourself and learn about the best tours of Charleston that are available to you. Or just start walking! We have discovered that one of the best ways to get acquainted with Charleston is on foot! It's not only good for your mind, it's also good for your body! It's one of the the best things to do in Charleston! You can plot your own course with a guide book and a map. <b>This is the best way to learn about the Confederate Homes and how the </b><b>Civil War affected Charleston.</b> </font></p> <div align="left"> <p><font size="4"><strong>Let your feet be your guide! You can join a guide for the </strong><b><a title="Charleston Walks" href="http://www.charlestonwalks.com/cwalk.html" target="_blank">Charleston Walks</a>. </b>Plan on about 3.5 milesto cover the best of Charleston - the historic district. It's not strenuous, and you will be syopping often to view the Charleston monuments, Rainbow Row, historic markers and much more!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Another option for walking is the <strong><a title="Free Tours by Foot" href="http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/charleston/" target="_blank">Free Tours by Foot.</a> </strong>They provide a platform for licensed, professional, freelance tour guides to lead you at no up-front cost so you can enjoy a quality sightseeing experience, no matter your budget. Everyone should be able to take a guided tour that you feel is worth it - even if that means free!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><b>Charleston Guide for Savings, Discounts and Coupons<br /> </b>Savings, locations, and complete information available at <b><a title="Tourist Pack - Charleston, SC" href="http://www.touristpack.com/">Tourist Pack<br /> </a></b>Discounts coupons for the best local restaurants and attractions <strong><a title="Chaleston Coupons and Discounts" href="http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/special_offers/coupons.html">Charleston Coupons and Discounts</a><br /> </strong>Charleston, SC Discounts for attractions and dining...<a title="Charleston Coupons" href="http://charlestonsccoupons.com/tours.html"><strong>Charleston Coupons</strong></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><b><a title="Charleston Museum Mile" href="http://www.charlestonmuseummile.org/" target="_blank">Charleston's Museum Mile</a></b> is located along Meeting Street and runs from the Charleston Visitor Center to the Nathaniel Russell House. This Mile is easy to navigate on foot or with public transportation. You can use the free <a title="DASH Trollyes amd CARTA busses" href="http://www.ridecarta.com/">DASH trolleys and CARTA buses</a> to traverse the downtown area, travel to various popular sites and link with the busses and the free DASH at the Information Center.<br /> </font></p> <p><font size="4" color="black">Take a <b>Carriage Tour </b>through <strong>Historic Charleston</strong> and the <strong>Battery</strong>, or hop on the <strong>Gray Line! </strong></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a title="Palmetto Carriage Tour" href="http://www.carriagetour.com" target="_blank">Palmetto Carriage Tour </a></font><font size="4" color="black">- <strong>Charleston Guide</strong> discount coupond on the website.<br /> </font><font size="4"><a title="Old South C" href="http://www.charlestoncarriagetours.com/" target="_blank">Old South Carriage Company</a> </font><font size="4" color="black">- <strong>Charleston Guide</strong> discount coupons on the website<br /> </font><font size="4"><a title="The Gtay Line of Charleston" href="http://www.graylineofcharleston.com/" target="_blank">The Gray Line of Charleston</a> offers a choice of <strong>Charleston guided</strong> mini-bus tour guides of the historic, charming city of Charleston, desidned to give you an informal loopk at the city and its well-preserved past.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Click here to <a title="Visit Folly Beach near Charleston!" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/Folly-Beach.html" target="_blank">view my short photo gallery of Folly Beach!</a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><b><font color="black">Tour </font></b><b><font color="black">some of the best Historic Homes ins Carleston</font></b></font></p> <table width="492" border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><a title="South Carolina Aquarium at Charleston" href="http://www.scaquarium.org/" target="_blank">South Carolina Aquarium at Charleston<br /> </a></td> <td><a title="Historic Charleston" href="http://www.historiccharleston.org/" target="_blank">Historic Charleston Foundation</a><br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><a title="Ft. Sumter and Harbor Tours" href="http://www.spiritlinecruises.com/" target="_blank">Fort Sumter and take a Harbor Tour</a><br /> </td> <td><a title="Cypress Gardens" href="http://www.cypressgardens.info/" target="_blank">Cypress Gardens</a><a title="Cypress Gardens" href="http://www.cypressgardens.org/" target="_blank"><br /> </a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a title="HL Hunley, Charleston, SC" href="http://www.hunley.org/" target="_blank">H</a><a title="HL Hunley Tours" href="http://www.hunley.org/main_index.asp?CONTENT=TOURS" target="_blank">L Hunley</a> (limited dates/times<a title="HL Hunley Tours" href="http://www.hunley.org/main_index.asp?CONTENT=TOURS" target="_blank">)</a><br /> </td> <td><a title="Spoleto Festivall" href="https://spoletousa.org/" target="_blank">Spoleto Festival</a> <font color="black">(dates on website)</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a title="Middleton Plantation" href="http://www.middletonplace.org/" target="_blank">Middleton Place</a></td> <td><a title="Magnolia Plantation" href="http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/" target="_blank">Magnolia Plantation</a></td> </tr> </table> <div align="left"> <p><font size="4"><b><font color="black">A Few of Charleston's Best Restaurants:<br /> </font></b></font><font size="4" color="black">You will not run out of excellent restaurants, no matter how often you visit Charleston.<br /> Here are a few restaurants we've enjoyed in Charfleston, in no particular order.<br /> </font><font size="4"><i>Be sure to check the lin k above for Charleston <b>discounts and Coupons</b>)</i></font></p> </div> </div> <div align="center"> <table width="521" border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Charleston Crab House" href="http://www.charlestoncrabhouse.com/" target="_blank">Charleston Crab House</a> - Wonderful Southern seafood<br /> </font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Tommy Condon's Restaurant and Pub" href="http://www.tommycondons.com/" target="_blank">Tommy Condon's Restaurant and Pub</a> - Historic Downtown<br /> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Peninsula Grill " href="http://www.peninsulagrill.com/" target="_blank">Peninsula Grill </a>-<br /> Historic Downtown<br /> </font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Bubba Gump Charleston, SC" href="http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/charleston/" target="_blank">Bubba Gump<br /> </a>Historic Charleston area<a title="Bubba Gump" href="http://www.bubbagump.com/" target="_blank"><br /> </a></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="East Bay Crab Shack Historic Downtown Charleston" href="http://www.crabshacks.com/" target="_blank">The Crab Shack</a><br /> Historic Downtown<br /> </font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Wild Olive John's Island" href="http://www.wildoliverestaurant.com/menus/" target="_blank">Wild Olive<br /> </a>John's Island</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Pavilion Bar & Grill" href="http://www.marketpavilion.com/index.cfm?page=pavilion" target="_blank">Pavilion Bar & Grill </a><br /> Roof top diing<br /> </font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Circa 1886 Restaurant" href="http://www.circa1886.com/" target="_blank">Circa 1886</a><br /> 149 Wentworth St.<br /> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="FIG in the heart of Downtown Charleston" href="http://www.eatatfig.com/" target="_blank">FIG </a><br /> 232 Meeting Street, Downtown<br /> </font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Slightly North of Broad, Charleston" href="http://www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com/slightlynorthofbroad/" target="_blank">Slightly North of Broad<br /> </a>Voted Best of the Year<br /> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Hank's Seafood Restaurant" href="http://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Hank's Seafood Restaurant </a><br /> corner Hayne and Church<br /> </font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Cypress Lowcountry Grille " href="http://www.magnolias-blossom-cypress.com/cypress.asp?catID=20434" target="_blank">Cypress Lowcountry Grille</a><br /> 185 E,]. Bay St.<br /> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Hominy Grill" href="http://hominygrill.com/" target="_blank">Hominy Grill</a><br /> 207 Rutledge Ave., Charleston</font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Caviar & Bananas" href="http://www.caviarandbananas.com" target="_blank">Caviar & Bananas<br /> </a>41 George St.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Cru Cafe Charleston" href="http://crucafe.com/" target="_blank">Cru Cafe<br /> </a>18 Pinkney St., Charleston</font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Poogan's Porch Queen Street" href="http://www.poogansporch.com/" target="_blank">Poogan's Porch</a><a title="Poogan's Porch" href="http://www.poogansporch.com/http://www.poogansporch.com/" target="_blank"><br /> </a>2 Queen St., Charleston</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Hyman's Seafood" href="http://www.hymanseafood.com/" target="_blank">Hyman's Seafood<br /> </a>215 Meeting St. Charleston</font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Costs - Charleston's Freshest Seafood! " href="http://www.coastbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">Coast<br /> </a>39-D Charleston, S.C.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="Boathouse at Beach Inlet Isle of Palms" href="http://www.boathouserestaurants.com/" target="_blank">Boathouse<br /> 1</a>01 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms</font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Fish - 422 King St. Charleston, SC" href="http://www.fishrestaurantcharleston.com/" target="_blank">Fish<br /> </a>422 Kings St.<br /> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="The Macintosh" href="http://themacintoshcharleston.com/" target="_blank">The Macintosh<br /> </a>479B King St.t</font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="McCrady's " href="http://mccradysrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">McCrady's<br /> </a>2 Unity Alley</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="4"><a title="The Ordinary " href="http://eattheordinary.com/the-restaurant/" target="_blank">The Ordinary<br /> </a>544 Kings Street</font></td> <td><font size="4"><a title="Five Loaves Cafe" href="http://www.fiveloavescafe.com/">Five Loaves Cafe<br /> </a>43 Cannon St.</font></td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="left"> <p><font size="4"><b>St. Philip's Episcopal Church </b>is an Historical Episcopal church. It is a <b>National Historic Landmark, built in 1836</b>. Between 1860 and 1865, <b>St. Philip's steeple</b> was targeted for shelling by the invading <b>Union Army</b>.One shell exploded in the church during during Sunday service.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><b>St. Michael's Church </b>was built in 1751, and is the<strong> oldest church in Charleston</strong> today. It towers above other historic scenes in Charleston. George Washington once worshipped in this church and General Robert E. Lee worshiped in the same pew. The two churches are one of the best landmarks in Charleston. </font></p> <p><font size="4">The two black bolts pictured on the house to the left are<b> earthquake bolts. Charleston suffered two major hurricanes in 1885 and an earthquake in 1886.</b> During repairs, workmen inserted long iron rods through the houses and tightened them with bolts against the outside surfaces to bring the buildings back into alignment. The homes are part of Charleston's <strong>Rainbow Row</strong>. Rainbow Row is the name for a series of colorful historic houses in Charleston, S.C. The houses are located north of Trade St. and south of Elliot St. on East Bay Street. It is referred to as Rainbow Row for the pastel colors used to paint all of the houses. It is a common tourist attraction and is one of the most photographed parts of Charleston.</font></p> <p><font size="4" color="#000011">Don't miss: <strong>Sweetgrass Baskets</strong> at the Charleston Market! Arthur Ravenel Bridge, inside and outside of the Charleston City Market, our brunch at the Palmetto Cafe, tours of Charleston carriage rides, churches and cemeteries, cobblestone streets, fountains, historic homes, and more! Charleston is known as The Holy City, due to the prominence of churches and steeples which dot the city's skyline. I've added some new photos of both churches and cemeteries.</font></p> <p><font size="4" color="#000011">I've recently discovered one of the <strong>Best Kept Secrets of Charleston</strong> - Consignment Shops! I could spend days in these consignment sores which offer amazing low-priceed items for the savvy shopper!<br /> <a title="Low Country Consignments" href="http://www.lowcountryconsignments.com/" target="_blank">Butterfly Consignment Shop<br /> Consign Charleston<br /> Low Country Consignments<br /> </a><a title="Second Hand Love" href="http://readcharlie.com/2010/07/20/secondhand-love/#.VM2eMsaN_ok" target="_blank">Second Hand Love<br /> </a><a title="Yoogi's Closet" href="http://www.yoogiscloset.com/handbags?dir=asc&order=name&gan_data=true&gclid=CP2AqJvov8MCFURo7AodRk8A0A" target="_blank">Yoogi's Closet</a></font></p> <p><font size="4" color="navy"><strong>Below, left to right row 1</strong></font><font size="4"><strong>:</strong> Marble staircase: Charlestonm Daughters of the Confederacy, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Bubba Gump's for lunch with my sister-in-law, Granddaughter.<br /> </font><font size="4" color="navy"><strong>Below, left to right row 2</strong></font><font size="4"><strong>: </strong>Charleston's public fountains are free and open all summer long. Cobblestone Street, Historic Charleston harbor, Paula and Wally look at the bark of a Crepe Myrtle<br /> </font><font size="4" color="navy"><strong>Below, left to right row 3:</strong></font><font size="4"> Be sure to visit some Charleston's historic cemeteries. Wally at the Charleston Aquarium of Soyth Carolina, ancient moss covered oaks at the Battery</font></p> <p><font size="4" color="#ce3000">Facebook </font><font size="4"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FunBeaches.MyrtleBeach" title="My Facebook page" target="_blank">Personal Page</a><br /> </font><font size="4" color="#ce3000">Facebook </font><font size="4">Please "like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Myrtle-Beach-Vacations-FunBeachescom/84441349550" title="Please Like Funbeaches on Facebook">FunBeaches on Facebook!</a></font></p> <p></p> </div> <table width="363" border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td> </td> <td></td> <td></td> <td><a title="About us" href="http://funbeaches.com/aboutus.html">About<br /> </a>us<br /> </td> <td><a title="E-mail Patricia Blackstock" href="mailto:patricia@funbeaches.com">Contact<br /> me</a></td> <td><a title="Site Map of FunBeaches" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/site-map.html">Site<br /> Map</a></td> <td><a title="Myrtle Beach Vacations" href="http://www.funbeaches.com">Myrtle Beach</a><br /> <a title="Myrtle Beach Vacations" href="http://www.funbeaches.com">Vacations</a></td> </tr> </table> <div align="center"> <p></p> </div> <div align="left"> <div align="left"> <table width="650" border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><a title="Marble steps" href="Charleston-5-08/marble-steps.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/marble-steps.jpg" alt="Marble steps Charleston Guide" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a href="charleston-09/daughters.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/daughtersTB.jpg" alt="" height="125" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="St. Philip's Episcopal Church " href="charleston-09/St.Philip.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/St.PhilipTB.jpg" alt="St. Philip's Episcopal Church photo" height="125" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a href="charleston-09/bubba.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/bubbaTB.jpg" alt="" height="125" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a href="charleston08/meg.jpg"><img src="charleston08/thumbnails/meg.jpg" alt="" height="125" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a title="Summer fun in the public fountains" href="charleston-09/fountain1.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/fountain1TB.jpg" alt="playing in the free fountain near historic Charleston" height="133" width="128" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="Summer fun in the public fountains near historic Charleston" href="charleston-09/fountain2.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/fountain2TB.jpg" alt="playing in the free fountain near historic Charleston" height="125" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="Old cobblestone street" href="charleston-09/cobblestone.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/cobblestoneTB.jpg" alt="Old cobblestone street Charleston Guide" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="View of Charleston Harbor" href="charleston-09/charleston2.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/charleston2tb.jpg" alt="View of Charleston Harbor- Charleston Guide" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="Crepe Myrtle tree trunk" href="charleston-09/crepe-myrtle.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/crepeTB.jpg" alt="Crepe Myrtle tree trunk" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="charleston-09/cemetary1.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/cemetary1tb.jpg" alt="Old Charleston Cemetery Charleston Guide" height="125" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a href="charleston-09/cemetary2.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/cemetary2TB.jpg" alt="Old Charleston Cemetery Charleston Guide" width="125" height="126" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="Ceme" href="charleston-09/cemetary3.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/cemetary3TB.jpg" alt="Charleston Guide Old Charleston Cemetery" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="Wally at the South Carolina Aquarium" href="charleston08/wally-aquarium.jpg"><img src="charleston08/thumbnails/wally-aquarium.jpg" alt="Wally at the Aquarium of South Carolina" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><a title="Ancient moss-covered oaks near Charleston Battery" href="Charleston-5-08/battery-park.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/battery-park.jpg" alt="Ancient moss-covered oaks near Charleston Battery" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4005px;left:22px;width:108px;height:125px;"> <a title="Charleston Sweet Grass Basket Weaving" href="charleston08/sea-grass-baskets.JPG"><img src="charleston08/thumbnails/sea-grass-baskets.jpg" alt="Charleston Guide sweet grass basket weaving" width="108" height="125" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4786px;left:21px;width:125px;height:125px;"> <a title="Rainbow Row" href="Charleston-5-08/rainbow.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/rainbow.jpg" alt="Rainbow Row" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:5045px;left:21px;width:125px;height:125px;"> <a title="Charleston Rainbow Row houses" href="Charleston-5-08/rainbow-row.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/rainbow-row.jpg" alt="Charleston Rainbow Row houses" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1424px;left:596px;width:301px;height:240px;-adbe-c:c"> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1806px;left:544px;width:125px;height:95px;"> <a title="Charleston Aquarium of South Carolina " href="Charleston-Aquarium.html"><img src="charleston08/thumbnails/sea-turtle.jpg" alt="Best Things to do in Charleston" width="125" height="95" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1712px;left:726px;width:157px;height:138px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="4" color="#ee0000">The Aquarium of SC</font> <p><font size="4"><a title="My pictures of the Aquarium of SC in Charleston" href="Charleston-Aquarium.html">Click on the Sea Turtle </a>to view my photos of <a title="My pictures of the Aquarium of SC in Charleston" href="Charleston-Aquarium.html">The Aquarium of SC</a> </font></p> </div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2286px;left:250px;width:125px;height:120px;"> <a title="Charleston Guide Cooper River Bridge Charleston, SC" href="Charleston-5-08/bridge3.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/bridge3.jpg" alt="Best things to do in Charleston" width="125" height="120" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2439px;left:22px;width:189px;height:608px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2286px;left:752px;width:122px;height:121px;"> <a title="Charleston Guide" href="charleston-09/bridge.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/bridgeTB.jpg" alt="Best things to do in Charleston" height="121" width="122" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4322px;left:19px;width:122px;height:125px;"> <a title="Charleston Sweet Grass Basket Weaving" href="charleston-09/sweetgrass.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/sweetgrassTB.jpg" alt="Sweetgrass baskets and flowers" height="125" width="122" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4546px;left:21px;width:125px;height:148px;"> <a title="Wine Shop Charleston, SC" href="charleston-09/wine.jpg"><img src="charleston-09/winetb.jpg" alt="Charleston Guide to Wine Shop Charleston, SC" height="148" width="125" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4466px;left:18px;width:128px;height:55px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="3">Charleston Sweetgrass and flowers</font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4722px;left:21px;width:125px;height:37px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="3">Browse Local Wine Shops</font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4946px;left:15px;width:131px;height:37px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="3">Earthquake Bolts in house (photo above)</font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:5186px;left:15px;width:131px;height:55px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="3">Be sure to take a walk on Rainbow Row</font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1424px;left:257px;width:202px;height:150px;"> <a title="Carriage Rides in Charleston" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/charleston-photo-gallery" target="_blank"><img src="charleston-09/carriageTB.jpg" alt="Best things to do in Charleston" width="202" height="150" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2231px;left:35px;width:187px;height:127px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="center"> <font size="4"><a title="Charleston Web Cams and Panoramas" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/Web_Cams_Charleston,SC.html" target="_blank">Charleston's Best Web Cams and<br /> Panoramas!<br /> </a></font><font size="4" color="#ce3000">NEW!<br /> <a title="Boone Plantation and Gardens Review" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/Boone-Plantation.html" target="_blank">Boone Plantation & Gardens Review</a></font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:3749px;left:18px;width:128px;height:163px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <a title="SeeWee Restaurant Bews Article" href="http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20110804/ARCHIVES/308049887" target="_blank"><font size="3">SeeWee<br /> </font></a><font size="3">We often stop at Seewee before returning home to Myrtle Beach. Great prices and good seafood! Click the link above to learn more.</font><font size="2"> </font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:3285px;left:22px;width:147px;height:155px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="3"><a title="Blessing of the Fleet Shem Cfreek 2016" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/2016Blessing/" target="_blank">Blessing of the Fleet </a>2016<br /> <a title="2015 Blessing of the Fleet Mt. Pleasant" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/2015-blessing-shem-creek" target="_blank">Blessing of the Fleet!<br /> </a>2015<br /> <a title="Blessing of the Crfeek 2014" href="http://funbeaches.com/Shem-Creek-Blessing-of-the-Fleet/" target="_blank">Blessing of the Fleet!</a> 4/20/2014<br /> <a title="Blessing of the Fleet Shem Creek 20124/12" href="http://www.funbeaches.com/Blessing-of-the-Fleet.html" target="_blank">Blessing of the Fleet! </a>4/2012<br /> </font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:3077px;left:35px;width:111px;height:144px;"> <img src="Blessing_of_the_Fleet/thumbs/on.jpg" alt="Blessing of the Creek Shem Creek" width="111" height="144" border="0" /></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:1632px;left:257px;width:269px;height:160px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <div align="center"> <font size="5 " color="#000011"><a title="Best of Charleston Photo Gallery " href="http://www.funbeaches.com/charleston-photo-gallery"><strong>Best of<br /> </strong></a></font><font size="5" color="#000011"><a title="Charleston Photo Gallery " href="http://www.funbeaches.com/charleston-photo-gallery"><strong>Charleston Photo Gallery</strong></a><br /> </font></div> <div align="left"> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <div class="g-plusone" data-annotation="inline" data-width="300"></div>  <script type="text/javascript"> (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); </script> </font></p></div> </div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:4210px;left:18px;width:128px;height:73px;-adbe-c:c"> <div align="left"> <font size="3" color="#000011">Don't miss the Sweetgrass baskets being woven at the Charleston Market! </font></div> </div> <div style="position:absolute;top:5538px;left:21px;width:125px;height:117px;"> <a title="Bonnie with a plate-sized Magnolia Blossom" href="Charleston-5-08/bonnie-magnolia2.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/bonnie-magnolia2.jpg" alt="Plate-sized Magnolia Blossom " width="125" height="117" align="top" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:5298px;left:19px;width:122px;height:125px;"> <a title="Carriage Horse Charleston" href="Charleston-5-08/carriage-horse.jpg"><img src="Charleston-5-08/thumbnails/carriage-horse.jpg" alt="Best things to do in Charleston" width="122" height="125" align="top" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="position:absolute;top:5685px;left:0px;width:159px;height:54px;-adbe-c:c"> Bonnie with a<br /> Platter Magnolia</div> <div style="position:absolute;top:5458px;left:18px;width:128px;height:37px;-adbe-c:c"> Carriage Tours</div> <div style="position:absolute;top:2174px;left:272px;width:591px;height:64px;-adbe-c:c"> <font size="4">If you love history, you will fall in love with Charleston. Time and time again it has received awards for "Best Southern City."<br /> There is so much history...and don't forget Ft. 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