A Sneak Peek at Charleston

A Sneak Peek at Charleston

After we settled into our room Thursday night, Jason and I took our inaugural trolley ride downtown to get a sense of what there was to do and see in Charleston. My original agenda included Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall and Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.  Having grabbed so many interesting pamphlets from the lobby, I knew we could do and see so much more.  Given our time here, the question was how.

Charleston hustles and bustles, but with a politeness I’ve not seen in any other big city. It began as a seaport, like so many other big cities of our country’s youth, and by the late 1770’s, it was the largest and wealthiest city in America. For 300 years, it has survived war, earthquakes, hurricanes and fire, and remains a monument to civility and true to its southern heritage.

The city was originally called Charles Town, adopting Charleston in 1783. It is also known as The Holy City, due to the number of churches and prominent steeples that dot its skyline. Preservation and conservation are paramount in this city, evidenced by the strong and influential presence of organizations like The Charleston Museum, The Charleston Historical Society, The Charleston Heritage Federation and the fierce dedication of The Charleston Preservation Society.

Charleston Harbor

We wandered down to Charleston Harbor and enjoyed the quiet serenity of watching the whitecaps gently roll and crest and the magnificent masted ship sail slowly by. A few of children squealed that they saw dolphins, but we didn't see them. In the distance, are the remains of Fort Sumter, silent now, but once the spark that ignited the Civil War. 

We had dinner at Coast Bar and Grill, a wonderful seafood restaurant housed in what was once an old indigo warehouse. The food was awesome, the atmosphere perfect and it was the great end to a great day.

I suggested we both get a good night sleep, because Friday was going to be a busy day!