Charleston Business and Vacation InformationShopping and Dining
Charleston SC
A little bit about CharlestonBefore you walk its' streets to start shopping and dining Charleston SC it might be interesting, for some, to learn a little about this historic city. Charleston is loaded with history of which much has been preserved. It is because of this history that Charleston has become a popular tourist spot. After many futile attempts to settle the area from the early 1500's to the mid 1600's Charleston finally was colonized to some extent in 1670 and the capital was formed in Charles Town across the Ashley river. It was moved to the peninsula with around 1200 residents and was the fifth largest city in North America.
In 1695 fortress walls were built around the city and freedom of worship was granted to its' residents. By 1700 prosperous plantations were constructed outside the city and Charleston grew into a thriving trade center. Charleston also creates one of the first public libraries, which remains in existence for 14 years. In 1710 the Carolina colony was split to North and South.
A History of Conflict!
Charleston played a major role in both the Revolutionary War and "The War between the States". It was here the first shots of the Civil War were fired upon the Union held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. In 1863 the Union assault upon Battery Wagner on Morris Island is lead by the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, an all-black unit. This historic battle was depicted in the film Glory! On Aug. 22nd of the same year an exploding shell on Pinckney Street begins the 587-day Federal bombardment of downtown Charleston. Then in 1864 the Confederate submarine CSS H. L. Hunley smashes into the Union warship Housatonic, becoming the first submarine to sink a vessel in war. Gen. Then towards the war's end in 1865 William Tecumseh Sherman's marched through Middleton Place Plantation, leaving it in ruins and forced the evacuation of Fort Sumter.
Something of interest - Charleston had a major earthquake in 1886 leaving 80 dead and over $6 million in damages. When you travel through the city when your shopping or dining you will see steel beams actually penetrating some buildings, these were added to the buildings to reinforce them from future earthquakes
A Lot to Do!
Now comes the fun part about Shopping and Dining Charleston SC. As you can enter the city from the north you'll travel over the Cooper River Bridge. This bridge hosts the famous Cooper River Bridge Run in April with over 35,000 participant from all over the world. Many cargo and freight ships pass under this 2 plus mile span to deliver their pay loads that are delivered through out South Carolina. Such major corporate players like Boring and BMW have made their home outside of Charleston helping their economy create new jobs. S
You can learn an awful lot about the city by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride by the many Confederate clad tour guides that will brief you on the cherished history of the town. Trod over the same cobblestone streets that were laid back in the early days prior to the Revolutionary War. Charleston ranks second to only Salem Mass. as being one of the most haunted cities in the country, so you'll want to take one of their guided ghost walk tours that will make you shiver in your shoes on the warmest of summer nights. If you're not into being spooked then take a pirate tour that will add mystery and intrigue as the guides talk about the hidden treasures left behind.
Stroll down Market Street and let your imagination wonder and try to envision what it was like some two to three hundred years ago on these same streets. Shopping and Dining Charleston SC. will let you buy some Charleston memorabilia from the many independent merchants that display their wares daily as in days gone bye. There are many museums, plays, concerts and art galleries through out the town and if you plan your trip right you can take advantage of one of Charleston's many art walks. Charleston was also one of the first cities to grant freedom of religion and today you'll find churches of all over the city of every denomination. If you're an animal lover try and plan a trip around mid to late February as the city hosts there W"Wildlife Expo" In late May when the weather becomes very comfortable the city hosts the Spoleto Festival 14 days of consisting of a wide variety of family entertainment through out the city. The oldest playhouse "Dock Street" will reopen during the 2010 Spoleto festival.
Then if you want to get out of the city plan a day trip and travel out to some of the most beautiful plantations the South has to offer like Middleton Place, Boone Hall, Drayton Hall and Magnolia Gardens. Ride the canoes and paddle boats at Cypress Gardens and see where part of the move the Patriot was filmed. Go to a southern traditional oyster roast or enjoy the night life in a city that thrives on Southern hospitality. It's all waiting for you in this quaint city located roughly two hours south of Myrtle Beach and two hours north of Savannah.
Watch the Gullahs make their famous "Sweetgrass" baskets before Shopping and Dining Charleston SC. a tradition going back over 300 years. Take a harbor tour and revisit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, visit the aquarium, see the H.L. Hunley. You can even take in a Charleston Riverdog's minor league baseball game at Joe Riley Stadium or a Stingray minor league pro hockey game at the Charleston Arena. Art shops and museums can be found everywhere there's definitely something for everyone young or old. The shops are quaint and usually owner operated which makes shopping a pleasure and some of the best places to dine are family owned. Click on any picture to see Charleston on the map
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