Charleston: Easy Southern Living

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Not many people can. That’s because this gem of South Carolina is a favorite destination, full of history, southern hospitality and even resort islands.

Founded in 1670, the city has an assorted past filled with aristocrats, wars, slavery, freedom, hurricanes, earthquakes, hidden gardens and the Citadel.

Hospitality flows freely in this quaint city filled with tall, narrow houses of multi-colored stucco, wooden shutters and ironwork balconies. Charleston’s tropical climate, palm trees, hidden gardens and leafy patios speak of an easy-going lifestyle.

Known as "the Low Country,” the Charleston region is home to five coastal island communities. All are a short drive from the sights and sounds of historic downtown Charleston and offer miles of sandy beaches, bike trails, sunset cruises, and more. Kiawah Island is home of the internationally-televised 2003 World Cup Golf Championship.

During the summer months, endangered loggerhead turtles make their way to the dunes of the islands to lay their eggs. For more than twenty years, with the help of state parks personnel and local volunteer groups, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has monitored the annual number of nests, eggs and hatchlings on South Carolina beaches. The majestic loggerhead is the state’s reptile.

Ready for a walk-about? Charleston has some of the most interesting and scenic walking tours. From plantations to the Low Country Ghost Walk to the Civil War Walk and Pirates and Buccaneers Walk, you could spend days just walking around this city, learning something new with every step.

We couldn’t talk about Charleston without mentioning its fine southern cooking. French, English, Spanish and more have combined to create one of the most unique and delicious cuisines on the planet. Get your fill of catfish, chicken and dumplings, red beans and rice, fried okra, fried green tomatoes and sweet potato pie. One thing’s for sure—you won’t go hungry in Charleston. And, you’ll probably want to kick up your feet and stay awhile.

Come enjoy the easy living.

City Resources

• All About Charleston
• Newspapers
• Recreation and Attractions
• Museums and Libraries

Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get detailed information about Charleston, its neighborhoods, history, attractions, entertainment as well as maps and directions.

Events Guide
Get the scoop on music, nightlife, restaurants, concerts and Charleston's most popular attractions.

State Information
This handy guide is filled with everything you need to know about nursing in South Carolina, including state nursing associations, CE requirements, salary information and more.

The Post and Courier
This daily newspaper features local, national and international news, classifieds, entertainment, sports and jobs pages.

The Charleston City Paper
A weekly newspaper featuring music, news, books, cuisine, art and regular columns.

Boone Hall Plantation
Visit one of America’s oldest working plantations and enjoy 300 years of history and heritage.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Park
This 663-acre park, located on the site of the first 1670 settlement, features the re-creation of a small village, a full-scale replica of a 17th-century trading ship, huge old oak trees, freshwater lagoons and scenic trails.

South Carolina Aquarium
Marvel at moray eels, loggerhead turtles, sharks, river otters and much more.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
This stately 300-year-old plantation boasts the oldest garden in the country and includes an 18th century herb garden, nature trails, canoes, topiary garden and horticultural maze.

Charleston Walks
Get details on Charleston's many intriguing and scenic walking tours.

Kiawah Island
A short drive from downtown Charleston, this vacation paradise is blessed with miles of sandy beaches, nature trails and natural beauty.

Charleston Museum
Founded in 1773, this is the first and oldest museum in America.

Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum contains an intriguing collection of prints and drawings from the 18th century to the present. Its collection of more than 400 miniature portraits ranks as one of the most comprehensive in the country.

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