The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Charleston, South Carolina Now
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Charleston, South Carolina may have cobblestone streets and historic landmarks aplenty—but it's the stories that come to life through the people, art, architecture, food, and fashion that capture the world's imagination and heart. Charleston's beauty has long inspired artists and beckoned art lovers to come visit.
Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina
With a rich 300 year history, Charleston today is America's most beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure. The city's past is a testament to the spirit and tenacity of its citizens. Its appeal has been described as a “living museum” populated with expertly preserved antebellum mansions and tropical landscapes. These are the top five reasons why Charleston, South Carolina should be on your bucket list.
1. THE CUISINE & COCKTAILS
Old world charm and new world inspiration come together at Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Generationally tested, gourmet recipes with regional flair offer up a vast array of mind-blowing desserts and of course, handcrafted cocktails. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying not one, but three of their dessert-inspired cocktails. For an extra pick-me-up while taking in the sights of Charleston, morning (after 10am), noon or night, try the Espresso Martini concocted with vanilla vodka, espresso liqueur and fresh espresso. For a tangy citrus take, opt for the Lemon Crush made with Aviation American gin, elderflower liqueur and lemon sorbetto. Strawberry CheeseQuake is the perfect after-dinner cocktail with vanilla vodka, Six & Twenty Carolina Cream, Licor 43, mascarpone and strawberry gelato.
In addition to delicious craft cocktails, indulgent desserts are the star of the show at Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar. Favorite sweets include New York-Style Raspberry Cheesecake topped with Chantilly cream and gold leaf, Sicilian Rum Soaked Sponge Cake with chocolate and vanilla pastry cream, Chantilly cream and cherries, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake layered with a peanut butter and honey filling topped with chocolate ganache—as well as Vanilla & Chocolate Cannoli Cake with cream filling, frosting and topped with chocolate ganache.
Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar is a one-stop shop Italian-style cafe in the heart of Charleston’s upbeat East Bay Street. Whether you are in the mood for pastry and cappuccino in the morning, a gourmet sandwich or pizza, or a delicious nightcap and dessert—every meal is covered. Take a seat inside or sit alfresco and enjoy the people-watching.
2. THE ART
The Gibbes Museum of Art is home to the premier collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. Established in 1858, this historic museum is recognized among the oldest arts organizations in the United States.
Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina
Featuring 10,000 objects in the permanent collection and 6–8 special exhibitions annually, the Gibbes Museum of Art enhances lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and thought-provoking artists.
Source: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art occupies two interlinked gallery spaces on the first floor of The Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston. As a non-collecting contemporary art institute they create meaningful interactions between adventurous artists and diverse communities—here you’ll discover contemporary art exhibitions by emerging and mid-career artists.
3. THE SHOPPING
Emporiums filled with antiques. Chic boutiques that highlight up-and-coming designers. Tradition-steeped, handcrafted items. Delicious artisanal products. Stroll through The Shops at Charleston Place for an exclusive collection of world-famous luxury stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, St. John and Kate Spade in the heart of downtown Charleston.
Source: Gucci Charleston
Continue exploring historic King Street, named after King Charles II of England—lined with glistening, high-end antique stores filled with crystal chandeliers from yesteryear. Top retailers and local boutiques line the 300-year old street, like J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, Scotch & Soda, Pottery Barn, and West Elm—to Williams-Sonoma, Jordan Lash, Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines, and Club Monaco. Charleston, South Carolina has endless shopping opportunities for all tastes.
4. THE GARDENS
Start by simply meandering the quaint side streets of South of Broad, the French Quarter and Harleston Village. It's easy to forget that gorgeously preserved plantations and gardens are just minutes away from the hustle and crowds of downtown Charleston. As you lose yourself amongst the moss-covered oak trees, blooming azaleas, wisteria and magnolias—you can't help but find yourself being transported on a journey back in time. Three must-visit plantations with sprawling formal gardens include Drayton Hall, Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation. Built in 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public. The historic grounds with its ancient live oaks and circa-1800 Lenhardt Garden, have all been admired for centuries and you’re invited to experience the dramatic grounds for yourself.
Middleton Place is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens created in 1741. With over 100,000 azaleas, the first camellias in America, tea olives and crepe myrtles—reflecting the grand classic style that remained in vogue in Europe and England into the early part of the 18th century. Magnolia Plantation is the Lowcountry’s ultimate garden experience. Ancient camellias and massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss make up the plantation’s 300-year-old horticultural legacy. The oldest section of the gardens, circa 1690, still exists. The world-renowned camellia collection begins to bloom in early winter; by spring, the magnificent azaleas create an unparalleled display. Daffodils, roses, hydrangea, magnolia, and gardenia bloom during the summer—while fall brings the turning of the trees, when Japanese Maple, Sweetgum, Bald Cypress, and Black Tupelo brighten the year's end with a fiery finish.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
In Charleston, everything from the cobblestones, pastel homes to the iron gates has a story to tell and the city prides itself on showcasing the historic architecture that the “Holy City” has become known for. Studded with rich history and unique architecture, the city is a true picturesque gem of the South. The hallmark of Charleston architecture is the statuesque charm of the city’s grand residences. Today, Charleston houses over 2,800 historic buildings.
With over 340 years of history, the city’s architecture has organically adopted styles and tastes to include Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Neoclassical, Neo-gothic, Italianate, Victorian and Art Deco designs. The famed Isaac Jenkins Mikell House with its graceful piazzas is Charleston’s most noted, while the Miles Brewton House, with its dazzling decorous portico is one of the finest—the Federal-style Aiken Rhett House, the Georgian-style Heyward-Washington House and the Italianate-style Patrick O’Donnell House are amongst others. These outstanding examples are only a few of so many found down the streets of old Charleston. Put on your walking shoes and take in the sights of quaint row homes blended in with ornate mansions lining streets South of Broad (which includes famed Rainbow Row and The Battery), the French Quarter and Harleston Village.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
The story begins with impressing guests at the intersection of Queen and Meeting Streets since 1853, but it’s carried on by Charleston’s grandeur and character. Historic, stylish and very pink, Mills House Hotel Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton is where Southern traditions with passion and soul meet fun and delight in every moment. In this beloved landmark in historic downtown Charleston, you’ll find guest rooms and suites with warmth and style—that are both elegant, yet relaxed. In a thriving city that’s full of Southern charm and rich in history, this “pretty in pink” hotel fits right in.
