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 Getaways: Charleston's charmsSavor the sights and sounds of historic South Carolina port cityBy Mary Ellen Maples  Charleston's historic architecture is a major tourist draw. RELATEDYOUR E-MAIL ALERTS(Southern Living Where to begin?Although it seems obvious, the Charleston Visitor Center is a great place to discover the latest scoop for the city. Centrally located on Meeting Street, it's easy to access from the green trolley cars shuttling folks from downtown. By the waterWaterfront Park on Concord Street is the perfect place to enjoy the coastal charm of Charleston. Also on Concord Street, the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center ([843] 883-3123), the Charleston IMAX Theatre ([843] 725-4629) and the South Carolina Aquarium ([800] 722-6455) are always fun waterside attractions. At the South Carolina Aquarium, be sure to catch exhibits featuring the varied aquatic life of the state, from the mountains to the ocean. These exhibits always entertain, especially at feeding time when scuba divers talk to the crowd by underwater intercom. For the art loverGallery Chuma ([843] 722-7568) is our pick for colorful works of art that capture the spirit of South Carolina. The works of renowned artists, such as Jonathan Green, reflect the traditions and memories of Southern heritage. Tour the townIn front of Gallery Chuma, hop on the Gullah Tour ([843] 763-7551) led by Alphonso Brown. You'll see unique sights of Charleston that you just might not find any other way. Alphonso shows his guests lovely homes and visits with sweetgrass basket makers. He even takes you to meet gate maker Philip Simmons, whose beautiful gates appear all over the world; there's even one at the Smithsonian Institution. Super shoppingKing Street is the place to be for shopping in Charleston. As one of our longtime editors puts it, "King Street really is the Rodeo Drive of the Southeast." Popular name stores as well as unique shops filled with antiques, art and other collectibles will provide an afternoon's worth of enjoyment. A few of our favorite antique and antique reproduction shops include Geo. C. Birlant & Co. ([843] 722-3842) for fine English antiques and reproductions, John Gibson Antiques ([843] 722-0909) and the Old Charleston Joggling Board Co. ([843] 723-4331). The Charleston Joggling Board, a cross between a bench and a swing, first became popular in the 1800s. Today you can still spot Charleston Joggling Boards on front porches throughout South Carolina's Lowcountry. The up-and-coming north end of King Street also offers a variety of new and hip boutiques. Our favorites include Putumayo's ([843] 958-0000) with stylish women's fashions and Magar Hatworks ([843] 577-7740), where Leigh Magar fashions handmade hats right in her studio/shop. Nearby on Market Street, the Charleston City Market is a bargain-hunting mecca. Get ready for the crowds and let yourself enjoy the search through items such as sterling silver jewelry and sweetgrass baskets. A garden surpriseFor an excursion outside the downtown area, Cypress Gardens ([843] 553-0515) makes a beautiful and relaxing choice. Situated on more than 170 acres crisscrossed by nature trails, this former rice plantation features a butterfly house, an aquarium and a reptile center. You can best experience the lush beauty of waterlilies, wildflowers and towering cypress trees in the plantation's swamp waters via a flat-bottomed boat ride. Magnificent mansions Ponies graze in a pasture in front of Magnolia Plantation. If you're staying in Charleston for a few extra days, be sure to make the drive up State 61 to an 11-mile stretch known as the Ashley River Road. The three magnificent plantation homes there certainly merit the trip. Home to Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and later to his grandson, who signed the South Carolina Ordinance of Secession, Middleton Place House Museum ([800] 782-3608) teems with history and beauty. The 65-acre formal landscaped gardens will take your breath away. Just 4 miles south of Middleton, Magnolia Plantation ([800] 367-3517) contains one of the largest collections of azaleas and camellias in the country. Drayton Hall ([888] 349-0588), completed in 1742, is the oldest preserved plantation house open to the public in the country. Great places for a walkCharleston also provides the perfect place to put on your walking shoes and explore on foot. Soak in the beautiful architecture of this historic city and enjoy views of the Charleston Harbor. Lower Church Street, below historic St. Philip's Episcopal Church, makes another great alternative to King Street for art galleries, bookstores and even a baby's clothing shop. Get away from the tourist traffic and enjoy Tradd and Legare streets for a more quiet and leisurely stroll. For scenic views of the Charleston Harbor, head to East Bay Street and the Battery. Breakfast, lunch and dinner choicesThe Bookstore Café ([843] 720-8843) at King and Hutson streets serves a great breakfast that will fill you up without emptying your pockets. Be sure to try one of the Island Potato Casseroles. At 98 Broad St., Gaulart & Maliclet Café ([843] 577-9797), also known as Fast and French, offers great soup and sandwich options for lunch. For a hip dinner choice, we suggest the Cypress Lowcountry Grille ([843] 727-0111). The popular East Bay Street eatery specializes in classic American cuisine with an Asian flair. Entrées generally range from $18 to $36. Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, Hominy Grill ([843] 937-0930) on Rutledge Avenue never disappoints. This neighborhood spot features Southern classics and fresh local seafood all prepared with locally raised ingredients. A good night's sleepMarket Pavilion Hotel ([843] 723-0500 or toll-free [877] 440-2250) offers a great location downtown at Market and East Bay streets. The rooftop Pavilion Bar provides spectacular views of the city, and the four-star restaurant Grill 225 opens for lunch and dinner. (Room rates begin at $299.) For a more intimate lodging option, try Two Meeting Street Inn ([843] 723-7322). Nestled among live oaks festooned with Spanish moss, this inn occupies a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian house. Its nine guest rooms and wraparound front porch invite relaxing, just south of Broad Street. For a bargain, we suggest the remodeled Days Inn ([843] 722-8411) on Meeting Street. Rates range from $129 to $179, and it's an easy walk to the waterfront, historic homes, gardens and shops. Copyright 1996-2005 SOUTHERN LIVING Magazine. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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) -- The sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant harbor city greet you around every corner as you discover a rich history paired with the best of the South today. With a wonderful mix of attractions for almost every interest and budget, we know you'll love our insider tips for a great stay in Charleston.
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