DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA

On this page you will recieve information on Charleston SC activities, events, shopping, restaurants, churches and must see places

Charleston NOW

As you drive through the Downtown Charleston SC area you can see all of the historical buildings and unique architecture that truly make Charleston a charming city. The preser- vation of downtown Charleston is of utmost importance to keep the distinctive architecture, traditions, and values of this historical city alive. The Preservation Society of Charleston is the oldest his- torical preservation organization in America and has made it its mission to protect the historic buildings, sites, and landmarks that help define Charleston. It is quite a task trying to balance progress and preservation, but societies like The Preservation Society of Charleston are hoping their advocacy efforts will encourage an appreciation for Charleston's material and cultural heritage.
Historic Charleston is located on a peninsula of land between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Settled in 1680, this area today serves as the central business district of Greater Charleston as well as home to many historic sites, buildings and cultural facilities.
Waterfront Park runs along the west side of Charleston Harbor, just off East Bay Street. This city park includes a 400 foot pier, swinging benches, fountains, and beautiful gardens.

White Point Gardens, located at the tip of the peninsula, offers a spectacular view of Charleston harbor.
The housing market in downtown Charleston offers a diverse selection to the buyer. "Old Charleston" homes and neighborhoods are charming, with wrought iron gates, courtyard gardens and live-oak and palm-lined streets. Horsedrawn carriages clippity-clop past grand homes, offices, shops, and famous restaurants. Apartments inside renovated buildings and condominiums are also housing options in Historic Charleston.

Historic Charleston can be reached by Interstate 26 and by US 17 North and South. East Bay, Meeting and King Streets funnel traffic in from I-26 and US 17 North, while Lockwood Drive brings people in from US 17 South.

CHARLESTON HISTORY

With an average daily temperature of 75, Charleston, SC should be on the top of your list of vacation destinations, and places to live. We personally live in Charleston for the past 13 years. The city is rich in history and warm and friendly faces. Charleston is the  most captivating of American cities. Full of history, beauty, and grace, it is no wonder that this quintessentially Southern city frequently lands on lists of favorite travel destinations and friendliest cities.

Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly established a reputation for cosmopolitan tolerance by welcoming large numbers of persecuted Jews and French Huguenots from Europe. As the cultivation of rice and indigo flourished, Charleston found itself at the center of one of the wealthiest of societies. Plantation lords erected opulent townhouses and made Charleston the cultural heart of the South. Charleston has been challenged too, hosting The Civil and Revolutionary Wars, fires, earthquake and devastating hurricanes; most recently Hugo, in 1989. The city persevered, and visitors today walk down tree lined streets, past 200 year old houses, some still occupied by the same families. All in all, Charleston is one of only a handful of cities that rank as a "must do."

Several pre-Revolutionary war homes, and many ante-bellum homes still stand, faithfully preserved by a loving society. Part of the charm of this low-country area is the many plantations with lovely floral paintings and beautifully landscaped grounds. Many of these plantations, and superb homes and gardens within the city, are open for public viewing and guided tours.

Charleston owes much of its success to now sixth-term Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Named 1991 Municipal Leader of the Year by City and County Magazine Mayor Riley continues to rally the citizens of Charleston around his vision of a prosperous, beautiful community. Mayor Riley promotes an aggressive annexation policy along with innovative economic development strategies. The result: Charleston is responsible for a healthy share of South Carolina's promising future.

While offering gracious accommodation to visitors, Charleston remains an undeniably livable city for those who fortunately call it home. Charleston is a city of unhurried grace. Charleston is blessed with a wealth of historic structures that have been transformed into offices, restaurants, stores, and homes. The City's successful intermingling of business, home and garden make Charleston a beloved and very walkable urban landscape experience.

CHARLESTON BATTERY

MT. PLEASANT	ISLE OF PALMS	SULLIVANS ISLAND	DANIEL ISLAND	DOWNTOWN
SUMMERVILLE	JOHNS &  JAMES ISLAND	WEST ASHLEY	NORTH CHARLESTON	KIAWAH & SEABROOK
GOOSE CREEK	MONKS CORNER	NEW CONSTRUCTION	SCHOOLS	TAXES
MORTAGE	LINKS	LOCAL PARTNERS	JOBS	SPORTS
WEATHER	AROUND TOWN	HOME TOUR	MAPS	BUYING
SELLING	RELOCATION	INVESTING	STATS & FACTS	ABOUT US
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WATER FRONT PARK

THE CHARLESTON MARKET

FORT SUMTER

Charleston Museum & Tours

CHARLESTON ACTIVITIES

CHARLESTONS RESTAURANTS (CLICK LINK)

PICTURES OF CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON EVENTS

CHARLESTON CHURCHES