CharlestonCharleston is one of the loveliest cities in the country, despite having weathered great fires, earthquakes, epidemics, civil war and a devastating hurricane. It is consistently classed among the most elegant and dignified cities nationwide. Situated on the peninsula at the confluence of the Cooper and
Ashley Rivers on
South Carolina's Atlantic coast, the colonial port of
Charleston is the oldest city in the state, filled with brick and cobblestone streets, and a large downtown district boasting thousands of carefully preserved and restored buildings that house old-fashioned
inns, antique shops and pubs. The streets are lined with tall, narrow houses festooned with wrought iron balconies and wooden shutters, ornate iron gates enclosing pretty gardens and shaded porches - the timeless features of southern architecture. Many of its double-story houses are authentically furnished museums that once belonged to wealthy colonial merchants, while many are still the beautiful private homes of wealthy residents.
The city started as an important seaport serving the rice and cotton plantations throughout the region, and it was a major slave-trading center with a third of
America's slaves being bought and sold at the riverfront market. The Gullah culture of the islands (people of West African ancestry speaking a language based on English with elements from several African dialects) have a tangible presence here, especially at the Old City Market that vibrates with the humming of traditional spirituals, as basket ladies sell their hand-woven grass wares among the local vendors and iron makers, and the distinctive sound of the Gullah dialect fills the air.
Getting Around: Charleston is compact and it is easy to explore many attractions on foot. To visit plantations and other attractions outside the city, however, a car is the best option. In the city a bus service covers most areas, running from 5.35am until 10pm for a fare of $1.25. DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) trolley buses cover the central downtown area at a single fare of $1.25, or a day pass for $4. A novel and fun way to see the city is also to ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Taxis are available but must be called for.
Climate: Charleston has a subtropical, humid climate. Spring is a lovely time of year, conditions warming up rapidly between March and May, spring flowers blooming profusely. Summer is hot and humid, the area's coastal situation helping to keep things cooler than inland. It is also the wettest season with almost half the annual rainfall occurring during summer, falling as showers or in thunderstorms. Fall remains warm right until November when cold spells start making an appearance. Fall is also hurricane season. Winter is short and mild, settling in by December and easing up by February, sometimes rainy and with occasional snow flurries in early January.
Grand Strand and Myrtle BeachThe 60 miles (97km) of white sand stretching along South Carolina's coastline, from Little River to
Georgetown in the south, is known as The
Grand Strand. Peppered with beach resorts and seaside communities, the main hub of activity is centered at
Myrtle Beach. However, all along The Grand Strand visitors can enjoy the sea, sun and surf, as well as excellent seafood, shopping malls, amusement parks and numerous family-orientated activities, shipwreck diving, museums, and over 100 championship golf courses.
Myrtle Beach lies at the center of the Grand Strand, a glitzy stretch of uninterrupted commercial development that has transformed the city into a mega entertainment center and family resort. Beach towels and brightly colored beach wear cover the sand in summer and the population swells with vacationers seeking fun and thrills offered by the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, with funfairs, waterslides, arcades and shopping. Myrtle Beach State Park offers nature trails, camping, fishing and swimming when the bright lights and non-stop entertainment wear thin.
At the southern end of the Grand Strand lies Georgetown with a pretty historic district and a restored waterfront that buzzes with activity. During colonial times it boasted a rich plantation culture and was the center of America's rice empire.
Climate: Myrtle Beach and adjacent coast enjoys a mild climate, with hot summers tempered by ocean breezes, and winters with temperatures that stay cool and comfortable. The influence of the warm currents of the gulf stream just offshore ensures that this holiday strip is warm enough for fun in the sun most of the year. It does rain suddenly, and heavily, particularly during summer, but the sandy soil allows for quick drainage and even the emerald green golf courses are ready for action again as soon as the showers let up.
