I had never been to Charleston, South Carolina before, but Steve used to live near here and assured me I would love the streets of historic Charleston. I of course am always ready for a trip and off we were! We had Christmas with our kids on December 21 of 2019. We then flew to Charleston on the 22nd and returned home very early on the 25th. Unfortunately, the first two days it rained a lot. We still found many things to do and walking around the old town was fun. Although our feet became soaked and we needed umbrellas!! Finally on the third day, the sun came out!
Historic Charleston City Market
Established around 1790 and is four blocks long, The Charleston City Market is a fun to visit. This central market starts at The Market Hall, on Meeting Street and continues with four brick open-air sheds, each a block long, ending on East Bay Street. Market Hall is currently being used as a Confederate Museum. While the Sheds are used by vendors selling all types of wares. We did not check out the museum, but we did enjoy wandering through the market and checking out all of the vendors.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
This historic building is a major part of Charlestons’ history. Finished in 1771, this building has been used for many things, as a commercial exchange house, post office and city hall and custom house. Most interesting, during the Revolutionary War the basement was a prison and dungeon. Currently it a museum. We had a great tour here which we wouldn’t have done had it not been raining but are very glad we did. Therefore, sometimes a rainy day is a good thing!! My post next week will be about this building and our tour here.
Rainbow Row
We walked past Rainbow Road many time, rain and shine. Rainbow Row, a well known landmark on East Bay Street is in Historic Charleston near the bay. This area is name for the 13 Georgian style colorful houses.
The Battery Park
The Battery in Charleston is at the end of East Bay Street. So if you are walking east past Rainbow Row continue to walk a few more blocks, you will find the park. First you will come across a seawall and promenade area, which is a nice stroll with a view, then you will see the park across the street. On the other side of the promenade is the bay. If you look out on the bay, you will see Fort Sumter. The park is a nice green space to walk through, with commemorative statues and canons. At one time there was a Bastion near here.
The Pink House
You will find The Pink House on Chalmers Street in the French Quarter of historic Charleston. Built sometime between 1694 and 1712 this house is considered one of Charleston’s second oldest home. The oldest home is given credit to the William Rhett House, which unfortunately we did not go to on this visit.
Houses and Cobblestone Streets Along the Way
I loved the various houses we saw as we wandered through the historic streets of Charleston. In addition, many streets are made of cobblestone which adds to the charm.
Churches
I am pretty sure, no matter which way you look, you are going to see a church while walking around. There are a lot of them and each one beautiful in its own way.
Interesting Buildings We Passed
There are so many awesome buildings in historic Charleston. I took a lot of photos. Following are a few of my favorites.
The Harbour
The Charleston Harbour at Waterfront Park was just a couple of blocks from where we were staying so we wandered down there a couple of times, rain and shine. There are a couple of fountains there and a nice walk way.
Historic Streets of Charleston at Night
Charleston was just as amazing at night. We enjoyed the lit up streets and enjoyed seeing them after dark as well.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Vendue, which was in walking distance to everywhere we went while in historic Charleston. You will find The Vendue in a historic area on a street called Vendue Range. Originally built as a French warehouse in the 1780’s, this art hotel has a lot of character. We enjoyed our stay here. Included with our room was morning breakfast, 4:00 PM wine and cheese and 9:00 PM warm chocolate cookies and milk! A rooftop bar is at The Vendue. Unfortunately, it had to close because of the rain. The Vendue also has an on site restaurant that we heard was good but did not eat there on this trip. The staff was wonderful with lots of good information. Click on this link to book a room at The Vendue
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A Visit to Kiawah Island, SC. Dec 2019.
Where to Eat in Historic Charleston, SC. Dec 2019
This is a place I would love to visit someday. We need to do the east coast some summer.
I really loved this area. I too need to visit the east coast more! I love the history!
What a gorgeous spot!
We loved it!
Love Charleston!
I agree!! It was love at first sight for me!!
Perfection!
Looks like a wonderful place to visit – love the historical structures and cobblestone streets! Thanks for sharing!
I love those things as well!!
Chuck town is one of my favorite cities! We stayed at the Fulton Lane Inn in historic Charleston . I loved the free happy hour around 5/inside the partially enclosed courtyard. The streets, history everything is charming and it so truly embodies the South.
It by far exceeded my expectations!!
Great post. I have often thought of going to this area, but have not made it yet. Happy ew Year and thanks for sharing. Allan
Thank you!!
I’m not really a traveler. I do like to go places but very rarely make the effort to get there. 🙂 Charleston, however, is one of the few places that has been on my “yes I really need to get there” list. Your photos and post reminded me yet again that there is no time like the present. I love wandering through history – architecture and artifacts are my ‘thing’. Love the photos – thank you!!!
Thank you!!
Nice look at a sweet town. History is such a fun thing to explore in real life. Happy New Year to you as well, Lori. Have a great year.
Jerry
My home! I hope you enjoyed some good restaurants. Charleston has a GREAT food scene! 🙂
We did! I’ll post them in a few weeks! Our favorite was S.N.O.B. You live in Charleston? Awesome! We will be coming back. Thinking of retiring in the area and want to check out some places! We have a few years yet but we really like Charleston.
I’m actually from That area originally, but it is where we will retire 🙂
Cool! My husband lived at Kiawah about 20 years ago and loves Charleston area. We don’t plan on retiring in Kiawah though. Maybe Mount Pleasant area.
An excellent post. We were just there in September, and I enjoyed remembering why we liked it so much. I didn’t take as many good photos as you, and I like being able to see them in your post. You got a really good view of Rainbow Row–I thought it was really tough to photograph. Thanks!
Thank you! It was hard to get good photos with it raining so much. Rainbow Row was hard to get a picture of!
great review of the Charleston. We’ve been there once, but just for a couple of hours. Your pictures made me want to go back – and stay at the Vendue!
I liked Charleston!! I was pleasantly surprised they had wine each evening from 4-5 at the Vendue!!!! And cookies at night!!!
some nice perks at that hotel for sure!
Brilliant photos of what looks like a very colourful and historic town. Charleston looks a little European in places I think but there must be so much to see and do there. Great post.
It does look European in places. It is a very old town, many of the homes and buildings date back before the Revolutionary War. I enjoyed the city!
I’ve always wanted to go to Charleston. The history and the old houses make it my kind of place. I also love cobblestones. We often find ourselves dragging our rolley bags across the cobbles and I love the sound they make. Cute picture of you and your spouse with umbrellas! I’ll be back to read about your dungeon tour.
This was my first time there and I really enjoyed it! Something about cobblestone streets really add charm!
https://twitter.com/outosego/status/1214787183665729536
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Pics are amazing!! Just loved them.
Thank you!!
You certainly hit town LOL. Glad you had fun.
We did!!! Actually we liked it so
Well we may retire in the area in about 7 years!!!
We came down to shoot, took 2 months, after that went back to New England and sold everything. Been here for 3 1/2 years and love it.
That’s awesome!!!
We toured Charleston between Christmas and New Years (and had mostly sun-filled days, sorry!) Even in the rain, though, the city is beautiful!
Glad you had good weather!! We still had fun!!!!
We visited Charleston between Christmas and New Years (and had lots of sunshine, sorry!) Even in the rain, though, the city, and your photos, are beautiful!
My husband and I spent six weeks in Charleston a couple of years ago. There is so much history there – six weeks was not enough time to take it all in. We recently bought a condo and my husband is fixing the basement into his art studio. He is painting the Rainbow Road on one wall of the studio. We loved those houses. Your pictures are great! Thanks for sharing!
Charleston is lovely! Having rainbow road on your wall will be fabulous!!
Great post! I love all the photos I can really put myself into them. Thank you for sharing them!
Thanks!! I’m glad you liked it!!
You covered so much of Charleston in tour short time there.
You might check my blog on our recent cruise visit there.
http://onstageformyselfnow.blog/2019/08/18/charlestons-southern-charms/
Sounds great! We do pack a lot into our trips!!
Such lovely houses!
I agree!!
Wonderful description of Charleston, SC.
I can’t wait to read more of your travels 🙂