• A romantic carriage ride allows for a leisurely and relaxing tour of the city.charleston carriage image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
  
  Travel to Charleston, S.C., and immerse yourself in the Southern charm that has made the place famous. Live oaks overhung with Spanish moss, sweet tea, wrap-around porches, hospitality and mint juleps help deliver on the promise of the city. While Charleston is steeped in history, this favorite destination spot also boasts innovative culinary gems and current boutique fashion.
  
  

Where to Hang Your Hat

• There is a reason that Charleston, S.C., was nominated as one of Conde Nast's top 10 travel destinations for 17 years in a row. Not only is the city incredible, but it also offers some of the most coveted places to stay in the country. Five-star hotels, historic inns and charming B&Bs can all be found in the historic heart of the city. If you're looking for premiere luxury, then book a stay at the opulent Charleston Place Hotel, which puts you within walking distance of the city's many attractions. If you're looking for historic accommodations, check out the Governor's House and the Mills House, both of which take you back in time. The Battery Carriage House has been around since 1843. This romantic retreat is, as its name suggests, located on the beautiful Charleston waterfront, where the famed Battery Park can be found.
  
  Charleston Place
  205 Meeting Street
  Charleston, South Carolina 29401
  + 888-635-2350
  charlestonplace.com
  
  Governor's House
  117 Broad Street
  Charleston, SC 29401
  800-720-9812
  governorshouse.com
  
  Mills House
  115 Meeting St.
  Charleston, SC 29401
  843-577-2400
  millshouse.com
  
  The Battery Carriage House
  20 S. Battery
  Charleston, South Carolina 29401
  843-727-3100
  batterycarriagehouse.com
  
  

Where to Feast

• Formerly home to the esteemed Johnson and Wales University (which has moved to Charlotte, N.C.), Charleston has landed firmly on the culinary map. Award-winning McCrady's restaurant, established in 1788, is arguably the most famous dining spot in Charleston. Authentic, low-country fare can be had at the marvelous Dixie Supply and Baking Company, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or pay a visit to FIG, where James Beard award winner Chef Lata does a local, seasonal and sustainable menu.
  
  McCrady's Restaurant
  2 Unity Alley
  Charleston, SC 29401
  843-577-0025
  mccradysrestaurant.com
  
  Dixie Supply Bakery and Cafe
  62 State Street
  Charleston, SC 29401-2023
  843-722-5650
  dixiecafecharleston.com
  
  FIG
  232 Meeting Street
  Charleston, SC 29401
  843-805-5900
  eatatfig.com
  
  

Things to Do

• Rainbow Row is one of the most visited spots in Charleston. This long line of private, historic houses gives visitors a glimpse of the vibrant Southern city in its heyday. If the heat is oppressive, or you just want a more romantic day, book a carriage ride. To get a different perspective, try seeing Charleston from the water. There are a number of different harbor tours on a number of different vessels, from high-speed motorboats to majestic yachts. Reserve a trip with Schooner Pride for a world-class experience. Fishing trips are also a good option for those who are seaworthy. During the day, many are content to stroll around to the unique boutiques and high-end stores in the area. And, if you're game, go on a city pub crawl at night. Since the historic downtown area can be easily roamed on foot, many travelers celebrate the city by popping into the great pubs, mojito bars and cocktail lounges. Gene's Haufbrau is a celebrated local pub that beer connoisseurs praise.
  
  Schooner Pride
  Aquarium Wharf
  360 Concord St.
  Charleston, SC 29401
  800-979-3370
  schoonerpride.com
  
  Gene's Haufbrau
  817 Savannah Hwy
  Charleston, SC 29407
  843-225-4363
  geneshaufbrau.com