One of the oldest cities in the United States, Charleston in South Carolina is home to gorgeous centenarian mansions and breathtaking natural sites. If you happen to be visiting this living museum, whether with your family or friends, here are some activities you should not forget to include in your itinerary.
Ghost Tours in Land and Water
In 1861, Charleston saw the beginning of the United States Civil War, which shattered the economy of this wealthy seaport. With very limited resources at its disposal, the city was forced to renovate old buildings instead of erecting new ones during its recovery. And this is what makes Charleston so special until today.
For roughly $20, you can already enjoy a lovely two-hour tour on foot featuring centuries-old architectural structures and cobblestone streets. This is the best way to learn about the city’s often-dark history and its ghosts. The paranormal stories of the Charleston mansions, graveyards and harbor that stem from the many unspeakable crimes of its past continue to enthrall its seven million annual visitors.
For an eerie but fascinating evening, you can try the water-based Charleston ghost tours by the city’s gorgeous harbor. You can also visit the Old City Jail, preferably at night, where notorious prisoners were held during the 19th century. Here, you will see the very cells where the prisoners stayed. It is said that their spirits continue to lurk in this structure up to this day.
Food Tour
If food is what you love, you can also book yourself a three-hour culinary-themed tour of the city. This way, you will not miss all the extraordinary flavors that the city has to offer. The Farm-to-Table Chef’s tour, for example, is one of the many favorites of locals and visitors alike.
Charleston’s Farmers’ Market, meanwhile, has been recognized by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the best in the country. Some tours that the city offers also combine food tastings with historical site seeing.
Natural Attractions
Some other activities you should include in your itinerary when in Charleston are bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. The city has three public beaches namely Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
It also has the famous Shem Creek, which you can tour on a kayak for two or three hours. But if you do not want to paddle, you can choose to trek for an hour along Shem Creek’s Park instead. This tour will take you to the creek at the Charleston harbor. The fall season is the best time to visit Charleston if you are looking for outdoor adventures such as these.
The city is also home to an extraordinary 152-acre Avian Conservation Center, which is called the Center of Birds of Prey. Also check out the Wild Blue Rope Adventure Park, which is the perfect place for active young adults.
Charleston definitely has something unique to offer to different types of tourists. Whether you are the adventurous type, a thrill-seeker, a foodie, a nature lover, or one who is simply longing for some spooky adventure, you can never go wrong with this enchanted city. With its deep and colorful history, and unique dark stories, Charleston is, without a doubt, a must-visit in South Carolina.
