Charleston, SC

South Carolina

March 2022

Charleston - Day 1

Charleston, of course, was on our list of must-visit cities. It was easy to see why Southern Living has crowned it the South’s Best City five out of six times. Back in the 17th century, Charleston was the wealthiest town in the South, and that rich history is still evident today in its stunning historic homes, churches, and other buildings. The city has a vibrant, welcoming energy.

Exploring Ansonborough, Charleston's First Suburb Rebor

We started our Charleston visit in Ansonborough, a historic neighborhood recognized as Charleston’s first suburb. It is known for its red-brick homes from the mid-1800s. In the Great Fire of 1838, Ansonborough was largely destroyed and subsequently rebuilt. In the 1960s, the Historic Charleston Foundation revitalized the neighborhood, restoring over 100 homes. Today, it’s one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Charleston.

Discovering Charleston's Huguenot Heritage

We entered the French Quarter at the Charleston City Market, one of the oldest markets in the United States. Charleston’s French Quarter is also a picturesque and historic neighborhood. In the 1600s and 1700s, French Protestants (Huguenots) settled here when it was still named “Charles Towne”.

Walking through cobblestone streets and pittoresk alleys, we enjoyed landmarks such as the Dock Street Theatre—the first building in America designed solely for theatrical use, the French Huguenot Church, the Pink House—the oldest-standing structure in the city, built in 1712, the Old Slave Mart Museum, and Waterfront Park with its famous pineapple fountain.

Charleston - Day 2

We returned to the park for an additional hike the same afternoon, again enjoying the sunny weather. We hiked an easy 3-mile loop through hardwood and pine forests and wetlands over dirt paths and boardwalks.

We noticed Aiken State Park’s artesian wells. An artesian well is another of Mother Nature’s wonders: cold water keeps flowing through the surface through natural pressure. These wells are filling the park’s lakes, no pumping is needed. We also stopped at a viewpoint to see the Edisto River, North America’s longest free-flowing blackwater river, for some nice views.