The peninsula of Charleston exudes charm, history, elegance - no wonder it is one of America's most beloved cities. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, tour through historic mansions and courtyard gardens, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, shop along King Street, visit some of the many steepled churches in the "Holy City," view the boats along the harbor, people watch in White Point Gardens near the Battery or at Waterfront Park.
Other must-sees: walk through the newly renovated City Market, where local vendors sell their wares and you can watch sweetgrass basketmakers weaving their masterpieces; visit art galleries in the French Quarter; get oriented and watch the movie at the Visitor's Center on Meeting Street; discover rich history at the Charleston Museum or impressive art at the Gibbes; eat at one of the many restaurants that have put Charleston on the culinary map, and try such local favorites as shrimp 'n' grits, she-crab soup, benne wafers and boiled peanuts.
From mid-March to mid-April, during peak blooming season, the Historic Charleston Foundation sponsors the annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, where you can tour through some of the most impressive private homes on the peninsula, many dating back to the 18th century. Come see why, for the last three centuries, Charleston has been known as "a city set in a garden."
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