South Carolina is composed of four geographic areas, whose boundaries roughly parallel the northeast/southwest Atlantic coastline.

South Carolina Trip

March/April 2004

CHARLESTON

Charleston, SC is a beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure with a rich, 300-year history. Since its founding in 1670, Charleston has played an important role in the course of American history. It was captured early in the Civil War without much property damage, so the older part of town has buildings that are hundreds of years old. The skyline has practically no tall buildings, and is dominated by the stunning Arthur Ravenel cable stay bridge. The city is a major port on the eastern seaboard of the US. Charleston is in general a laid-back, but sophisticated city and has an old-South feel.

A great way to see Charleston's attractions is to take a carriage tour, a ghost walk, or even an historic walking tour. The historic district is easily accessible on foot. A good place to start a tour of Charleston is the Visitor Reception and Transportation at 375 Meeting Street. Here you can receive maps and guides, book tours, and tour a small museum dedicated to the history of Charleston

Charleston is also home to many of the country's finest plantations. You will find Magnolia Plantation, Boone Hall, Drayton Hall, and Middleton Place all within a short drive from the Charleston Historic District. Charleston is also known for exceptional shopping and would have to include a visit to the King Street Shopping District, Antique Shopping Mall, and of course a stroll through the open air City Market. The Market and the shops lining Market street are a popular shopping destination for tourists. The Market itself is a large gathering of small vendors that sell everything from blankets to candy.

Located just across the Cooper River Bridge from historic downtown Charleston is the lovely and historic town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, founded in 1670. This National Register district abounds with beautiful homes from the colonial and antebellum periods. The Old Village offers a beautiful public park, an expanded area for crabbing and fishing and a panoramic view of the harbor. Mount Pleasant's largest attraction is Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.

PATRIOT'S POINT (Naval and Maritime Museum)

When South Carolina seceded from the Union back in 1861, Union forces still occupied Fort Sumter at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. But when the South demanded that the Union forces leave and they refused, the South Carolina troops fired on Ft. Sumter, and the Civil War began. At Patriot's Point you will find the Yorktown aircraft carrier which is known as the famous Fighting Lady of WWII. She fought in many historic battles during the war, and her planes heavily damaged the Japanese war machine.

THE CITADEL

The Citadel is a historic military college, and is worth a visit. During the college year every late Friday afternoon there is usually a military dress parade. Check out www.citadel.edu for updates. Visit the Summerall Chapel, designed in the spirit of 14th Century Gothic. For the history of the Citadel from 1842 to present, visit the Citadel Museum.

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION

The beautiful gardens of camellias and azaleas reach their peak in March and April but are colorful year-round. Tour the house, the gardens (including an herb garden, horticultural maze, topiary garden, and biblical garden), a petting zoo, and a waterfowl refuge. You can walk or bike through wildlife trails.

There is a restored and furnished antebellum cabin, a plantation rice barge on display beside the Ashley River, and a Nature Train that carries guests on a 45-minute ride around the plantation's perimeter. Ten generations of the Drayton family have lived at Magnolia Plantation since the 1670s. The house has been filled with museum-quality Early American furniture. An art gallery has been added to the house as well.

Low Country wildlife is visible in marsh, woodland, and swamp settings. The Audubon Swamp Garden, also on the grounds, is an independently operated 60-acre cypress swamp that offers a close look at other wildlife, such as egrets, alligators, wood ducks, otters, turtles, and herons.

BEAUFORT

Beaufort has an exquisite historic district filled with homes built in the 1700s and 1800s and a lovely waterfront shopping area with art galleries, shops and restaurants. Graced with giant oaks, gardens, stately mansions and bayside cafes, Beaufort portrays a fairy-tale setting.

It also is the gateway to over 80 low-country islands with a mix of ecology and entertainment. And, of course, it is home to Camp Lejune where thousands of marines live and train for USA.

HILTON HEAD

Hilton Head is a well-known vacation destination with beautiful beaches, miles of scenic bike paths, deep sea fishing, numerous golf courses, several large marinas, tennis courts, golf courses, variety of restaurants, family entertainment and many shopping and outlet malls.

Most of the structures on Hilton Head are less than 50 years old, and they are built and landscaped to blend with and enhance the natural beauty of the island. Marshes, broad creeks, hardwood forests and 12 miles of beach make Hilton Head a paradise. It is a great location to stay if you want to spend time in Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA for it is a short commuting distance.

South Carolina Photo Gallery

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