Flying to Charleston, S.C. for the holidays?

You won’t be alone! You and millions of others will be traveling to Charleston and other places. Before you start the trek you may want to step back and consider factors that might delay your travels – namely, a high volume of travelers and parking deck construction at the Charleston International Airport.

CountOn2.com: “Airport officials say to arrive extra early for your flight over the Thanksgiving holiday”

Post and Courier: “Charleston airport lays out holiday parking plan as new deck construction cuts into space

The Must-Visit Outdoor Spots in Charleston

By: Keegan Taylor

Source – Charleston-SC.com

As the oldest and largest city in South Carolina, Charleston is famous for its rich history. The city offers many places to visit and is located in Charleston Harbor along the Atlantic Coast, a natural fit for its military base. History buffs come for the vintage sites while the beaches and weather draw many families. There’s definitely no shortage of must-visit outdoor spots in Charleston.

Waterfront Park

Source – WalksOfCharleston.com

This 10-acre park, built along the waterfront of Charleston, offers beautiful views of the Harbor. Waterfront Park has plenty of paths for a morning run, afternoon walk, or bike ride. You’ll find the locals and tourists catching some rays in the park. Stop by the infamous Pineapple Fountain and watch the kids splash. Adults enjoy taking a break on the many benches lining the park. Charleston ranks as one of the ten best dog cities in the country. So, if you brought your pooch along, make sure you stop by the dog park at the end of the park.

Johns Island

Source – Wikipedia

Located just a short drive over the bridge, is Johns Island. It’s famous for its 400-year-old Angel Oak tree. The tree branches cover an astounding 17,000 square feet! The Angel Oak is an absolute must-see spot when visiting the Charleston area. After getting a picture in front of the tree, visit the Charleston Tea Plantation and the many distillery and vineyards.

White Point Gardens

Source – Charleston.com

The Charleston Battery home to the unique White Point Gardens. This stretch of land sits on the waterfront edge of the seawall that was once used for defensive purposes. The tip of the sea wall features White Point Gardens covered in beautiful oak trees and plants native to South Carolina. A gorgeous gazebo is a popular spot for photos. You’ll also see people posing next to the canons that date back to both the revolutionary and civil war era. Plenty of statues line the park which attests to the area’s rich military history.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Source- NPS.gov

Charleston has several plantations that were once vital to the local economy. Many of these large estates have become visitor centers where you can learn about the crops that once grew there. You’ll also get a tutorial about the slaves who ran the plantations. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, is a popular spot to visit. The public gardens date back to 1870 and are the oldest public gardens in the country. You’ll find a variation of beautiful blooms adorned by low branched trees that create a picture-perfect setting. Make sure to stop by the Audubon Swamp Garden that features moisture-loving plants, an integral part of the local ecosystem.

Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum

Source – Google search

You can’t visit Charleston without paying homage to the deep roots the military has in the area. Known as the spot where the Civil War started, (the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter), Charleston is a naval military hub. Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum offers an up-close and personal look into the massive size and power of the country’s military. You can explore the USS Yorktown as well as historic aircraft and vessels as well.  

There are plenty of spots in Charleston that you can’t miss when traveling to the area. From beautiful gardens to outdoor plantations to naval ships, Charleston has everything that you need for a fun vacation. Consider all of these must-see spots in Charleston on your next trip to the coast of South Carolina.

Keegan Taylor is an adventure seeker and writer for LawnStarter Charleston . When he’s not creating content on how to create a better home, he can be found exploring the east coast and all of its natural beauty.  

Climate Change and its impact on Charleston, S.C.

A report on Climate Change was released this week. The News & Observer (Raleigh) describes the importance on the study for Charleston in the article ‘White House: 1,500% jump in coastal flooding, unprecedented heat waves for Carolinas’

“Flood events in Charleston, South Carolina, have been increasing, and by 2045 the city is projected to face nearly 180 tidal floods (flooding in coastal areas at high tide) per year, as compared to 11 floods per year in 2014,” according to the report.

Just last week Charleston saw one of the highest tides ever recorded, according to the Post and Courier. The tide hit 8.76 feet Saturday, flooding roads and low-lying areas around the city, the newspaper reported.”

Flooding in Charleston, S.C.
Source: CountOn2.com

Charleston Place Hotel – Charleston, S.C.

Charleston Place Hotel - Charleston, S.C.

Source – Charleston Place Hotel Facebook

205 Meeting St,
Charleston, SC  29401

843-722-4900

www.charlestonplace.com

‘One of the grandest properties in the Orient-Express Hotels collection, Charleston Place is consistently ranked among the best hotels by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure magazines.

Charleston Place evokes the feeling of a grand, 17th century residence, from lush personal suites to the Italian marble lobby with signature Georgian Open Arm staircase and 12-foot crystal chandelier.

The staff of Charleston Place is dedicated to indulging its guests with the finest in Southern hospitality, and has become the choice of celebrities, princes and politicians.

Charleston Place is centrally located, surrounded by historic homes and buildings, and within strolling distance of the citys delightful shops, galleries and restaurants.’

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Spoleto Festival USA – Charleston, S.C. May 24-June 9, 2013

Spoleto Festival U.S.A.

Tickets typically go on sale in January.

www.spoletousa.org

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Spoleto YouTube Channel

‘For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolinas historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music.

Now approaching its 35th season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as Americas premier performing arts festival.’

History of Spoleto Festival USA –

‘Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene and others, who sought to create an American counterpart to their annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy…(Charleston) The historic city provided a perfect fit: intimate enough that the festival would captivate the entire city; yet cosmopolitan enough to provide an enthusiastic audience and robust infrastructure.”

“…Spoleto Festival USA has firmly established itself as one of the worlds leading festivals, presenting more than 200 world or American premieres. ”

Mission –

‘The Festival mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unusual performance opportunities for established artists…”

843-579-3100

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Charleston Wine and Food Festival

Charleston Wine and Food Festival

“The annual BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival®, February 28 – March 3, 2013, is a celebration of excellence in food, wine and Charleston’s renowned culture for the benefit of local culinary scholarships.”

“2013 Festival Tickets on Sale Thursday, August 30, 2012!”
 
Tickets – http://charlestonwineandfood.com/events-tickets/
 
charlestonwineandfood.com
 
P.O. Box 22823
Charleston, SC – 29413
843-727-9998
Email the FestivalFax – 843-727-9996