Spending a Weekend in Charleston Spend a few days in Charleston, South Carolina and one can easily see how Conde’ Nast Traveler voted Charleston the top U.S. city two years in a row (2011-2012). Whether you are looking for fabulous views, historical sites, fine cuisine, or “shop till you drop” experiences, Charleston is a wonderful place to visit. In order to best experience the ambience, history, and charm Charleston has to offer, a stay in the downtown historic district is a must! Your residence for the weekend is the Governor’s House Inn located at 117 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The inn is a historic Georgian double house, built in 1760, and eventually owned by Edward Rutledge, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. After experiencing a restful night’s sleep, enjoy a Southern breakfast before heading to Charleston’s Old City Market on Meeting Street. There you can meander among the flea market and small surrounding shops for hours, stopping to refresh yourself with food or drink from one of the varied restaurants nearby. At the market you can watch the basket weavers carry on the tradition of weaving sweetgrass baskets as they hope you will purchase and claim one of these beloved Charleston souvenirs as your own. Near the market, horse carriage tours are waiting to stroll you through the streets of downtown Charleston (a few of which are cobblestone), taking you back in time. To cool off, walk to Charleston’s Waterfront Park. A beautiful pineapple fountain – the pineapple symbolizes hospitality – is the park’s centerpiece. Both children and adults cool off in its spray. From there you can sit on one of the large swings and watch the ships and boats as they pass through the harbor. Head back to the Governor’s House Inn for afternoon tea on the veranda as you prepare to make the short drive over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge for some great seafood at one of the restaurants on Shem Creek off Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. The next morning continue your visit downtown at Charleston’s Battery and White Point Gardens. As you walk among the grandeur of historic homes overlooking the Charleston Harbor, you will spot historic Fort Sumter which saw the first shots of the Civil War. Follow along East Bay Street and you will come across Rainbow Row, which consists of a series of different colored houses that, in the 18th century, served as Charleston’s waterfront district. Close to the Battery, located at 14-16 Meeting Street, is the Calhoun Mansion which is available for tours beginning at 11 am. If time allows, veer off the main path and stroll the downtown streets admiring the diverse architecture. Downtown boasts architecture ranging from classical Georgian, Federal style, Adamesque, Greek revival, Italian Renaissance, Victorian, and the common colonial-era single and double houses. A self-guided walking tour also enables you to view the many beautiful iron gates allowing a glimpse into well-manicured courtyards. A weekend in Charleston is a memorable experience, and a teaser drawing you back, time and time again. Allow the staff at the Governor’s House Inn Bed and Breakfast to personally tailor your Charleston experience. Contact us today to check for availability! Photo courtesy of: Jeff Milton
