Charleston, SC ("The Holy City") is one of the most charming and historic cities in the United States. Downtown Historic Charleston feels like a true Southern town where visitors can appreciate the influence of several European and Caribbean cultures (British, French, Dutch) that provide a truly American spirit that dates back to the 16th Century. Charleston had been a "sleepy" town until the last 40-50 years, when a smart renovation effort converted this beautiful town into an modern city that offers the best of the 21st century encapsulated in a magnificent envelope of history, tradition and Southern hospitality.
Because of its location and history, Charleston has become a very popular "smart tourist" destination. Together with re-enactments of the Civil War, Charleston now offers very sophisticated arts and culture festivals like the Spoleto Festival USA, international events like the Bridge Run and the Family Circle Tennis Cup and many others.
Hundreds of restaurants offer a rich variety of Lowcountry, Southern and international foods to satisfy the most discriminating palates. Antique shops, unique clothing stores, art galleries and trendy decoration stores provide interesting shopping experiences along King Street.
Downtown Historic Charleston provides activities for all ages: From horse-drawn carriage tours, historic mansion tours and art gallery wine tastings, to rock and latin music dancing amd a weekly Farmer's Market on Marion Square.
The "city" has many different sub-sections that show different characters and price ranges. It is basically divided in two by the Crosstown Parkway, which dissects the peninsula.
"Inside the Crosstown" neighborhoods include South of Broad (one of the most prestigious areas including "The Battery", where many of the beautiful historic mansions were built), Harleston Village, East Side, Ansonborough, Cannonborough, Downtown, Elliotborough, French Quarter, Mazyk-Wraggborough, Midtown and Radcliffborough.
"Outside the Crosstown" includes neighborhoods like Hampton Park Terrace, North Central, Longborough, West Side and Wagener Terrace.
