Historic Downtown Charleston

Resources, Activities and Events

It is very easy to fall in love with downtown Charleston and once you do, you will never want to leave and its charm and character will always be etched in your mind.  No matter what age, there is something to do for everyone; museums, an aquarium, deep water fishing charters, great shopping, five-star dining, just to name a few. Some of the best seafood is locally caught and served fresh in our exceptional, newsworthy restaurants. 

Historic downtown retains its old world charm with horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone roads, prestigious waterfront mansions, decorative piazzas tucked around every corner and 18th-century churches.

Architectural elegance, historic plantations, national parks commemorating our civil war history and, of course, to experience southern hospitality is what draws people from all over the world to Charleston, SC.  Along with these attractions, there are yearly events that have become worldwide famous and also draw thousands of visitors (and future residents!)

Annual Events Around Charleston

One of the great joys of living in the Lowcountry is the continuous events scheduled throughout the year, many of which have gained national attention.  Some of the annual events to enjoy not only in downtown Charleston but around the tri-county area, include:

• Annual Charleston Boat Show - North Charleston Convention Center - end of January
• Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Boone Hall Plantation - end of January
• SEWE - Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - usually held second week of February
• Cooper River Bridge Run, Mt Pleasant into downtown Charleston - end of March
• Annual Charleston Food & Wine Festival - middle of March
• Festival of Houses & Gardens - downtown Charleston - **Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event**  end of March into April
• International Antiques Show, downtown Charleston - end of March
• Family Circle Cup, Daniel Island - end of March
• Flowertown Festival, Summerville - beginning of April
• Blessing of the Fleet, Mt Pleasant - end of April
• Spoleto Festival USA, downtown Charleston - **Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event** end of May
• Scottish Games and Highland Gathering, Boone Hall Plantation - **Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event**  end of September
• Taste of Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation - end of September
• Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens, downtown Charleston - **Selected By the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event** month of October
• Coastal Carolina Fair, Ladson - month of November
• Holiday Festival of Lights, James Island - November and December
• Annual Christmas Boat Parade in Charleston Harbor - December

For the most up-to-date calendar of events, check out the following sites:

http://www.charlestonlowcountry.com/

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/events_news/charleston-events

Dining in Historic Charleston

Dining in Charleston is a memorable experience.  I know that, from experience, you could try one new restaurant once a month and it will take quite some time to experience every eatery in the area. Classically trained, world class chefs have made their home in the Lowcountry and we residents are truly blessed to be able to experience these culinary treasures.  Hint:  Can you tell what our favorite downtown restaurant is?

We have our favorites so please share with us yours!  For the latest downtown restaurants, go to Charleston Dining