Living in Charleston for about a year, I can actually say that I know the city pretty well. I've experienced the life of an avid Charlestonian, and I've picked up on the slower, Southern way of life. I've learned the ins and outs, the places worth eating, and the prettiest places to go throughout the city. Here's a list of my Charleston ABC's. Feel free to use it as a go-to while visiting this beautiful city.
A: Angel Oak Tree and Arthur Ravenel Bridge
Recommended for you
The Angel Oak is a 500-year-old live oak tree residing in Charleston, SC. This is definitely a go-to while visiting.
The Arthur Ravenel Bridge is a cable-bridge towering over the Cooper River and connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant.
B: Battery
The battery in Charleston isn't your typical double A battery, but it's a beautiful sight in the Downtown Charleston peninsula. There are many beautiful, waterfront homes that are a breeding ground for tourists. Make sure to stop by here when in Charleston for a beautiful sunset or walk in the park.
C: Citadel
The Citadel, also known as the Military College of South Carolina, is one of the 6 military colleges in the United States. The South Carolina Corps of Cadets consists of young men and women who challenge themselves academically and physically through school and military discipline.
D: Dock Street Theater
This historic theater is located in the French Quarter of Downtown Charleston. It is home to the Spoleto Festival USA which is a huge event for local Charlestonians.
E: Every stop is a view
No matter where you stop in Charleston, you will have a beautiful view. Whether it's Upper King Street, the Battery, or any place on the water, you will have a beautiful view of everything Charleston has to offer.
F: Folly Beach and Fort Sumter
On a hot day during the school year, you will most likely find a beach packed with college kids. Folly Beach is probably the most popular beach that students will go to when they want a break from classes.
Fort Sumter is located in the Charleston Harbor, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.
G: Ghost Tours
Personally, I have never been on a Charleston ghost tour, but I hear about them all the time. Being in a city as historic and notable as Charleston, I'm sure that there are hundreds of stories to be told about any possible ghost sightings that have come about.
H: Hospitality
I definitely had to throw this one in the mix. Being from the North, I don't really encounter the level of kindness that I do in Charleston. Southern hospitality is 100% real.
I: Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is definitely one of the nicer beaches near Charleston. It is considered more of a residential or vacation spot as opposed to Folly.
J: Jim 'N Nick's
I don't know too much about Southern barbecue, but this place is absolutely a go to spot with my friends. Whenever I'm craving some delicious food, I make my way over to Jim 'N Nick's with the closest person I can find.
K: King Street and Kaminsky's
King Street is the main street in Charleston. Pretty much every restaurant or store you could possibly dream of is located on this street. Kaminsky's is an amazing dessert restaurant located in Downtown Charleston. If you ever go there, get the Tollhouse Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You will not regret it.
L: Lowcountry Boil
I don't know what the exact name for this recipe is, but who needs a name when the food is so damn good -- shrimp, potatoes, sausage, corn and all the Old Bay you could imagine.
M: Market Street
Market Street is another popular with shops and restaurants. In the middle of the street, there is a huge market, indoor and outdoor, in which there are plenty of souvenirs to purchase.
N: The Notebook
One of my favorite book-inspired movie of all time is the Notebook written by Nicholas Sparks. Some of the movie was filmed in Downtown Charleston, such as the scene where Noah and Allie lay in the street at night (King Street and Mary Street).
O: Old Exchange Building
I went to this place for an extra credit for my Political Science class, but it actually ended up being pretty fascinating. The main purpose of this Exchange building was to hold prisoners during the American Revolutionary War.
P: Palmetto Tree
Not only is there a Palmetto Tree on the South Carolina State flag, but this state is known as the Palmetto State. There are hundreds of these trees found in Charleston, although I sometimes still get them confused with standard palm trees.
Q: Questions from Tourists
Whether you are a tourist or a native Charlestonian, you are guaranteed to be asked questions while walking around Charleston. It's inevitable.
R: Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed areas of Charleston and is also a huge tourist attraction. The name represents series of 13 colorful houses lined next to one another.
S: Second Sunday
This event happens during the second Sunday of each month. Musicians, bands and restaurants expand onto King Street, resulting in the streets being closed for the day. It's super exciting for locals, tourists and college students, where they are able to get outside and enjoy some local flavor.
T: Tea Plantation
If you are a tea lover, like myself, you should definitely visit the Charleston Tea Plantation. It is the only working tea plantation in the United States and offers public tours of the area. Taking a short drive to this amazing place and try the best tasting teas around.
U: Unlimited Restaurants
Everywhere you look in Charleston, there are amazing, numerous amounts of restaurants to choose from. I really love King Street Grille, Charleston Crab House and Five Loaves -- but I'm sure you will love any place you decide to try.
V: Virginia's on King
It could be the perfect brunch spot or ideal dinner location. No matter what, you are guaranteed something amazing.
W: Waterfront Park
This is my absolutely favorite place to be in Charleston. I like to go for runs and sit down by the swings on the pier. There are astounding views of Charleston Harbor and a huge pineapple fountain waiting for your arrival. Waterfront park is definitely on your Charleston bucket list.
X: X's on your hands
If you see an X on someone's hand, you know who was out the night before. Charleston has a great night life with tons of bars to choose from.
Y: Yorktown
Now residing at Patriots Point in Charleston, the USS Yorktown was the tenth aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy. She was named after the Battle of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War.
_panorama_2012.jpg)
Z: Zaxby's
Being from the North, we don't have the amazing place-- therefore, I associate it with Charleston (even though Zaxby's is all throughout the South). If you have never been here, you should go even if it's not in Charleston.
I am in love with this beautiful city, and I know I made the best decision in moving down here for school. I hope that this helped you with understanding a little more about Charleston, especially if you are planning a visit.
