Choose Charleston

Have you recently visited Charleston? Did you find a great restaurant that you think others should give a try?  Dining out on a vacation can be adventurous because you are not familiar with the restaurants.  My goal is to take the guessing out of dining in Charleston for people visiting Charleston this summer.  So here is my challenge to Charleston residents (And recent visitors)!  What are some restaurants that left a great impression on you?  What are some of your favorite spots?

You can just list the name of the restaurant.  Preferably though give reasons behind the choice and also where the restaurant is located and other details that you think would be important to someone visiting Charleston, S.C.  

After getting a few nominees, I am going to try to blog about each individual Charleston restaurant!

You can nomiate by just leaving a comment to this post with the details of your favorite Charleston restaurant.

Thanks!

Wish I would of told some of you guys before you visited Charleston but better late than never, right?  Located at 6 Chalmers Street, the museum tells the story of the Old Slave Mart that was once operating in Charleston during the domestic trade era. The Old Slave Mart features two main areas for visitors to learn about the historical trade era. 

The first area will give visitors an in-depth introduction about how domestic slave trading operated.  The second area will allow visitors to get a more up close view at the oeprations.  You will be able to see what the slaves were sold for and how slave owners viewd the slaves worth.  Also, you will learn how slavery was a key factory in the growth of Charleston and how slavery helped build Charleston to where it is today!  So if you are a local or visiting Charleston on vacation…..come learn about the Old Slave Mart in Charleston.

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, are you prepared to make this day a special one?  If you are searching the web for last minute Mother’s Day idea’s for a Charleston mom, maybe I can help! As always, the safe bet is flowers.  Can you go wrong with flowers?  Sound like a winner! Visit this local Charleston florist then.  If you think your mom would enjoy spending the day with you, then check out The North Charleston Arts Festival.  The last day will be May 12, 2007 so you can go before Mothers Day or on the day if you would like.  Lastly, call your mom and just tell her how much you love her!

I know, you are not visiting Vegas with the big lights and non-stop gambling action.  Did you know that Charleston has a little wedding chapel though? 

Yes, you can run off with your lover and get married in The Charleston Chapel for Weddings.

Charleston Peninsula Tour’s offer exicting and informative tours of the history of Charleston.  Charleston Peninsula Tour’s has several offers including the “Original History Tour”, “African American History”, “Civil War Review”, “Architecture Tour” and “Pirate Tour Adventure”.  I have mentioned before about the downtown horse carriage rides that are offered which will highlight the history of Charleston but will not go as in depth about specific Charleston details and share stories about the above topics as Charleston Peninsula Tours will .  If you have a particular interest in any of the above topics, I would strongly recommend taking a tour with Charleston Peninsula Tours.  They offer both walking tours and tours by car with the option to customize your tour which is great for planning your Charleston vacation in advance.  Tours are a great way to learn about Charleston without reading on ChooseCharleston.com all day long!

The Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament will be in Charleston this weekend.   March 7th will be the first day of games and two local colleges, College of Charleston and The Citadel will battle that evening.  I think the game should be roughly around 7:30 but it depends on the games ahead of them. (Overtimes!?)  Either way, the Southern Conference Tournament offers a great opportunity to watch some high quality hoops!  Davidson has won the tournament the past two years, beating out our own College of Charleston Cougars  in the finals last year by the score of 72-65.  If you would like more details, visit SoConSports.com.  What are you waiting on sports fan?  March Madness is coming to Charleston.

A great event for a great cause will be going on March 8th, The 2nd Annual Sailing For The Future Benefit Regatta.  This gives opportunity to our Charleston youth to get involved in a great local event.  The harbor start will be at 1:00 pm but feel free to come early and get to know some of the local Charleston sailors!  The race will be followed by a reception that features a cash bar and light food and then awards.  Registration fee is $100 and will need to be completed by March 7th.  What a great event this will be!  Come out and show support everyone! 

For more information, go to CharlestonCommunitySailing.org

If you are planning on touring Charleston then I would suggest doing so by horse and carriage. Whether you are on a vacation to Charleston or planning a romantic outing, a horse carriage ride in Charleston is a great method to see what the city of Charleston has to offer.  Are you are ready to ride in elegance? Great! Old South Carriage Company is one of the more popular carriage services in Charleston.  Olde Town Carriage Company has been in business for over 25 years providing professional tour guides to vistors, they even can handle special events and large groups.  Carolina Polo and Carriage Company is a local family owned company that specializes in providing romantic adventures and is a great option if you are planning a wedding in Charleston.  Lastly, Classic Carriage Tours provides rides for couples and wagons for large groups.  All of the companies have unique offers and experiences.  I would suggest visiting the websites of each to gather a better idea of what they have to offer and if they will fit within your budget.  Enjoy your ride and view of the great city of Charleston! Don’t forget to give the horse a treat!

     Maybe you are considering visiting Charleston for a vacation?  Or you’re coming in for a business trip?  Whatever the reason, Charleston offers an exciting night life atmosphere! 

     So do you drive around Charleston (maybe you should take a taxi?) and take a guess at which bar or club looks like it is right for you?  Relax, we have you covered!  

     I recently discovered two sites that provide helpful reviews of Charleston bars and clubs.  CharlestonBars.com provides a detailed list of bars in the area, along with forums, pictures, videos and much more!  If you are looking to have an elegant night out with your someone special, then hop over to CharlestonCocktail.com.  The site features reviews of restaurants and bars in the Charleston area.  They even have pictures and a “Charleston Calendar of Events” to keep you local guys well informed!  So if you’re going out on the town anytime soon, check these two sites out first.  Don’t forget the most important thing, have fun and be safe!

      The relationship between the colonists and England deteriorated quickly. As a result, Charleston’s roll in the American Revolution was particularly important.

     Protesting the Tea Act of 1773, this personified the concept of taxation without representation; Charlestonians confiscated tea and stored it in the Exchange and Custom House. Soon after, representatives from the colony came to the Exchange to elect delegates to the Continental Congress. The Continental Congress was responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence and on the steps of the Exchange declared independence from the crown.

     On June 28, 1776 General Henry Clinton with around 2000 men tried to seize Charleston. Ultimately, it was a failed attempt as the Continental Army, specifically the 2nd South Carolina regiment fought off the attacks with success. The fleet fired cannon balls, but the explosives failed to penetrate Fort Moultrie’s thick palmetto log walls. Clinton returned in 1780 with14,000 soldiers and poised for success. American General Benjamin Lincoln had to surrender his 5,400 troops after a long night’s battle. This night would be known the “Siege of Charleston”, which was the greatest American defeat of the war. Eventually, Clinton decided to return to New York. This presented an opportunity to Charles Cornwallis to lead his 8000 Redcoats to rally loyalist and demand oaths of allegiance to the King. The British would retain control of the city until 1782. As the British left in1783, the city’s name was officially Charleston.

Want to know more about the history of Charleston, South Carolina?  If you are in the area, I strongly suggest visitng the Charleston Museum.  If you are just looking for information on the web, then read our other posts under “History” or visit Charleston History.