A gorgeous day in Charleston
Photos tell it.
Charleston is one of my faves. I’ve been over the Ravenel Bridge (above) many times, by foot, car and bike. And it’s no easy bike ride. It’s not long (about a mile), but the incline (most is 4.1% , a short stretch is 5.6%) and wind give the resistance that makes it a great workout.
But today I’m sharing pics from a day I spent walking the city. On my visit last month, the weather was clear and dry, perfect for a stroll down King Street, from Marion Square to the Battery, two wide open green spaces, a few acres each.
Charleston is a compact city on a peninsula with a tricky layout of streets that reminds me of downtown Manhattan, my old neighborhood. The grid seems to change orientation south of Wentworth Street.
From Marion Square to the Battery is the walk: start on King at Calhoun Street. That’s Middle King, where the hotels, College of Charleston and chain stores are, then move on to quieter Lower King and the antique and boutique shops. On each side, there are adjoining residential neighborhoods. It’s only a mile or so, but can take a while if you stop to admire the gardens, side porches, or if you shop, have food and a drink or two, which is most recommended. It does seem like people here enjoy their cocktails, but that’s my subjective opinion!
The image here is from Google Maps:
My walk looked like this, but not much for photos till close to Broad Street, starting with my favorite breakfast spot, Millers All Day, 120 King. Here, breakfast is all day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, 4 on weekends, with a good selection of drinks from 10 a.m. I like Bake Shelf goodies, and was halfway through my scone when I realized I should have taken a pix! I’m not the only one who likes Millers (a lot of locals are typically there), because there’s always a wait, but it moves fast.
Then, lots of shops, bookstores and sights. Beautiful dresses at Abbey Glass. AG is also online. Wish I had gone here for my mother-of-bride dress when my daughter got married.
Then the quieter residential area begins.
The Revolutionary War history of South Carolina becomes apparent at the Battery.
Along Charleston Harbor, see gorgeous gardens, and stately and historic homes.
The Edmondston-Alton House is still on my to-do list, although I have been to Middleton Place, which is affiliated, and you could get a combo ticket. The 65 acres of landscaped gardens at Middleton are remarkably beautiful, so the combo ticket may be a good idea, and you can go on different days.
A friend, James Trimble, who does private tours, kindly pointed out to me when we were at Middleton Place (a while back) that picking up Spanish moss is not a good idea. (Chiggers.) Advice much appreciated! And it is not Spanish or a moss, he added. “It’s an epiphyte, a member of the pineapple family and an airplant.” Clearly, James is a knowledgeable and easygoing guide, and he can customize private tours while including facts and tidbits like this about architecture, gardens and history. (Find him on Instagram or call 1-843-813-1590.)
White Point Garden is a dog friendly park at the Battery, the very tip of the Charleston peninsula.
Finally, I head back up to Broad for a late lunch (early dinner) at another fave food stop: Gaulart &Maliclet, aka Fast and French, 98 Broad St. Cheap and good, French and with wine, of course.
Then back over the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant for the evening.
If you go to Charleston, definitely take the time to go over the bridge and through Mount Pleasant to see the extraordinary beaches and homes on the barrier islands, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
Drive from Mount Pleasant over the Ben Sawyer Memorial Bridge to Sullivan’s Island; here’s the breach inlet: it’s a good spot for early morning coffee and sunrise, deep breathing, and reflecting on another memorable trip to Charleston before heading home.
