Charleston: Hop & Jaunt’s Top Five Things To Do

Romantic, vibrant, and deeply historic, Charleston, South Carolina, was so much more than we expected. Though I’m a huge New Orleans fan with it’s architecture, culture, and it’s unique character I have to say that Charleston is now a formidable contender for a “unique city to visit” in the U.S.

The Customs House

St. Philip’s Church

If New Orleans is the slightly rowdy, fun loving, center of the party type of kid on the block, then Charleston would be it’s more mature and gentle older brother with a softer Southern accent.

We stayed in Charleston for about 5 days visiting my ever nomadic parents who had recently moved there. Here are the top 5 things we recommend to do while visiting Charleston!

1.) Walk, Walk, and Walk around the historic down town!

On the first day we took a long walk around the old neighborhoods in the downtown area. Spring is the perfect time of year to go, as all of the trees and flowers were in bloom and the meticulously maintained lawns of the giant historic homes glisten. I just love walking around unique neighborhoods and in this regard Charleston does not disappoint. Almost every other house is adorned with a plaque stating it’s role in the history and development of America. For such a young country it’s one of the few places you can go and say “ah, this house is 200 yrs old” “but this one is 348 yrs old” “George Washington slept here after his party at the Exchange Building.” The recent economic downturn might have something to do with the many “for sale” signs we saw out on the lawns. But our fantasy of picking up one of these “charming” ten bedroom historic houses was soon crushed by reality when the second Mazeratti was seen in the driveway…we might have a while to go before we could move into this neighborhood! But getting lost in this old world charm is free, so grab your walking stick and a camera!

A Rather Charming House

Another Rather Charming House

“The Marriage Compromise House” So called due to it’s two different styled front balconies that the each spouse wanted while building their new home

The Unique Charleston Style Homes are facing sideways with large porches in order to maximize getting air flow throughout the house

The best part of walking through the neighborhoods and it’s multitude of architectural styles is that most of the houses are still real homes, with families that maintain the buildings. For those curious to see how the better half lived in the past there are a few house museums you can tour in as well.

Find Out What Else To Do While In Charleston! (more…)