At Charleston Journey we have developed an informative, up-to-date hotel directory. The site equips you with all of the information you need to know before you embark on Charleston travel. Examples of hotels featured in this directory include the Charleston Place, Francis Marion Hotel, Planters Inn, Mills House Hotel and the beautiful Wentworth Mansion.

Travellers wanting to experience an authentic taste of America’s Old South need look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. From the horse-drawn carriages that click along the cobblestone streets to the antebellum architecture preserved in the magnificent homes, there is good reason why this city consistently tops lists as one of the best places to visit in the U.S.

Renowned for its streets dotted with pretty myrtle trees and massive Southern live oaks while fragrant with jasmine and wisteria, this popular tourist destination boasts Rainbow Row, incredible stately homes that line the waterfront and the White Point Gardens, better known as Battery Park. Once used to house artillery during the American Civil War, the Battery runs along the shores of the Charleston peninsula bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. A stroll along the promenade reveals war relics, monuments, picturesque gardens, breathtaking mansions and a view of the harbour which extends to Fort Sumter, the legendary site where the first shots of the Civil War rang out.

Charleston’s rich history is evident through its many well-preserved buildings. Despite enduring a long history of damage from hurricanes and a devastating earthquake in 1886, the city features

many pre-Revolutionary War structures including over 600 buildings built before 1840. Sight-seers can partake in dozens of historic home tours, including one of the Aiken-Rhett House. Built in 1817, this urban plantation eventually became the home of South Carolina Governor William Aiken, Jr. The carefully preserved slave quarters offer visitors a glimpse into the life of a slave in an antebellum household, and the massive double parlours and sky-lit art gallery showcase the grandeur and fine detail of 1850’s architecture.

Charleston’s waterfront with its expanse of grass and flowers is a popular spot to sway on swing benches, wade into the sparking fountains or simply relax and gaze out onto the water, where it is very likely to spot a dolphin or two. Another popular destination is the Old City Market, a vibrant collection of 200-year old brick buildings housing several shops and restaurants. Craftswomen weaving sweet grass baskets from the blades of Palmetto Palms are a Charleston tradition, and dozens of vendors offer local specialities such as 13-bean soup, Lowcountry rice and benne wafers, a southern-style sesame seed treat brought to America during the slave trade in the 17th century.

The city boasts a large collection of award-winning restaurants offering an incredible mix of cuisines, from traditional Lowcountry fare like she-crab soup and shrimp ‘n grits to half-pound Charleston burgers with apple-smoked bacon and BBQ sauce. King Street is lined with dozens of shops and unique boutiques, and Lower King from Broad to Market Streets boasts a renowned antique district.

Enjoy the charm and romance of a by-gone era in this fascinating city. From the historic walking expeditions to high-speed boat tours, there is plenty of Southern, American, and Colonial history to absorb in Charleston as well as exciting entertainment.