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Charleston and Kiawah Island Attractions
Public Beaches
A renourished beach lures vacationers to Folly Beach. There are good seafood restaurants and colorful bars. All in all, Folly is a beachcomber's delight. Directions to Folly Beach: If you cross the Ashley River Bridges and follow Folly Road to the end, you will soon come to Folly Beach, located south of Charleston.
Another popular beach is found on Isle of Palms, a barrier island on the South Carolina coast less than 20 minutes from Charleston. It is home to the world-famous Wild Dunes Resort.
Old Charleston Market
North and South Market Streets between Meeting and East Bay streets
A narrow line of low-roofed nineteenth-century sheds, packed with 'basket ladies' selling crafts, jewelry, spices, T-shirts and trinkets.
Charleston Museum
360 Meeting St
803-722-2996
A vast collection of city memorabilia conveniently located across from the town visitor center.The Charleston Museum Summer Family Calendar annually features everything from Submarines and Museum Magic with Harry Potter to Crazy Quilts and Crawling Crustaceans, plus much more. Extended hours begin July 5th. Every Thursday night during the summer, the exhibits remain open until 7:30 p.m. Kidstory offers younger history buffs a chance to have a more interactive museum experience.
Fort Sumter
City Marina, off Lockwood Blvd
803-722-1691
Fort Sumter is the site of the first battle that started the Civil War. A pleasant boat trip docks at this island which features a good Civil War museum inside the fort.
Magnolia Plantation & Audubon Swamp Garden
Hwy-61 (River Road), twelve miles west of Charleston
803-571-1266
Stunning ornamental gardens (best in spring and early summer) with tram rides through the swamp, complete with wildlife and lush flowers.
Splash Zone
James Island County Park
871 Riverland Drive
843-795-7275
Admission charged. Children under 2 free When the temperatures start rising, visitors of all ages will enjoy this favorite summer playground located within the James Island County Park. The park features two 200-foot tube slides, a Caribbean play structure with slides, a 500-foot lazy river, and a recreational pool.
Nathaniel Russel House
51 Meeting Street
843-723-1623
This national historic landmark is one of the most important neoclassical homes in America. Features include art and furnishings from the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
122 East Bay Street
843-727-2165
Often called the "Independence Hall of South Carolina," the Old Exchange was built in the late 1700's. Today, this impressive building is filled with historical items of the state and region.
Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting Street
843-722-2706
This museum features an outstanding collection of more than 7,000 American paintings, prints and drawings from the 18th century to the present.
Aiken-Rhett House
48 Elizabeth St.
843-723-1159.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 2-5.
Admission charged.
Dating from 1819, this mansion was once the headquarters of Confederate general Beauregard. Of special note are the original wallpaper, paint colors and some of its furnishings. The house, kitchen, slave quarters and work yard are maintained much as they were when the original occupants lived here.
American Military Museum
40 Pinckney St.
843-723-9620
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-6.
Admission charged.
The museum has on display hundreds of uniforms and artifacts from all branches of service, dating from the Revolutionary War to the present. Its collections also include antique toy soldiers, war toys, miniatures and weaponry.
Calhoun Mansion
16 Meeting St.
843-722-8205
Hours: Feb.-Dec., Wed.-Sun. 10-4
Admission charged.
This lavish mansion is an interesting example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1876, it's notable for ornate plasterwork, fine wood moldings and a 75-foot domed ceiling.
Charleston Place
130 Market St.
843-722-4900
The city's only world-class hotel, this Orient Express property is flanked by a four-story complex of upscale boutiques and specialty shops. The hotel is so beautiful that visitors find it's worth visiting as an attraction, even if they're not staying there.
Circular Congregational Church
150 Meeting St.
843-577-6400
Hours: Call for tour schedule
Simple yet attractive, this church has a beamed, vaulted ceiling and is an splendid example of Romanesque architecture.
City Hall
80 Broad St.
843-577-6970
Hours: Weekdays 10-5
Admission: Free
The intersection of Meeting and Broad streets is known as the "Four Corners of Law", representing the laws of nation, state, city, and church. On the northeast corner is graceful City Hall, dating from 1801. The second-floor Council Chamber has numerous interesting historical displays and portraits.
Dock Street Theatre
135 Church St.
843-720-3968
Hours: Weekdays 10-4
Admission: Free tours; call ahead for ticket prices and performance times.
Built on the site of one of the nation's first playhouses, the building combines the reconstructed early Georgian playhouse and the preserved Old Planter's Hotel (circa 1809). The theater, which offers fascinating backstage views, welcomes tours.
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