Mentioned by Luxury Simplified Retreats
Charleston SC Museums
"Nestled along the Meeting Street, Charleston Museum is “America’s First Museum” and houses various artefacts depicting colonial and agricultural past of the city. Cultivation tools, sweetgrass baskets, tribal pottery, decorative items, quilts etc. showcases the traditional fringe of Charleston. With two historical houses, The Heyward Washington House and Joseph Manigault House, Charleston Museum leaves no stone unturned to fantasize visitors with its furniture, exhibits and badges."
"As museums go, there's nothing stuffy or old-school about this one. The formidable modern structure encircles a restful inner courtyard and great retreat from summer’s heat. In the two-story lobby hangs a suspended whale that swam into Charleston’s harbor in 1880."
"One of Charleston's most exquisite antebellum structures, the Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, reflects the urban lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family and the enslaved African Americans who lived there."
"The Chicora-Cherokee Community Park is a 2,300-square-foot playground located at 3107 North Carolina Avenue, and while there will be some parking available, it is intended to serve the immediate area with most visitors walking there. The property for the park was purchased with Charleston County Greenbelt Funds."
"Join a fascinating boat tour to the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, set at the mouth of the beautiful Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a backdrop of Charleston’s stately waterfront homes, The Battery, and Rainbow Row. This fully narrated cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf at the South Carolina Aquarium."
"Situated on an island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the American Civil War started on April 12, 1861. The fort is accessible only by boat."
"Magnolia Plantation is one of the most interesting plantations near Charleston, and one of the oldest in the entire South!. While it has a somber history and pays homage to the people who were enslaved there through tours and attractions, you will be blown away at its natural beauty. There are striking gardens covering the 464-acre Magnolia Plantation."
"Address: 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414Phone: (843) 571-1266Website. The centuries old plantation, the oldest public gardens in America, is home to thousands of beautiful flowers and plants creating a tranquil landscape. Year-round beauty is provided by camellias, daffodils, azaleas, and of course magnolias."
"Dropping by the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is a must-visit for those looking for the best things to do in Charleston, SC."
"Formerly called Ryan's Mart, this building once housed an open-air market that auctioned African American men, women and children in the mid-1800s, the largest of 40 or so similar auction houses. South Carolina's shameful past is unraveled in text-heavy exhibits illuminating the slave experience; the few artifacts, such as leg shackles, are especially chilling."
"The stately Greek Revival Market Hall marks the beginning of Charleston's famous shopping venue, the Old City Market. The temple-like structure marks the site of a 19th-century meat market. Local architect Edward Brickell White designed Market Hall in 1841 of stucco-covered brick scored to look like blocks of stone."
"The South Carolina Historical Society Museum is housed in a National Historic Landmark building and features interactive exhibits on the people, places and movements that shaped both the state of South Carolina and the nation."
"Located in the historic Fireproof Building, the SCHS Museum showcases more than 350 years of the state's history through the artifacts and records of those who experienced it."
"Purportedly home to countless ghosts and legends, this museum and historical landmark is one of the oldest buildings in Charleston. The historic attraction's tales of pirates, patriots, elegant Southern ladies and countless African slaves are told by the costumed docent guides as visitors explore the elegant Palladian exchange and the dank, barrel-vaulted dungeon. Many consider the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, built on the site of the 17th-century Half-Moon Bastion, to be one of the most historically significant buildings in all of early colonial America."
"Year: 1767–1771 Architectural Style: Georgian Architect: William Rigby Naylor. About: The Old Exchange is located on the east side of Charleston’s historic downtown area, at the northeast corner of East Bay and Broad Streets. It is a two-story masonry building, capped by a hipped roof with cupola and set on a high brick basement."
"The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is another place with a ton of history. Most importantly, the upstairs room at this building is where South Carolina ratified the United States Constitution. The Dungeon, however, is the most interesting part of building."
"This small, free historic site in Mount Pleasant, operated by the National Park Service, preserves a portion of Snee Farm, an 18th-century rice and indigo plantation worked by enslaved people. It is the only free-to-visit plantation in Charleston and its vicinity. The site’s primary claim to significance is its association with Charles Pinckney, one of the contributors to the US Constitution, who used it as a country retreat from his downtown Charleston home."
"Historic Sites1254 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC MoreLess Info. Located in bucolic Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is a perfectly preserved portion of Pinckney's estate, Snee Farm. The house was constructed in the early 18th century."
"Sugar Bakeshop is a magical place full of cupcakes, tarts, cookies, and pie. It is perhaps the only establishment in Charleston selling the legendary Southern Lady Baltimore cakes. Not only are the treats a joy, but the petite storefront is impeccably styled with dreamy details and vintage flair."
"The squat, square block that is Sugar Bakeshop is just so cute!. Snap a shot of its printed shop name or turn the corner to find the cupcake motif painted on its side. For an Instagram-worthy photo, you can pose with your treat of the day (this lavender blueberry cupcake was so yummy!)."
"Devoted to making every day special and milestones even better by baking fresh, creative cupcakes. Check out our unique flavors. A Charleston original and a SC favorite!"
"Ideally located nearby dozens of renowned restaurants and bars in downtown Charleston, this Italian café and dessert bar is the perfect sweet stop for a post-dinner date. Espresso cocktail for us, please!"
"It’s said that there are vegetarian options on the menu at King Street Cookies."
"Located on King Street, Glazed makes all of its donuts in-house, using many of the ingredients from its garden in the back. With over 200 different flavors and styles and an ever-changing menu of seasonal treats, you will always find a donut to suit your fancy. Customers rave about its apple bacon fritter and raspberry-glazed donuts, but don’t be afraid to try some of the more eclectic flavors."
"Just a few steps down King Street brings you to the next stop on your Charleston Dessert Tour. Named as South Carolina’s best doughnut shop, this is not a place to be missed!. These doughnuts are made from scratch every day and are literally the softest, pillowiest doughnuts I have ever had."
"American-style restaurant open for dinner, brunch, and late-night. Don’t miss the ever-popular Stars rooftop!. The only rooftop bar in Charleston with 360° views of the historic district, Stars is the perfect place to mingle and take in the beautiful sights of the Holy City!"
"Stars Rooftop & Grill Room is a Charleston favorite when it comes to rooftops. Located on Upper King, this is a great stop before or after dinner. Stars also has heaters for when the weather is chilly, so don’t let cold weather steer you away."
", one of the city’s newest hot spots for dining and cocktails. Serving locally sourced foods and maintaining the casual, cool vibe of Charleston, this is a perfect spot for visitors to get a taste of the city."
"Established in 2002 by mother-daughter team, Karen Elsey, and Laura Leppert, Laura Alberts Tasteful Options is a restaurant, wine, beer and gift shop. A short drive from downtown Charleston, LA features two quaint dining rooms, bar, private cellar and relaxing courtyard. Laura Alberts brings fresh, local Southern cuisine to Charleston with a homegrown menu inspired by Laura and named in honor of her and late husband, Albert."
"Experience our innovative Low Country menu paired with wine or craft beer while dining in the cafe or herb-studded courtyard."