The city of Charleston embodies the historical essence of South Carolina, with a cultural blend between West-African and traditional Southern-American and French elements. Charleston is known as the "Holy City" because of the distinctiveness of the church steeples that are sprinkled across the cityscape. These historical buildings are complimented with the grand oaks and Spanish moss that line the quaint streets and make this city so charming and attractive to the eye.

Charleston is located just south of the midpoint of the South Carolina Coast and experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The city is a major tourist destination all year round, with so many things to do and see making it a holiday paradise! With multiple locations for you to pick up your rental car, it is easy for you to start your adventure of Charleston as soon as you arrive!

When visiting this amazing city, be sure to see, experience and take part in the following adventures:

1. The Churches

The churches of Charleston truly are the man-made focal point of the city. With many dating back to the 17th century, it is easy to immerse yourself in the breathtaking splendour of these magnificent buildings.

Taking a peaceful drive down Broad Street will bring you to one of the most famous of the churches', St Michael's Episcopal Church. This is one of the oldest buildings in town and is most noticeable for its stunning stained glass windows and its sky-reaching bell tower. These bells have been sounding every hour, on the hour since 1764! Exploration of St Michael's and the other churches in the area allows you to discover the architectural and religious history of this charismatic city!

2. Spoleto Festival USA

Each year, for 17 days in spring, the city of Charleston comes to life in the form of the Spoleto Festival. This event is host to opera, dance, music theatre, theatre, and jazz and music celebrations and holds the status as one of the world's major art festivals. The venues for the event are spread across the city, with easy parking available at each location. This is your chance to experience a world of culture and art, where you will be simply blown away by the abundance of talent and unique performances that are on offer!

3. The Parks

Although the city of Charleston is architecturally blessed, you can't go past the natural parks and grounds that dot the city with colour and brightness. Driving in and around the city will take you past stunning gardens and memorial sites, each boasting vast stretches of greenery and native flora.

Be sure to stop at the Colonial Lake Park, where you can enjoy undisturbed views of the lake or take part in the recreational activities on offer such as kayaking, canoeing and cycling. The Waterfront Park and Marion Square Park are also stunning areas to visit, as they allow you to further soak up the historical ambience of the city in the monumental structures that are present in these natural playgrounds.

4. The South Carolina Aquarium

The state's most well-known aquarium is located on the banks of the Charleston Harbour. This positioning allows visitors to experience the panoramic views of this spectacular harbour, while at the same time, discovering the unique exhibitions that are on display. Browse the displays that depict South Carolina's major regions, including the Mountain Forest, Piedmont, Coastal Plain and Atlantic Coast demonstrations. The interactive displays of the marine animals are also sure to please the kids, with interesting presentations of birds, reptiles and salt and fresh-water fish. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!

5. The Historic Sites

As you may have already gathered, the history and culture of Charleston is one of the major drawing cards of the area. If you wish to explore this aspect even further, jump in your car and venture to the outskirts and outer regions of Charleston and you will come across monumental sites and scenes that capture the very essence of Charleston's past.

The Magnolia Plantation is the residence of gardens that date back to the 1680's and a homestead that had been standing since 1873, which is furnished with classic period pieces. Of course, this is just one of the many traditional dwellings that rest in this area, yet this particular site depicts the essential spirit of this charming town.

Charleston offers a pleasant change from the modernity and cosmopolitan of so many American cities today. This is essentially what makes it such a popular tourist destination and it what promises to keep you coming back for more!

Christine Barton