Charleston's Rainbow Row and Historic District
I first visited Charleston when I was 12, and while I fondly remember good food and the towering oak trees, I didn’t fully understand the history of the place. Years later, I revisited Charleston and came to learn that not only is it a pivotal city in the history of America (the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter), but also has a deep history and culture of its own. From the charming downtown to the islands nearby, Charleston is the perfect getaway to soak up some local culture.
Start with a guided tour
There is a tour for everyone in Charleston, from guided walks of the historic district to horse-drawn carriages, spooky ghost tours, food tours and harbor cruises. I took a 90-minute walking tour of the historic district with Bulldog Tours, led by our knowledgeable guide, Lisa. As we made our way through the cobblestone streets and hidden alleyways, down Rainbow Row (the colorful historic merchant houses), past the Exchange building, I learned a ton about Charleston’s history and Southern charm.
They also offer a ghost tour of Charleston’s most haunted graveyards and a visit to the ‘dungeon’ at the old Exchange building, where the British held prisoners during the Revolutionary War.
Other options to learn more about the city include a harbor cruise with Charleston Harbor tours, where you’ll learn about 300+ years of history, and even see Fort Sumpter, the military fort where the Civil War started in 1861. Learn about Gullah culture with Gullah tours, which offers daily van tours centered on the descendants of slaves that created their own Creole language and history.
Explore Charleston’s museums
Charleston itself is a time capsule. There are several ‘house museums,’ including the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russel House, where visitors can experience the historic homes of wealthy families from the 1800’s.
The International African American Museum takes you through the history of African Americans and their legacy, as well as the slave populations so central to Charleston’s history. The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 as ‘America’s First Museum’ and showcases a broad selection of artifacts and stories from the South Carolina Low Country.
Savor Charleston’s restaurant scene
Leon’s, one of the best Charleston restaurants, is a local hotspot in an old auto-body shop, serving the finest oysters and fried chicken.
S.N.O.B (Slightly North of Broad) is an eclectic Low-Country bistro in historic downtown Charleston.
82 Queen is in the French Quarter and highlights the best of Low Country cuisine. They also have several private rooms perfect for groups.
For some casual dining with views of the Harbor, check out Fleet Landing.
Where to stay in Charleston
Image courtesy of The Dewberry
The Dewberry Hotel is a luxurious tribute to the mid-century modern aesthetic, with beautiful, light-filled rooms in the heart of Charleston. They also have one of Charleston’s busiest rooftop bars, the Citrus Club, with 360-degree views and fantastic craft cocktails.
Fora Reserve perks include $100 hotel credit, $45 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Bennet is a passion project of a local Charleston family who spent 20 years building a modern hotel that harkens back to the grand hotels of the 19th century, complete with a pink ‘ladies lounge’ and luxurious rooftop bar, Fiat Luxe.
Fora Perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Charleston Place is perfectly situated in the historic district, with plenty of restaurants, shopping and Charleston charm nearby. The style is more traditional, but coupled with great service and modern amenities like the spa, gym and club lounge, it’s a favorite among guests.
Fora Perks include $100 food / beverage credit, $45 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Explore the surrounding islands and learn about the area's complex history
Image courtesy of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
After a few days in bustling Charleston, relax along the coast. John’s Island and Kiawah Island offer world-class beach access, golf, restaurants and natural beauty and are just a 40-minute drive from downtown.
Just 30 minutes outside of Charleston are several historic plantations, including Middleton Place. Set on 6,500 acres, Middleton Place offers tours through its spectacular gardens, as well as insight into the property's complicated history of slavery.
Where to stay:
The Dunlin is a new Auberge resort, on the Kiawah River, and is the perfect place to unwind with its stunning Low Country aesthetic and cuisine.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an exclusive waterfront hotel on Kiawah Island with access to golf and the many of the 10-mile-long island’s amenities. On your way, stop at the Angel Oak, a stunning 400-year old live oak tree that is one of the oldest trees east of the Mississippi.
Fora Perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
