Charleston

Steeped in history and Southern hospitality, Charleston is a city that looks like it’s been suspended in time, but a few hours into your stay you’ll realise it’s very much in the present. Defined by its pastel antebellum houses, cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, Charleston was founded in 1670, and originally served as a strategically placed port serving the region’s plantations before quickly becoming the commercial and cultural heart of South Carolina. Shots rang out in the coastal city in 1861 heralding the start of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter, and in 1886 the city was decimated by a catastrophic earthquake.

Fast forward to the present and Charleston has not only been carefully restored to its former glory but is also considered one of the finest towns in the United States. From the idyllic antebellum waterfront to the historical plantations that surround the city proper, take in the incredible views of the Battery and the French Quarter as you stroll the Waterfront Park, stand on the site of the first shot in the Civil War, visit one of the many grand historic homes, or soak up some history in either the Charleston or the Confederate Museum. Filled with moss-covered ancient oaks, blossoming gardens and miles of breathtaking Atlantic shores, there’s something for everyone to explore – including fine food throughout the city to whet every appetite. Indulge in world-class barbecue, seafood and regional Southern Lowcountry classics – developed from the ancestral Gullah Geechee culture – and European-inspired fine dining. Charleston has a notable place on the culinary map and visitors will most definitely delight in the city’s offerings.