Founded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina is one of the oldest and most storied cities in the United States. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, it began as Charles Town—named in honor of King Charles II of England—and quickly grew into a bustling colonial seaport and hub of Southern culture.
The city’s cobblestone streets, many of which still remain today, were originally laid with stones used as ballast in ships arriving from Europe. These weather-worn paths wind through the historic district, offering a tactile reminder of Charleston’s colonial and maritime roots.
Charleston is also home to the College of Charleston, founded in 1770, making it the oldest municipal college in the country and the 13th oldest in the United States. Its campus blends classic architecture and leafy greenspaces, sitting just blocks from the harbor.
Known as the “Holy City,” Charleston’s skyline is famously low and dotted with church steeples rather than skyscrapers. From St. Michael’s to the French Huguenot Church, the city boasts a historic church on nearly every corner—testaments to its deep religious roots and architectural diversity.
Today, Charleston has evolved into a boutique destination, seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern elegance. Its boutique shops offer everything from handmade goods to designer finds, tucked into 18th-century buildings that line the historic King Street and surrounding alleys.
Charleston’s culinary scene is another defining feature. Long known for its Lowcountry cuisine—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and oyster roasts—the city now boasts world-class restaurants and award-winning chefs, making it a food-lover’s paradise.
Whether wandering the moss-draped streets, admiring antebellum mansions, or sipping a craft cocktail on a hidden courtyard patio, Charleston captures the essence of Southern sophistication and historic preservation.
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