Historical Points of Interests
Fort Sumter Where the Civil War began.
Fort Moultrie Important to many historical battles; see how coastal defense has evolved.
The USS Yorktown The "Fighting Lady" historical battle cruiser.

Plantations, Homes and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation Founded in 1676 and noted by Charles Kuralt as his "...greatest Charleston pleasure."
Middleton Place This 18th century plantation has survived revolution, civil war and earthquake. A historical landmark.
Nathaniel Russell House Widely recognized as one of America's most important neoclassical dwellings.
The Aiken-Rhett House Stands alone as the most intact townhouse complex showcasing urban life in Antebellum Charleston.
Boone Hall Plantation A former cotton plantation that is still commercially productive.
Drayton Hall Completed in 1742, it is the oldest preserved plantation house in America that is open to the public.

Museums
The Charleston Museum America's first museum, founded in 1773.
The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Established to collect, preserve, and make public the unique historical and cultural heritage of African American in South Carolina.
The Citadel Museum A history of the Citadel from 1842 to the present.
Gibbes Museum of Art Focusing on American art with a Charleston perspective.
Karpeles Manuscript Museum The world's largest private holding of important original manuscripts and documents.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum One of the largest museums of its kind in he world.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon One of the three most historically significant colonial buildings in the US.

Walking Tours
Something for everyone- ghosts, history, patriots, pirates, slavery and freedom.

Educational Fun
South Carolina Aquarium Fun for the entire family. Learn about local marine life.

Fun on the Water
Spiritline Cruises Great for a romantic dinner cruise, a private charter, or just to tour the Harbor.
The Schooner Pride Learn how to sail a tall ship.
Charleston County Parks and Recreation The official website of the Charleston County Parks.

Charleston Events

January | February | March

January

Holiday Festival of Lights
November 10, 2011- January 1, 2012
More than a million twinkling lights adorn the three miles of interactive holiday scenes on display throughout James Island County Park. Guests may drive themselves or hop aboard a 54-passenger train that stops at Santa’s Village, where Christmas cookies, a carousel and photo opportunities are available. ccprc.com

29th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival
January 29, 2012
Two tractor trailers full of the salty mollusks are hauled onto the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation, and the fragrant fog of oysters steamed in wet burlap hangs above the shuck ‘em-and-slurp ‘em crowd.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

February

30th Annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
February 17 - 19, 2012
The call of the wild rings loud and true every year when the nation’s largest wildlife art and nature event blows into town with 35,000+ attendees. From Jack Hanna’s Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show and birds of prey flight demonstrations to a black tie gala and art auction, this expo offers something for everyone. Sewe.com

March

Charleston Wine + Food
March 1 - 4, 2012
Praised by Forbes Traveler as one of the top five food and wine festivals in the U.S., this three-day extravaganza celebrates the Charleston area’s nationally recognized culinary scene with its award-winning chefs, noted cookbook authors, artisanal product purveyors and distinctively local events, like a gospel brunch and locavore luncheon.Charlestonwineandfood.com

Historic Charleston Foundation’s 65th Festival of Houses and Gardens
March 22 - April 21, 2012
Visitors and locals alike are invited to take a peak behind garden gates and piazza doors during this venerable annual tour of 150 privately owned homes sponsored by Historic Charleston Foundation. Historiccharleston.org

Cooper River Bridge Run
March 31, 2011
One of the nation's most popular foot races, this 10K charges across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, one of the world's longest cable stay bridges. Bridgerun.com.

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