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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Charleston
Charleston
Charleston is one of the loveliest cities in the country,
despite having weathered great fires, earthquakes, epidemics, civil
war and a devastating hurricane. It is consistently classed among
the most elegant and dignified cities nationwide. Situated on the
peninsula at the confluence of the Cooper and Ashley Rivers on
South Carolina's Atlantic coast, the colonial port of Charleston is
the oldest city in the state, filled with brick and cobblestone
streets, and a large downtown district boasting thousands of
carefully preserved and restored buildings that house old-fashioned
inns, antique shops and pubs. The streets are lined with tall,
narrow houses festooned with wrought iron balconies and wooden
shutters, ornate iron gates enclosing pretty gardens and shaded
porches - the timeless features of southern architecture. Many of
its double-storey houses are authentically furnished museums that
once belonged to wealthy colonial merchants, while many are still
the beautiful private homes of wealthy residents.
The city started as an important seaport serving the rice and
cotton plantations throughout the region, and it was a major
slave-trading centre with a third of America's slaves being bought
and sold at the riverfront market. The Gullah culture of the
islands (people of West African ancestry speaking a language based
on English with elements from several African dialects) have a
tangible presence here, especially at the Old City Market that
vibrates with the humming of traditional spirituals, as basket
ladies sell their hand-woven grass wares among the local vendors
and iron makers, and the distinctive sound of the Gullah dialect
fills the air.
Information & Facts
Climate
Charleston has a subtropical, humid climate. Spring is a lovely
time of year, conditions warming up rapidly between March and May,
spring flowers blooming profusely. Summer is hot and humid, the
area's coastal situation helping to keep things cooler than inland.
It is also the wettest season with almost half the annual rainfall
occurring during summer, falling as showers or in thunderstorms.
Fall remains warm right until November when cold spells start
making an appearance. Fall is also hurricane season. Winter is
short and mild, settling in by December and easing up by February,
sometimes rainy and with occasional snow flurries in early
January.
Getting Around
Charleston is fairly compact and it is easy to explore many
attractions on foot or on a rented bicycle. To visit plantations
and other attractions outside the city, however, a car is the best
option. In the city a bus service covers most areas, running from
5.35am until 10pm for a fare of $1.25. CARTA (Charleston Area
Regional Transportation Authority) buses cover the central downtown
area at a single fare of $1.50, or a day pass for $4. A novel and
fun way to see the city is also to ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Taxis are available but must be called for.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.