Things to do in Charleston
 

Looks like we'll be spending about a week in Charleston over the Xmas break. What to do? We'll probably be staying in a condo on the Isle of Palms so walks on the beach are a definite. I'm trying to book a 2 hr sail on a 49' sailboat. Also may look for an afternoon of kayaking. Any other suggestions. Looks like there may be some good walking tours in town. There are some historical naval vessels there also that may be on the agenda. What do other people think?

Don't they have the Hunley there? I'd love to go see that. I love walking around Charleston. My dad went to the Citadel and so we used to go there for his home comings a lot.

Charleston is a fantastic city. While you're there, you should definitely spend a good bit of time around downtown. Walk along the battery, down King street, past rainbow row, check out the ironwork the city is famous for-probably be worth it to take a walking tour. One of the historic naval vessels you might be referring to is the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in world history. The Hunley is located on the old Charleston navy base. I lived on the navy base for about a year when I did an Americorps program after I graduated from college. You'll have a great time, it's one of my favorite cities.

The hunley is a well worthwhile thing to see. The whole area is wonderfully historic so just driving around til you see a place you 'd like to eat works pretty well. Lots of antique shops too.

Two words:

Patriot's Point...

Yup, I checked it out a couple of years ago when I was there over a weekend. It's an interesting way to spend a couple of hours if you're interested in naval history.

Go see the Charleston city marina- and the Megadock if you want to see some giant yachts. Call them in advance- they may have kayak rentals or sailboat charters.

Been talking to these people about sailing:

http://www.charlestonsailingcharters.com/charleston-sailing-charter-tours-about.htm

Late December in coastal SC is likely to be less balmy than most people think! 30F's and 40F's may be the averages; with a 30+ mph wind on a wide flat beach will make every sand dollar you find something to remember!

If you've got a day and a car a drive down the coast on US 17 towards Beaufort is worth it, you can go to MCRD Parris Island. Knowing your appreciation of organized religion you could make a short detour to detour to Yamassee and the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church, burned not once but twice, first by the British in 1779 and then a second time in 1865 by Sherman. Going there at night with a full moon, with the hanging Spanish moss is quite an experience!

The whole Sea Islands area of the coast is a very nice place, good local seafood joints (shrimp, clams, oysters, crabs!), boiled peanuts, indigenous basket artistry, and very interesting Gullah culture. Off the beaten path particularly, I have always found that SC is one of the most welcoming and friendly places and people.

If you get the time Savannah is a great city, the old city and the waterfront are period, if you’re a fan of “the Garden of Good and Evil” that part of the city is great, Fort Pulaski is a great example of a Civil War masonry fort.

You may wish to brush up on your Pat Conroy novels before you go too. The Prince of Tides has my vote.

look for an old Mercedes?

It was 17 degrees below zero here two days ago so those temperatures sound downright balmy.

Kerry,

I don't know if it's your thing, but the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum is located on the USS Yorktown, a WWII carrier located at Patriot's Point.

http://www.patriotspoint.org/exhibits/medal_honor/

Fort Moltrie is interesting.
I viited Magnolia Plantation. Quite nice in May. Touring the grounds you can see why the Charleston area is referred to as "low country":rolleyes:
http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/index.html

The Battery is quite nice.
http://www.celebratecharleston.com/

Enjoy your trip.:)