Charleston, USA - West Virginia

A city continually placed among the most romantic in the US, Charleston is an astoundingly beautiful formula of mansions, waterline attractions and booming downtown devoid of the hectic energy all too commonly found in popular cities around the world. Situated in the state of South Carolina, Charleston is shielded from any onslaught of travelers simply because its sites are not quite nationally, or even internationally admired; you'll find more honeymooners filling the city's restaurants and piers than you will traditional vacationers, making it the perfect destination for those looking to get away without leaving behind the civilized world. Charleston is highlighted by great hotels, even better views, and a history that never stops telling stories. Depictions of its 300-year past are evident just about everywhere you roam in the city. Whether you're in the middle of downtown or riding a ferry up the river, you'll see the influences of plantation life in preservation projects and new creations alike. Even riding a city bus will feel like old-time Carolina with their facades made to resemble the trolleys of decades ago. Visit Charleston for a chance to kick back and enjoy your own special memories in this city of the south.

When to go

Charleston (let alone South Carolina) never sees temperatures dip below 40F, so you're safe from any bombardment of frozen storms even if winter is the only time you can make it here. Most of the year the city seems steady temperatures in a range between 70F and 80F, and while summer can bring fairly long heat waves to the city, Charleston's waterway air currents make those especially warm days a walk in the park. Rain is not as common here as in the north, but the city nevertheless sees a good share of it throughout the year. Events in the city most-often take place in the months of March to June and September to October, but the city's cultural centers never close, so you'll always find something to attend or do during your stay.

Getting there and around

Connecting the city to the all areas of the nation and a few international locations as well is Charleston International Airport. Servicing mostly domestic carriers, the terminal does in fact make way for foreign carriers from major cities in Europe and Africa. Flights from Asia and elsewhere will have to stop over at one of the US's coastal flight centers before arriving in Charleston, however the flight schedule and the number of connections is always on the rise so stay on the lookout for updates from the airport's website! The CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority) runs all of the city's buses, including its downtown-specific system known as the DART. It's always a good idea to opt for a bus over a taxi, though taxis are preferable for late-night travel. Waterway ferries are utilized more than one might suspect, and nothing beats an arrival at the famous Middleton Place by boat.

Attractions

Charleston's Battery is more of a district than a single site, but it is a highly-visited area regardless. The Battery is comprised almost entirely of grand mansions that beg for a photo or two, and nothing beats the views of the harbor and the historic Fort Sumter, except for those at Middleton Place. Middleton Place is a vast waterside residence-turned-museum that features meticulously manicured lawns, a good number of gardens and freely-grazing wildlife. The mansion was restored after a portion was destroyed during the Civil War, but inside all flaws will be forgotten when you come upon the great collection of furniture, paintings, and a number of national treasures that sit inside. On the grounds are also a restaurant and an inn that provides real accommodations - at a price, of course.