Charleston, South Carolina, is a charming and historic city that offers a wealth of activities for visitors. From strolling along the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic district to exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding Lowcountry, there’s no shortage of things to do in this charming southern city. This blog post will explore four ‘Must-See’ to do in Charleston, SC.
Fort Sumter is a must-see destination for history buffs visiting Charleston. Fort Sumter National Monument is located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, and commemorates the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861. The monument has three sites: Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. The United States government commissioned the construction of a fort on an artificial island in Charleston Harbor to protect the city from naval attacks. Construction of the fort began in 1829 and took nearly twenty years to complete. It was named after General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolution who had died earlier that year. In 1860, South Carolina seceded from the United States, and tensions between the North and South reached a boiling point. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired on the fort, marking the beginning of the Civil War. The fort was under siege for 34 hours before surrendering to Confederate forces. After the Civil War, Fort Sumter was repaired and continued to serve as a military post until the late 1800s. It was designated a national monument in 1948 and is now managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the fort, which has been preserved as a museum. Exhibits at the fort include artifacts from the Civil War era and information about the fort’s construction and history.
- Explore the Charleston City Market
The Charleston City Market is a vibrant and bustling marketplace in downtown Charleston’s heart. The market dates back to the late 1700s, a simple open-air market where farmers and fishermen sold their goods. Over time, the market grew and became a bustling hub of commerce and trade in Charleston. In the early 1800s, the market was moved to a new location at the corner of Market Street and Meeting Street and became known as the City Market. The market was enclosed in a building with open-air sheds, providing shelter for vendors and shoppers.
Over the years, the market has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a second story. By the late 1800s, the market had become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it was designated a city landmark in 1930.
In the 1970s, the market underwent a major renovation, with many of the sheds and buildings being restored to their original state. Today, the Charleston City Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, with over 300 vendors selling a wide variety of goods, including handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local foods. The market is also home to Gullah Geechee artisans who sell traditional crafts and tell the stories of their ancestors who were brought to Charleston as slaves.
- Take a Boat Tour of the Charleston Harbor
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Charleston is from the water. A boat tour of Charleston Harbor is an excellent way to see the city’s skyline, historic homes, and natural surroundings.
Charleston Harbor is a natural harbor located in Charleston, South Carolina, and is one of the most historic and significant harbors in the United States. The harbor has played a vital role in the history of the city and the nation, serving as a strategic port for commerce, trade, and military operations for centuries.
The history of Charleston Harbor dates back to the 1600s when the first European settlers arrived in the area. The harbor quickly became a hub for trade and commerce, with ships from around the world docking in Charleston to trade goods such as cotton, rice, and tobacco.
During the American Revolution, Charleston Harbor was the site of several key battles, including the Battle of Fort Moultrie in 1776, which saw the British navy defeated by American forces. The harbor continued to play a crucial role in American military operations during the Civil War, serving as a key point of entry for Confederate ships.
In 1861, the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, a military fort located in the harbor. The fort fell to Confederate forces after a 34-hour siege, marking the beginning of the war. The Union navy would later blockade the harbor, cutting off supplies to Confederate forces and playing a significant role in the outcome of the war.
Over the years, Charleston Harbor has continued to play an important role in the city’s economic and cultural development. Today, the harbor is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a wide range of activities and attractions, including fishing, boating, and sightseeing.
Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including sunset tours, dolphin watching tours, and history tours. Some tour operators even offer private charters for a more personalized experience.
- America’s Largest Interactive Dinner Show – The Dinner Detective
The Dinner Detective is a unique interactive murder mystery dinner show that occurs most Saturday nights at the Cambria Charleston Riverview. The show’s concept is simple: guests enjoy a four-course meal while attempting to solve a murder mystery that unfolds around them in real-time.
Unlike traditional murder mystery shows where actors perform on stage, The Dinner Detective is an immersive experience with hidden actors among the guests, making it more challenging to identify the “suspects” and solve the crime. Guests are encouraged to interact with the actors, ask questions, and gather clues throughout the evening.
The shows are designed to be entertaining for ages 12+ due to mild adult language and innuendo and are suitable for individuals, couples, and groups.
The Dinner Detective experience begins with a cocktail reception, during which guests can mingle with the actors and get to know their characters. Once the show begins, guests are seated at tables and served a four-course meal while the murder mystery unfolds around them. The show typically lasts around two and a half hours, and guests are encouraged to solve the crime by the night’s end.
The Dinner Detective has become a popular entertainment option for those seeking a unique and engaging night out. With its interactive format, high-quality production values, and engaging storylines, The Dinner Detective offers a unique experience that will leave guests with lasting memories.
Charleston, SC, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, shopping for local crafts, or experiencing the beauty of the Lowcountry, there’s something for everyone in this charming southern city. Get more ideas on what to do on the Charleston Travel Guide today!