The pretty campus of College of Charleston is in the heart of the city's historic district Before the 2015 season springs open here on Nantucket, this Nantucket Insider made a quick getaway to the charming southern city of Charleston, South Carolina. Bridgette Hynes, Director of Business Development for Nantucket Island Resorts found that there is a lot of 'Nantucket appeal' to this small, coastal city -and the travel from Nantucket is a breeze!
Waterfront Park has walkways making it ideal for strolling along Cooper River Travel to Charleston is pretty easy, JetBlue offers direct service from Boston and the flight time is a little over two hours; this was especially great since my husband and I were taking our two year old son with us!
The trip to Charleston is a short enough flight to keep a toddler easily entertained We stayed at Charleston Place, a hotel right on King Street, Charleston's main shopping and dining neighborhood. Like Nantucket, many attractions and activities are walk-able from the city's hotels and inns, so unless you are planning to explore farther there is no need to rent a car.
Great shops line King Street, from antiques to clothing- and lots of shoes! Also just like our little gray island, Charleston has a wealth of history and beautifully preserved historic homes to enjoy as you stroll through town. We took a horse and carriage ride to tour some of the pretty side streets and learn a little more about the city's background and folklore. The colonial era homes and buildings are beautiful - though certainly a little more varied in color than what we are used to on Nantucket!
A lovely colonial era home on Philadelphia Alley; the alley way is reportedly haunted- according to our tour guide!
"Rainbow Row" houses along East Bay Street Lovely window boxes, palmetto trees, and romantic Spanish moss enhance the historic district's quintessentially southern feel.
Nice eye candy if you're missing your Nantucket window boxes in March! A visit to the nearby South Carolina Aquarium was a must with a toddler in tow- and only a twenty minute walk from our hotel, along some lovely side streets . It was just the right size place for small kids to run around and explore the sea life and other species native to the Carolinas; like river otters, snakes, and birds.
South Carolina Aquarium The dining scene is fantastic, with great restaurants and cafes along all of the main streets in the historic district. Husk is a favorite, along with McCrady's, and there are some nice 'kid-friendly' options too with something for everyone, like Minero on East Bay Street.
A great place to play in the sun! The early spring in Charleston is a perfect time for a little getaway to take in some warmer weather- before the summer heat sets in on this southern city. Charleston is a welcoming place and has rich history too - so even in the south a "Nantucketer" can still feel at home!