Charleston's active cultural scene includes
symphonies, ballet and the visual arts. Ongoing programming, plus a variety
of festivals, expos and attractions, help make a vacation on Kiawah uniquely
diverse and appealing to visitors of all ages and interests.
Spoleto Festival & Piccolo
Spoleto
When Spoleto Festival USA was launched as a counterpart to its famous
Italian namesake, Charleston was chosen as the host for this prestigious
event. Every year, from late May through mid-June, more than 125 performances
in music, dance and theatre transform the city into a cultural mecca.
Piccolo Spoleto highlights local and regional artists ranging from avant-garde
to classical.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Each February, thousands of wildlife enthusiasts converge upon Charleston
for the largest, most-comprehensive wildlife art expo of its kind. Exhibits
are staged throughout the city, showcasing over $20 million in wildlife
art.
Historic
Carriage Tours
Charleston, SC
(843) 723-8145
What the cable car is to San Francisco, the carriage is to Charleston.
You'll ride by block after block of buildings that were here during the
Civil War, as informative and entertaining guides tell the story of Charleston.
Carriage tours operate seven days a week, and parking is free. This is
a great way to start your day in America's most historic city. Tours leave
from 40 N. Market Street.
Bulldog
Tours
(843) 722-8687
With exclusive access to many of Charleston's most famous and haunted
sites, Bulldog Tours entertain, intrigue, delight and frighten those who
choose to stroll into Charleston's dark and ghostly past. Explore the
Old City Jail, a pre-revolutionary dungeon, the city's oldest graveyard
and more.
Aiken-Rhett
House Tours
(843) 723-1623
The Aiken-Rhett House is a nearly pristine example of an antebellum urban
plantation. Built by a wealthy merchant in 1818 and later expanded by
Governor and Mrs. William Aiken in the 1830s, the lavish estate has remained
largely unchanged since its heyday. Tours provide glimpses of the classical
art and sculpture that adorn its interior, as well as its servants' quarters,
kitchens and numerous outbuildings.
Drayton
Hall
(843) 769-2600
After seven generations, two great wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes,
Drayton Hall is the only plantation house on the Ashley River to have
survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars intact. Completed in 1742, the
main house on this National Trust Historic Site is in nearly original
condition. Professionally guided tours give a rare glimpse back in time.
Irvin
House Vineyards
(843) 559-6867
Charleston's only domestic vineyard and winery features five varieties
of muscadine wine. Tour the grounds, enjoy a wine tasting or bring your
own picnic for a relaxing afternoon.
Middleton
Place
(843) 556-6020 or (800) 782-3608
Visitors experience life much as it was in 1741, when these magnificent
landscaped gardens (America's oldest) were laid. Based on European style,
the gardens include lush, grassy ramps, ornamental canals, camellias,
azaleas and live ancient oaks. The Plantation stable yards feature costumed
craftspeople demonstrating skills performed by slaves in the 18th century.
A guided tour of the house interprets the Middleton family's role in American
history.
Charleston Museum
(803) 722-2996
America's oldest museum, the Charleston Museum is a must-see for history
buffs. Founded in 1773, the museum offers thoroughly modern, state-of-the-art
interactive exhibits detailing the city's colorful history. Highlights
include a full-size replica of a confederate submarine and a hands-on
children's room. The museum also offers guided walking tours of the city's
historic districts.
Dock Street Theater & Charleston Stage
(843) 577-7183
The historic Dock Street Theater was built on the site of the country's
very first large-scale performance venue. Today, the theater stages performances
by many community groups and professional repertory companies. The theater
is home to the Charleston Stage theater company, which produces a full
calendar of musicals, dramas and revues.
North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center
(843) 529-5000
The North Charleston Coliseum's stage has been graced by the likes of
Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Elton John and Jimmy Buffet. The 13,000-seat
venue also stages a variety of sporting events and exhibitions, including
hockey matches starring the Charleston Stingrays. The adjoining Performing
Arts Center features classical performances and Broadway shows.
South
Carolina Aquarium & Aquarium Wharf
(843) 720-1990
At a whopping 93,000 square feet, the South Carolina Aquarium is home
to 6,000-plus animals. The Camp Carolina Exhibit includes an American Bald
Eagle, skunks, a pair of mated barn owls, and a hellbender (a large salamander)
native to North America. One of their most impressive exhibits is the
two-story Great Ocean Tank which holds 385,000 gallons of salt water and
contains hundreds of animals found in deep water reefs.
Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens
(843) 723-1623
Get a rare glimpse into the interiors and gardens of more than 150 of
Charleston's private residences, dating from the American colonial period,
through the antebellum and Victorian years of architecture, to the early
20th century. Sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation, the festival
takes place annually in March and April.
Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes & Gardens
(800) 968-8175
Choose from a series of evening tours of treasured historic homes' interiors.
These are self-paced, self-guided walking tours with volunteer guides
stationed in each house or garden. On average, eight to ten sites are
included in each tour, which vary in architectural styles and periods.
All tours are in historic districts. Well-supervised children over the
age of eight are welcome. Strollers or children carried by parents are
not allowed inside historic homes. Tours are sponsored by the Preservation
Society and run annually in September and October.
Sandlapper
Tours
849-TOUR (8687)
Sandlapper Tours lets you experience Charleston by boat. The licensed
Sandlapper tour guides offer Charleston's only narrated history water
tour, nature tours departing from downtown, daily sunset cruises and charters.
Fort
Moultrie
Part of the Fort Sumter National Monument.
The interior has been restored to tell the story of our seacoast defense.
Located on Sullivan's Island.
Fort
Sumter
The site where the Civil War began, this fort
was built on a man-made island near the mouth of the harbor. Construction
began in 1829 but was not completed until 1860. Tour departs from the
City Marina on Lockwood Avenue.
Calhoun
Mansion
Located at 16 Meeting Street, George Walton
Williams built this Victorian Baronial Manor house following the Civil
War, circe 1876.
Edmondston-Alston
House
Built by wealthy merchant Charles Edmondston
circa 1825 then sold to Col. Charles Alston in 1838. A witness to many
dramatic events in Charleston's history, the Edmondston-Alston House is
a classic example of the city's changing and sophisticated taste in architecture
and decorative arts. Located at 21 East Battery. Tickets are $10 per visitor.
Joseph
Manigault House
This centuries-old home at 350 Meeting Street
was designed by architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother, a wealthy
rice planter, circa 1803.
Nathaniel
Russell House
Nathaniel Russell, son of the Chief Justice
of Rhode Island, built this neoclassical home at 51 Meeting Street, circa
1808.
Charles Town Landing
Located on Highway 171, this was the site of
the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. Explore the
forest, a settlement and boat landing.
The
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
History comes to life at this historic building
from circa 1771. Featuring over 300 years of pirates, patriots, presidents
and preservation, it stands at 122 East Bay Street at Broad Street.
Gibbes
Museum of Art
One of the finest collections of American art
in the Southeastern United States includes paintings prints and drawings
from the 18th century to the present. Located at 135 Meeting Street in
downtown Charleston.
Patriots
Point Maritime Museum
Home of the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the
submarine Clamagore, the destroyer Laffey and the Coast Guard cutter Ingham.
Located on Patriots Road Mt. Pleasant.
Angel
Oak Tree
This amazing tree is considered the oldest
living thing east of the Mississippi. It's believed to be over 1400 years
old. Access off of Bohicket Road and Maybank Highway near their intersection.
Boone
Hall Plantation
Established circa 1743, this 738-acre estate
features an avenue of oaks planted in 1743 by Captain Thomas Boone. Located
on US Highway 17.
Cypress Gardens
The 3,000-acre estate, located off Highway
52, features flower gardens, a swamp garden and more. Rent flat bottom
boats to explore the cypress swamp.
Magnolia
Plantation & Gardens
This 17th-century estate was acquired in 1676
by the Drayton family. It features the year-round bloom of America's oldest
gardens, guided tours including the pre-Revolutionary War Plantation House,
and "Nature Train" rides through the plantation and wildlife refuge outskirts.
Located on Highway 61 at 3550 Ashley River Road.
Audubon Swamp Gardens
While at Magnolia Plantation visit this 60-acre
blackwater cypress swamp. Enjoy bird watching, alligators and other water-loving
wildlife. Located on Highway 61 at 3550 Ashley River Road.
Beachwalker County Park
Beachwalker Park, located on Kiawah Island,
offers a wide, sandy-front beach with a 450-foot designated swimming area.
Lifeguards are on duty seasonally. There are dressing areas, outdoor showers,
restrooms, a picnic area with grill and a seasonal snack bar. Note that
motor vehicle admission is $5, and the park is closed November through
February.
James Island County Park
Beat the heat at Splash Zone Water Park* or
reach new heights on an incredible Climbing Wall*. Bicycles, pedal boats
and kayaks are available to rent for $3.25 to $4.00 per hour. Park admission
is $1.00.
The 50-ft Climbing Wall features
over 4,500 square feet of climbing space and accommodates 12-16 climbers
at once. Price is $10 per person.
The Bouldering Wall is a new,
10-foot tall structure that offers 1000 square feet of space to work on
technique and increase skills. Equipment rentals and belay classes available.
* Additional admission fee charged.
Splash
Zone
A wonderfully wet way to cool off, Splash Zone
is located inside the James Island County Park. Play all day on the 200-foot
open slide, a 500-foot lazy river, and a Caribbean play structure with
slides, wheels and sprays. Recreational lifeguards are on duty, and concessions
are available. Restrooms, showers, lockers and changing facilities are
provided.
Proper swimming attire is required, and little
ones ages 2 and under must wear swim pants. No outside food or beverages
are permitted in water park area.
Admission Rates:
Adults: $9.99
Children less than 42": $6.99
Children 2 and under: Free
Seniors 60 and over: $3.99
Admission after 3pm, Monday - Friday: $4.99
* In addition to $1 admission to James
Island County Park
Hours of Operation: 10am -
6pm
Open weekends April 30 - May 22
Open daily May 26 - August 21
Open weekends August 22 - Labor Day
Charleston Tea Plantation
(843) 559-8383
Tour America's only working tea farm, on picturesque Wadmalaw Island.
Learn about the growing and manufacturing process in an informative factory
tour, and take a narrated bus tour through the fields. The Gift Shoppe
is the perfect place to purchase American Classic Tea, tea pots and other
related items.
Historic
Carriage Tours
Bulldog
Tours
Aiken-Rhett
House Tours
Drayton
Hall
Irvin
House Vineyards
Middleton
Place
South
Carolina Aquarium & Aquarium Wharf
Sandlapper
Tours
Fort
Moultrie
Fort
Sumter
Calhoun
Mansion
Edmondston-Alston
House
Joseph
Manigault House
Nathaniel
Russell House
The
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Gibbes
Museum of Art
Patriots
Point Maritime Museum
Angel
Oak Tree
Boone
Hall Plantation
Magnolia
Plantation & Gardens
Splash
Zone
