Springtime in Charleston. The mere thought evokes visions of preserved architectural treasures sprinkled along cobblestone lanes, framed by white and pink hues of massive azaleas. The lush green backdrop of the moss-draped live oaks envelopes the city as the oaks cast their willowy shadows on the infamous Charleston Harbor.
The charms of Charleston, S.C., can be found in the city’s rich history, but the main spring attraction is its homes with private gardens tucked behind decorative wrought iron gates.
Information on the following attractions can be found by contacting the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-868-8118, visiting www.charlestonCVB.com or through the noted phone numbers and Web sites.
57th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens
Visitors can gain a glimpse into the interiors and gardens of many of these homes during the 57th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 18 through April 17. Sponsored by the Historic Charleston Foundation, the festival features tours of the interiors of approximately 150 historic private houses in 11 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods as well as strolls through distinctive private gardens.
Also on the tour is Drayton Hall, a house-museum built in 1742 that is one of the finest examples of Georgia-Palladian architecture in America. For information and brochures call 843-723-1623 or visit www.historiccharleston.org.
Historic buildings
Through wartime occupation, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes, Charleston has remained a thriving seaport city. A tour around town and Charleston Harbor by a horse-drawn carriage is a favorite mode of transportation. Something about the clack of horses’ hooves reverberating on cobblestone streets brings on a feeling of nostalgia.
Some places of interest include the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon — noted as one of the most historically significant buildings of Colonial America. Built by the British as the Exchange and Customs House in 1771, American patriots were held prisoners in the dungeon during the Revolutionary War.
Museums
There are numerous house-museums open to the public year-round, including the Heyward-Washington House, circa 1772. This home of Thomas Heyward Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence, was rented to George Washington when he came to the city in 1791.
The furniture collection includes the Holmer Bookcase, considered to be the finest example of American-made furniture in existence today. The Aiken-Rhett House, the Edmonston-Alston House and the Nathaniel Russell House are all exceptional architectural gems to explore. Then head for the Charleston Museum, which was founded in 1733 and is the oldest museum in America.
Old City Market
Since the early 1700s, Charleston has been a thriving port city, and the Old City Market was vital to the economy. Today, artisans and craftsmen continue selling their wares in the open-air market and historic building on Market Street. Remember to purchase a sweetgrass basket from the talented women weaving them as you walk by.
Planters Inn
Across the street from City Market is the 62-room Planters Inn that was the original building for a dry goods store built in 1844. The rooms’ Southern-style décor complete the historic atmosphere. For information call 1-800-845-7052 or visit www.plantersinn.com.
Meeting Street Suites
Meeting Street Suites is also located in the heart of the historic district. The original brick walls and restored heart pine floors of the 1860s building are pure Charleston. For information call 1-800-280-1849 or visit www.meetingstreetsuites.com.
Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter
The first decisive American victory during the Revolution occurred at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, and the initial shots of the Civil War were fired on Union troops stationed at Fort Sumter in 1861. Both historic sites transfer words from a history book into an interactive learning experience for children and adults.
Beaches
Combining history and a spring beach vacation can satisfy everyone in the family. Less than 15 minutes from downtown are two public beaches, Folly Beach and the Isle of Palms Beach.
Lodging is also available on the historic beach of Kiawah Island. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers activities for children as well as five golf courses. The resort was named by the Travel Channel as one of America’s “Top 10 Beaches.” For information call 1-888-654-2924 or visit www.kiawahresort.com.
Ashley River Plantations
Across the Ashley River Bridge from downtown Charleston, there are two plantations with gardens to visit.
A word of warning, it is impossible to visit these incredible avenues along the Ashley River Road only once. Throughout the winter, visions of the most beautiful landscapes in America could keep one daydreaming about a return visit to the bounty of floral explosions.
Middleton Place
About 14 miles from Charleston is Middleton Place, a carefully preserved 18th-century plantation that encompasses America’s oldest landscaped gardens, the Middleton Place House and the stableyard where craftspeople demonstrate their skills. The 65 acres of gardens include sculpted terraces and river vistas as well as an ornamental lake where swans grace the water.
The family descendants have owned the property since 1741, where cows and sheep still graze on the greensward. The plantation was once the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Accommodations at the Middleton Inn are located on the property. For information call 1-800-543-4774 or visit www.middletonplace.org.
Magnolia Plantation and Garden
The garden of Magnolia Plantation has the distinction of being the oldest major public garden in America. It is also America’s oldest man-made attraction, having been open to the public annually since the late 1860s. It is considered by many experts to be the most beautiful garden in the world. A maze of paths enveloped by the oldest azaleas in America winds around to the plantation house.
An informative “Nature Train” takes you on a 45-minute narrated train ride through magnificent natural settings. Children especially enjoy the petting zoo and the Audubon Swamp Garden tour.
For more than three centuries, Magnolia Plantation has been the ancestral home of the Drayton family. John G. Drayton, who owned the gardens during the Civil War, first introduced the azalea (azalea indica) in the United States. He was a minister at the historic Saint Andrews Church, which is still located a few miles from the plantation.
According to Taylor Nelson, current owner and descendant, John Drayton’s landscape design philosophy was influenced by theology.
“[Drayton] wanted to create an Eden on the Ashley (River) while recognizing that nature, as God created it, was the ultimate canvas that should only be embellished by the aesthetic sense of man,” said Nelson.
He added that Magnolia Plantation also has a Biblical Garden featuring plants from Scripture and dedicated to the garden managers, who are leaders in their churches. For information call 1-800-367-3517 or visit www.magnoliaplantation.com.
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