With its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and hundreds of well-preserved historic homes, Charleston is a wonderful setting for a get together.  In the February 2006 issue of Southern Living magazine, Charleston was selected as the Reader’s Choice Award for Favorite City. 

One of the best ways to experience Charleston is with a walking tour.  You’ll get to see the beautiful architecture up close and you can easily pop into one of the many fabulous boutiques along King Street.  For a self-guided tour, stop by the Visitors Center on Meeting Street and pick up a map of the historic downtown area.  To get a sense of place, cross the street to the Charleston Museum and see notable relics from Charleston’s past.  If you’d like to get a more complete history from an expert, try a guided walking tour from Original Charleston Walks. They offer several tours daily. 

Every spring during the height of blooming season, Charleston hosts the Festival of Houses and Gardens, which runs this year from March 16 - April 15. During this popular event you can view the interiors and gardens of 150 private residences from the colonial and antebellum periods.  Calendar and online tickets (click on a date). 

For lodging, stay at Wentworth Mansion, Planters Inn or Charleston Place Hotel.  At the Wentworth guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet on the sun porch and evening wine  and hors d’oeuvres in the parlor.  Soak up the southern charm and sample some low-country fare at Hominy Grill or 82 Queen – and be sure to try their version of she-crab soup.  It’s yummy!