The port city of Charleston, South Carolina, boasts many accolades – winning the vote for the best city in the country three years in a row and most recently being named one of the best places to travel in December and for New Year's Eve, just to name a few! If you’ve ever been to Charleston, it’s easy to see why it’s so highly prized. History is all around you at Waterfront Park, where you can look across Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter. Unique shopping, endless activities, and some of the best dining in the country can be found lining their cobblestone streets. Never been to Charleston? Well, December’s right around the corner and we’ve got your accommodations covered!

At the corner of Church and Market streets, in Charleston’s famous market area, is the Church Street Inn. Luxurious one and two-bedroom townhomes styled with recently updated decor. These townhomes are equipped with a full kitchen and living area on the first floor, as well as comfortable second-floor bedrooms with city views. A courtyard, valet parking, and concierge services are among the available amenities for guests. 

Now that you’ve got your lodging covered, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. Here’s the scoop on some of the must-see historic sites, unique downtown shopping, and the best eats Charleston has to offer!

History – Everything in Charleston has a story to tell, from the architecture to the cobblestone streets. To hear some of these stories while touring the streets of Charleston, try taking one of the Old South Carriage Company’s downtown tours. Offering several tour options, the “Historic Residential Tour” is one of the best ways to see the Holy City. The tour is narrated by a knowledgeable guide who will reveal facts on over 300 years of history. And if you really want to plant your feet on some historic land, take a step back in time and try a tour of Fort Sumter. Take a short cruise departing from downtown Charleston and step out onto land where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Not something you get to do every day! At the Fort, you will find historic artifacts and an informative museum to further immerse you into history.

Activities & Shopping – The shopping in Charleston is endless and keeps up with the historic “one-of-a-kind” vibe. Visit King Street and one of its 30 antique malls, galleries, and boutiques – the perfect place to find your own piece of history to take home! Also downtown is the Charleston City Market, one of the nation’s oldest public markets. Here you will find over 300 vendors, all showcasing a unique craft. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, head over to Dock Street Theatre to catch a show. Built-in 1736, The Dock Street is the first theatre in the U.S. and is said to be one of the most haunted places in the city (not surprising coming out of Charleston)! Covering all of the classics and even some newer hits, you’re sure to enjoy the show!

Food – While the rich history and plentiful activities in Charleston are all part of the city’s charm, recently the major hype is coming from their food scene! It seems there is new talent and prestigious culinary awards coming from Charleston daily. One of Charleston’s great perks is the wide range of cuisine and the atmospheres it’s coming from. From homey seafood shacks to fine dining, Charleston’s culinary culture all has this in common – it’s all different and it’s all amazing! While a lot of Charleston restaurants focus on their traditional Southern roots, they aren’t afraid to revolutionize and modernize the old classics. Among the most talked about and worth dining at (should you be able to snag a reservation!) is Husk.  With a daily changing menu created by James Beard Award winner Sean Brock, at Husk, you’ll find seasonal Southern ingredients of the best quality. And you can’t take a trip to the South without getting yourself some biscuits! Check out Callie’s Charleston Biscuits on King Street where you’ll find a variety of unique biscuit flavors as well as the good old classics like country ham and fried chicken.

With so much to see and do, we know that planning your trip activities will be the hard part. Booking your accommodations for Church Street Inn is a great place to start! You’ll rest easy knowing that no matter where the day’s activities take you, you’ll be staying right in the heart of the city. We can’t wait to meet you in Charleston, South Carolina!