Ask A Local
Here’s your chance to ask a Charleston local any question (well, any question within reason). If Glimpses does not know the answer, we’ll find someone who does. What do you want to know about Charleston?
We kept hearing about Dueler’s Alley on our visit to Charleston, but couldn’t find it. Where is it?!?!?
asks Bailey B. from Knoxville, TN.
Dueler’s Alley is a nickname for Philadelphia Alley, Bailey. It’s a beautiful brick lined cut-through between Queen and Cumberland Streets, that sneaks behind the St. Philip’s Church graveyard.
It’s sometimes referred to as Dueler’s Alley, as it once was a site for settling matters of honor. Originally called “Kinloch’s Court,” it was renamed Philadelphia Alley as a way of thanking the citizens of Philadelphia for the aid they provided to Charleston after the devastating fire of 1810.
Next time you are in Charleston, be sure to take a stroll there!
When we visited Charleston we saw pineapples all over the place. What’s the deal with the fruit?
asks Linda H. from Tucson, Az.
With Charleston being one of the welcoming and mannerly cities in the world, Linda, it’s not surprising that you can find pineapples all around the city — from the Pineapple Fountain (in this photo) to the Pineapple Gates.
Pineapples are a symbol of welcome or hospitality, both of which you can find lots of in Charleston. Hope you had a great trip.
How many cobblestone streets are there in Charleston?
asks Cindy R. from Denver, Colorado…
When people think of cobblestone streets in Charleston, most people think of Chalmers Street, Cindy.
But the reality is that there are eight cobblestone streets still in use in Charleston. You can find them all around the old wharf area on the Cooper River side of the peninsula, as the cobbles had all been used as ballast for the empty sailing ships coming to Charleston to pick up their goods.
We were visiting Charleston and there was huge spotlight in the harbor. Can you tell us what that was for?
asks Caroline D., from Silver Spring, MD.
The spotlight came from Fort Sumter, Caroline, where they been commemorating the beginning and end of the Civil War.
On April 12th (the anniversary of the start of the Civil War), there were two beacons lighting up the sky. As it moved closer and closer to April 14th (the anniversary of when the US flag was re-raised over the fort, signifying the end of the war) they became one beam — reflecting the country reuniting. Pretty cool.
We just noticed some very large birds nesting in the live oaks at White Point Garden. Do you know what they are?
asks Lynn, P.
Those big, beautiful birds, Lynn, are Yellow-crowned Night Herons.
Photo source; Wikipedia. I wish it was Glimpses’!
Every year they nest near the tops of the beautiful Live Oak trees in White Point Garden.
We were in Charleston for a wedding this weekend and walked all over the place. Why did so many of the cars seem so dirty?
asks Ellen G. of Tonawanda, New York…
That’s not dirt, Ellen, it’s pollen! This time of year in Charleston most of the outside surfaces are covered in green pollen — the biggest contributor being the Live Oak trees.
It shows most on the cars, porches and outside furniture, and creates many drippy noses. When it rains the puddles turn green!
We will be in Charleston in about 2 weeks…Is there a good Indian Restaurant in Charleston?
asks Ann, from Northern Nevada…
Charleston does have Indian food, Ann… but not on the peninsula. There are two options fairly close by in the West Ashley section of Charleston… Nirlep and Taste of India.
In a fine example of competition being better for both parties, they are located extremely close together on Savannah Highway, just about 3 miles from the heart of downtown.
While neither is extraordinary, they both will scratch the itch if you are craving Indian. Nirlep is our our favorite of the two.
Enjoy!
I know about Shem Creek, but are there places to eat on the water in downtown Charleston?
asks Rick S., from Scranton, PA…
With all the water surrounding Charleston, you’d think there would be a whole variety of options for eating with a water view, wouldn’t you Rick? The reality is that there are only a couple on the peninsula. My favorite breakfast spot (which also serves lunch and dinner) is one — the Marina Variety Store Restaurant. The other is Fleet Landing (which is a lunch/dinner spot).
Sunrise from the Marina Variety Store Restaurant
Located on opposite sides of the peninsula, the Marina is on the Ashley River and Fleet Landing is on the Cooper River by Waterfront Park. The views are dramatically different — with the Marina’s being a bit calmer with dolphins and more personal watercraft, and Fleet Landing’s being full of commercial traffic and views of the harbor and Patriot’s Point (lots of dolphins too).
The Marina is more casual and tends to cater more to locals and transient sailors, and Fleet Landing generally pulls in other visitors to Charleston. It’s probably an easier walk to Fleet Landing’s location, and each provides free parking (although it’s much more limited at Fleet Landing).
As far as the food, breakfast is served all day at the Marina…’nuff said (for me, at least). But take a look at the Marina’s and Fleet Landing’s menus for yourself.
And while it’s not on the peninsula, don’t forget to check out Bowens Island too.
We will be visiting Charleston soon with small kids. Are there lots of public restrooms?
asks Elizabeth L., from Philadelphia, PA.
It’s a good thing you’re planning ahead, Elizabeth… public restrooms are sometimes one of the trickier things to find in Charleston. While all the hotels and restaurants have restrooms, it’s not always comfortable trying to use them if you are not a patron. The City of Charleston does have quite a number of restrooms scattered around the historic district, but there NONE below Broad Street (which is primarily a residential neighborhood). If you’re going to be strolling the Battery or playing in White Point Garden, please know that you will have to go a fair distance to find a public restroom (the closest being City Hall or the parking garage on East Bay/Prioleau Street).
The Post and Courier (Charleston’s daily newspaper… and the oldest daily in the South) created this nifty graphic showing all the public restrooms and their locations.
As long as you are above Broad when the need arises, you should be ok!
Where’s a good spot to hang out that is fun but not really touristy?
asks Morgan T. from Santa Fe, New Mexico…
Charleston is full of fun things to do, Morgan, whether you’re a local or a tourist. And lots of times the places attract both (such as the Aquarium, the beaches, strolling on King Street or the Farmers Market). Since I’m not sure whether you’re looking for something to do during the day or evening, or for what age people, here’s one that fits the bill all the way around — The Alley.
The Alley is not just for bowling… or eating …or drinking. In a beautifully refurbished warehouse, it’s all of them. There are 8 lanes for bowling (plus skee ball, ping-pong, dozens of old school vintage arcade games, basketball hoops and more), the restaurant serves a wide array of good food — from burgers to muffalettas to Brunswick Stew to Chicken & Waffles — and the bar is fully stocked (complete with a selection of local craft beers). So if you want to roll a few frames, or just hangout and eat… here’s pretty cool spot that is slightly off the beaten track.