A local's eye view
The South Carolina Society Hall at 72 Meeting Street was opened in 1804. The Society traces its roots to the mid 1730’s, when it was nicknamed the “Two Bit Society,” as each week the members would contribute two bits (or 16 pence) into a fund to help any of their needy members.
Downtown Charleston exists within an urban forest (there is even an urban forester!). The houses are surrounded by trees and can have a country feel, even in the middle of the city. The very naked feeling tree in the middle is a Crepe Myrtle, which is actually the longest blooming plant in the city.
Charleston gardens are most often guarded by beautiful walls and iron fences and gates. This wonderful example is on South Battery. The leaves all over the ground are from the Live Oak trees, which shed in the spring.
Sunrise along the High Battery. Glorious.
The name of the Battery comes from a Civil War coastal defense artillery battery that was on the site.
Charleston is full of amazing iron gates and gas lit lamps. Here the two come together on Orange Street. On either side of the gate there are some beautiful espaliered sasanqua trees. You can learn more about how to espalier here.
So much of what screams Charleston is here — beautiful house and garden, joggling board and a beautiful iron gate with a heart to welcome you in. You can find them all on Meeting Street.
Charleston is famous for its gardens. It’s not hard to see why. This one, glowing in the light of the setting sun, can be found on Legare Street.
Charleston is full of amazing flower boxes, which make any walk even more delightful. This one can be found on Limehouse Street.
Longitude Lane is one of the beautiful old “cut-throughs” in the historic district. It runs between Church and East Bay Streets. This is the view of the exit on to East Bay.
The sun going down behind the Confederate Defenders of Charleston monument at the tip of the Charleston peninsula in White Point Garden. It was erected in 1932 by Charleston Chapter of theUnited Daughters of the Confederacy to honor those who fought for and defended Fort Sumter from 1861-1865.