Glimpses of Charleston

A local's eye view

Pure Luck

The carriage tours in Charleston all cover interesting sights and history. Where you get to go is just a matter of luck, as the route is assigned by a lottery-style ball drop once the carriage is loaded and ready to go. Good luck!

The carriage tours in Charleston all cover interesting sights and history. Where you get to go is just a matter of luck, as the route is assigned by a lottery-style ball drop once the carriage is loaded and ready to go. Good luck!

The Third

When it was built, the Cooper River Bridge (ok, call it the Ravenel Bridge if you must) was the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in the western hemisphere. Now, 13 years later, it is the third longest -- with the whole span measuring 2.485 miles or 4 kilometers. That makes it 40% of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

When it was built, the Cooper River Bridge (ok, call it the Ravenel Bridge if you must) was the longest cable-stayed suspension bridge in the western hemisphere. Now, 13 years later, it is the third longest — with the whole span measuring 2.485 miles or 4 kilometers. That makes it 40% of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

The Omni

King Street is one of the top shopping streets in United States. While it has always been one of the most important thoroughfares in the city, it wasn't always the vibrant wonderful area that it is today. Opening the Omni Hotel (which is now the Belmond Charleston Place-- pictured in the distance in the photo) in 1986 -- when the City's unemployment was around 15% and downtown was depressed and full of vacancies -- is credited triggering the renaissance that has led to the beauty we enjoy today.

King Street is one of the top shopping streets in United States. While it has always been one of the most important thoroughfares in the city, it wasn’t always the vibrant wonderful area that it is today. Opening the Omni Hotel (which is now the Belmond Charleston Place— pictured in the distance in the photo) in 1986 — when the City’s unemployment was around 15% and downtown was depressed and full of vacancies — is credited triggering the renaissance that has led to the beauty we enjoy today.

Crepe Myrtles

The Crepe Myrtle tree is the longest blooming plant in Charleston. This stand is in Hampton Park, but they are found all over the city -- and the beautiful blossoms come in a variety of colors. 

The Crepe Myrtle tree is the longest blooming plant in Charleston. This stand is in Hampton Park, but they are found all over the city — and the beautiful blossoms come in a variety of colors.

Golden Garden

This wonderful Charleston garden is part of a property on Montegu Street which was built in 1800 by Theodore Gaillard. Gaillard was a rice (aka Carolina Gold) planter and merchant.

This wonderful Charleston garden is part of a property on Montegu Street which was built in 1800 by Theodore Gaillard. Gaillard was a rice (aka Carolina Gold) planter and merchant, as well as being Charleston’s first British Counsel.

Sneaky Stucco

This house on Montegu Street looks like it is made out of large slabs of stone. But it is actually a brick house covered in a layer of stucco -- which is then scored to make it look like it is stacked stone. You can find this technique used all over Charleston. Sneaky, huh?

This house on Montegu Street looks like it is made out of large slabs of stone. But it is actually a brick house covered in a layer of stucco — which is then scored to make it look like it is stacked stone. You can find this technique used all over Charleston. Sneaky, huh?

Brittlebank

Brittlebank Park is one of the great public spaces in Charleston. With wonderful views of the Ashley River, it's a nice spot to bring the kids (it has a really good playground), go fishing (there's a pier) or just sit and look at the beauty.

Brittlebank Park is one of the great public spaces in Charleston. With wonderful views of the Ashley River, it’s a nice spot to bring the kids (it has a really good playground), go fishing (there’s a pier) or just sit and look at the beauty.