Glimpses of Charleston

A local's eye view

Beautiful Graveyard

The Unitarian Church on Archdale Street, which is the oldest Unitarian church in the South, has a graveyard that is worth exploring any time of the year. It's kept in a more wild state than most, adding to its allure and beauty.

The Unitarian Church on Archdale Street, which is the oldest Unitarian church in the South, has a graveyard that is worth exploring any time of the year. It’s kept in a more wild state than most, adding to its allure and beauty.

Ivy Archway

This ivy covered archway frames some beautiful antebellum houses (circa 1800) on Elliot Street in downtown Charleston. There is a series of brick archways that line part of the street.... beautiful.

This ivy covered archway frames some beautiful antebellum houses (circa 1800) on Elliot Street in downtown Charleston. The archway, which is just one of a number on the street,  is part of the remains of an Evening Post printing plant that used to be on the site. Pretty cool.

The Row

Rainbow Row is a series of 13 connected antebellum Georgian houses -- making it the longest remaining such row in the United States. It is one of Charleston's most ionic spots.

Rainbow Row is a series of 13 connected antebellum Georgian houses — making it the longest remaining such row in the United States. It is one of Charleston’s most ionic spots.

Tiny Gem

Inside the Post Office and Federal Courthouse  (under the flag on the right) is the Postal Museum -- a tiny gem of a museum. One room, full of all sorts of cool postal history, is worth taking the time to see. Plus, it's a great reason to go into the Post Office, which is gorgeous.

Inside the Post Office and Federal Courthouse  (under the flag on the right) is the Postal Museum — a tiny gem of a museum. One room, full of all sorts of cool postal history, is worth taking the time to see. Plus, it’s a great reason to go into the Post Office, which is gorgeous.

Construction Interrupted

The United States Custom House on East Bay is one of the most imposing buildings in Charleston. Construction began in 1849, but was not completed until 1879 -- 30 years later! The reason it took so long is that the Civil War interrupted the work, and then it took another 12 years to finish after it was reauthorized by Congress in 1867. 

The United States Custom House on East Bay is one of the most imposing buildings in Charleston. Construction began in 1849, but was not completed until 1879 — 30 years later! The reason it took so long is that the Civil War interrupted the work, and then it took another 12 years to finish after it was reauthorized by Congress in 1867.

Drinks Are On Us

This very colonial (circa 1686) little building, at the corner of East Bay and Exchange Street,  is the oldest liquor store in the United States. Pretty cool.

This very colonial (circa 1686) little building, at the corner of East Bay and Exchange Street,  is the oldest liquor store in the United States. Pretty cool.

Downtown Lighthouse

This little lighthouse, and a twin, guard the entrance to the Coast Guard Station on the Charleston peninsula. Have you walked by them?

This little lighthouse, and a twin, guard the entrance to the Coast Guard Station on the Charleston peninsula. Have you walked by them?

Not Rainbow Row

Charleston is so full of amazing houses and buildings. This row of antebellum houses (built in the 1790's/1800)is on Elliot Street, right around the corner from Rainbow Row.  Have you strolled by them?

Charleston is so full of amazing houses and buildings. This row of antebellum houses (built in the 1790’s/1800)is on Elliot Street, right around the corner from Rainbow Row.  Have you strolled by them?