Why We Love Charleston
“Charleston is your forever love. It is a perfect blend of character and class. There is always something, but not too much. It is playful and it romances you.” – Rebekah Phillips
In light of the Conde Nast results naming Charleston the number 1 tourist destination in the United States and number 2 in the world, Charleston Daily decided to ask some of its loyal locals, what they love about Charleston. We received some passionate and exciting responses from those we polled.
Here are some of the things we love about Charleston. How many made your list? We would love to hear from you in our comments section.
- Breathtaking sunsets on the beaches of Folly, Sullivan’s and IOP
- Late afternoon sitting on a patio sipping wine, accompanied to the sound of a slow moving horse carriage
- Faith in community, family and unity
- Oysters Roasts and S’Mores in the autumn
- Farmers Market on Saturday morning
- Wine on the Rooftop of Vendue, Pavilian or Stars overlooking the city
- Rich history and cobblestone roads
- Walking the Ravenel Bridge high above the harbor
- Sailing on a clear day
- Kayaking through the marsh
- Picnics at Pitt Street Bridge
- Laying out and napping at Marion Square on a warm spring day
- Boat life – Living the life of a coastal water dweller
- Stunning views of the skyline from high above
- Great eclectic live music
- Nature, flowers and all those beautiful palmetto trees
- Intimacy of the community and the warm hospitality
- Festivals, festivals and festivals
- Great community based fund raising events
- Horse drawn carriages
- Rickshaws
- Flourishing college life at the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern and The Citadel
- Sunsets over the James Island Connector
- County Parks with its diverse activities (rock climbing, water parks, dog parks and disc golf)
- Pet friendly bars
- Victorianesque old world view and feel
- Beautiful architecture and life long friendships
- Never a day without a stranger or neighbor saying hello
- 300 days of blue skies
- Walking to wonderful restaurants and theaters in an intimate setting
- Rivers, oceans and hiking
- Magnificent churches
- Embracing the courage and honor if our military
- Passion for wellness (Yoga, jogging, walking, biking)
- Love of the arts (Poetry , painting, theater, crafts)
- Entrepreneurial spirit toward business
- Romance of the Bed and Breakfasts
- Brunch, brunch, brunch
- Pure awesomeness of the plantations
- Mimosas and college football
- Fishing on the pier
- Patriots Point, The Battery, Pineapple Fountain
- Themed Bar Crawls and runs
- StingRays, Battery and The RiverDogs – Local sports
- Bill Murray and Darius Rucker
- Patriotism and our unyielding support for active military and veterans
- Ghosts of Charleston
- Friendly smiles and hellos from strangers
- Eco-friendly city (electric cars, community gardens)
- Stunning photography
- Weddings and love all around
- Darius Rucker
- Drum circles at The Brick House
- Movies on the beach
- Folly Boat – Remembering our past with art and emotion
- It’s Home
Charleston Daily
Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.
EVERYTHING listed is on my list!!! I would add the museums, the close proximity of the other islands around Charleston, the cemetaries and unbelievable tombstones. I think one could eat at a different restaurant every day of the year and not be disappointed! The low taxes and the beautiful climate (no snow!!! no sub-zero weather). My husband and I have our home for sale in Rockford, IL and are moving to the Charleston area as soon as it sells! I’ve traveled there for many years on and off but especially the last 4 years since my youngest son is a Senior at the College of Charleston! His major is Political Science and he has done so well, his advisor has suggested he go on for his PhD in poly sci. I am a Registered Nurse and just received my nursing license for SC. My husband is networking different people in Charleston to help him land a job there also. He is a financial investor/consultant and has a wealth of information to bring to people! In love with Charleston!!!
An early welcome to you. Thank you for the great comment. I do agree the cemeteries are inspiring.
Rebekah:
We moved here from Janesville, WI 7 years ago. You will love it down here. It’s bit of a change from up inner area, but a great place nonetheless. We have great hospitals here, clinics, and home health opportunities throughout the low country as its called.
Richard Decker, PhD
Social Psychology Resident
Walden University Candidate (2017)
Thank you Richard for that very nice comment. Janesville is a nice little town, but winters get a bit on the harsh side. Glad you made the journey 7 years ago.
The people of Charleston are what moved me. We visited on a whim, loved the generosity of the folks downtown and we moved here a few weeks late. That was back in 2005. Someone once said, “Charleston is like a big town.” That is why I love it here.
Jono, On behalf of all the people of Charleston thank you for your wonderful words.
My husband and I are also on our way down. We went there for our anniversary and can’t wait to come for forever! Just have to get our jobs situated and we are hopefully there next year!! Maryland is where we are now, and while I do love it, I hate the ridiculous taxes here. Plus Charleston is so close to all the beaches we loved while we were there this year!
My husband and I spent some time there on our vacation back in June and we fell in love with area to the extent that we have decided to move down to the Charleston area within the next two years. We didn’t have near enough time there on our vacation, but we were able to get to Folly Beach a few times, we visited Patriots Point and the market downtown. We also spent some time just driving around and we went to Summerville and liked how it reminded us of how our area used to be before it was all built up. The people there were all so nice and friendly. We also look forward to the warmer climate and the ability to rid ourselves of the concern over zero degree temperatures and snow storms. I’m an accountant and he’s an auto mechanic & warehouse worker; we are hoping it won’t be too difficult to find jobs down there.
Lori, Thank you for the warm thoughts. We with you both the best of luck in the job hunt and the adjustment. We think you made a good choice.
That’s how we fell Lori!! In love with Charleston….
I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy a truly international career. Starting from Northern Ireland, I’ve moved my family around the world, experiencing what many countries and their cities have to offer. During a prior work assignment in the United States, we fell in love with Charleston, vacationing here many times. We moved from Australia in October 2013 and are delighted to now call Charleston home. Whatever is on your wish/needs list, you’ll certainly find it here.
I’m flattered that Rebekah Phillips description is similar to my oft-used “Charleston epitomizes Southern Culture, Cuisine, Class, and Character”.
One to add – Late afternoon sitting on a patio sipping wine, accompanied to the sound of a slow moving horse carriage.
Consider it added. I love this one.