Charleston SC [or CHUCKTOWN as the locals call it] is truly one of the most CHARMING cities I have ever seen! While staying here we did get to take in a few of the sites and tour some of the Historic Homes [there are so many it would take you weeks to see them all]. The Historic Charleston Foundation has restored many of them to their original splendor and the visitors center sells passes that will get you in to 6 different homes and 2 plantations. We managed to visit 5 of the homes and 1 plantation. We were here for work after all so we could not spend all day sight seeing. The home shown above is the Nathaniel Russell house built in 1808 and now lovingly restored. It has beautiful grounds and a very famous free floating staircase.
This is the center chandelier that has hung in the Joseph Manigault house for over 150 years. Can you imagine having to clean this thing?
Just touring these Historic Homes gives you a real sense of history. So much has happened here. We visited the Hayward Washington House where President George Washington stayed in 1791. It is filled with incredible furniture mostly made in Charleston and mostly made of mahogany. I really wanted to steal a charming little cradle and take it home for my soon to be grand daughter! This home also had beautiful gardens [photo below] and the only restored historic kitchen. The kitchens were in separate buildings with the slave quarters above. Imagine how many slaves it must have taken to keep homes like this running smoothly.
One of the most beautiful Historic Homes in Charleston was on the same street as our B&B - the Edmondston Alston House built in 1825. It still remains in the Alston family and they live on the third floor while the rest of the house is open to the public. We really loved the gardens just off of the main "piazza" [ long verandas supported by tall pillars to catch the cool breezes off of the bay].
OK, I could live here!
Love Charleston! It looks like you do to. Have fun!
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