If we had to pick any city on the Eastern seaboard for a relaxing weekend getaway, hands down we will select Charleston, South Carolina every time. Nestled against the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, situated almost dead center on the state’s coastline border, Charleston is great little town rich in antebellum history, colorful architecture, and fine lowcountry cuisine.

The downtown area provides visitors with many opportunities to enjoy individual or guided walking tours, taking in the beauty of a city immortalized as Rhett Butler’s home and a true survivor of the Civil War.

Here follows just a brief primer of personal favorites – from food to fun to relaxation. Once in the city be sure to pick up a downtown map, as you will need it to wind through the many mews and avenues that conceal delightful hidden treasures.

Where to Stay

Staying in the downtown area is a must, as it allows for maximum walking time and close-up enjoyment of Charleston. As you compare prices on Internet travel sites and searches, you may find rates fluctuate according to the season. The Spoleto Festival, held annually in the early summer, tends to bring large crowds, so it is important to book early if you plan to soak up the sun. Otherwise, here are a few favorite accommodations which offer the location and amenities to guarantee a relaxing weekend:

The Ansonborough Inn – 21 Hasell St, Charleston, SC 29401

Planters Inn – 112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401

Fulton Lane Inn – 202 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

What to See

The more often you visit Charleston, the more acquainted you will become with the names of the short streets that bisect the downtown area – Market, Meeting, King and Queen. Along the way you are certain to enjoy some of the most beautiful homes in the South, preserved antebellum structures that hearken back to another time, and the delightful pastels of Rainbow Row, a series of eye-catching townhomes situated along the battery.

The Market Street outdoor market offers a bounty of local and regional goods, from delicious preserves to the intricate palm weavings of the Gullah women. Here are just a few favorite sites to see in and around the city as well.

The Citadel – the famed military school allows visitors to stroll the grounds and witness the weekly afternoon parades

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum – Location on Charleston Harbor, visitors can explore the USS Yorktown and take in Charleston’s storied military history

Fort Sumter National Monument – The scene of struggle between Confederate and Union forces, visitors may take a ferry from Patriot’s Point to tour this preserved war monument

Charleston Walking Tour – One of the best ways to know the city is with a guided tour. Various themes apply, from spooky twilight ghost walks to a lively pub crawl, knowledgeable and friendly guides further enhance your visit

What to Eat

Lowcountry cuisine is the order of the day in Charleston, from succulent shrimp with grits and tasso gravy, to savory pork dishes. Dining in Charleston ranges from casual fare at Aaron’s Deli to elegant at the 82 Queen. It’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal in downtown Charleston, and if you are looking for cozy and quaint you cannot go wrong with these favorite haunts:

Poogan’s Porch – 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 – a great place to enjoy a late sitting or Sunday brunch.

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene – 106 Haddrell St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 – A local recommendation for seafood, this is literally a hidden treasure, and you will have to ask for directions.

Kaminsky’s – 78 N. Market Street, Charleston, SC – a great place for a late night coffee and dessert in the heart of downtown.

For a weekend fling or an extended vacation, Charleston is one spot on the map to visit. Family friendly and a romantic backdrop for honeymoons, this city is full of Southern charm.