PIY Travel - Plan-It-Yourself - Charleston

Old City Market
– Three blocks of indoor shops and open-air markets where you can buy souvenirs and other local goods.
The Battery
– Walk down East Bay Street to see Rainbow Row and scores of antebellum mansions.

Middleton Place Plantation
– Preserved 18th century plantation along the Ashley River with gardens, butterfly lakes, and stables.
Fort Sumter
– The fort, located on an island in Charleston Harbor, is the site of the first shot fired during the American Civil War. Though the original structure is largely gone, the history of the fort is told both on the island and at the Liberty Square Visitor Education Center. Boats to the fort depart from both the visitor center and Patriot Point.
King Street
– Charleston's shopping nexus - less touristy and more of a locals' street.
Waterfront Park
– A great place to relax along the water and watch the two big decorative fountains.
Ghost Tours
– Take one or more walking ghost tours of local graveyards, the Provost Dungeon below the Old Exchange Building, and the old jail, all courtesy of Bulldog Tours.
Pirate Tour
– Charleston Walks offers a walking pirate tour.
Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge
– A beautifully-designed cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River, featuring diamond-shaped towers.
Magnolia Plantation
– The property contains the Audubon Swamp Garden.

Priceline
– For a metropolitan city like Charleston, booking a hotel through Priceline is a fantastic option. Educating yourself with the resources available at BiddingForTravel.com will help make the bidding process less intimidating.

Middleton Bed and Breakfast
– Little-known bed and breakfast in historic downtown. An alternative to the standards (e.g., Marriot, Sheraton, etc.).

Timbo's
– Hot boiled peanuts sold on the side of the road leading to the plantations.
Hominy Grill
– Popular spot for "Southern Comfort" food.

Joseph's Restaurant
– Lunch in downtown in a garden setting.
Meritage
– Trendy tapas restaurant one block from the Old City Market.
Anson
– Upscale low-country dining in historic downtown.
Mellow Mushroom
– Pizza on King Street.
Gullah Cuisine
– Well-regarded no-frills restaurant serving local Gullah cuisine.
Blind Tiger Pub
– Historic, but unpretentious bar with a private courtyard in back.
Historic Downtown
– Plenty of places to eat - just start walking.
Charleston Post and Courier restaurant reviews
– Tons of reviews of Charleston restaurants by the hometown newspaper.

Charleston