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Charleston Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ Questions Answered:
Where should we park when we reach downtown?
Charleston. Much of the colonial city streets were designed with the horse and buggy in mind and not the large vehicles that many of us drive today. For this reason we recommend parking in the garages which are in many cases not easy to find. Download our Map since all of the parking garages are listed. What are the best ways to navigate the city?
walking cities in the United States. If all of that walking is not for you there are other easy to use and convenient options. 2) Take the bus - The bus system is operated by CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) and there are routes to most of the major attractions throughout the city (i.e. The Market, King Street, Aquarium & Ft. Sumter Memorial, Battery and more). Prices are $1.25 per person each time you hop on. 3) Rickshaw it - Charleston has a number of rickshaw companies (a rickshaw is a bicycle driven carriage for 2) that you will see all over the major tourist destinations. Prices depend on distance, expect to pay a minimum of $7-10 and upwards of $15-20 for the longer hauls. We recommend that you negotiate your price before climbing aboard. What are the best places to shop in Charleston?
much you are willing to spend. Historic Market Area: Many visitors start their adventure in Charleston at the Market. The Market is a row of open air buildings that are squeezed in-between North and South Market Streets. Inside of the buildings there are vendors that line both sides that sell everything from jewelry and t-shirts to sweetgrass baskets. There are also a number of stores, boutiques, galleries and restaurants that line the streets. The pricing of items varies widely from vendor to vendor but this area is considered low to medium on the pricing scale. King Street: King Street has been called the mecca of Shopping in Charleston and beyond. The diversity of retailers is vast where you will find the high-end such as Saks, Coach and Gucci as well as the medium range such as Banana Republic and Lucky. There are also many fantastic local retailers that rival or surpass the large chains and make King Street unique because they are one of a kind! Don't forget about the up and coming revitalized Upper King Street north of Calhoun Street because there are many great retailers and restaurants there as well. King Street is only one block from the west end of the Market and should be walked to or use public transportation. Mount Pleasant Towne Centre: Located across the Cooper River in Mt. Pleasant, hop in your car across the beautiful Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge which was completed in 2005 to Towne Centre. Take Hwy 17 for 5 or 6 miles and Towne Centre will be on the right. There are many large retailers and also some great local shops as well as restaurants. Tanger Outlets: A fairly new addition to the shopping landscape here in Charleston the Outlets offer great deals and feature the more than 90 brand name stores. The complex was built to fit right in - Charleston style with bright, varying pastels and airy breezeways. From downtown take I-26 West, Exit 213 left to W. Montague, right on International Blvd and right on Tanger Outlet Blvd.
There are two main beaches that visitors frequent which are the Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. Isle of Palms: This beach is only 12 miles from downtown and is the most visited beach in the area. To get there from downtown take Hwy 17 North 6 miles to the Isle of Palms Connector which will take you to this barrier island. The parking is adequate and no alcoholic drinks are allowed. Folly Beach: This beach is about 15 miles out of downtown and runs a very close second in regards to popularity among visitors. The island lifestyle and laid back attitude of the locals fits in nicely with the large surfer population also known as the "Edge of America". From downtown take Calhoun Street (west) which will turn into the James Island Connector, turn left at the light on Folly Road until it dead-ends at the beach. Parking can be a problem during peak season if you arrive late and alcoholic beverages are permitted (no glass bottles).
They are all distinctly different and you cannot go wrong visiting any of them. Three of them are all located on Hwy 61 (also known as Ashley River Road) about 15-20 miles from downtown Charleston. Download our maps for navigating. Boone Hall is located in Mt. Pleasant off of Hwy 17 North about 8 miles from downtown. |
| King Street Shopping |
Folly Beach Fishing Pier
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
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