Interesting Cemetery
by zrim
This little cemetery is right in the middle of the historic district next to an extremely old church (old by American standards anyway.) These tombstones must mark the spots of some of the oldest graves in all of Charleston, dating back well before the Revolutionary War.
Sweetgrass Baskets and the Gullah
by TheTravelingNerd
Charleston sweetgrass baskets date back over 300 years. The tradition was brought here by slaves from Africa and are an important craft and artform to the Gullah people of Charleston. The baskets are made of local sweetgrass by Gullah women. You can find women selling these downtown in the Market. Some of the designs are really amazing. The Gullah are descendants of African slaves many who came from Angola. The baskets were used to harvest rice and the tradition is handed down to each generation.The Gullah are comparable to the Creoles of Louisianna, but different of course. The Gullah are mainly in South Carolina...being a unique culture they have their own food, stories, music and (my favorite) language. The Gullah language is english mixed with over 4,000 African words from tribes all over Africa. Up until the 1940's alot of Gullah people still lived downtown, but now most of them are just on the islands. My grandfather can speak some Gullah just from growing up downtown and being around it. You can see some nice examples of the baskets on this website http://charlestonsweetgrass.com
Cool Off with Genuine Italian Gelato
by riorich55
After visiting our 2nd historic house of the day it was time for an afternoon break and a stop at Paolo's Gelato Italiano. We had seen this place during our lunch stop next door, but we had decided we weren't ready for a dessert yet after lunch so we made it a point to stop back about 90 minutes late.
Once we stopped into the store we were overwhelmed at the wide variety of all sorts of tasty creations, all very authentic Italian. We actually only ended up getting a Hazelnut Flavored Gelatto with a Wafer Cookie as we were still a little full from lunch and didn't want to spoil our dinner a little later in the day.
What was unique were the number of flavors available and if you look at this video connection the different types of gelato creations they can prepare. They have cream flavors, fruit flavors and then the unique flower flavors (violet as an example) and even vegetable flavors (rosemary).
I wasn't sure how to classify this tip. But I opted to keep it separate from the restaurant reviews, since it's really not a restaurant but a hidden treasure in Charleston. Paolo has one other location in Atlanta. Paolo didn't serve us during the day, but when we walked by on the way back to our car later that evening we saw him serving up some creations to some other satisfied customers.
Children's Museum of the Low Country
by grandmaR
I had thought to visit here (I saw it in the AAA book), but didn't have enough energy. Their website says: "The Children’s Museum of Charleston South Carolina is an interactive destination for all children with hands-on environments,experiences in the arts, sciences and humanities.We foster the creative thinking and problem solving skills and a belief in their own potential. The Childrens Museum of the Lowcountry offers exceptional learning environments, programs, classes, exhibits and experiences for all children to explore."
They have children's summer camps
Summer Camps 2005
Please see our programming page for full camp descriptions
Messy Mix-Up!
(3-5 year olds)
June 6-10
Messy Mix-Up!
(5-7 year olds)
June 20-24
Explore CML!
(3-5 year olds)
July 11-15
ExploreCML!
(5-7 year olds)
July 18-22
Sensational Scrapbooking!
(7-10 year olds)
June 13-17
July 25-29
Times:
Monday-Friday, 9am-noon
Cost:
$150 for Members
$175 for Non-Members
BRING MONEY LOTS OF MONEY & a Big Truck!
by tpangelinan about Many high dollar stores to shop in!
Well to start with, when we got into town and on King St. you really notice the town and some of what it has to offer. Stores lined the streets for blocks, it started with Saks Fifth Avenue with limo's parked out front waiting. You will find any thing and every thing on this street for a price! Banana Republic, Lucky Brand, Tommy Bahama's, Magaritaville, William & Sanoma,Puma, Steve Madden, Gap and so much more. Shopping heaven, so if you got the money be ready to part with it! But have fun while doing so! If you want craft and local artist work go to Market street and visit their stores!