Charleston Local Customs

Charlestonians are very proud people. Charleston has been voted the most polite city numerous years in a row. Don't be mislead. Charlestonians are only polite to those who are willing to spend $400 a night in a hotel room and follow up with a $150 per person meal. Other than that, you're going to deal with normal people who may or may not be particularly nice. . when you go into a restaurant and order TEA, you will be given SWEETENED ICED TEA. Don't be rude to the server about this. Just point out nicely that you wanted unsweet/hot/whatever instead. They'll take this alot better than if you snottily spit out 'I wanted UNsweet tea, lady!' There is also a big debate concerning the Confederate flag. Some people love it, some people hate it. Please don't offer your opinion on this matter, as you will undoubtedly say the wrong thing to the wrong person and get into something you probably wish you hadn't. Best to stay away from this as much as possible. Also, PLEASE don't tell us how you do it somewhere else. We will be more than happy to tell you nicely or not to go back there post haste. Don't complain about the weather (we hate it too). Don't complain about the drivers (we hate them too...most of them are tourists anyways). Don't complain about the prices (70% of Charleston's revenue comes from Tourism. That means you. That means that everything in the city, from rent to groceries is geared towards YOU). If there are things that you don't like about charleston, do us Charlestonians a favour...don't complain about it. You have the power to do something about it....DONT COME BACK!

Please don't tell us how you did it somewhere else or we will invite you to go back there quickly. As the late southern sage, Louis Grizzard once wrote, 'We can have your butt back in Cleveland, by evening'.

A native is someone born here. You can live here for 60 years and you will still be from 'off'.

We are nice folks (even though our driving belies the fact) who hope you have a good time.