Touring Through Preservation and Restoration in Charleston, SC

The Aiken Rhett House

One of my favorite unique historic attractions is a wonderful way to see how families lived in the 1800s. The home has been completely preserved, so when you enter, you step back in time. It is an urban plantation carefully preserved, kept exactly the way the family lived there. Visit the kitchen (separate from the main house), the formerly enslaved quarters, carriage home and more before entering the main house. The audio-guided home tour and docents are standing by to answer questions. "Preserved" means everything has been kept intact as best as possible, including the wallpaper (also, think no air-conditioner). I recommend taking this tour in the morning to start your day.

Head towards the water (a short walk) to visit a common attraction with a unique perspective.

The South Carolina Aquarium

The aquarium showcases preservation and restoration and has wonderful creatures connected to the region. There are lots of Carolina creatures inside (with one small exception) - the lion fish makes an appearance, showing how they are invading our waters. (Picture) What makes this venue unique is their award-winning Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital Program. On occasion, you can see live surgeries; everything is transparent. View the turtles, read what we know of their story, and learn their current condition. Visiting this location is a fabulous way to support the preservation of our oceans and its wildlife!

The Nathaniel-Russell House

Centrally located on the Peninsula, it is a perfect example of an historic restored Charleston home. On the outside is Federal style home built with Carolina brick, but on the inside is one of my favorites of the home’s features: a stunning 3 story restored staircase without any nails. It is a fantastic photo option and informative history lesson. If you choose to see this restored home along with the Aiken Rhett House, tickets may be discounted. Check with your travel advisor.

Historic Homes - South of Broad

Use one of Charleston’s preferred methods of transportation and bike South of Broad, bikes. The city recommends biking in the street and enjoying the tip of the Peninsula, which is filled with residential historic homes and is the perfect place to bike during daylight. Start on East Bay St by Waterfront Park where you will find the iconic pineapple fountain, perfect for a picture. Across the street from the park is Rainbow Row, a collection of brightly colored Caribbean row houses, one right after another. Continue biking down East Bay past Charleston single-family homes until you reach the Battery. This is the tip of the Peninsula and is lined with beautiful trees and historic homes.

From the middle of the park, you can bike through this famous neighborhood to view the homes and gardens starting at lower King Street. Also, bike on Legare St, where you can stop and peer through beautiful historic iron gates viewing perfectly manicured gardens. I enjoy taking photos of the doors and garden gates during a bike ride down the famous Charleston streets!

Take a drive of about 30 minutes outside the downtown area through the low country. Watch the landscape change as the tree-lined roads start to lean over the roads.

Middleton Place Historic Landmark

Tour one of Charleston’s most elegant plantations. It features the country’s first manicured gardens modeled after Versailles. Plant strains, like Azaleas, were brought into the US by the family that lived at Middleton Place. There are sheep wandering around with signs posted stating they once had cashmere sheep on the grounds. Learn to make something round because in 1850, making a candle was not as simple as imagined! Hear Eliza’s story and learn about the freed slaves, how they lived, and how they were treated after emancipation. Don’t forget to take the house tour before you leave! It is filled with art, historic specialty China, and rare clothing and furniture.

Pitt Street Bridge

If you enjoy the preservation of the old into a space re-imagined, add Pitt Street Bridge! Experience Mount Pleasant to your Charleston sight-seeing musts! This park is off the beaten path, so you must try to find it, unless you are lucky! This was an old trolley bridge that connected the area of Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island, a local beach Community. What is left of the bridge has been kept for the community to enjoy historical Charleston in today’s modern world. Currently preserved into a beautiful park for fishing, seashell searching, and bird watching. This wonderful picnic spot also offers the perfect way to view Charleston from any angle. You can see Sullivan’s Island lighthouse, Fort Sumter (where the first shots of the civil war were fired), and the historic skyline on the Peninsula. The Pitt Street Bridge is definitely one of a kind!

I also highly recommend working with your Fora Travel advisor to arrange a memorial private tour to this iconic city, so you don’t miss any of the special historic architecture.

Brunch/lunch

• Miller’s All Day - This is one of my favorites for brunch and lunch. Brunch is staple meal in Charleston and Millers All Day is a great way to experience this. Grits are prepared multiple ways, and you cannot go wrong with their bloody Mary!

• Leon’s Oysters and Fried Chicken – Casual - Located in a renovated old Charleston building serving iconic Charleston cuisine. It is Charleston staple and a great casual option for lunch or dinner.

• Queen Street Grocery - This is a historic neighborhood grocery, over 100 years old) where the locals go. It is great for a sandwiches or crepes or to pick up a few picnic supplies before heading to the beach or park. It is excellent for a light meal in between heavy southern breakfast and dinner.

Dinner

• Delaney’s Oyster House - Featuring seafood located in a Historic Charleston Historic House. It is an elegant upscale casual dining option with a Charleston atmosphere of pure delight! I love the oysters and the service!

• Chubby Fish – I don’t know if it is preserved or a restored space, but the line is worth the wait and the food is fantastic. The chef is creative with all the fresh seafood. The space is small, and it is best to go just before 5 pm to get in line when they open.

• Anson’s takes historic Charleston cuisine (all my favorite things are on the menu) and adds an elevated touch. It is great for a historic atmosphere dinner.

• Circa 1886 – The date is in the name. The award-winning fine dining restaurant is a very special spot in Charleston serving excellent cuisine. This is a great fine dining dinner option.