Charleston, South Carolina

From Frommer's Guide to Charleston: "In its annual reader survey, Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Charleston the number-three city to visit in America, which places it ahead of such perennial favorites as Boston; Washington, D.C.; and Santa Fe. Visitors are drawn here from all over the world. If the Old South lives on in South Carolina's Low Country, it positively thrives in Charleston. All our romantic notions of antebellum days -- stately homes, courtly manners, gracious hospitality, and, above all, gentle dignity -- are facts of everyday life in this old city."

Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau visitor's guide

Charleston is famous for its southern hospitality, history, and food. Below is some information from your local arrangements committee about getting around.

Airport to Hotel

(13 miles; 20 minutes by car)

Public Transportation

Bus. CARTA bus route from downtown to the airport is Route 11-- Route Schedule: http://www.ridecarta.com/routes/routedisplay.aspx?pid=584&nid=589&cid=2013 Please note the hours are different for weekdays and weekends. The final stop is about three blocks from the Francis Marion Hotel at the Charleston Visitors Center.

Shuttle

The shuttle service from the airport downtown is $15.00. One goes to the transportation booth and asks for the shuttle service to downtown. There is a 15 min. wait from the time the first person asks for this shuttle. The van is pulled up and if more people want to go downtown they board. After the 15 min. wait the van heads for town. Often I have been the only person in the van. The price is still the same...$15.00. Because of the random selection of the van, the name is not important.

Cab

Many cab services are available at the airport. Charleston Black Cab (843 216 2627) and Green Taxi (843-532-0527) are the cleanest and most innovative.

Rental

Most major rental car companies have an office at the airport. Check the hours of operation if you are not arriving during regular business hours. Garage is available beside the Francis Marion Hotel at an additional charge.

Dining Information

Yes, there is a Starbucks at the corner of the Francis Marion. Even better, Kudu is a local coffee shop a block north of the hotel along King Street.

Lunch Along King Street

Try a local restaurant on King Street for lunch! There are literally dozens of small, locally owned, haunts within three blocks North and South of the Francis Marion Hotel. Some cater more to tourism, others to college students at the College of Charleston (10,000 students). Not included in the suggestions below are tourist dives and national chains. Enjoy something unique!

Some Local Lunch Favorites North of the Francis Marion on King St (sorted by distance from hotel starting with the closest):

• Joe Pasta (great carbs for runners)
• Jaunita Greenburg's Nacho Royale (outdoor dining in rear)
• Charleston Beer Works (if you want to really enjoy the afternoon sessions)

Some Local Lunch Favorites South of the Francis Marion on King St (sorted by distance from hotel starting with the closest):

• Pita Pit (Greek--don't be put off by the size of this hole in the wall)
• The Kickin' Chicken (sit down, college style)
• The Mellow Mushroom (pizza and beer)
• Little Thai Two (order the Pod Thai)
• The King Street Grille (creative upscale lunch)
• Jim and Nicks Barbeque (mostly tourists)
• Sushi Hero (a trustworthy sushi chef)
• Tacone (wraps)
• Sermet's Corner (local American)

Dinner in Market Street/Meeting Street Area

It will be well worth the time to investigate a local restaurant that you will not find anywhere else. Some local favorites of faculty at the College of Charleston include:

• Vickery's Bar & Grill ($) (Cuban)
• Sermet's Corner ($$) (Local American)
• Hyman's Seafood ($$) (Fresh seafood)

• 82 Queen
• High Cotton
• Magnolias

Getting Around

Charleston is a great city for walking. The peninsula south of the Francis Marion Hotel is about one square mile, surrounded on three sides by the Cooper River on the east, the Ashley River on the West, and the Charleston Harbor on the South. In fact the locals report that it is the rivers of Charleston that come together to form the Atlantic Ocean.

If you want a ride, instead of a cab, call a rickshaw (843 723-5685). Rickshaws are faster and less expensive. They are also powered by college students who could use your business to cover rising tuition costs at the College of Charleston.

Things to Do and See (according to one local)

On Foot

(Distances are approximate from Francis Marion Hotel)

• The Charleston Aquarium (0.5 mi)
• City carriage tour by Old South Carriage Company (0.3 mi)
• Fort Sumter (National Park Service runs a boat shuttle) (0.5 mi)
• Patriot's Point Navel & Maritime Museum (Take water taxi, 0.5 mi)
• Ravenel Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in N. America (1.0 mi)
• Charleston Museum (0.2 mi)
• White Point Gardens, AKA the Battery (1.0 mi)
• Market Street (outdoor market daily) (0.3 mi)

By Car

• The beach at Sullivan's Island
• Middleton Plantation
• The Hunley submarine (only on weekends)

For many other great ideas: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g54171-Activities-Charleston_South_Carolina.html