Travel Notes: Charming Charleston boasts rich history

Last weekend in Charleston, S.C., was an enlightening experience.

From my observation point of Springfield, I always wondered why anyone would want to live in the South Carolina city, when it seemed they had to rebuild every fall after hurricane season blew through. I now have a better understanding. It is a beautiful, charming city, rich in American history.

Charleston was founded as a proprietary colony in 1670. In 1773 the first American Chamber of Commerce was formed, and the first American museum, the Charleston Museum, opened. It was the first city to have passenger train service.

According to our guide, Charleston staged its own tea party during the revolution.

"Instead of the Irish boys of Boston, who dressed up like Indians and dumped the tea in the harbor, the Scottish boys of Charleston just confiscated the tea and sold it."

The first shot of the Civil War, (the only war according to those living in Charleston) was fired at Fort Sumter, an island fortress at the mouth of the Charleston harbor.

Charleston is a walking city. Three days is the minimum you would need to cover the Ironwork (home of Phillip Simmons, featured by Charles Kuralt in American Moments), plantations gracing the river (for example, Drayton Hall, built in 1738), a visit to the Victorian waterfront homes known as Rainbow Row, churches and graveyards, African-American history walks and more.

Many festivals, such as the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, held each January, and the Festival of Houses and Gardens tour, in March, bring people out to enjoy the charm and beauty of the area.

The best place to start is the Visitor Reception and Transportation Center downtown. Travelers can pick up information on special events, attractions and activities. Ruth Miller's guide service, "Charleston Strolls," is highly recommended.

Miller is a charming Southern lady who began the first walking tours of Charleston in 1979. She has a thorough knowledge of the fascinating history of the area.

Wonderful restaurants and entertainment are found throughout the historic district, as well as great shopping.

For sports enthusiasts, there are large county parks and wide, sandy beaches, excellent for fishing, boating, and all types of water sports.

Golfers have their pick of championship courses in and around the city.

In the greater Charleston area alone, there are more than two dozen municipal courses and six private courses.

Charleston proclaims it is "America's Birthplace of Golf."

The best time to visit Charleston for weather and gardens is from March to early June. Visitors may want to include a stop in Savannah, Ga., only 108 miles away.

(Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.)