5 Off the Beaten Path Spots in Charleston Only Locals Know About
Charleston, South Carolina stands for many things in the minds of visitors. Whether the city calls to travelers in the name of history, cuisine, art or architecture, the common denominator seems to always come back to the underlying fact that Charleston is a destination that captures both the mind and imagination. Well-loved destinations that call the city home such as the Magnolia Plantation, Fort Sumter and Patriots Point commonly make the itinerary for first-time visitors. However, when you’re headed towards Charleston in the name of an uncommon trip, try exploring these 5 off the beaten path spots that locals love.
Pitt Street Bridge
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Charleston offers up a variety of picturesque destinations for capturing that stunning vacation photo opportunity. One of the lesser known points of beauty is the Pitt Street Bridge. This quiet walkway offColeman Boulevard is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon admiring the lush waterways that run below without having to contend with crowds. A sunset picnic comes highly recommended for summer travelers looking for an escape from urban excitement.
Magnolia Cemetery
While visitors may not readily assume a trip to the cemetery would be a feature of the itinerary, Charleston locals know that these city-based graveyards are where the history of The Holy City truly comes to life. Take some time to wander the winding paths that make up Magnolia Cemetery when you’re here for an experience that takes you back in time. Moss-covered headstones dating back to 1850 dot nearly 92-acres of land. As guests walk the pristine tree-covered grounds, they have the chance to view a collection of intricate and breathtaking funerary art.
Miller Gallery
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Much of the allure of Charleston lies within the confines of tradition. Southern charm, culture,and art have long infiltrated this historic city and drawn admirers to its threshold. This fact makes Miller Gallery an exciting and well-kept secret to the Charleston art scene. Founded as a response to traditional galleries that fill the city, Miller Gallery works to display contemporary art in a unique and creative way. Featuring modern artists from Charleston and across the globe, the Miller Gallery also distinguishes itself by providing artistic advisory services to promote a continuation of contemporary inspiration.
Shem Creek Park Crabbing
Admiring the marine life that makes up Charleston is one thing but getting in on the action is entirely another adventure. When you’re looking to partake in a Charleston pastime, consider making your way towards Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant for an authentic crabbing experience. This lush area comes complete with a boardwalk that stretches over 2,000 feet and ends in the Charleston Harbor. Providing stunning views of the city, Shem Creek Park is teeming with crab, making it the ideal location to cast a net and soak up the afternoon sun.
The Angel Oak Tree
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A short distance away on Johns Island stands a majestic testament to the city that visitors won’t soon forget once visited. The Angel Oak Tree has long been considered an icon of Charleston representing both strength and longevity. This impressive and sprawling tree reaches nearly 67-feet into the sky and stretches its intricate branches to cover over 17,000 square feet of land. Many locals believe the tree is 500-years old, making it a historic landmark worth witnessing up close. Come sit in the shade and enjoy the quiet or take a one-of-a-kind photo for remembering the incredible experience long after you’ve returned home.
Author Bio
Caitlyn Knuth is a travel writer whose personal adventures have motivated her to write about everything from the most delicious cafés in Paris to the captivating salmon runs in Juneau, Alaska. Working alongside Exclusive Properties, she has fallen in love with writing about the inspiring destination of Charleston in hopes that others will take to South Carolina in the name of history, travel, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
