Routinely named one of the top visitor destinations in America, Charleston is both sophisticated and charmingly historic. This peninsular city between the Ashley and Coopers rivers was founded in 1670 and became a leading colonial port by the early 1700s. Its prosperity continued until the Civil War and is still apparent in the city's splendid, double-galleried antebellum homes. Reconstruction was a difficult time for the city, but because of the poor economy, residents made do with what they had and, consequently, the city's historic buildings were left untouched.

Today, Charlestonians have lovingly restored old downtown homes and commercial buildings, as well as many historic churches---more than 180 churches in all, so many that natives sometimes refer to Charleston as "the holy city." Each spring the city celebrates its rich heritage with candlelight tours of historic homes, symphony galas, and the famous Spoleto Festival USA.