by Stratton & Debbie | FARTHER Together
There’s just something special about coming home—especially when home is Charleston, South Carolina. No matter how far we roam, we’re always drawn back to the cobblestone streets, historic homes, and sweet Southern breezes of the Holy City. For us, Charleston isn’t just home—it’s one of our top 12 cities in the world for good reason: history; culture; cuisine; and beautiful sites.
A City Steeped in History
Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a jewel of the American South. Its storied past includes Revolutionary War battles, Civil War beginnings at Fort Sumter, and a long tradition of architectural preservation that makes the city feel like walking through a living museum. Rainbow Row, the Battery, and historic churches line the peninsula, whispering tales of centuries gone by. Did we mention historic churches? There’s St. Micheal’s, St. Philips, St. Matthew’s and many, many more. Charleston isn’t called the Holy City for nothing after all.
Sites to Explore
When we’re home, we never tire of revisiting local landmarks. Walk along the waterfront at the Battery and soak in views of Charleston Harbor. Meander through the romantic pathways of White Point Garden. Hop a ferry to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, or take a carriage ride through the historic district to hear stories from Charleston’s rich and complex past.
For a more immersive experience, explore the newly opened International African American Museum, which honors the enslaved Africans whose legacy shaped Charleston and America. Don’t miss Magnolia Plantation or Middleton Place for a glimpse into the region’s antebellum history and stunning gardens.
A Taste of the Lowcountry
Charleston is a food lover’s paradise. From she-crab soup to shrimp and grits, the Lowcountry flavors here are unforgettable. We always make time for a visit to Husk, where Southern ingredients shine, or the Peninsula Grill or FIG, where the farm-to-table experience is truly elevated. Other high-end favorites include Magnolias, 82 Queen, High Cotton and the Amen Oyster Bar. For something more casual but quintessentially Charleston, nothing beats the seafood at Fleet Landing and a fried oyster po’boy from a food truck or a bowl of red rice and okra stew.
And there’s a few restaurants we’d like to highlight outside of the Peninsula: Edison on James Island; Palmira BBQ on Highway 61 on the way to the Gardens and the incomparable Ryder Cup Bar and Atlantic Room on Kiawah Island. The sunsets from the Ryder Cup Bar overlooking the Ocean Course are spectacular. This is one of our Top Ten places on the planet.
And let’s not forget the sweet stuff—pecan pie, benne wafers, and a scoop of peach cobbler ice cream from a local creamery always hit the spot.
Southern Charm, Timeless Soul
But to us what makes Charleston one of our favorite places in the world isn’t just the history or the cuisine—it’s the spirit of the city. It’s the soft clip-clop of a horse-drawn carriage, the scent of jasmine in the spring air, and the way every sunset over the marsh feels like coming home.
So yes, we’ve been fortunate to explore wonders around the globe—from the temples of Bhutan to the beaches of Cape Town—but Charleston always calls us back. And every time, it’s good to be home. There’s no place like it!
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