The King Of Charleston Shopping-The King Street District

Are you up to the challenge Charleston presents to its visitors and residents? What is that challenge? The challenge isn't in trying to find something to do, the challenge is in deciding which something-to-do you want to do first because the list is long and diverse. Attractions, tours, museums, shopping, restaurants, and theaters are abundant and when the weather is hot, the kind involving sand and water is everywhere. The top ten list includes such favorites as the South Carolina Aquarium, The Battery/White Point Gardens, Old City Market, Rainbow Row, Middleton Place, Waterfront Park, and Folly Beach. But in that list is also the King Street Shopping District.

From as early as the 1700's, craftsmen of such trades as cabinet makers, silversmiths, and others often had King Street addresses. In the 19th century, hundreds of small businesses also traded along King Street. Unfortunately, the Civil War greatly affected this once bustling area, and it fell into ruin. Charleston struggled through all kinds of disasters, but its craftsmen still had the attention of buyers, and the antique industry was gaining strength even though King Street still largely remained abandoned, until the restoration of Charleston was in full swing in the 20th century. What remained of the old shops and businesses along King were restored and reopened during this time. What is now called Lower King is a shopper's paradise of fine art, clothing, home furnishings and décor, toys, jewelry, flowers, gifts, inns and restaurants.

Locals have dubbed one section of Lower King Street, between Beaufain and Queen Streets, “The Antiques District”. At the corner of King and Broad Streets is Berlin's. Saks Fifth Avenue is a highlight at the northern corner of King and Market Streets. Charleston Place on the northeast corner of King and Market just above "antiques row" is where the eager shopper can find trendy stores featuring jewelry, shoes and fine clothiers. Charleston Farmer's Market is located in Marion Square on King Street between Calhoun and Hutson streets.

Places to eat and drink, such as the Charleston Grill, Halls Chophouse, Juanita Greenberg’s Nacho Royal, King Street Grille, Mellow Mushroom, Old Town Grille and Seafood, Torch Velvet Lounge, and Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, are all located on King Street. Other choices close by are Blind Tiger, High Cotton, McCrady’s, Mistral, and Vendue's Roof Top Bar and Restaurant.  A host of other eating establishments from the expensive to the reasonable are all within walking distance. So go ahead and "shop until you drop" as they say.

Walk It Or Ride It-Charleston's Waterfront Is Eye-Catching

The rythmic clip-clop of the horses hoofs sets the tone for an nostalgic trip back to simpler, more gential times of Charleston's past. The horse drawn carriage makes its way onto East Battery. The elevated walkway along the waterfront of East Battery stretches on ahead, a beautiful vantage point for taking in the scenery of Charleston Bay. Our attention is quickly diverted to a house on the right of us, a house with a split personality. Half is Roman architecture and the other half Greek. All listen intently as the story is told about how this unusual collaboration came about.

House with split personality

This is only a brief description of what the Charleston waterfront from The South Carolina Aquarium to White Point Gardens in Battery Park offers in the way of entertaining activity, relaxing sightseeing strolls, and historic tours. The panarama includes the Ravenal Bridge, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown docked at Patriot's Point, Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie, Pinckney Castle, Fort Sumter, and on around South Battery overlooking James Island.

South Carolina Aquarium-Visitors can explore Southern aquatic life in an attraction filled with thousands of enchanting creatures and plants in amazing habitats, from five major regions of the Appalachian Watershed. Meet the Aquarium’s newest reptile resident, an albino alligator.

Fort Sumter Tours/SpiritLine Cruises-Offers a tour of Fort Sumter beginning with a museum tour detailing the history, cruises of Charleston Bay, and three-hour dinner cruises.

Waterfront Park-An eight-acre park and pier along the Charleston Harbor entry. The park masterfully combines spectacular fountains, spacious lawns, intimate garden "rooms", walking and jogging path and a long pier with picnic tables and wooden swings. The Pineapple Fountain located here represents the welcoming hospitality for which Charleston is so well known.

Battery and White Point Gardens-Provides a spectacular view of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. It boasts many large oak trees, a bandstand, a few memorials, and pieces of artillery. Historical point: Scene of some famous hangings of pirates.

Edmondston-Alston House-Offers tours and a sweeping view of the harbor from its location on Charleston's High Battery. Built in 1825 by merchant Charles Edmondston, Greek revival details were added in 1838 by Charles Alston.

Two Meeting Street Inn-A Charleston bed and breakfast hotel advertised as the oldest and most recognized Charleston inn. Located in prestigious South Battery at White Point Gardens.

Three Historic Landmarks In Charleston Worth a Picture Or Two

It is the most photographed and painted tourist attraction in Charleston. It was an undesireable part of town following the Civil War, but now is a very sought after landmark synonymous with the name of Charleston. Painted in an array of Caribbean inspired pastel hues resulted in the name by which it has become identified. Sea captains, traders, townsfolk and pirates shopped, traded, and sold their goods in this stretch of realestate located on East Bay Street. Walk through the Old Market and you will find it on plates, switch covers, shells, and just about anything with a flat surface, even bricks. It is a group of buildings called Rainbow Row. If you are a resident it is a been there, done that, but if you are a first-timer the Row should be on your must-see list.

Originally Half Moon Battery, this landmark is considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. The structure stands proudly at the foot of Broad Street. It is the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon. All the employees dress the part. You will see them standing at the top of the steps along the front in colonial dress waving and greeting tourists. Inside are three floors of Charleston history highlighting the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The artifacts displayed help you get a picture of the events and people that influenced and shaped the history of Charleston or specifically, Charles Towne. The Provost Dungeon, still dank and without sunlight, highlights a tour that speaks of pirates and patriots in chains, of a siezed tea shipment and General Moultrie's hidden gunpowder, and ghosts lurking within its walls.

The Powder Magazine located at 79 Cumberland Street is Carolina's oldest public building. A small brick building with walls three feet thick and four groin arches designed to implode in case of an explosion was used as a powder magazine from 1713-1770 and again briefly during the Revolutionary War. Its other uses were as a stable, a wine cellar, a print shop and now, a museum. It offers free of charge living historic presentations and showcases different period interpreters, local crafters, artists, musicians, and other historical novelties. Every Saturday in June and July there is a live performance scheduled called The Gentleman Pirate at 3:30pm – 4:30pm.

While in the area check out Johnson's Pub & Pizzeria or the Blind Tiger Pub for some cool drinks and creative dishes.-Vacation Rick Travel

An Unusual Hotel With A View-The Queen Mary In Long Beach, CA

If you are looking for an unusual place to vacation and checking out accommodations think Long Beach, CA and the Queen Mary. This is a cruise ship that never leaves port, so you don't have to worry about getting sea sick. The reason, this vintage ship has been permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967 and was turned into a floating hotel. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In World War II it was called the "Grey Ghost" and Winston Churchhill stayed on board.

The Queen Mary has 314 staterooms that have been converted into modern guestrooms, but if you want to experience a bit of the past glory of the ship there are suites that retain their original Art Deco ambiance. There are six different award winning restaurants, cafes, and bars on board with views of the ocean and city skyline. The Sir Winston, a five star restaurant, is known for great service and creative cuisine. The Observation Bar is a Southern California landmark with lively entertainment. The Grand Salon, the ship's original first-class dining room, has a special Sunday Brunch. Tibbies Cabaret offers delicious cuisine along with a critically-acclaimed, "Broadway-Cabaret" style show.

Ship attractions include historical tours, and for some scary fun, ghost tours, because the ship has a haunting dark side to its past. Haunted Encounters Tour takes you on a guided tour of the ship's most haunted areas while the tour guide reveals the stories of the Queen Mary's most famous reported ghosts. Queen Mary also has a interactive special effects show called Ghosts & Legends featuring spooky animations of the ship's haunted past. Increase the mystery and fun by taking the nighttime tours.

Since you can leave the ship at your leisure take time and explore the city of Long Beach with its many attractions. Aquarium of the Pacific, Downtown Shoreline Marina and Village, the Pike at Rainbow Harbor are featured places to explore with entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. Long Beach is a bicycle friendly city where you and your family can explore the waterfront and city by bike. Check out Bike Long Beach for biking fun. Upcoming events of notice include the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which takes place April 16-18, 2010. The 15th Annual All Toyotafest is scheduled for May 8, 2010. The Queen Mary Park will be packed with over 370+ Toyota products (including Scion and Lexus). Featured vehicles include- modified, restored, hybrid, and all-original Toyota products.

Long Beach Airport ranked in the top five for lowest average domestic air fares in the nation. So, hop on a jet at your local airport and take off to Long Beach and experience the Queen Mary. Queen Mary can be found at 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802.-Vacation Rick Travel for travel information.