A SOUTHERN PLAYGROUND
Charleston is considered one of the most romantic cities in America--
not usually an indicator of family-friendliness. To make matters worse (from a kid perspective), it's also considered one of the country's most mannerly cities, oozing with the quiet charm of formal gardens, gas-lit narrow brick ways and historic architecture. Indeed, we enjoyed its lush seductiveness in the past, but that was B.C. (before children).
Turns out that this pretty southern city is equally enthralling when traveling en famille. There are forts and dungeons to explore, Civil War cannons to climb, pirates to chase, fish to catch, horse-and-buggy rides to take and sand castles to make. Of course, that doesn't diminish its adult appeal: while the kids are happily romping, stop for a moment to take in the sweet scent of magnolias and, perhaps, steal a kiss.
WHO KNEW? The first Revolutionary War victory was won at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. Today, make your way through the fort's maze-like tunnels--a sure-fire hit with kids ($2 for adults, $1 for children ages 15 and under; $5 maximum per family; call 843-883-3123).
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT... beach blankets and castle-making toys. Miles of wide barrier beaches are minutes from downtown. Head to popular Folly Beach for warm waters, snack bars and lifeguards or to lovely Isle of Palms for fewer crowds and great shelling.
DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT... a face-to-face meeting with stingrays and sharks at the newly opened South Carolina Aquarium. There are more than 60 exhibits and 10,000 creatures, but make a beeline to the three-story Great Ocean Tank. (Aquarium admission is $15 for adults, $8 for kids ages three to 11; call 843-720-1990 or click here.)
CLEAN-PLATE CLUB Munch on boiled peanuts and share plates of freshly caught shrimp at Hyman's Seafood (843-723-6000). This come-as-you-are eatery has been the locals' choice since 1890. It's worth the wait.
LOCAL DIGS We like the central location and outdoor pool at the Best Western King Charles Inn. It offers free parking, too. Off-season rates are $79-$149; peak season rates are $89-$249. Look for winter specials beginning November through March, when rooms drop to around $89 (call 843-723-7451 for updated rates).
HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN Climb aboard the gigantic U.S.S. Yorktown aircraft carrier at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum ($14 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6 to 11; call 843-884-2727). The kids will also enjoy squeezing into tight quarters and checking out the torpedo tubes on the submarine U.S.S. Clamagore. From here, take a tour boat to historic Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the Civil War was fired ($13 for adults, $7 for kids under age 12; call 843-883-3123).
BEST LOCAL COLOR The lively fishing docks at Shem Creek, where you can watch shrimpers bring in their daily catch.
BEST SOUVENIR THE PIRATE SCAVENGER HUNT book at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon gift shop. Pick it up early on in your trip; it's brimming with activities to entertain the kids while families explore the city. The spooky Dungeon tour is a kid's delight too, full of stories of Indians, pirates and patriots (call 843-727-2165 for current rates).
F.Y.I. Call 843-853-8000 or click here.
Travel writers Diane Bair and Pamela Wright are regular contributors to FAMILYFUN and the authors of 18 guidebooks and numerous magazine articles.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
