The ideal combination of culture, nature and culinary delight
CHARLESTON - EXPERIENCE THE PAST
Charleston is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina . It is beautifully situated on the Atlantic Ocean and has an eventful history. For example, it played an important role in the War of Independence and the first shots of the American Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter . Meander along the cobbled streets of the Historic District dotted with beautiful Victorian-style mansions. Enjoy a delicious meal in one of Queen Street 's atmospheric restaurants . Stroll past fountains and landscaped gardens in Waterfront Park and admire the extensive flora and fauna of Cypress Gardens . Visit one of the iconic plantation houses that are part of its turbulent history, you may recognize the film set from a famous series like North and South or the movie Gone With The Wind. In the spring , the Spoleto Festival USA -- Charleston 's visual arts festival -- draws thousands of visitors to this gem in the United States . More than 100 performances of theatre, opera, classical music, jazz and dance are staged in this hometown of Charleston dance.
LOWCOUNTRY SEA ISLANDS - EXPERIENCE THE DIVERSITY
Off the coast of South Carolina are the Lowcountry Sea Islands , a long chain of barriers and tidal islands that constantly change with the tides and currents, are rich in history and sensational beauty. Get to know the culture of the Gullah , descendants of West African slaves who formed several island communities after the Civil War, including the fascinating island of Saint Helena. This island is also home to the Penn Center, America's first school for freed slaves that later became a base of Martin Luther King . The Lowcountry Sea Islands boast attractive wide sandy beaches and beautiful protected wildlife sanctuaries that are a bird watcher's dream. Hit a hole-in-one at Hilton Head's golf mecca or take a boat trip to a deserted beach and treat yourself to a barbecue lunch of freshly harvested oysters. Where the world can't find you...