Charleston Weekend on a Budget
Charleston is known for opulence and decadence, but the college population has perfected the art of the Holy City on the cheap. There are plenty of free events and attractions, as well as cheap local eateries to keep your vacation easy on the wallet. You won't have to give up the things the city is known for, like fresh seafood, shrimp and grits or old Southern homes. And the less you spend on food and accommodations means the more you can spend on shopping!
Staying at hostels doesn't have to be the grungy nightmare you experienced on post-graduate jaunts to Europe. The Not So Hostel is clean enough for backpackers and grown-ups alike, with dorms from $23 per night and private rooms from $60 per night. Breakfast, linens and parking are free and both locations are a short walk from the stor... More >
Staying at hostels doesn't have to be the grungy nightmare you experienced on post-graduate jaunts to Europe. The Not So Hostel is clean enough for backpackers and grown-ups alike, with dorms from $23 per night and private rooms from $60 per night. Breakfast, linens and parking are free and both locations are a short walk from the stores and restaurants of King Street. If you don't feel like walking, you can also rent bicycles.
Although the Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market has all the same benefits of the downtown location, the one in Marion Square is the hub of all activity on Saturday mornings. College students and families all wake up early enough to buy fresh local produce, arts and crafts, and ready-to-eat dishes from food vendors. The line for the Charles... More >
Although the Mount Pleasant Farmer's Market has all the same benefits of the downtown location, the one in Marion Square is the hub of all activity on Saturday mornings. College students and families all wake up early enough to buy fresh local produce, arts and crafts, and ready-to-eat dishes from food vendors. The line for the Charleston Crepe Company wraps around the market, but there are plenty o f other options if crepes aren't your thing.
Even though Fort Sumter may be the site of the start of the Civil War, the ticket price and ferry ride can be pricey and time consuming if you are only in town for a weekend.
Even though Fort Sumter may be the site of the start of the Civil War, the ticket price and ferry ride can be pricey and time consuming if you are only in town for a weekend. Instead, drive to the Neck, the stretch of land between downtown and North Charleston, to see Magnolia Cemetery. This spooky marshside cemetery is the final resti... More >
Even though Fort Sumter may be the site of the start of the Civil War, the ticket price and ferry ride can be pricey and time consuming if you are only in town for a weekend. Instead, drive to the Neck, the stretch of land between downtown and North Charleston, to see Magnolia Cemetery. This spooky marshside cemetery is the final resting place for the most notorious Charleston families, as well as all three crews of the Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley, which was discovered and recovered in 2000.
Driving into town, you can't help but notice the massive diamond-shaped arches of the Ravenel Bridge, which connects downtown Charleston with Mount Pleasant. Exercise buffs and tourists after a great view can walk the entire length of the bridge, about 3 miles each way. You can park on East Bay Street or at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Pa... More >
Driving into town, you can't help but notice the massive diamond-shaped arches of the Ravenel Bridge, which connects downtown Charleston with Mount Pleasant. Exercise buffs and tourists after a great view can walk the entire length of the bridge, about 3 miles each way. You can park on East Bay Street or at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park. The bridge replaced the Cooper River Bridge and is taken over by runners every year for a 10 K race from Mount Pleasant to Marion Square.
The dusty gravel path from James Island may not look like much, but once you pull up to Bowen's Island Restaurant, you should prepare yourself for more seafood than the hungriest diners can handle. Owner Robert Barber will greet you and take your order. He has been involved in South Carolina Democratic politics for many years. Take a s... More >
The dusty gravel path from James Island may not look like much, but once you pull up to Bowen's Island Restaurant, you should prepare yourself for more seafood than the hungriest diners can handle. Owner Robert Barber will greet you and take your order. He has been involved in South Carolina Democratic politics for many years. Take a seat in the dock room overlooking the water or on the cozy deck room. A devastating fire destroyed the restaurant in 2006, but they have since rebuilt to LEED specifications. Say hello to Goat, who harvests and boils the oysters to savory perfection. He will bring them to you by the shovelful, so be prepared to shuck. There's also the option of fried shrimp, piled on a paper plate next to fries and hushpuppies.
| He has been involved in South Carolina Democratic politics for many years. |
Bogard Street is definitely off the beaten tourist path, due to its proximity to the Crosstown, but college students flock there for D'Alessandro's pizza, sandwiches and wings. The odd decor and loud music add to the college-friendly ambiance, but once you take your first bite of meat lovers pizza, you will be in your own world. Happy hour specials offer deals on pizza and beer. More
Bogard Street is definitely off the beaten tourist path, due to its proximity to the Crosstown, but college students flock there for D'Alessandro's pizza, sandwiches and wings. The odd decor and loud music add to the college-friendly ambiance, but once you take your first bite of meat lovers pizza, you will be in your own world. Happy hour specials offer deals on pizza and beer.
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