Situated along the Cooper River and within close to the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina, with an estimated population of approximately 800,000.

Named after King Charles II of England, the town (originally referred to as Charles Town) formed in 1670 as one of the key cities in the British colonization of the Americas. Charleston adopted its present spelling when it became incorporated as a city in 1783, following the close of the Revolutionary War.

The town is known for its historical impact, thriving culture, and impressive culinary scene. During the 1670s, Charleston bore witness to countless pirate raids, some led by the iconic Blackbeard. The famous Irish-born pirate Anne Bonny moved to the city at age 10. By the early 1700s, much of Charleston's population consisted of Africans brought over on the Middle Passage as part of the slave trade. Many of their descendants now make up Charleston's Gullah population, a community that has played a significant role in shaping the city's legendary Lowcountry culture and cuisine.

Famous for their beautiful handcrafted baskets formed out of sweetgrass blades, the Gullahs' continuation of this West African tradition is highly sought out by famous institutions, art collectors, and tourists alike. The baskets can be purchased and also seen being made at The Historic Charleston City Market, along with countless roadside stands off nearby Highway 17.

The city's culture blends English, French, traditional Southern U.S., and West African elements. For those looking to experience Charleston's culture to its fullest degree, head downtown where there are countless art, music, local cuisine, and fashion venues.

A must-see is Charleston's legendary "Rainbow Row," a series of thirteen colorful historic houses representing the most extended cluster of Georgia row houses in the U.S.

Known for its local seafood and British-French fusion, Charleston offers many staple Lowcountry dishes such as gumbo, she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, fried oysters, and deviled crab cakes. For those seeking the ultimate Lowcountry cuisine experience, check out Hank's Seafood Restaurant, Nana's Seafood & Soul, and Millers All Day.

The city also boasts a series of annual events that encompasses a wide array of disciplines and medium. Some of these include the Spoleto Festival USA, a 17-day art festival, Charleston Food and Wine Festival, a renowned culinary and libation tour featuring the area's best chefs and restaurants, and Charleston Fashion Week, one of the nation's premier couture events.

As it has on every semblance of Charleston culture, the Gullah community has had a profound influence on the early development of jazz music. The city itself is home to a plethora of critically acclaimed and legendary musicians and bands, such as Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish, Shovels & Rope, and Bertha Hill. In 2016, Shovels & Rope founded High Water Fest, a three-day-long festival featuring some of the world's best folk, Americana, rock, and bluegrass bands, accompanied by some of Charleston's most popular food trucks and microbreweries.

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