Indoor Things To Do In Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful city full of history, culture and delicious food. Located along the Atlantic Coast, the city is home to stunning beaches, a bustling downtown, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy. With mild weather during the year, it’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking. But what if you’re visiting Charleston during the cold winter months or a rainy day? Don’t worry, there are plenty of indoor things to do as well! From educational and historical attractions to shopping, dining and more, here are some of the best things to do and see indoors in Charleston.

Museums and Historical Attractions

Charleston is a city steeped in history and filled with museums and other historical attractions. The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the South and was founded in 1773. It has a variety of exhibits that focus on the city’s history and culture. The Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is a beautiful historic plantation with a museum, gardens and a zoo. Visitors can learn about the history of the plantation and its inhabitants, as well as explore the many gardens and wildlife. The Middleton Place is another historical plantation, with a museum and gardens. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the plantation’s past.

Shopping and Dining

Charleston is home to a variety of shopping options. The King Street Antique Mall is a great place to find unique and vintage items. The Cypress Hall is a popular shopping destination, with more than 50 stores and restaurants. The Southern Season is a gourmet food market offering a variety of specialty products, from cheese and charcuterie to jams and jellies.

When it comes to dining, Charleston has something for everyone. The Halls Chophouse is a popular steakhouse, while the Home Team BBQ offers some of the best barbecue in the city. The FIG is a farm-to-table restaurant with a menu of locally-sourced ingredients. For a casual lunch, the Slightly North of Broad is a great spot to grab a sandwich or a burger.

Performing Arts and Entertainment

Charleston is home to a thriving performing arts scene. The Charleston Stage Company produces plays and musicals at the historic Dock Street Theatre. The Charleston Ballet Theater is a professional ballet company that performs a variety of classical and contemporary ballets. The Charleston Concert Association hosts a variety of concerts throughout the year.

For some indoor entertainment, the Charleston Pour House is a popular live music venue, while the Pour House Music Hall is a great spot to catch a show. The Charleston Comedy Club offers stand-up comedy shows, while the Charleston Escape Rooms is a fun and challenging way to spend an afternoon.

Indoor Activities and Experiences

Charleston is home to a variety of indoor activities and experiences. Visitors can take a tour of the city to learn more about the history and culture, or take a food tour to sample some of the best cuisine. The Cooking Caravan offers culinary tours and classes, while the Cooking with Friends offers hands-on classes in a variety of cuisines. The Charleston Brew Cycle is a unique way to explore the city, while the Charleston Yacht Cruises offers a variety of boat tours.

Conclusion

Charleston is a city full of indoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round. From museums and historical attractions to shopping, dining and entertainment, there is something for everyone in Charleston. Visitors can explore the city’s unique culture and history, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy a variety of indoor activities and experiences. With so much to do and see, Charleston is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Charleston: Indoor Edition

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in rich history and culture. When it comes to its attractions, dining, cultural experiences, and history, the list could go on and on. But, as an insider, we want to take you beyond the typical tourist spots and instead introduce you to some hidden gems that only locals would know about. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable indoor adventure!

Local Attractions

The beauty of Charleston lies in its ability to remain a perfect blend of old culture and modern-day art and craft. The city is home to a diverse range of attractions, from the historic Charleston City Market to the more contemporary, Museum of the American Revolution.

But, if you’re looking for something a little off-the-beaten-path, the Gibbes Museum of Art is a must-visit. The museum has a vast collection of American art to explore, but the highlight of your visit will be the guided tour of historic Charleston homes that the museum has helped in preserving. The tour takes you through beautifully restored interiors that showcase the varying lifestyles of Charlestonians throughout history.

Dining Spots

Charleston has a unique culinary scene that draws inspiration from Gullah Geechee culture, Southern soul food, and Lowcountry seafood. There are many great dining options, but if we had to pick just one, we’d recommend the establishment of Chef Sean Brock, Husk Restaurant. The menu is heavily Southern influenced, and Brock sources all his ingredients from local farmers and producers. Try the pimento cheeseburger or their famous shrimp and grits, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

Cultural Experiences

Charleston has a vibrant cultural scene that is tough to rival. The Spoleto Festival USA is an annual event that has been happening for over 40 years and features an array of performances, from operas to dance concerts. The festival takes place over several weeks in the spring and is a cultural highlight of the year in Charleston.

If you’re visiting outside of festival season, the Dock Street Theatre is an excellent alternative. Charleston’s first theatre has been in operation for over 280 years and has seen many critical performances, including productions by George Gershwin and the premiere of “Porgy and Bess.”

Local History

Charleston has a rich and complicated history, from its critical role in the slave trade to its involvement in the American Civil War, and many significant events in between. However, one unique spot to learn about Charleston’s history is the Old Slave Mart Museum. The museum is part of a historic slave auction gallery and provides an understanding of Charleston’s role in the slave trade practiced in the US before it was abolished.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

Finally, if you’re looking for something a little more unconventional, we recommend visiting the Magnolia Cemetery. It’s not your typical tourist attraction, but the cemetery holds over 150 years’ worth of history, with breathtaking scenery and indoor tour options during summer.

The cemetery’s unique artwork and statues, as well as its famous residents, such as poet Paul Hamilton Hayne, should be enough to pique anyone’s interest.

In conclusion, Charleston is a beautiful city that has so much to offer both visitors and locals. From hidden gems of historical value to dining at the city’s finest restaurants, exploring Charleston indoors can be a memorable experience that will have you wanting to return time and time again.