(Not Quite) Dog Days in Charleston
| By: PremiereCharleston.com Around Town Editor | 07/08/2010 |
It has arrived full force - summer in Charleston SC, that is. Back home in the Midwest, you never wanted to leave the house in December and January, Here in Charleston, the time you never want to venture outside is right now. Of course, using dad’s logic, this is exactly the time you should be out and about, when everyone else is standing in his or her underwear in front of the window-unit AC. That Grandma might suffer heatstroke was a risk he was willing to take. Long story.
Anyway, allow me to propose a compromise. Let’s find some nice, air-conditioned indoor attractions to enjoy in downtown Charleston this July. You will still have to endure the walk from the parking garage, but if I hear any whining, I am turning this car around!
Charleston Museums
Charleston’s “Museum Mile” is a relatively new concept linking The Charleston Museum to the north, The Gibbes to the south, the Old Slave Market in the middle, and a bunch of mansion tours throughout. Check out the Museum Mile page. And, don’t forget, there is also the South Carolina Aquarium.
Charleston Historic Home Tours
Planters, patriots, scoundrels – they all lived in Charleston, and they all had bitchin’ cribs! See what life was like before income taxes! Here are some Google search results for Charleston Home Tours.
Downtown Charleston Shopping
Of course, you have all of King Street if you wish to brave the elements. If not, you have two choices. First is The Shops at Charleston Place, an indoor mini-mall featuring a raft of the nationally known, mid- to upscale retail names. Second is the Old City Market on Market Street. It’s an indoor/outdoor deal where more than 100 vendors sell everything from local foods to souvenirs. You can learn more here.
Movies in Downtown Charleston
You have one choice for cinematic wonderfulness in Downtown Charleston – the Terrace Hippodrome. Located near the harbor end of Calhoun on Concord Street, by the Aquarium. Formerly an IMAX, they still have one of the biggest screens in town, perfect for a big blockbuster.
Charleston’s Gaillard Auditorium
The venue is sort of quiet in the summertime, but there are a couple of events to enjoy this July: a big bridal show on July 11, and an Antiques and Collectibles shindig on the 17th and 18th. Located on Calhoun Street.
Tolerable Summer Outdoor Activities in Charleston SC
If you’re ready to stop being a big baby about the heat and humidity outside, there are still things to enjoy in downtown Charleston, if you don’t mind simmering in your own gravy.
First, let’s consider all of the things we previously discussed. If you’re doing them during the day, you will have to get from one place to another. Parking downtown is generally not as bad as you might think. But another good option would be to take the CARTA trolley from place to place. An all-day pass is only five bucks!
Boat Tours in Charleston
Whether it’s a leisurely turn around the Harbor, a pilgrimage out to Fort Sumter or a hair-raising powerboat tour, there are plenty of ways to feel the spray. And most of the fishing charters can be hired to putter around the inlets and salt flats to watch the dolphins, too. Check it out.
Charleston Beaches
Yes, it’s still 95 degrees, but with a gentle ocean breeze and plenty of half naked women seabirds to look at, you’ll barely notice. Take a look at the Charleston County beach parks here.
Charleston’s White Point Gardens
A personal favorite. There is plenty of shade at this park down by the Battery, and no shortage of harbor breezes.
Charleston by Night
Nighttime is the right time to perspire seven percent less in Charleston! There are a ton of bars, clubs and restaurants to enjoy after dark. Popular destinations are King Street and East Bay.
Well, that’s the rundown of Charleston’s happening happenings for July of 2010. Gentlemen: start your sweat glands!
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June 16, 2010
