Written by John LaVerne on behalf of Bulldog Tours

The historical backdrop of Charleston, SC is one of the longest and most differing of any group in the United States, spreading over many years. It was founded in 1670 and, although the city has had its low points, it is still thriving today and is currently one of the top tourist destinations in the US.

Charleston was the leading city in the South from the time it was founded up to the Civil War. The city has survived fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and war. There are several buildings that were important during these events, one of which is The Old Exchange Building, which has been standing since 1767. The Old Exchange is home to a dungeon that was used to hold prisoners of war during the British siege in the Revolutionary War, and later housed pirates such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. When you factor in the age of the city and the number of people who died either from war or natural disaster, it's no wonder that Charleston is considered one of the most haunted cities in the US. The best part about this haunted history is that Bulldog Tours specializes in Charleston Ghost Tours and will take you to visit these places... if you dare.

You could explore Charleston on your own... or you can see the best the city has to offer with Bulldog Tours history, culinary, and ghost tours. You will love it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhFQhfO5PK4

One of the staples of an idyllic visit to Charleston, South Carolina, Shem Creek is located mere miles from the historic downtown. Simply scoot over the beautiful Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge while taking in the view of the Cooper River, and you’ll presently find yourself face to face with Shem Creek’s myriad treasures, all sheltered within a serene bay.

Your list of things to do in Charleston may be getting long, but it’s essential that you make room for Rainbow Row. This series of 13 brightly-colored houses along the waterfront is one of Charleston’s most photographed spots and is a spectacular site to see.

While its architecture and beautiful pastel coloring are to be admired, Rainbow Row’s history is equally as captivating. As many of you already know, Charleston is a place steeped with history in every neighborhood, and Rainbow Row is no exception.

Why is Rainbow Row so brightly colored? How did it become one of the most recognized historical sites in Charleston? We’ve got the answers to your burning questions right here!

Charleston's built landscape is one of America's greatest works of public art. Centuries-worth of meticulous ironwork provides a visual feast for anyone exploring the downtown peninsula of Charleston. Wherever you look, you are rewarded with the rich architectural details that help give Charleston its vibrant sense of place.

Each design feature -- whether the sweeping porches of the Charleston single houses or scrollwork atop the Georgian columns fronting homes on the Battery -- illuminates parts of the city's past and provides the backdrop for Charleston's elaborate ballet of life. Downtown buildings are ...

In the sweltering heat, the actors pretend they are freezing in the snow in Virginia. Robbin Knight plays lead in John Laurens' War, a docu-drama about one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolutionary War. The first time I saw Robbin in an acting role was in Radical Son, a play at a local theatre.

To my folks unfamiliar with Charleston or Southern culture in general, this may sound a bit odd. Shagging. Southerners love to shag. When I moved down here from Ohio, I swear every other weekend had a “Shuck and Shag” event. In my midwestern mind, all I could muster in my head as to what the heck these shindigs were was shucking corn and...the only other way I’ve heard shagging.

So, newsflash for all my fellow travelers: shagging in the South is a type of dance.

Makes more sense now, doesn’t it?

It is dark and well past 10pm. The engine has been fighting him, but roars to life. It has spent many days being built in the hands of John Herald before finally breathing its first. This particular engine is destined for an old fire truck in Chicago. John will have to drive it up there to install it, too.

He credits his interest in auto repair and restoration to his Dad. John started working on cars...

It has been a warm day. By now a cool breeze has picked up and is moving away the warmth of the day. It is around 7pm, and the City Market in Charleston is bustling with people. Chelle Fazal is part of the Night Market and has her paintings set up here. She has brought out her new jellyfish painting and is looking forward to a great night.

Her journey has required due diligence. It has taken her almost two decades of windy roads, dry spells and hectic schedules to get here...

I found it by accident. Usually, nothing can distract me when I'm in the market in downtown Charleston.

"What do you mean, a MoonPie store?" I said. I felt the blood drain from my face.

"Like...a store that sells MoonPies," my friend says way too casually.

I shook my head. Cars and pedestrians angrily swerved around me.

"It can't be," I whispered.