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Each year, readers of Travel + Leisure vote for their favorite city in the United States based on the quality of that city’s friendliness, culture, cuisine, sights and landmarks, shopping, and overall value. To be recognized alongside Chicago, Boston, New York and other landmark US cities is truly an honor. We’d like to thank Travel + Leisure and, of course, all those who voted. It warms us to know that Charleston is...

Happiness comes in all forms here in Greater Charleston, especially when you add H2O to the equation. And getting to partake in all 10 activities highlighted below equals a great Lowcountry summer! Set your sights high and prepare to get wet…naturally. (We’ll leave the pool activities for another day. And of course, Lowcountry fishing deserves its own Top 10!)

1. Swim…Alright; no excuses. Sunscreen, a towel, a buddy and a little common sense…that’s all you need.  Head to your favorite beach and perform your favorite stroke. Ours is Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island. And remember, there’s no better exercise!

The month of July is associated with the founding of our nation, and my next several diary posts will highlight the Charleston homes of some of our founding fathers. I start with John Rutledge and his home at 116 Broad Street. Built around 1763 for his bride, you have to imagine it without (1) the top floor and (2) all the cast ironwork, both of which were additions by later owners to the structure. In 1763 it would have been recognizable as a fine Georgian-style house, embodying the principles of balance and harmony as essential to that period.

116 Broad Street was built for John’s bride, Elizabeth Grimke, and it speaks of his love and high regard for her. They had ten children and were married for approximately 30 years until Elizabeth’s death in 1792.

Written by Brandt Prince on behalf of ABC News 4.

At first thought many people would associate oysters with restaurants or family gatherings and nights around a fire with bottles of hot sauce everywhere. But to see the journey oysters take to get to your mouth is something that will change your perspective on them entirely.

The South Carolina Aquarium recently invited me to join them in a project which required me to wear boots, sunscreen, and "protective clothes" so of course, I accepted the invitation. I listened closely to the weather forecast and assumed the event would be canceled...

From the possible development coming to the Maryville-Ashleyville neighborhoods of West Ashley to the Charleston Area Justice Ministry to the retirement of police chief Greg Mullen, City of Charleston mayor John Tecklenburg talks to me, one-on-one, for a special edition of 'Quintin's Close-Ups'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj8FKfqIX-M

Summerville is the Flowertown in the Pines, a nickname its Chamber of Commerce placed on it almost a century ago. Today, the city is exploding in virtually every way. The small towns that surround the city are also experiencing remarkably increased interest.

1. More than 18 square miles, Summerville finds itself in three counties: Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston...

It is Thursday afternoon at Tara Vis Gallery in downtown Charleston, and there is music playing. It's fun, upbeat, and the kind you want to sing along to if you you could understand the words.


Ivet Butler manages Tara Vis Gallery and is from Slovakia. She loves Slovakian, French and American music, in no particular order. She loves Jazz too because there are no words, just feeling. You could talk at length with her about French music and also Brigit Bardot...

 The Custom House at 200 East Bay Street is, in my opinion, the premier landmark in historic downtown Charleston. One of our city’s most imposing public buildings, almost everyone is familiar with it, making the Custom House great to use as a reference point.  When meeting someone there, it’s wise not to stipulate “front” or “back,” which can be confusing since both entrances appear identical.  It’s much better to say the “Cooper River side” or the “East Bay side.”

We are pleased to announce the winner of our Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition Facebook Contest! 20 local artists from the 2017 Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition submitted a piece of their collection to our Facebook page, and YOU voted your favorite by liking, commenting, or sharing the featured artist’s work. Now the votes are in, and the winner is….

Charleston is America's favorite city and an internationally renowned gem for many reasons. Few are more important than its respect for its own history. Matter of fact, in 1783 Charleston established itself as a municipal government with the motto: "She guards her customs, buildings, and laws." And we are all the better for it. Are you ready to go back in time?

1. Discover the oldest museum in the United States. Founded in 1773 and a key cog of the city’s unique Museum Mile, the Charleston Museum, “has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Our collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation.”  Don’t miss out!