The Low Country

My first trip to South Carolina and we stayed near Charleston. This city is one of the oldest in our nation as it was founded in 1670. The southern region of the state is referred to as the Low Country due to the elevation in regards to sea level. The rich history and beauty will surely captivate your attention. Charleston was one of the wealthiest cities in the early years of the nation. It was considered an open and tolerant city giving way to the various religious denominations and churches in the area.

There are over 2,500 historical buildings in Charleston and the homes come in various distinct architectural styles. One style that caught my eye immediately is the Charleston single house floor plan. Their shape has a tall and narrow face, and they also feature a long, narrow lot. These homes are only one room wide when viewed from the street, but stretch several rooms wide from the side. These homes also feature one door facing the street, but contrary to your first impression, it is not the front door. It’s a piazza entrance! The front door entrance of a Charleston single house is in the middle of the piazza for added privacy.

As I mentioned, Charleston is the home of many different religious denominations as the city took the right to Freedom of Religion very seriously. You will find just about every denomination possible in Charleston, to include the only remaining Huguenot church in the country. The historic churches dot the city streets of the French Quarter neighborhoods.

There is just so much to see and do in this amazing city. Touring vintage homes, museums, forts, churches, plantations and other land marks will keep you busy. You will want to try the Low Country cooking and learn about the Gullah culture. Our two days here was not enough! It is a city worth visiting more than once.