As for Charleston, just wander the streets of the city. Every where you turn, there is a house marked for its historical significance. Many of these historical houses are open for tours, and at the Visitor's Center there are brochures and information on just about every tour available -- times, cost, etc.

The old market is a wonderful place to shop...especially if you're willing to sift through all the toursity stuff. Charleston is also a city filled with churches, churches of every denomination. There is also the Dock Street theater, which I haven't been in yet, but I have passed on numerous occasions. Popular tours are the carriage tours, which can be booked from at least three different companies. Sure, they can be a bit smelly in the heat of summer, but the guides give out some really interesting information and your feet are saved alot of walking. Of course, you can take that tour and then decide where you want to go, once you know _where_ you want to explore without setting out blindly. However, I tend to set out blindly, and I discover new things every time.

Seafood is the way to go in Charleston -- I've been in Hyman's, AW Shuck's and across the bridge on Mt. Pleasant, there are two nice restaurants -- The Trawler and Locklear's. If you are willing to drive a little further out (no more than 10 - 15 minutes, probably less), continue on to Sullivan's Island and there is a wonderful restaurant, though I can't remember the name of it. It's very small and cozy...and the food was just amazing. Its next door neighbor is a bar and a larger restaurant to its left. For lunch or a light snack, head down King Street...the street one over to the right from the main Meeting Street, and look for a small trailer on the corner advertising French Crepes. They were wonderful -- just as good as any crepe I had while I was in France.

Any other suggestions out there?

Mandy Huffman