Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South Carolina State Parks
( camping reservations 866-345-7275, 803-734-0156;
www.southcarolinaparks.com
)
The helpful website lists activities, hiking trails and allows
online reservations for campsites (prices vary).
SOUTH CAROLINA FACTS
Nickname
Palmetto State
Population
4.7 million
Area
30,109 sq miles
Capital city
Columbia (population 130,500)
Other city
Charleston (122,700)
Sales tax
6%, plus up to 10% extra tax on accommodations
Birthplace of
Jazzman Dizzy Gillespie (1917-93), political activist Jesse Jackson (b
1941), boxer Joe Frazier (b 1944), Wheel of Fortunehostess Vanna White (b 1957)
Home of
The first US public library (1698), museum (1773) and steam railroad
(1833)
Politics
Leans Republican
Famous for
Firing the first shot of the Civil War, from Charleston's Fort Sumter
State dance
The shag
Driving distances
Columbia to Charleston 115 miles, Charleston to Myrtle Beach
97 miles
TOP OF CHAPTER
Charleston
This lovely city will embrace you with the warmth and hospitality of an old and dear
friend - who died in the 1700s. We jest, but the cannons, cemeteries and carriage rides do
conjure an earlier era. And that historic romanticism, along with the food and Southern
graciousness, is what makes Charleston one of the world's favorite cities and one of the
most popular tourist destinations in the South. In fact, Charleston was named the Best
City to Visit in The World by readers of
Condé Nast Traveler
in 2012.
How best to enjoy its charms? Charleston is a city for savoring - stroll past the historic
buildings, admire the antebellum architecture, stop to smell the blooming jasmine and
