Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ed into a combo rest stop, souvenir mall, motel and (mostly defunct) amusement
park, promoted on hundreds of billboards by a wildly stereotypical Mexican car-
toon character named Pedro. The place has been looking tired lately, but it's still
worth a quick stop for a photo and some taffy.
Shopping
The historic district is clogged with overpriced souvenir shops and junk markets. Head
instead to King St: hit lower King for antiques, middle King for cool boutiques, and up-
per King for trendy design and gift shops. The main stretch of Broad St is known as
'Gallery Row' for its many art galleries.
Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation
GIFTS
(
www.historiccharleston.org
;
108 Meeting St; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun)
This place
showcases jewelry, home furnishings and furniture inspired by the city's historic homes,
like earrings based on the cast-iron railings at the Aiken-Rhett House. Pick up a 'Charle-
ston' candle, scented with hyacinth, white jasmine and tuberose.
Charleston Crafts Cooperative
CRAFT
(
www.charlestoncrafts.org
;
161 Church St; 10am-6pm)
A pricey, well-edited selection of
contemporary South Carolina-made crafts such as sweetgrass baskets, hand-dyed silks
and wood carvings.
Blue Bicycle Books
BOOKS
(
www.bluebicyclebooks.com
; 420 King St; 10am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, 1-6pm Sun)
Excellent new-
and-used bookshop with a great selection of Southern history and culture.
Information
The City of Charleston maintains free public internet (wi-fi) access throughout the down-
town area.
weekly has good entertainment and restaurant listings.
Main Police Station
(
non-emergencies 843-577-7434; 180 Lockwood Blvd)
