What To Do In Charleston:
Editors' City Guide: Charleston, SC
Charleston's Coastal Villages
Haunted Charleston Walking Tour
Charleston's Oldest Plantations
Charleston's Soothing Spas
Slide Show: Drive the South Carolina Highway Called "Vacation Road"
Backroads Guide to Carolina Lowcountry
Tour Charleston by Candlelight
Antiquing in Charleston
Byways of the South: SC US 17
Weekend Guide • The Perfect Time for Charleston
 



Editors' City Guide

Plan a Charleston Getaway Now!
Maximize your trip - our editors' and reader-rated picks for hotels, restaurants, activities, and shopping guarantee that you won't waste a minute.


 
Spring-Charleston's Best Season
Tours this month explore some of the city's most beautiful private gardens and homes.
By Tanner C. Latham / Photography Art Meripol
   
  Open gates at each of the private gardens on the tours graciously welcome guests.

"Now y'all surely know that all of Charleston is a garden," our guide says with a grin. "It's everywhere you look." She notices the enchantment in our eyes while we sidestep camellia petals coloring the sidewalk and wander fragrant secret alleys. The city's charm weaves seamlessly throughout its blooming streets this month like the wisteria twining its handwrought iron fences. But we don't just steal peeks at these gardens and homes. We're welcomed inside to enjoy the beauty.

61st Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens: www.historiccharleston.org or (843) 722-3405. Dates: March 13-April 12. Tickets: $45 for one day.

Tips for the Tour
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Bring your camera, but remember you can't take any pictures on private property.
Garden tours sell out more quickly than the home tours.
Bring a notepad to record ideas.
Pack bug spray in case the biting gnats get hungry.
Restrooms aren't readily available on the tours.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Charleston's Best Season " is from the March 2008 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.




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