Spring gushes out all over Charleston's historic district. Wisteria vines cascade over brick walls on Meeting Street. Flowering trees electrify the skies along Church Street. Window boxes full of blossoms brighten every lane and alley.

You'd expect a city with such a colorful history to have exceptional antiques stores too. You're right. Come shop with us as we take you to a few of our favorites. Springtime antiquing in Charleston is a beautiful combination that few cities can match.

Find Your Way on Friday
Start your trip at the Charleston Visitor Center. Even if you've been to the city before, this is the place to find out what's happening. You can't beat the location--right on Meeting Street with convenient parking and access to the green trolley cars shuttling passengers downtown.

We'll give you a couple of options for downtown stays. At the pricey, posh end, there's the relatively new Market Pavilion Hotel on East Bay Street. Their 66 luxurious rooms start at $299 double occupancy for weekend nights; toll free 1-877-440-2250. Visitors are treated to a luxurious room with mahogany furniture, marble baths, Egyptian cotton sateen sheets, and cashmere blankets.

For a less costly stay, there's the remodeled Days Inn on Meeting Street. Rates range $129-$179; toll free 1-866-683-8411. Both these hotels put you in the thick of things--right in the middle of the historic district and a short walk to the waterfront, historic homes and gardens, and shops. Or you could stay outside the historic district at the Holiday Inn Express in North Charleston. Rates start at $99 for weekend nights; (843) 553-1600.

For a satisfying low-cost dinner downtown, it's hard to beat Jestine's on Meeting Street. There's nothing fancy about it, but you'll get a tasty shrimp dinner for about $12.25. That's a deal in these parts.