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With an average daily temperature of 75, Charleston, SC should be on the top of your list of vacation destinations, and places to live. I personally lived in Charleston for 10 years before my career brought me to Atlanta, GA, in 1999. The city is rich in history and warm and friendly faces. I try to keep an impartial view when describing cities I do web design work for, but with Charleston, it is an impossible task, for no one could remain detached and impartial about this most captivating of American cities. Full of history, beauty, and grace, it is no wonder that this quintessentially Southern city frequently lands on lists of favorite travel destinations and friendliest cities.
Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly established a reputation for cosmopolitan tolerance by welcoming large numbers of persecuted Jews and French Huguenots from Europe. As the cultivation of rice and indigo flourished, Charleston found itself at the center of one of the wealthiest of societies. Plantation lords erected opulent townhouses and made Charleston the cultural heart of the South. Charleston has been challenged too, hosting The Civil and Revolutionary Wars, fires, earthquake and devastating hurricanes; most recently Hugo, in 1989. The city persevered, and visitors today walk down tree lined streets, past 200 year old houses, some still occupied by the same families. All in all, Charleston is one of only a handful of cities that rank as a "must do."
Several pre-Revolutionary war homes, and many ante-bellum homes still stand, faithfully preserved by a loving society. Part of the charm of this low-country area is the many plantations with lovely floral paintings and beautifully landscaped grounds. Many of these plantations, and superb homes and gardens within the city, are open for public viewing and guided tours.
Charleston owes much of its success to now sixth-term Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Named 1991 Municipal Leader of the Year by City and County Magazine Mayor Riley continues to rally the citizens of Charleston around his vision of a prosperous, beautiful community. Mayor Riley promotes an aggressive annexation policy along with innovative economic development strategies. The result: Charleston is responsible for a healthy share of South Carolina's promising future.
While offering gracious accommodation to visitors, Charleston remains an undeniably livable city for those who fortunately call it home. Charleston is a city of unhurried grace. Charleston is blessed with a wealth of historic structures that have been transformed into offices, restaurants, stores, and homes. The City's successful intermingling of business, home and garden make Charleston a beloved and very walkable urban landscape experience.
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