By Jamey Price, WSOC-TV Web Intern

The image my mind conjures up when I think of Charleston is of historic old plantation homes basking in the sunlight, Spanish moss blowing in the refreshing sea breeze while hanging from the biggest live oaks you’ve ever seen. Charleston is a town deeply routed in its colonial history and family friendly atmosphere. The downtown area is the picturesque southern civilization with shopping, beaches, world class restaurants and civil war era forts conveniently located a short four hour drive from the Charlotte metro area. What could be better for a fun, quick weekend getaway?

Charleston provides that perfect balance of whatever it is you may want or be looking for. The city prides itself on the fact that it can be just as much a family getaway as it can be a romantic trip for two. The Charleston Tourism webpage is a wealth of information on all of the best options to choose from to help you get started. However, for the time being, I can speak from my own experiences and point you in the right direction.

Places to Stay

Obviously when you go somewhere, you are going to need a place to stay. WSOC-TV news anchor, Erica Bryant, suggested Charleston Place Hotel and the Lodge Alley Inn as two possible suggestions. Pretty much any bed and breakfast in Charleston is worth a look. The range in prices can be pretty large but it all depends what kind of weekend you’re after.

See the City from your own two feet, four feet, four wheels or by paddle

I’ve been very fortunate in that I have traveled to many areas of the world and its kind of a rule of thumb that whenever my family sees a local scenic tour bus, more likely then not, mom is the first one in line to buy the tickets to ride it. So as a result of this fact, I can personally say that Charleston’s tour buses are insightful, helpful and take you to all the best spots in the city. You can learn more about the options you have as far as tours on the Charleston Tours website. They have options including guided walking tours, kayak tours of the surrounding inlets and rivers, tours by horse drawn carriage and the more traditional bus tours. If you’re in Charleston for a few days, I highly recommend a tour of some kind. You might find somewhere along the way that you are dying to explore.

“Shrimp is the fruit of the sea”

Southern cities are known for their cuisine, sweet tea and hospitality. Charleston is the epitome of this stereotype. The city being conveniently located on the shore, lends itself to a great selection of seafood’s as well as other types of food for all types of taste buds. If you’re in the mood for a family friendly atmosphere, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company doesn’t get much better. If you’re after a more romantic location, all you need to do is look around. RB’s Seafood on Shem Creek is also a great spot for the seafood lover. Dunleavy’s Pub is a unique hole in the wall bar which is great for a lunch pit stop on the way to or from the beach or maybe for an evening drink. Charleston has so many cuisine options that it is really impossible not to find something for you.

Bring out the tanning oil, the floatie arm bands and a boogie board

What would a summer be if you didn’t see the beach at least once? From Charlotte, getting to the beaches of South Carolina is a lot easier (and shorter) if you head southeast instead of east toward our own beaches in North Carolina. Some of the best seaside tanning spots in South Carolina can be found with a short drive from Charleston. Ryan Matthews, my best friend and local college student from the Citadel, recommends heading toward Folly Beach. Folly is the "go to" beach for the college students in the area while Isle of Palms is also a great choice if you’re looking for a more 'touristy' atmosphere. Lastly, Sullivan’s Island is a beautiful pick if you’re after a remote small town beach feel.

Everything else

The family fun need not stop at Bubba Gump, the beach or at the hotel pool. Charleston has a fantastic Aquarium in addition to all its hidden secrets. The South Carolina Aquarium which is only a short walk from most places in the city is one stop I highly recommend for the marine biologist in all of us. For the shopping fans, the outdoor market on Market St. is also a great attraction. Charleston’s shopping is some of the finest in the south. You can find antiques, jewelry, designer clothes and whatever else may be on your radar all in one general area. King Street is about 3 blocks from the College of Charleston campus and is smack in the middle of Charleston. Lastly if you're looking for a new experience, every Friday at 3:30 p.m, the Citadel Military College Cadets have a full dress parade which always draws large crowds. It is a fun and unique sight to see if you’re looking for an activity for the late afternoon.

Why we love the south?

Charleston is one of those cities that you are best not just reading about, but actually seeing with your own eyes. So although my words may be helpful in pointing you in the right direction, being there and experiencing the city for yourself is obviously the best option. It is easy to get around, fun, scenic and has every variety of shopping, recreation and fun you can imagine. So next time you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway with the spouse or family, I think Charleston is a good place to start.

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Charleston In Photos

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Thanks to Ryan Matthews, Erica Bryant and Blair Miller for additional tips and insight into the Charleston area.