City Guide: Charleston

     Charleston has retained its past.

     It is far from a city dominated by modern high-rises, instead, it has a low skyline and tiny cobbled streets with old churches dotted alongside the roads and the horse-drawn carriages sometimes crossing the Old Town of Charleston.

     This is not a scene from an old movie, but reality in Charleston. You can see it for yourself with Booked.net hotels, from cheap hotels in Charleston to those packed with luxuries all available with maps, photos and secure forms. Check them out at Booked.net.

     Charleston is a city with nostalgia for those past days of its glorious history that today only retold in books, movies and television, but really took place in Charleston.

     Charleston received its first European ship in 1670 when English colonists settled the area. Since then Charleston has grown quickly from a colonial seaport to a big city and by 1742 it was ranked the fourth largest city in America. Charleston also achieved political and economic significance in South Carolina and served as the state capital till 1790 when capital credentials moved to Columbia. In the 19th century, Charleston thrived on agriculture with rice, cotton, indigo and some port exchanges, but shifted interests toward trade and industry.

     Today Charleston is mainly service-oriented with a wealth of world-class restaurants, hotels and night clubs. This change occurred as Charleston rose as a major tourist destination in South Carolina. It was even named a top 25 arts destination by popular American Style magazine. This is because of international Spoleto Festival that lasts for two weeks every summer and draws artists from around the world. Attractions include;

- The College of Charleston, the oldest institution in the state of South Carolina and the 13th oldest in the United States

- First Baptist Church, regarded as the oldest Baptist church in the South

- St. Mary's Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in the Carolinas

- Arthur Ravenel Bridge, the longest bridge in North America

     The list to be continued on your trip to Charleston, but don't be put off to associate this city only with its history. It is no stranger to the modern world, for example take a day out for dining in upscale restaurants, shopping in trendy boutiques and explore beaches and parks and afterwards have a rest in your comfortable hotel.

     You can book a hotel in Charleston easily with Booked.net.