The quaint South Carolina city of Charleston is a great introduction to southern hospitality for those who are visiting the state for the first time. Within the city, the French Quarter stands out as a destination in its own right, one with a romantic ambiance, historical sights, a bustling harbor and waterfront park, and a choice of elegant restaurants.
The French Quarter calls to first-time visitors who are looking for a picturesque, walkable neighborhood in Charleston where they can see several of the city's top attractions. Part of Charleston's original walled city, the French District, fronts the Cooper River to the east, extends south to Broad Street, west to Meeting Street, and north to Market Street.
While the French Quarter has a notable history, the district wasn't designated as the French Quarter until the 1970s. The name honors the French merchants who once lived in the area, and the neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Along with its notable architecture, intricately wrought iron gates, and wonderful public and private gardens, the French District is known for its arts scene and is home to many top galleries.
Visit These Must-See Attractions In The French Quarter
The Gibbes Museum of Art, located in the Beaux Arts building at 135 Meeting St., is home to a collection of more than 10,000 fine art pieces, representing colonial through contemporary times and most created by artists with a connection to Charleston. The museum is well known for its collection of 300 miniature portraits, and it also exhibits paintings, photography, sculpture, and more, with many works by African-American artists.
The City Market, located at 188 Meeting St., was founded in the late 18th century and stretches across four city blocks. It houses the Confederate Museum. The market is a National Historic Landmark, where vendors continue to sell a wide variety of items such as jewelry, clothing, food, artwork, tea, and lots more.
The French Huguenot Church, considered the finest example of Gothic Revival architecture in the city, is found at 136 Church St. Built in 1845, it is the only French Calvinist congregation in the United States today, and while it is only sporadically open to the public, a look at its ornate exterior towers is worth the trip.
The Charleston County Courthouse, a Neoclassical building, is a museum and courthouse. Visitors can wander through on self-guided tours. Located at the corner of Broad and Meeting streets, the building is said to have been where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to local residents.
The Dock Street Theatre, at 135 Church St., was built in 1809 as a hotel and became a theater in 1935. An earlier Dock Street Theatre dates back to 1736 and was located nearby the current theater. It was destroyed in a fire in 1740, historians believe. A resident stage company performs year-round, and the recently restored lobby is worth a peek.
Walk along the French Quarter's border on the Cooper River to find the sprawling Waterfront Park, with walking paths, a gazebo, picnic tables, porch swings, and benches offering panoramic water views. A central fountain is the focal point of the park, which is popular with walkers, runners, bicyclists, and birdwatchers. It's open to the public daily.
Luxury Hospitality Awaits French Quarter Visitors
Charleston's French Quarter is decidedly upscale. The neighborhood has several luxury hotels and inns and many restaurants offering traditional Lowcountry fare and continental favorites.
Here's a sampling of a few elegant dining spots where entrees will cost between $30 and $50.
Revival, located at 162 East Bay St. Its concept is described as modern yet relaxed dining with a focus on recipes and ingredients from South Carolina's past. Dinners include roasted striped bass, duck confit, and Lowcountry pirlou (lobster and other seafood).
High Cotton, at 199 East Bay St., says it prides itself on hospitality and offers dishes such as scallops, salmon, shrimp, and grits, plus steaks and lamb.
Magnolia's, at 185 East Bay St., says it serves upscale Southern cuisine using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques elevated by modern flair. Visitors can try its Lowcountry bouillabaisse, blackened catfish, pork tenderloin, and beef filet.
Eateries, where prices are slightly lower, include the East Bay Meetinghouse Bar and Cafe at 160 East Bay St., which serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Another moderate venue is Pearlz Oyster Bar, located at 153 East Bay St., and serves seafood gumbo, fried oysters, and tacos, among other dishes.
The French Quarter is home to a few luxury hotels, including The Vendue, at 19 Vendue Range, where rooms will cost between $400 and $500 per night (higher on weekends), and The Loutrel, at 61 State St., and with similar nightly rates.
The Saint Hotel, at 194 East Bay St., offers art deco and avant-garde furnishings and offers mid-week rates of about $260 per night.
Travelers must go farther afield, outside the French Quarter, to find accommodations with rates under $200 per night. One option is the Comfort Suites Charleston West Ashley, at 2080 Savannah Highway, which offers rooms starting at about $139 per night.