Wanderlust in Charleston
Exploring the Road less Traveled
By Fritts Causby
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Charleston has more to offer than historic properties, fine dining and high-end boutiques, aircraft carriers and submarines. Located a relatively easy, three-and-a-half to four hour drive away from Wilmington, and featuring an array of outdoor activities, the Charleston area is a fun, low-stress weekend getaway.
The road trip is as American as apple pie, blue jeans and cheeseburgers, but who wants to spend all their free time in the car?
Is the journey more important than the destination? Who knows? Tor those who would prefer to spend the weekend exploring the outdoors, getting some fresh air or just relaxing on the deck of a waterfront restaurant instead of driving, however, it’s worthwhile to break out the map and target some fun areas that are easy to reach.
In the past, driving to Charleston from Wilmington had the potential to become a wrenching, brake-crunching experience, an endeavor that could easily consume the better part of an entire day. Since the completion of the bypass around Myrtle, however, the drive to Charleston is mostly comprised of four-lane roads and it is much more pleasant, in the off season anyway.
On the Way: Located around 45 miles outside of the city, the Awendaw Passage (Palmetto Trail) is a perfect place to pull the bikes off the car, go for a run or just stretch the legs and enjoy sweeping views of a pristine saltwater marsh. The trail winds along the creek for which it is named and is easy to ride for beginners, at least in the starting portion. Experienced bikers will find more of a challenge as the trail moves deeper into the woods, as it gets more ‘rooty’ and technical. With several long wooden bridges traversing the marsh and lots of speed available on the pine straw and packed sand, it is a worthwhile place to stop the car and spend a few hours.
Where to Stay: Of course, the downtown area is full of boutique hotels, historic B&BS, vacation rentals and all the famous brands. For a more relaxing stay outside of the hustle and bustle, the West Ashley area is very convenient. It’s a short distance away from the historic downtown waterfront, art galleries and restaurants, and there are a variety of reasonably priced hotels in the area with free parking, a sharp contrast to the historic district. The fact that West Ashley is reachable from Wilmington without having to drive through the city is an added bonus for anyone that likes to avoid stop-and-go traffic. The strategic location also allows for a visit to Folly Beach, Edisto Beach or Beaufort without crossing the city.
Eat, Drink and Unwind: Everyone knows that the Charleston downtown is home to many fine dining options, art galleries, rooftop bars, museums and shops. If in search of a more laid-back experience, however, California Dreaming should be on the list, as it is a large restaurant with ample parking, floor-to-ceiling glass and multiple terraces that showcase views of the Ashley River. The commercial district in West Ashley is equally enjoyable, as the area has multiple restaurants, shops, bars and breweries that are all in walking distance to each other. A visit to nearby Folly Beach is worth it for the vibrant, West Coast-style downtown area and its many shops, eateries and nightlife options.
Hiking and Biking: The West Ashley greenway is a scenic, eight-mile track that is mostly paved and easy to ride. Located a short distance away from most of the hotels in the area, it cuts through the back of a few neighborhoods before opening onto an exposed gravel path with gorgeous, long-range views of the marsh, making it feel like it’s in the middle of the country. Most of what is available to read about it states that mountain bikes are a must, but a cruiser with big tires would be okay, and certainly more comfortable. Reading about the trek from the north end of Folly to view the Morris Island lighthouse is also a little misleading, as an approximately 40-minute hike to check out a Civil War-era lighthouse that is only accessible by boat does not sound all that appealing on an initial review. Experiencing it firsthand is a different story altogether; proof that it is sometimes a good idea to begin a journey with low expectations.
Next Time: Surfing on the East Coast and especially South Carolina is also something that should be approached with low expectations. Folly is home to a number of great setups, with lots of jetties to break up the swells on the north end, a famous area among surfers known as The Washout, but it’s likely that favorite surfboard could spend the entire vacation in the car. For those who are thirsting for a board-sport experience, a trip to the Charleston skate park should be a priority. With more than 32,000 square feet, it is the largest skate park in South Carolina. There is also a DIY park under the I-26 that was built entirely by local board-riders, an homage to Washington Street in San Diego that blurs the lines between art and sport. If that were not enough, Charleston is home to a music scene that was thriving before the pandemic; something that is sorely missed by everyone with an appreciation for hearing their favorite band in person.
The Charleston area has a lot to offer for a quick vacation, and the wintertime could be the perfect season for an introduction to the city. Seasonal temperatures are often comfortable, especially when biking alongside a saltwater marsh in the sun, walking a cobblestone street protected from the wind by historic mansions, or dining on a rooftop under a gas heater and watching the sunset. Also, the likelihood of bugs and fellow tourists being prevalent is not as significant as it is in the warmer months. Whether looking to explore the sites that have made the city famous or searching for a breakup from the everyday routine, a weekend jaunt to Charleston is a great way to spend some downtime.