South Carolina: Charleston: Appreciating the Charm of the Old South

It is a rare treat in the United States to be able to gaze into the past; firstly, because the country itself is so young and, secondly, because very little remains from that which was constructed in the previous centuries in this country. However, in places such as Charleston, South Carolina, that which America deems "historic" is always and everywhere to be seen. Indeed, despite the short history of the United States, towns such as Charleston are nonetheless a treat in that they allow the visitor to peer into not only a past period in time, but also into a certain culture and state of mind that prevailed in the former Confederacy. The opulence and charm of the old South indeed point to the great differences that at one time threatened to tear the United States in two.

One way to appreciate the charm of the old South is through the annual Historic Charleston Foundation’s Festival of Houses and Gardens, held each Spring. The contemporary residents of Charleston pride themselves as much as ever on the splendor and grace of their homes and their meticulously manicured gardens, so when one has the chance to peer into this world so reminiscent of former times, it is an opportunity well worth making the most of. The yearly festival focuses on different neighborhoods throughout the four weeks of its duration. This affords one the opportunity to view a wide cross-section of what historic Charleston has to show for its rich past and its proud present. Indeed, for one keen on American history, or simply beautiful homes and gardens, Charleston offers a rare American treat.