Page 6 - AAA Now! – AAA Shelby County – January/February 2020

TRAVE
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CHARMING CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Atrip to Charleston, one of America’s most historic and time-honored cities, is like taking a giant leap back in time – to a place where charming traditions are still practiced and the folks are friendly. Here, historic homes have been loving restored and gardens are meticulously tended. You can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride to enjoy the sites that have shaped Charleston to be the place it is today.
A visitor must-see is the Historic District of
Charleston, which encompasses more than 2,000 buildings. Shop in the Old City Market or explore the grounds of Fort Sumter National Historic Park, where some of the settlement’s earliest fortifications were located. You’ll see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired and learn about Fort Sumter’s role. A harbor boat trip is another pleasant way to see the fort and its environs.
If you should find yourself on the spooky side of Charleston’s Historic District at night, you can
take a walking tour inside the gates of Charleston’s oldest graveyards, or explore The Holy City’s streets, cemeteries, back alleys and churches. If you dare
to delve further, go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old City Jail, which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, 19th-century pirates and Civil War prisoners.
For a more serene way to enjoy the city, stroll through the lovely gardens of the Charleston Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history
of our nation unfold before it, from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and is home to the earliest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants on its famous grounds.
Just outside the city of Charleston lies Boone Hall Plantation. This 1681 working plantation is known for its moss-draped, three-quarter-mile Avenue of Oaks and original slave cabins. Boone Hall is the only plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry to offer a live presentation of the unique Gullah Culture, which was cultivated by African slaves.
GOOD TIMES IN NEW ORLEANS
Some cities are merely collections of skyscrapers and concrete, while others dazzle us with their distinctive style, physical beauty and soul. Yet few
cities rival the seductive charm of New Orleans. Founded in 1718 by French Canadian explorer Claude Trepagnier, it thrives today with a wonderful mix of cultures, traditions, and interesting architecture, making it one of the most unique cities in North America.
The heart of New Orleans is, of course, the French Quarter, divided into Upper and Lower sections, with Jackson Square at the midpoint. At Jackson Square, you’ll find historic buildings and
a beautifully landscaped park. Be sure to also visit the City Park, filled with Art Deco-styled benches and fountains, artificial lagoons and ancient moss- draped oaks. Stroll down bawdy Bourbon Street with its eclectic street performers and pop into some of the many oyster bars, restaurants and novelty shops. You might also want to visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, which has one of the largest glass collections in the country.
New Orleans’ Garden District is lined with old Southern mansions. Take the streetcar from the French Quarter as a fun and inexpensive way to see the area. The above-ground St. Louis Cemetery
no. 1 near the French Quarter is also a big tourist draw. Opened in 1789, it is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Though most tombs have fallen into disrepair, it hasn’t lost much of its charm, and there are many interesting stories behind these tombs.
A trip to New Orleans would not be complete, of course, without partaking in two of its most famous attractions – food and music. At the French Market you can satisfy your taste buds with Creole tomatoes, jambalaya and gumbo, pralines
and muffulettas
(sandwiches stuffed
with ham, salami, mozzarella and green olives), as well as Cajun specialties. A café au lait and French beignet is a must from Café du Monde.
The best of New Orleans jazz can be enjoyed at Palm Court Jazz Café and the Preservation Hall. Not only can you hear music from some of the best jazz musicians in the world, you also have the chance to rub elbows with them in-between sets.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
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