Enjoy southern charm before or after your Carnival cruise in Charleston

By: Allison Flynn7.26.18Foodies, history buffs, and cruise enthusiasts will find all they want and more during a vacation to Charleston, SC.Charleston - the oldest city in South Carolina - is so rich in history that you’ll want more than a few days to be able to soak it all in.ShoppingOne of my favorite places of all to shop in Charleston is the Charleston City Market. Part of this is because I love history, and the Market is located in its original 1804 location.Inside you’ll find vendors of all kinds selling everything from jams and candles to a Charleston staple, sweetgrass baskets. These baskets are woven so tightly they will hold water. (I bought one on my honeymoon that will definitely hold water - but I have it hanging on display because it is functional art!)DiningCharleston is a foodie’s paradise. Located on the waterfront, seafood is plentiful, but if that’s not your craving, then there’s other options as well. French, Greek, Asian … you name it. Charleston’s got it.Poogan’s Porch is a Charleston icon. The restaurant has garnered visits from celebrities since opening in 1976. It is located in a historic home that was built in 1888, and is named for a dog who remained after the owners sold it and it became commercial property. You’ll find everything from She-Crab soup to Southern fried chicken here.AquariumCharleston is home to the South Carolina Aquarium. Exhibits aren’t just limited to those creatures you’ll find in the sea, but also to those you’ll find across the state’s regions. My husband and I honeymooned in Charleston, and one of our favorite memories is getting to pet an owl at the aquarium. It was fluffy and soft, and enjoyed being petted as much as a cat does!HistorySo. Much. History! Located just off Charleston’s coast is Fort Sumter, which is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The city was formed in 1670, making it older than the United States!There are historic plantations (Boone Hall is one of my faves - the facade was used in “Gone With the Wind”), buildings, cemeteries, churches, and more. You could spend days doing nothing but visiting historic sites.BeachesSun, sand, and surf are just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston proper. There are five beaches along the coast near Charleston. And there are other islands within an hour’s drive - including Edisto Island, which will be of interest to fans of “The Notebook.” The house Noah restores for Allie is on Edisto (although tours are not offered.)If city living isn’t appealing, visit during the day and relax at night along the beach.CruisesCharleston is the home port of Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Ecstasy, which offers year-round cruises to the Bahamas. Wishes Family Travel is offering two group cruises on the Ecstasy (INSERT LINK TO ALLISON GROUP CRUISES BLOG), and your agent can help you craft an itinerary that includes pre- or post-cruise stays in Charleston to enjoy all that is offered.All photos courtesy of meetcharleston.com.Would you like to visit Charleston prior to your Carnival Cruise Line sailing? Contact Allison Flynn at allisonf@wishesfamilytravel.com or by phone at 828-289-7658