Until 1996, the Charleston Naval Base and Shipyard had pretty much made this a Navy town. Now under civilian hands, lands that once housed sailors are now home to waterfront parks, outlet stores and diverse restaurants. Come to North Charleston for the history, the food and the relaxed Southern hospitality.
Space to Relax in Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park fronts the Cooper River and has a giant meadow that is perfect for picnics. The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial is located here, along with artwork from the North Charleston Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Breezes coming off of the river and the shade of old oak trees keep you cool as you stroll around the park's grounds or enjoy the view from a bench. If you're in town during the 4th of July Festival, there's no better place to watch the fireworks—enjoy the food, music and family fun as you wait for the sun to set and the big show to begin!
Fire Engines and a Famous Submarine
Fire engine buffs will enjoy touring the North Charleston Fire Museum, where they can get a firsthand look at a 1785 Richard Mason hand-pump engine and an 1886 Silsby steam pumper. Interactive exhibits include ringing a fire bell and handling the fire hose. And for those interested in submarines, the Warren Lasch Conservation Center showcases the H.L. Hunley, the first functioning submarine, which was sunk during the Civil War and not recovered until 1995. You can take the Friends of the Hunley tour to see the actual sub, along with other artifacts that were found inside the vessel.
North Charleston Tours by Air and Sea
There's nothing like taking a helicopter tour to really get a feel for an area. Holy City Helicopters takes you up above North Charleston for panoramic city views during the day or at sunset. If you go at sunset, opt for the romantic Champagne flight. Low Country Boat Tours takes you to remote barrier islands and such historic landmarks as Fort Sumter. You can also sail over to uninhabited Caper's Island for some great nature photos, and you can explore Morris Island, where you just might find some shark teeth!
Burgers, Pizza and All That Soul
Build your own burger at Big Billy's Burger Joint, or order such house specialties as the Smash Burger or the I Wanna Lei Ya Burger, which is topped with ham, pineapple and provolone cheese. If you prefer seafood over red meat, try the Grilled Salmon Fried Green Tomato BLT. The names are funny, the prices are great, and the atmosphere is beach casual.
Charleston House of Pizza is uniquely located in a converted railway dining car and serves up mostly Italian fare. Mini pizzas and kids' meals make this place even more affordable. If you’d like to try some authentic soul food, Nigel's Good Food is a great place to start. The chicken and biscuits, gumbo and fried shrimp and grits are all sure to satisfy you; but be sure to leave some room in your stomach to sample the homemade banana pudding and bourbon pecan pie.
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