Charleston, founded in 1670, is proud of its history and its antiques. It was the first city in the U.S. to establish a museum and the first to zone an historic district. One of the America’s busiest ports in the 18th century, Charleston quickly became known for the finer things in life – and their hundreds of cabinetmakers and craftsmen. You can see some of their work today in Charleston’s more than 150 antique dealers, which offer everything from 18th and early 19th century American, English, and Continental pieces, along with decorative arts, silver, and porcelain. Also to find in this area are paintings and prints by naturalists Mark Catesby and John James Audubon.

The best time of the year to visit this charming town is March. Mid-month, the College of Charleston holds its five-day antiques symposium, which kicks off the Historic Charleston Foundation’s Annual Antiques Show – and attracts 30 American and European dealers, exhibiting European, American, and Asian antiques.

In addition, Charleston is home to superb house museums, national monuments, civil war buildings, and the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival plus its offshoot, Piccolo Spoleto, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-June.