Southern Charm-it’s Not Just a Cliché in Charleston

Posted on 22. Sep, 2011 by in Destinations, North America

Never, in my life, have I experienced a city as friendly as Charleston, South Carolina. How’s thats for a sweeping declaration?

Back in June I stumbled across a pretty sweet deal from Southwest Airlines: You could fly anywhere in a 500 mile radius for $40 each way. Despite having been home from Vancouver for maybe 6 days I was itching to start planning something new and set right to studying the map. You know me, can’t sit still for long!

Although I travel abroad quite a bit, I’m a strong believer in exploring the United States as well. There are so many interesting and unique places around the country that are well worth a visit. I wanted to take Mike somewhere as an early birthday present- somewhere neither of us had been.

I finally settled on Charleston, an old fashioned antebellum city by the sea. I lived in Atlanta for four years and made a couple visits to gorgeous Savannah but somehow never made my way to Charleston. Historic and pretty and a chance to eat southern food? Sounded like the perfect romantic getaway.

In the United States, where everything is fairly new, Charleston is over 400 years old. As the guidebooks would say “it’s a city steeped in tradition.” It really is too. There were legends and ghost stories and beautiful old churches. There were cobblestone streets (the stones, I learned, were pulled out of the Thames river hundreds of years ago and brought across the Atlantic on ships). There was the romance that is unique to these old Southern cities, but more than anything else, there were the people.

The people in Charleston have the kind of effusive southern friendliness that you read about in books but so rarely get to experience. Everyone, from cab drivers to the bartenders, happily unfolded their personal stories for us.

This complete openness on first meeting is not something you often encounter in my hometown of Washington DC, or in most big cities I’ve been to. Even in Atlanta people mostly kept to themselves.In certain cities trying to start a conversation with a stranger will just get you some really weird looks (I’m looking at you London). At first it was a bit unnerving to talk so frankly with people I didn’t even know, but after awhile it started to feel really cool.

It was a great reminder that really, everyone has an interesting backstory hidden away somewhere. On our way into the city we met a shuttle driver who also owns a restaurant in Suzhou China. Over dinner we talked to a college student who was opening up a sushi bar. The next day we met some adorable kiwi girls doing a road trip of the southern United States.

New friends!

Often when I’m traveling I feel too shy to talk to random people without prompting. This was a great reminder that some of the best stories and experiences can be had simply by chatting up the locals.

Do you like to talk to random people while traveling?

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20 Responses to “Southern Charm-it’s Not Just a Cliché in Charleston”

  1. Valerie Hamer

    22. Sep, 2011

    Yes I love meeting new people and totally agree that the American South is a great and friendly place.

    I’m British, live in Asia and have many friends in the US. Earlier this year I took a side trip to South Carolina and loved it to bits. The accent, manners, food – all wonderful.

    Reply to this comment

  2. Josh Aggars

    22. Sep, 2011

    Hmm, friendlier than Savannah? Sounds awesome. Savannah has to be my favorite Southern city but I’ll be placing a big circle around Charleston next time I’m Atlanta bound and bouncing around the Southern states.

    Now the big question is… what are the BBQ ribs like? If they have a great rub shack I’m there.

    And once again may I apologise to the world about the weird looks in London. It’s just a means of getting by. The second we’re out the city we’re all friendly people but in town you have to keep your wits about you and look as suspicious/miserable as possible at all times!

    Thanks as ever Steph.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      22. Sep, 2011

      No need to apologize, nobody loves London more than me!

      I didn’t actually try any ribs-oops! Did have some pulled pork BBQ that was pretty tasty.

      Reply to this comment

  3. Chris

    22. Sep, 2011

    I am DYING to get out to Charleston, and your description only made me wanna get out there more! On another note, did you get someone to customize your Woo Theme? I’m looking into one of their themes, and really like yours, but obviously I would never copy it. Let me know

    Reply to this comment

  4. Andi of My Beautiful Adventures

    22. Sep, 2011

    Awww this is where I went to Uni! Chaz is one of my most favorite cities in the world!!!

    Reply to this comment

  5. Alex

    22. Sep, 2011

    I always remember the hilarious over-sharing of cab drivers during vacations Myrtle Beach. What a great southern trait. I loved it!

    Being from New York I was totally startled when I first started traveling by the way total strangers would- can you believe it- converse with each other. I think of myself as a bit shy but somehow I still get labeled the “excited American”

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      29. Sep, 2011

      Yeah, people say Americans are loud, and sadly I haven’t done much to dispute that…

      Reply to this comment

  6. Caroline Eubanks

    23. Sep, 2011

    Ahhhh I am SOOOO glad you had a great time! I’ve been gone from there way too long and am planning on driving up the week after I get back to the US. Easily my favorite city in the world because I, like Andi, went to uni there!

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      29. Sep, 2011

      I read a whole bunch of your blog posts first so thanks for the prep!

      Reply to this comment

  7. Rachel

    23. Sep, 2011

    I’m British, so a stranger as much as saying hello to me (nevermind telling me their life story) makes me routinely uncomfortable. The only people who overshare here are actually genuinely crazy people. That said, I moved to rural Wales three years ago and the people there are a lot like your description of people in Charleston. It took me a while to get used to people telling you about their sick cousin in the vegetable aisle in the supermarket, but now I always find it strange when I go back home and nobody says “good morning” as you pass them on the street. I think London could do with some Welsh/Southern friendliness! It seems like a lovely place – and it’s always great to hear about some of the less famous cities in the US for a change.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      29. Sep, 2011

      Yeah, I think it is always a shock when people behave really differently than you are used to. I’m trying to remember if people were friendly when i went to Wales but I can’t!

      Reply to this comment

  8. Garrett

    23. Sep, 2011

    Go southerners!

    Reply to this comment

  9. Erik

    23. Sep, 2011

    I work constantly at being bold enough to engage random strangers. I’m always rewarded when I do, and I need to remember that to help me overcome my initial shyness.

    Reply to this comment

  10. Lusso

    23. Sep, 2011

    Yes! Took a roadtrip last wkend in which all 3 of us enjoy talking to random people, so took turns electing who’s turn it would be at key points along the way.

    Gotta love the southern hospitality. And the hugs. Did you get to experience those? :)

    Reply to this comment

  11. wandering educators

    24. Sep, 2011

    i so want to go!!

    Reply to this comment

  12. Technosyncratic

    27. Sep, 2011

    A few years ago we visited Charleston and were so surprised at the vibe we found. We somehow stumbled on this little hippie shop where everyone was telling us that Charleston is actually quite progressive and open (for being in the south). We didn’t have the same luck in Savannah, but eating at Mrs. Wilkes made up for it. ;)

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      29. Sep, 2011

      Yeah they are definitely very different but I found a lot to like about both.

      Reply to this comment

  13. Kate Lyn

    10. Oct, 2011

    Glad you got a chance to visit Charleston; it is by far one of my favorite American cities. I remember when I was in Italy, especially in Sorrento, I kept being reminded of Charleston. They have very similar feels. I think it’s the way the cities are built so close to the water. You just can’t be a miserable in such a pretty city/location.

    Reply to this comment

    • Steph

      16. Oct, 2011

      That’s an interesting connection. WIll have to check up on it when I get back to Italy :)

      Reply to this comment

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  1. Best of September 2011 Links and Updates - September 29, 2011

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