Charleston: The Jewel of Southern Charm

• HelloHey y'all
  [hey yawl]
• GoodbyeSee y'all later
  [see yawl lay-tuh]
• YesYessir
  [yes-suh]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Please/You're welcome]
• Thank youThank ya
  [thank yuh]
• Excuse me/SorryBeg your pardon
  [beg yuh pahd-n]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [how yawl doin']
• Fine. And you?Fine. An' you?
  [fine. an' yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yuh speak english?]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [I ain't catchin' on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI wanna check out the menu, please
  [I wanna check out the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [I don't eat no meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'd like to settle up, please
  [I'd like to settle up, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Git on outta here!
  [Git on outta here!]
• Call the Police!Ring up the Po-leece!
  [Ring up the Po-leece!]
• Call a doctor!Holler for a doc!
  [Holler for a doc!]
• I'm lostI done gone lost
  [I done gone lost]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feelin' poorly]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [I'm fixin' to buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just browsin']
• How much is it?How much does it run?
  [How much does it run?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too steep
  [That's too steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do better on the price?
  [Can ya do better on the price?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [What's the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [Half past (10)]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYestiddy
  [Yestiddy]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [Tomorra]
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  [One]
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• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Where's a/the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Established in 1670, Charleston was initially named Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England. The city was founded by English colonists and became an essential port city in the American South due to its strategic location and natural harbor.

Charleston played a significant role in the American Revolution. The city was the site of the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776, where the American forces successfully defended Fort Moultrie against a British naval attack. This victory bolstered American morale and delayed British plans to capture the Southern colonies.

In 1780, Charleston was captured by British forces after a six-week siege. This was one of the worst American defeats of the war, leading to nearly 5,000 American troops being taken as prisoners of war. The city remained under British control until the end of the war in 1782.

Charleston is notably where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, leading to a four-year conflict between the North and South. The city endured significant damage during the war, including a devastating fire in 1861 that destroyed much of the city.

Charleston was a major center for the transatlantic slave trade in North America. The city's port was one of the main entry points for enslaved Africans brought to the United States. The Old Slave Mart, now a museum, stands as a poignant reminder of this dark chapter in Charleston's history.

Following the Civil War, Charleston underwent significant changes during the Reconstruction Era. The city struggled with economic hardships and social turbulence as it transitioned from a society built on slavery to one embracing newfound freedoms for African Americans. This period saw the establishment of many African American institutions and communities.

In the early 20th century, Charleston experienced a cultural and economic revival known as the Charleston Renaissance. This period was marked by a renewed interest in the city's history, architecture, and arts. Prominent figures such as writers Dubose Heyward and Josephine Pinckney, and artists like Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, played key roles in this movement.

Today, Charleston is renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage. The city's historic district, with its cobblestone streets, antebellum houses, and historic churches, attracts millions of tourists each year. Events like the Spoleto Festival USA and the Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrate the city's ongoing cultural vibrancy.

Charleston is accessible by air, road, and rail. The Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the primary gateway, offering numerous domestic flights and some international connections. The airport is approximately 12 miles from downtown Charleston. For those driving, Interstate 26 and US Highway 17 are the main routes leading into the city. Amtrak provides train services with the Charleston station located in North Charleston, offering connections to major cities along the East Coast.

Charleston offers various transportation options including taxis, rideshare services (like Uber and Lyft), and public buses operated by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). CARTA also operates the DASH shuttle buses, which are free and convenient for getting around downtown. For a more scenic option, visitors can use bike rentals or horse-drawn carriages. Car rentals are also available but note that parking can be challenging in the historic downtown area.

The currency used in Charleston is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, particularly in tourist areas. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors, markets, or tips.

Charleston is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should exercise normal precautions. Areas to be cautious in include parts of North Charleston and certain neighborhoods like the Eastside. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be vigilant about personal belongings in crowded places. Always use reputable transportation services.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Charleston has several hospitals including the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Roper Hospital. Pharmacies are widespread, and many are open 24 hours. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The Charleston Police Department is active in the community and can assist with various issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, which can be hot and humid. Dress modestly when visiting churches or historic sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Many historic churches welcome visitors but require respectful attire. Public Transport: Do be courteous on public transit. Offer seats to elderly passengers and avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'how are you?' A handshake is a common gesture when meeting someone new. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including seafood and low-country dishes. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in the US, generally 15-20% of the bill.

To experience Charleston like a local, visit the farmers' markets, especially the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square. Take a walk along the Battery and Waterfront Park for stunning views and a taste of local life. Explore neighborhoods like the French Quarter and South of Broad for beautiful historic homes and gardens. Don't miss out on local festivals and events, which are great ways to immerse yourself in the culture. For a unique experience, consider a boat tour to see the city from the water or visit nearby plantations and gardens for a deeper understanding of the area's history.