Historic Charm and Southern Hospitality: Downtown Charleston

• HelloHey y'all
  [Hey y'all]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [See ya later]
• YesYeah
  [Yeah]
• NoNah
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Please/You're welcome]
• Thank youThank ya
  [Thank ya]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [Pardon me]
• How are you?How you doin'?
  [How you doin'?]
• Fine. And you?I'm doin' fine. How 'bout you?
  [I'm doin' fine. How 'bout you?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak English?]
• I don't understandI don't get ya
  [I don't get ya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI reckon I'll take a gander at the menu, please
  [I reckon I'll take a gander at 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'll settle up, if you don't mind
  [I'll settle up, if you don't mind]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Git!
  [Git!]
• Call the Police!Call the Po-leece!
  [Call the Po-leece!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
• I'm lostI done lost my way
  [I done lost my way]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [I ain't feelin' right]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll buy...
  [I reckon I'll 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 a bit steep
  [That's a bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya come down on the price?
  [Can ya come down 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 ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [Yest'day]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [Tomorra]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• 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 ....)]

Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly became a vital port city in the southern colonies. The original settlers, primarily from England, established a diverse economy based on agriculture, trade, and slavery. The area that is now Downtown Charleston was laid out in a grid pattern, with broad streets and public squares, setting the stage for its future growth and cultural significance.

Charleston played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, serving as a strategic military location. In 1776, the city successfully defended itself against a British siege, solidifying its reputation as a center for revolutionary activity. However, in 1780, the British captured the city after a lengthy siege, leading to significant hardships for its residents and contributing to the war's broader impacts in the region.

In 1860, Charleston became the first city to secede from the Union, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to the Civil War. The secession convention took place in the historic St. Andrew's Hall, and the city's status as a hotbed of Confederate activity was solidified during the war, with Fort Sumter, located in the harbor, being the site of the conflict's first shots.

Post-Civil War, Downtown Charleston faced significant challenges during the Reconstruction era. The city had to navigate the social and economic upheaval that followed the war, leading to a period of both conflict and resilience. African American communities began to establish themselves, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the city, which included the development of Gullah culture and the rise of local institutions.

In the mid-20th century, a movement to preserve Charleston’s historic architecture gained momentum, leading to the creation of the Charleston Historic District in 1931. This effort helped to protect the city’s unique antebellum homes and public buildings, ensuring that Downtown Charleston remained a living museum of American history and culture, attracting visitors from around the world.

Downtown Charleston is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in the city. If you're coming from the Charleston International Airport, take a taxi or rideshare service, which typically takes about 20 minutes. From other neighborhoods, the DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) offers free service around the downtown area and connects to the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, local buses operated by CARTA can also take you to Downtown Charleston from various points in the city.

Downtown Charleston is a pedestrian-friendly area, making walking the best way to explore its historic streets. Alternatively, bicycles can be rented from local shops or bike-share programs. The DASH shuttle offers convenient stops throughout the downtown area. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available for longer distances or when you prefer not to walk.

Downtown Charleston is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant. Areas around the East Side and some parts of the West Side may experience higher crime rates, particularly at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and opt for well-lit streets when walking after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and emergency medical services are available in the area. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency medical needs, there are several urgent care facilities throughout Downtown Charleston.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll likely be on your feet. Don't wear overly casual attire if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect the traditions of local churches; dress modestly when visiting. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to those in need. Don't use your phone loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a 'Hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and enjoy outdoor dining when possible. Don't bring outside food or drink into restaurants.

To experience Downtown Charleston like a local, visit the City Market for unique crafts and local foods. Engage with locals at coffee shops or bars, as they can offer insider tips on hidden gems in the area. Don't miss out on the historic walking tours, which provide rich context about the city’s history and architecture. For a unique experience, try to catch a local festival or event, as Charleston has a vibrant cultural scene.