Steve’s Car-Free Journey (February 2009)
By Steve on Feb 28, 2009 in Steve's CARFREE JOURNEY, Vacationing Car Free
Car-Free Journey: February, 2009
by Steve Atlas
This month, our destination is historic Charleston, South Carolina: a city with history and charm, wonderful gardens, and an easy boat ride to Fort Sumter: the place where the Civil War (also called The War Between the States) began.
Introducing Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has a rich history beautiful historic district, and distinct southern charm. The magnificent beauty of Charleston SC makes it a city that is easy to fall in love with, and impossible to forget. The topography includes tidal marshes, saltwater lakes, freshwater lakes, wide-mouthed rivers, bays, coves, the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches. The mild weather, unforgettable gardens, and special charm of the historic area make Charleston a special place to live. Because it is a compact city, transit serves many parts of Charleston.
Getting There Without Driving
AMTRAK trains, Greyhound buses, and various airlines make it easy to visit Charleston without driving. Airlines serving Charleston include: Air Tran (budget airline), American Airlines Eagle, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United Express, and US Air.
Public transportation makes it easy and affordable to travel downtown to Charleston’s historic area, after you arrive. CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) Route 11 serves both the Airport and Greyhound Bus Station.
From the AMTRAK station, it’s a two-block walk to the corner of Rivers Ave. and Durant. At that corner, take CARTA’s Route 10 downtown.
Where to Stay Near Public Transportation
Michelle Emerson, CARTA’s Marketing Specialist, advises visitors without cars to stay in one of the following neighborhoods: Downtown, North Charleston, West Ashley, Parts of Mt. Pleasant & James Island. All of these neighborhoods have major attractions and are good choices for walking and taking public transit.
Don’t even think of driving or parking downtown!
Because Charleston is a historic city, pedestrians and non-drivers find it much easier (than drivers) to travel through the downtown historic area.
CARTA’s DASH (downtown area shuttle) service includes Routes 210 and 212. These buses ride frequently every day from morning to evening. A one-day pass—good on DASH or other CARTA buses is $5, and can be purchased on any CARTA bus. Use DASH to go to the Battery, Aquarium, Waterfront, the historic Market, and other downtown sights.
For information on other CARTA passes, routes, or schedules, visit www.ridecarta.com, or call (843) 745-4101 and press 1.
Other transportation options downtown include “bicycle-taxi” (www.charlestonrickshaw.com, or call (843) 723-5685), bicycle rentals (www.bikethebridgerentals.com, or call: (843) 852-2453), or walking.
INTERESTING NEIGHBORHOODS AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN
CARTA buses serve several other interesting neighborhoods. (Call CARTA for specific routes and schedules). Check out West Ashley and North Charleston.
Three other neighborhoods:
Old Village of North Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms
are served by CARTA’s Flex Bus and require special reservations (may not be enough time if you are only staying for a few days).
TWO OTHER EXCURSION IDEAS
Here are two ideas outside of the city of Charleston:
· Consider a boat trip to historic Fort Sumter — where the Civil War (or War Between the States) began. For details, visit: www.spiritlinecruises.com/sumter. Or call (800) 789-3678
· Visit Magnolia Plantation and its magnificent gardens with Charleston’s Finest Historic Tours. Call (843) 577-3311, or visit www.historictoursofcharleston.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For information about public transportation in Charleston, visit www.ridecarta.com or call (843) 745-4101 for customer service between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. everyday.
For information about Charleston’s sights, attractions, performing arts, and special events, and help planning a car-free vacation to Charleston, call the Charleston Convention Bureau’s Visitors Center toll-free at (800) 774-0008.
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Do you have a favorite vacation spot that is easy to enjoy without a car?
E-mail me at steve@carfreeamerica.org. We may be able to spotlight it in a future Car Free Journey column. And check out other car-free options on our website: www.carfreeamerica.org.
