Some local’s Trip Planning Tips…

When it comes to creating a memorable vacation, locals offer unique perspectives on the best times to visit landmarks, where to find the tastiest food, and which activities are truly worth your time. They can recommend off-the-beaten-path attractions that aren’t in guidebooks, helping you uncover a destination’s authentic charm. Whether it’s a secluded beach, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, or a local festival, their advice can elevate your trip.

So, next time you’re planning a trip, connect with locals, whether through social media, travel forums, or local businesses. Their firsthand knowledge can transform your vacation into a truly unforgettable experience tailored to your interests. Here are some trip planning tips from the crew at Blueberry Tours! 

If you are standing in the historic district of Charleston at 5 pm, you have probably asked yourself that question. The short answer is they probably went home. Although the area around the market is pretty safe, the sad truth is that after about 5 pm, there isn’t much to do in the historic district. The City Market closes, and while shops along Market Street remain open, most people have gone home or back to their hotels. Keep that in mind when you are planning things to do after dinner. Here is some information on the City Market.  

So, here’s the deal with Carriage Tours in Charleston. First of all, the horses are NOT abused. In fact, they are often treated far better than the drivers. The city of Charleston has very strict laws on how the horses are treated – no need to worry there. 

As for tours, well that’s a different story. Both carriage tours and small bus tours are regulated by the city because of the impact on traffic. It’s not the carriage company’s fault, but it isn’t until you have already boarded the carriage that the city tells the driver where he/she will be taking you. There are five routes they assign. Not all routes have anything really to see. Again, it’s not the company’s fault, but we’re pretty sure they didn’t tell you that when you bought your ticket.  

Charleston’s public transport is called the Charleston’s Regional Transportation Authority or CARTA.. They run bus routes throughout the greater Charleston area – including a FREE bus in the historic district.  Click Here for information on bus routes. 

First of all. The city parking garages are never free. It seems like every garage has a different price, and none of them are free. However, street parking is sometimes free. Metered parking is $2.00 per hour on Weekdays and Saturdays, and has a two-hour limit. (until 6 pm…then it’s free) On Sundays and Holidays, all street parking is FREE – even the loading zones. That’s because the parking enforcement people don’t work on Sundays or Holidays – and Charleston police don’t write parking tickets….ever! Click Here for information on parking.  

There is a public restroom in most parking garages in Charleston, although they are not always open when they should be. There are public restrooms under City Hall (at the corner of Broad and Meeting) and several in the City Market. However, there is only one public restroom below Broad Street at Hazel Park on East Bay.  

You have no doubt been looking for a place to stay in Charleston. If you’re like us, price is a driver in that decision. Hotels in the “Historic District” are expensive, while hotels downtown are generally cheaper. Downtown (over by the hospitals) is NOT the Historic District. It’s nowhere near the historic district. Please do not let terms like “on the river” or “a short walk to the historic district” fool you. While there are several hotels on the Ashley River. They are downtown and about a three-mile walk from where you really want to be. 

If you have been in the Historic District of Charleston for more than a few moments. You have probably gotten caught behind a Peddle Cab. Those pesky little traffic hindrances, while no fun to follow in traffic, do provide a pretty easy way to get around Charleston. They will also come pick you up wherever you are in the Historic District if you just give them a call. Please keep in mind it is illegal for peddle cabs to conduct tours. They will do it, but if the tourism officers catch them, they can stop your ride and give the driver a ticket. Plus, we’re not sure about the accuracy of what they would tell you.