Local Guide | FAQs about Charleston

Frequently asked questions about visiting Charleston, South Carolina:

Where is the City Market, and what will I find there?
The City Market is just a 10-minute stroll down King Street from the hotel. The Market is home to local artisans and craftsmen selling items indigenous to the area. It is located in the middle of Market Street and surrounded by some of Charleston's best eateries and night spots.

What is the mystique surrounding Fort Sumter?
Fort Sumter is touted as the place where the Civil War began. The first shots of the war were fired there in April of 1861.

For more information, please visit www.us-civilwar.com/sumter.htm

What time are carriage rides of the city given, and what can I expect to see?
Carriage rides in the city of Charleston begin around 9:00 a.m. and routinely stop running at sunset. Since the carriages are dispatched using a lottery style system, you can't be sure what you will see on your quest. The carriages ride through Charleston's financial district, pass famed Battery, and even through the College of Charleston campus. Rest assured that no matter what tour you embark on, you will have one of the best guided tours of our fair city.

What are some of the better golf courses in the area?
The Charleston area plays host to some of the most beautiful courses in the country. With a variety of courses to choose from, it is hard to say which would be the best, but Kiawah Island (home of the Ryder Cup in 1991), which has three courses ranked on Golf Digest's list of "America's Top 75 Resort Courses," has a number of quality courses to choose from. These courses tend to be for the more advanced player with a definite love of the sport. For more information on golf in the area, please visit www.charlestongolfinc.com.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel, and what might I expect to pay?
You will find a number of limousine services and local shuttle services directly outside of the baggage claim area at the airport. The average fare from the airport to the Francis Marion Hotel is $19.00. 

What is there for children to do in Charleston?
Our new aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in the city. Snakes, alligators, birds, sharks, and various other sea-life await the wondering eyes of children. There are also the carriage rides, boat tours, and eco tours conducted in the area. For more information, please visit www.charlestoncvb.com.

What does Low Country mean?
The term Low Country describes the cities relevance to sea level. A great deal of the peninsula and surrounding area is either at or below sea level. You may hear some talk of Low Country cuisine, which refers to recipes developed and perfected in the area.

Why is Charleston called the Holy City?
Charleston has literally hundreds of Churches of many denominations in the area. One look at the city from the incredible views offered at the Francis Marion Hotel will help you understand why Charleston is called the Holy City.

Photography provided by The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.