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City of Charleston
The City of Charleston
But what about the city of Charleston and the many historic sites
and tours available for the visitors? Taking in some of these sights
and tours will enhance the visit of every Brother, his lady, or guest
during the Biennial Session's centennial celebration. The following is
extracted from a visitor's guide to Charleston:
•
This is one of America's most beautifully preserved
architectural and historic treasures, with a rich, 300-year
history just waiting to be discovered. Hundreds of significant
and lovingly preserved structures from the colonial and
antebellum periods grace the Historic District's narrow streets.
History unfolds around every corner as past and present
intertwine.
•
Visit Charles Towne Landing, the site where the original
settlement was established in 1670.
•
Explore the Charleston Museum, our nation's first museum, or
Patriots Point, the world's largest naval and maritime museum
and home of WW II's "Fighting Lady," the aircraft carrier
Yorktown.
•
Drive to Fort Moultrie, scene of the first decisive American
victory of the Revolution.
•
Take a scenic boat tour to Fort Sumter, the man-made island
fortress where the Civil War began.
•
Also, world-famous plantations and gardens in and around
Charleston offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into life during
the antebellum era. These tours are either walking, horse and
buggy, or bus tours.
The area's lush sea islands and sun-drenched beaches offer as
much recreation as your heart desires. Golf is on a world-class level,
with challenging courses reflecting the natural beauty of the South
Carolina low country. Charter fishing on the Gulf Stream or inshore
waters is readily available. Shopping is one of the most passionate
pursuits of visitors to Charleston. Marvel at native sweetgrass
baskets and handmade crafts found in Charleston's famous open-
air market, or browse through inviting boutiques, art galleries, and
antique shops found throughout the Charleston area.
When it comes to dining, your biggest decision may just be what
to try next. Every meal is a celebration of tastes, with variety that
ranges from traditional oyster roasts to fine continental dining. If
festivals strike your fancy, you have come to the right place. You will
be dazzled by a diverse array of special events. At any time of year,
you will always find more to see, do, and experience than you ever
imagined in a place where warm welcomes have been a treasured
tradition for over 300 years.
Noted etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart has named
Charleston the most mannerly city in America in her annual list of
the "Ten Most Mannerly Cities." According to Ms. Stewart, "there's
the beauty, the lifestyle, the pace. No matter where you go, there is
the genuine feeling of treating others the way you would like to be
treated." This is the seventh time that Charleston has topped the
annual list. The temperate fall and winter months are the perfect
time to enjoy the unique historic and resort experiences of the
Charleston Area. Also, Charleston is one of the "Top Ten" cities in
the world for value according to Travel & Leisure. Southern Living
magazine's 1999 Readers' Choice Poll names Charleston as the
favorite choice for a "Romantic Getaway." And, Family Fun
magazine has named Charleston the second most popular city in
the southeast for family vacations.
I hope the above has provided you the information you seek
about Charleston and that you will come a few days early or stay a
few days after the Bicentennial to enjoy this historic city. Make your
plans now as October 2001 will be here before you know it.
Many plans are underway for celebrating the 200th Anniversary
and some of the activities in planning stages are:
•
Public religious service
•
Public reception of distinguished visitors
•
Public dedication of display at Charleston Museum
•
Supreme Council Sessions open to all Scottish Rite Masons
•
Public concert on Yorktown
•
K. C. C. H. Investiture (Public) and 33° (33° only)
•
Dedication of marker at Shepheard's Tavern site (corner of
Church and Broad)
•
Dedication of marker at Scottish Rite Center honoring the
eleven original members.
•
Souvenir coins, commemorative plates, name tags, first day
postal covers, lapel pins, and large pictorial history of the
Supreme Council.
Reprinted with permission of the Scottish Rite Journal, May
2000