Charleston is notoriously known for being a tourist hot spot, especially in the summer months.
The historic buildings, cobbled streets, sunny beaches, horse drawn carriages and rich history attract visitors form all over the world.
The various popular tourist attractions are a big part of what makes Charleston as great as it is, getting the attention that awards the city with numerous national recognitions such as “best city in the South” or “best city in America” year after year.
Charleston has so much more to offer than these historic attractions.
Enjoying the following activities will perhaps show you an undiscovered side to the city and what it truly means to be a local during the summer.
RiverDogs baseball games
The minor league baseball team, the Charleston RiverDogs has been a vibrant part of the Charleston community since 1980.
Every home stand, the RiverDogs pack their stadium with thousands of Charlestonians to eat hotdogs, drink beer, win free t-shirts and maybe even watch some baseball.
The Riverdogs’ stadium is located on the peninsula, near the heart of downtown with a stunning view of the Ashley River.
Each game has a new and creative theme, with fun promotional games and attractions that will keep everyone of all ages entertained.
If you frequent games enough, you may even get to meet partial owner and “director of fun” Bill Murray.
Sunset walks on the Cooper River bridge
The Cooper River bridge, aka the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, has become a crucial part of the Charleston image, with its image found on many post cards, shot glasses, t-shirts, etc.
There’s something magical about the sheer magnitude of the bridge that attracts worldwide attention.
Although tourists may come to do the Cooper River Bridge Run, or just to drive over it and appreciate the beautiful views and craftsmanship that the bridge offers- what many tourists won’t do is just to walk the bridge on the pedestrian path.
At sunset hundreds of locals make their way from either the starting point in Mount Pleasant or from downtown to take in the views of the water, downtown, bridge and sunset combined.
Movie nights on Folly Beach
If you love movies, and you love the beach, two seemingly unrelated things, then you’ll love movie nights on Folly Beach.
Balmy summer nights, combined with your favorite movie and the sound of waves crashing creates the perfect summer vibe that locals search for.
Bring your friends and family to Folly Beach and make a night of it, maybe go to a local Folly restaurant before and get some burgers or seafood before moseying your way down to the seafront to catch a movie.
River floats on the Edisto River
The Edisto River, about an hour from downtown, is a well-hidden hot spot for Charleston locals.
Floaters provide their own floating tube, as well as floats for their coolers, which are often filled with refreshing beverages.
Large groups of people usually leave a car at both the beginning and end of the float.
The four-hour float from the starting site to the ending site is a leisurely way to fill your Saturday that will leave you relaxed and no doubt a little sunburnt.
Stroll down King Street on a Second Sunday
Every second Sunday of the summer months, Charleston police close off mid to lower king street for local pedestrians to roam around enjoying the local restaurants and boutiques.
Thousands of people flood king street bringing their friends, family, and most importantly cute dogs, to enjoy the sunny skies and vibrant atmosphere that second Sunday brings.
The big crowds bring local musicians and a capella groups out as well, so every couple hundred feet there are bound to be some sweet melodies making their way through the crowd.
Second Sunday is great for all ages, and is always guaranteed to be a good time.
by Bonnie Hansley
CougarBuzz 