When to Visit - Arts and Events

There are a variety of cultural attractions within the downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina. The primary venue for the performing arts is the excellent Dock Street Theater; a hall that plays host to a huge number of diverse productions throughout the year as well as being home the home of the Spoleto Festival USA in May and June. There are also two well respected ballet theaters and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's season runs from September thru May.

Charleston Dining

Seafood is one of South Carolina's main specialities, in particular she-crab soup, shrimps, crab cakes and grits. Pecan pie, in its various shapes and forms, is also well worth trying.

Charleston Tipping Advice

Throughout America tipping is more or less compulsory. In restaurants waiters expect around 10-20%, as do taxi drivers and hairdressers, while porters and bellboys anticipate around 1 USD or 2 USD per piece of luggage. You are not expected to tip in fast-food restaurants or cinemas.