South Carolina's Oldest City: Charleston

Join us on our full-time RV adventure to Charleston, South Carolina! Founded in 1670 and originally named “Charles Town,” this city is full of charm and history. Walk the cobblestone streets, soak up the sun on the beaches, and see why Charleston is known as one of the friendliest cities in the U.S. 

Ready to explore? Let’s hit the road!

Joint Air Force Base FamCamp

The campground had level concrete pads, full hookups, and even a tennis court. 

The downside? The noise. I’m sensitive to sound, so the constant jets and leaf blowers were unsettling. They also aggravated my son and husband's tinnitus. 

But if noise isn't an issue for you, it’s a safe and spacious spot to stay!

USS Yorktown

Scott and our son met up with our Alaskan friends at the USS Yorktown, located just across the harbor from Charleston. This historic ship was commissioned during WWII and served through the Korean and Cold Wars—even playing a role in the Apollo 8 space capsule recovery mission!

They were lucky to get a special tour from our Navy friend, who gave them an insider's view of life on an aircraft carrier.

My son mentioned how friendly the people at the museum were—though that might have had something to do with the free patch they gave him!

Downtown Charleston

My favorite parts of Downtown Charleston were strolling along the cobblestone streets, admiring the stunning architecture and colorful homes, exploring the lively City Market, and soaking in the beauty of the Christmas decorations. 

This bustling area, filled with history, delicious food, unique shops, and waterfront views, is an unforgettable experience, although it was much bigger and busier than I pictured!

Caw Caw Interprative Center

Thanks to a helpful local, we discovered a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown and the noise of our campground at Caw Caw. This former rice plantation captivated us with its breathtaking natural beauty, six miles of walking trails, and abundant wildlife.

We learned about the harsh realities faced by the enslaved, including the impact of malaria. The sickle cell trait, which helps protect against malaria, became more common because of these tough conditions. While malaria doesn’t cause sickle cell anemia, the two were linked, leading to higher rates of sickle cell anemia among African Americans today.

Caw Caw offered a peaceful escape and a powerful reminder of these painful chapters in history.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach has become our family’s favorite beach spot in SC, and for a special reason: fossilized shark teeth! My daughter collected so many that she turned them into earrings. Our kids spent hours hunting for these treasures, which gave us a chance to relax while they enjoyed their search.

One morning, we decided to rise early to witness God’s handiwork through a breathtaking sunrise, sip coffee, and play catch on the beach.

We also love Charleston’s winter weather, with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. Despite a few drizzly days, we relished the beautiful weather and spent most of our time outside.

Columbia

We drove from Charleston to Columbia to visit some family friends. We got to enjoy some amazing fellowship, generous hospitality, and some of the most delicious BBQ from Maurice's Piggie Park.

Lost Dog Cafe

Our favorite laid-back breakfast spot, Lost Dog Cafe, combines delicious local food with a relaxed, casual atmosphere—and yes, it’s dog-friendly too!

Overall Experience

Many of my friends rave about Charleston as their favorite city, so I had high expectations. While Charleston offers plenty to love, from its rich history to its Southern hospitality, I’m still a small-town girl at heart. What truly made this trip special were the people—from our Alaskan friends to locals and family friends who have moved there.

I’m also thankful for the chance to learn more about America's complex and challenging history. 

Every person is made in the image of God, and witnessing others being deprived of their inherent value and dignity should stir a deep sense of injustice within Christians, compelling them to take action.

William Wilberforce: “You may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say you did not know.”

I read "Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery" by Eric Metaxas this year and highly recommend it.

James 3:9 (NIV):

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.

Reflection

• This verse really challenges me to reflect on my own hypocrisy. Even though I can’t stand hypocrisy, I’ve found myself speaking unkind words out of anger, hurt, or frustration with others.

• So, I’ve made it a practice to PAUSE and remember that every person is made in God’s image, and that means treating them with the same value that Jesus did. 

• It’s not easy, but as Luke 6:32-33 reminds us, real love shows when we offer kindness to people who may never return it.

As Bob Goff puts it, "Love isn’t just about what we do; it’s an adventure—especially when it comes to loving the hardest people to love."

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unending love and grace that guides me daily. I pray for the strength to reflect Your love in all that I do, especially when it’s hard. Help me to see others as You see them, created in Your image, and to extend kindness and compassion, even when it’s not easy. Give me patience and humility to pause and listen to Your Spirit, and let my words and actions honor You.

Father, I also ask for comfort and deliverance for all those who are facing persecution and injustice.

All in Jesus' name,

Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 
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