No trip to Charleston is complete without at least a glimpse of Rainbow Row, the famous street of colorful historic houses along the Charleston peninsula. To make a trip of it, visit Whitepoint Gardens, take a stroll along the Battery, and finish with a short walk up to explore Waterfront Park. A total round trip of two miles gives a chance to visit three well-known Charleston landmarks and see the houses of Rainbow Row up close.
Whitepoint Gardens, also known as Battery Park, was in use in the early 18th century as a gallows, but by 1837, had become a public garden. Today, visitors can stroll throughout the park and enjoy the view of old historic Charleston mansions, statues commemorating past military achievements, cannons, a gazebo, and the lush foliage and plants of the Lowcountry. Enormous oak trees complete the picture of a perfect Charleston park.
The Battery includes the area that is known as Whitepoint Gardens. The Battery is the stretch of land along the Charleston peninsula, and is bordered by both the Ashley River and the Cooper River. At the point, which has a plaque set in the ground to mark it and to point out the landmarks, one can see- looking left to right- the Cooper River, Castle Pinckney, Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, James Island, and the Ashley River. Continuing north along the elevated walkway, one can view the houses of Rainbow Row. White columns, black lace fence, and pastel colors give an unparalleled view into the history and beautiful architecture of the South.
Once North Adgers Wharf Road is reached, a stroll of one block east drops the visitor out into the south end of Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park is a total of eight-acres and includes walking paths. The northern end of the park boasts a long pier that has wooden swings and picnic tables. It also includes a large fountain designed to be played in! The rest of the park has fountains, benches laid out in a pattern of little "rooms", and the oak trees that define the area. An oasis of nature on the edge of downtown.
This two-mile round trip is a must for anyone visiting Charleston. Anywhere from an hour to an entire afternoon can be spent exploring this historic, beautiful, and fascinating section of Charleston. With multiple opportunities for photographs, cobbled streets, parks, and a waterfront walk, this stroll along Rainbow Row is unforgettable.
Sources:
Charleston Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. 2010. Historic Charleston Battery. Link to article.
Charleston Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. 2010. 2010 Official Visitors Guide.
Note: If not used to Southern heat and/or visiting in the summer, carry water or park and visit the Battery and Waterfront Park separately. A two-mile walk when temperatures are in the 100's and humidity is in the 90's is not advisable for some.
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