Charleston is a special place. Both small town and cosmopolitan capital, with culture abounding, it makes No. 1 on all the travel lists. On the Charleston Peninsula, stately homes, shops and galleries, and the finest restaurants come together with rich history and carefully protected architecture. There's no place like it.

King Street is the jewel in Charleston's crown. Its three sections are as different from each other as siblings. Lower King is a village of boutiques, antique stores and art galleries. The Charleston Library Society is the oldest library in the United States and still running. Internationally significant artist like Impressionist Rick Reinert have studio/galleries. Vieuxtemps, a delightful French influenced boutique has unique gifts, home goods and a complete bridal registry. We could go on and on.

In the blocks between Market Street and Calhoun, Mid-King is one boutique after another. Fashion, designer accessories, locally curated brands and exciting new trends are followed there. Savannah Bee Company is over-the-top. Designer Gretchen Scott has one of her three flagships. Spartina 449 is charmingly Southern, and turn Wentworth to experience the Port Mercantile by Restoration Hotel. Woof Gang Bakery has a treat for your best friend, and you'll find an array of food options catering to our college population.

Upper King Street is the future. It's a neighborhood, a business district, a place to shop, live and work. Upper King Street is Charleston's lively, fresh, old and new hub of design, creativity and activity. Some of our best restaurants like Halls Chophouse, O-Ku, Indaco and the Swamp Fox pop out as favorites of locals and guests. There is much to explore here.

East of King Street is Meeting, the City Market area, and East Bay Street.