As a concierge at The Real Estate Studio, I have spent many hours extolling the virtues of our lovely town to visitors and locals alike.  I could go on forever about our award winning restaurants, the historical significance of our plantation homes, the majestic beauty of our beaches, the unparalleled splendor of our local architecture, our thriving arts community and eclectic galleries…. The list goes on and on.  Charleston is widely recognized as one of America’s most charming places to visit and live. But there is another side to our fine city that hasn’t (until now) gotten the attention it deserves.  Recently National Geographic Adventure magazine named Charleston one of “the 50 next great adventure towns” in America.  Finally someone else is noticing what we have known all along- Charleston is a recreation paradise.

When people come into our downtown Studio to look for real estate, they have usually already fallen in love with Charleston’s good looks, her gentile attitude, and the relaxed feeling she inspires.  What they don’t always know (but are thrilled to discover) is that she has another, more energetic side. We love to turn people on to mountain biking the South Tibwin Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest or taking a sunset sail in the Charleston Harbor. Who wouldn’t enjoy kayaking Shem Creek to Crab Bank Island or hiking under wide canopies of Spanish Moss at Middleton Place? Our barrier islands offer expansive beaches, meandering creeks, and an embarrassment of watersport riches, including parasailing, wakeboarding, surfing, kiteboarding, and fishing charters. If you’re interested in enjoying the sun and surf on horseback, The Equestrian Center on Seabrook Island boasts one of the only beach rides on the East Coast.  And for those pursuing a complete “back to nature” experience, Carolina Heritage offers the perfect weekend getaway in one of their comfortable tree houses, 16 feet above the riverbank in a private refuge on the Edisto River.

Personally, I think National Geographic Adventure got it right.  If you need more convincing, try our complimentary concierge service at The Real Estate Studio.  We’re happy to offer additional recommendations, secure reservations, or answer any questions you may have about our very own adventure town. After all, you can’t spend all your time sipping mint juleps on the veranda.

Click here to read the complete National Geographic Adventure magazine article.

– Traci Magnus