Charleston is the birthplace of the Civil War... at least where the first shot was fired, at Ft. Sumter in April, 1861.  Charleston is known for its fine homes, many built in the Italianate style, narrow frontage with large piazza (porch) on the side.  They call these ‘single houses’ down yonder in the low country.  In the Spring, Charleston hosts the Spoleto festival, which began as a jazz venue and grew to be a wide ranging arts festival  Rainbow Row is, as you might expect, some row houses painted colorfully.  They make a nice picture. Catfish Row is the legendary setting of Porgy and Bess.   We’ve not gone to Kiawah Island yet, but we hear the golf is outstanding. Look for the ‘earthquake bolts’ on many of the old homes.  These were designed to keep the structures from collapsing during hurricanes, and the occasional quake.  Homes of historic interest are marked with a special plaque.