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Road TripsCharleston Performing Arts Charleston's cultural heritage goes back a long way, and consequently there are many fun things to do during a trip to this vibrant destination. By the late 1730s the city had a music society and the Dock Street Theatre, said to be the first building in the Colonies designed solely for theatrical performances. Today Charleston Stage performs at Dock Street Theatre at Church and Queen streets, and there are good nearby restaurants if you're wondering where to eat before a show.
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Inspired by Europe's great opera houses, the Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., features an orchestra level, three balcony tiers and box seats; phone (843) 724-5212 to see if there's a performance during your vacation. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra performs here; phone (843) 723-7528. The 2,300-seat Performing Arts Center in the Charleston Area Convention Center complex, 5001 Coliseum Dr. in North Charleston, offers concerts and a variety of theatrical productions with a decent selection of local restaurants nearby if you're looking for places to eat beforehand; phone (843) 202-2787.
Charleston, SC
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Courtyard by Marriott Charleston-North Charleston7465 Northside Dr. North Charleston, SC 29420
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Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston/West Ashley678 Citadel Haven Dr. Charleston, SC 29414
Book NowTravel Information
City Population
130,113
Elevation
10 ft.
Sales Tax
The 9 percent sales tax rate in Charleston consists of 6 percent South Carolina state sales tax, 1 percent Charleston tax and 2 percent special tax. There is no applicable county tax. There is an admissions tax of 5 percent on most amusements and a 2 percent accommodations tax.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(843) 577-7434
Hospitals
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, (843) 402-1000; MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina), (843) 792-2300; and Roper Hospital, (843) 724-2000.
Air Travel
Most major airlines serve
Rental Cars
Hertz, (843) 767-4554 or (800) 654-3131, is at the airport and offers discounts to AAA members.
Rail Service
The Amtrak train station, (800) 872-7245, is at 4565 Gaynor Ave. in North Charleston.
Buses
Service is provided by Southeastern Stages and Greyhound Lines Inc., (843) 744-4247 or (800) 231-2222, at 4565 Gaynor Ave.
Taxis
Cab companies include Safety Cab, (843) 722-4066; and Yellow Cab, (843) 577-6565. The fare is $5 for all trips that pick up and drop off on the peninsula. A $2 surcharge is added for each additional passenger. Outside of the peninsula, the fare for the first 2 miles is $4 and 35c for each succeeding one-fifth mile. A $1 surcharge is added for each additional passenger. Cabs must be ordered by phone.
Public Transportation
Bus service is provided by Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA); phone (843) 724-7420 for information about routes and schedules.
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