College Park - Ladson, SC

Charleston and the College Park neighborhood have a long history that goes back all the way to the 1600s, when the first English settlers arrived. Throughout the centuries, it has served as a key port for the slave trade, as well as a strategically vital harbor during the Civil War. The city has survived the American Revolution, Reconstruction and strained race relations throughout the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, only to emerge as the center of arts and culture for the state of South Carolina.

The Spoleto Festival commemorates this storied past every spring by highlighting the works of local artists and performers, while drawing attention to the unique combination of French, English and West Indian traditions that make this city a unique place.

College Park caters to tourists, students and residents by providing a long list of choices when it comes to excellent dining and entertainment. A local favorite is 39 Rue de Jean, which specializes in authentic French food, using local ingredients. This upscale restaurant provides a true fine dining experience, with dishes prepared by highly trained and award-winning chefs. While the menu changes according to the seasons, diners can usually find braised rabbit and duck confit under the list of entrées.

For an evening of food and entertainment that will take you on a tour of the local waterways, head into the heart of Charleston, and hop a ride on the SpiritLine Dinner Cruise. You can enjoy a cool breeze, dance to music from a live band right on the main deck and sample from a list of dishes made with local seafood. Order the fresh catch of the day to really get a taste of what Charleston cuisine is all about.

The local nightlife mainly consists of bars and pubs that provide great outdoor spaces to grab a drink and relax with friends. With such temperate winters, customers can grab a seat outside under the stars almost any night of the year. Enjoy a cold beer and watch the big game with other local fans at the local Sapphires Sports Bar and Grill.

For a more upscale experience, head south of the neighborhood to the entertainment district of Charleston. With a rooftop bar and swanky atmosphere, the Pavilion Bar serves as a great date destination. Dress to impress, and enjoy an evening of romance and cocktails.

Visitors to Charleston can enjoy their pick of modes of transportation. From pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages, to free DASH bus services and taxis, getting around couldn't be easier.

However, residents of College Park might have a harder time hailing a cab or taking advantage of public transportation here than in other sections of the city. This small neighborhood is driver- and pedestrian-friendly, but bus stops tend to be spread out.

However, residents do enjoy plenty of free parking and pedestrian-friendly streets. For those who like to get around using their own two feet, sidewalks, low speed limits and bike lanes make it safe and easy to travel the neighborhood.

When needing to leave the area, US 176, US 52 and I-26 are all easily accessible.

Beautiful parks provide a natural backdrop for outdoor activities throughout College Park. The Oak Brook Nature Trail winds its way over 12 acres of wetlands and wooded areas that have been set aside for conservation purposes. Enjoy a casual stroll, and try to spot glimpses of local wildlife that inhabits the park.

Families love to visit the Saul Alexander Playground. Pack a lunch, and enjoy a day of picnicking and playing on the jungle gyms. Patrons can also visit to play a game of tennis for free on one of the available courts.

Take your pooch to the Wassamassaw Community Park, and let him run free in one of two available dog parks on the site. A walking track helps humans and dogs alike get in their daily exercise.

College Park hosts events throughout the year, but the fall months tend to be especially full of festivals to attend. The Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Festival includes a scarecrow decorating contest in the town square, along with hayrides, games and a family-friendly ghost walk. The nearby Goose Creek Fall Festival also involves a weekend of family fun and games during October.

On average, the cost of living in College Park runs about eight percent higher than the rest of Charleston. Renting a one-bedroom apartment here costs about $1,000 per month, although residents do save on transportation. A bus ride into downtown Charleston for work or play will cost $2. Drivers enjoy gas prices that run 8 percent below the national average. If you head out on the town, expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer.

From high-end stores to outlet malls, College Park offers a variety of shopping experiences for a variety of tastes and budgets. The Tanger Outlet Mall provides a great place to stock up on deals and to visit your favorite stores like American Eagle and the Gap.

For those looking for more unique finds, local boutiques and specialty stores line the streets of College Park. If you are an avid fan of the outdoors, then the Charleston Angler can't be missed. Set aside an entire afternoon to browse through its selection of tackle and to pick out clothing that bears the store's brand name.

Pick out beautiful hand-made accessories at Beads on Cannon, or purchase your own beads and materials to make jewelry yourself. This store holds regular beading classes and employs a friendly staff that will answer any of your questions and help you get started on a special project.

Visit the local Harris Teeter for all your grocery needs or stop by the nearby Charleston Farmers Market to pick up local produce and artisan breads and cheeses.