This wasn't the legacy of conscientious and clairvoyant ancestors. Rather, Charleston's preservation is attributable in large part to its misfortunes. With few exceptions, Charlestonians couldn't afford to raze buildings and start over, so they added on to whatever structures had survived the latest ravages of war, weather, or waning economic prosperity. Consequently, and much to our benefit, it's a town of redos, exhibiting overlapping architectural influences, which, combined, have become Charleston's own. You can poke around its narrow lanes for days.
Every excursion yields a delightful discovery.
The people are another asset. They're friendly and gracious. They abide the infusion of tourists with a genteel forbearance that's as indigenous to them as their melodious speech. On a recent visit there with my husband and friends, we convened in a hotel lobby before walking to our favorite restaurant for dinner. Just as we were leaving the hotel, a cloudburst came.