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Each month, the residents of participating affiliated communities will enjoy the monthly Port of Call program. The Port of Call program is designed to help the residents experience the culture of a different country or city through games, activities, and food. Each month will have a different theme, and June’s theme is Charleston, South Carolina!

Many exciting activities are planned by the affiliated Life Enrichment teams this month. Let’s look at this exciting city and what makes it a great place for the residents to learn from!

About Charleston, South Carolina

The history of Charleston goes back to when the Native Americans lived here, eventually becoming a settlement in 1670. In 1776, a major Revolutionary War battle was fought in Charleston, which was the first major American victory. This city is rich in history and is many of America’s firsts, including the first American public college, playhouse, golf club, and museum.¹

Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina with approximately 150,227 residents, according to a 2020 Census.² Charleston is known for its rich American history and unique architecture throughout the city. There are also many nearby beaches that thousands of people visit each year. Nicknamed the “Holy City,” Charleston is a great place for locals and visitors to experience unique American culture.

Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is a popular tourist destination for many who decide to visit this city. There are many handmade items available, with many of them having certifications declaring that they were made in Charleston. Many restaurants offering local cuisine can be found within the market. There are also events that occur within the City Market, so keep your eyes open to see if there is a seasonal event you might be interested in!³

Museums in Charleston

Charleston is a city of history, with many museums available on topics including slavery, war, art, science, animals, gardening, nature, firefighters, textiles, and more.⁴ One museum to note is the Gibbes Museum of Art, which features American artwork from the Civil War era.⁵ Another museum that is popular for tourists to visit is the Charleston Museum, which is America’s first ever museum that features much of the history behind this amazing city.⁶

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is a pastel set of houses that make up part of the Historic District. It was originally built in the late 1700s as a set of 13 townhouses. They were saved and preserved by Susan Pringle Frost, who decided to renovate these homes to ensure that they did not get demolished. In 1931, Rainbow Row was declared a historic landmark by the National Park Service, honoring its legacy as a once a bunch of warehouses and shops.⁷

The Gardens of Middleton Place

The Gardens of Middleton Place are America’s oldest gardens. They were envisioned by Henry Middleton to reflect a classic style between Europe and England in the 18^th century. Today, you can tour through the gardens, learning classic American history about them and the influential people who helped to make this the historic landmark it is. Many events take place throughout the year, making The Gardens of Middleton Place always have something for both new and returning visitors.⁸

The History of Food in Charleston, SC

The food in Charleston, South Carolina dates to the Native Americans, with the Sewee and Catawba using many ingredients such as squash, corn, beans, and game meats. All these ingredients can still be found in local cuisine around the city today. In the 17^th century, enslaved Africans brought over their culinary skills when it came to rice cooking and seasoning. When the Colonial era came around, Charleston became a melting pot of different traditions, with Asian, European, and Mediterranean being some of the primary cultures during this time.⁹

Today, local Charleston cuisine can be purchased at many of the restaurants. Shrimp and Grits is a popular dish, which originated from Gullah Geechee culture. Another delicacy is shrimp crab soup, which dates to the 20^th century and is a mix of various southern flavors. Pimento cheese is a type of southern cheese used in many dishes, being a blend of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimento.¹⁰

Life Enrichment

The affiliated Life Enrichment teams will plan monthly activities based on the chosen country or city. This month, some of the amazing teams have fun plans for their residents based on Charleston. Check out these ideas! Please keep in mind that these lists are not final.

Stratford Rehabilitation Center

Stratford will make shrimp & grits during their Tasty Creations cooking class. They also plan on making an aquarium wall and playing ocean sounds for meditation and relaxation. 

Spruce Manor

Spruce Manor is excited about their Port of Call to South Carolina! They plan on sampling shrimp and crab soup, learning all about the culture, and taking a visual tour of the Harbor.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. https://walksofcharleston.com/blog/charleston-history-facts/
2. https://www.charleston-sc.gov/106/Demographics
3. https://www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com/
4. https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/tours-attractions~204/museums~1370/location/charleston-downtown~445/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1024234276&gbraid=0AAAAAD-Hrk-u071Q55J_3vz8NMbg0Zlob&gclid=CjwKCAjw87XBBhBIEiwAxP3_A5D0ZJgy3GIzjUIZTx2sshQtjhQzo
5. https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/
6. https://www.charlestonmuseum.org/
7. https://rainbowrowcharlestonsc.com/
8. https://www.middletonplace.org/explore/gardens/
9. https://charlestonculinarytours.com/2023/09/14/a-culinary-journey-through-time-the-history-of-food-in-charleston-sc/#:~:text=Native%20American%20tribes%20like%20the,became%20staples%20in%20Lowcountry%20cooking
10. https://charlestonculinarytours.com/2023/11/29/discover-the-culinary-side-of-charleston-with-the-most-iconic-foods-of-the-city/