Downtown Charleston has the Antique You Seek
October 20, 2009
It goes without saying (unless you write for PremiereCharleston.com) that downtown Charleston SC is a mecca for antique hunters. Lower King Street near Broad, to be precise. In fact, the Y*ll*w P*ges (speaking of antiques) lists no fewer than 30 antique or related stores in the King Street area, covering jewelry, art, furniture and so on.
Now, the next thing I am supposed to say is that "Downtown Charleston has an antique store to suit every taste and budget!" But, I'm not sure. Satisfying every taste and budget in the antique game is difficult, because many folks can't even agree on the definition of the word. I mean, are those Apollo Moon Mission drinking glasses from the gas station considered antiques? Or merely collectibles? Or something less? And, do you think I can return them?
Even when we agree on definitions, the items you find will also depend on where you are. Back home in Ohio, a super-old genuine antique may be a Shaker chair from 1830. Here in Charleston, portal to the Old World that it was, you are more likely to find a Louis XVI chair--with Louie's actual butt prints still on it!
Having (window) shopped in most of downtown Charleston's antique shops, I can tell you that "many" tastes and budgets will be satisfied...but the more you have of each resource, the more satisfied you will be. Now THAT was diplomatic!
So get on down to King Street to satisfy that antiquing urge. Of course, once you’re there you’ll see that the “King St Antique District” includes parts of Queen, Hasell, Tradd, Market, Broad and other addresses. Remember, King Street is well served with public parking, with a garage at Charleston Place and behind the Mills House.
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