Charleston in the spring is wonderful. As with any tourist attractive city there is an abundance of restaurants, shopping, and other tourist-oriented activities. Clearly a beautiful walkable city with pleasant, safe surroundings. Interestingly there seems to be no national chain type restaurants-shopping in the downtown area. All appear to be locally owned, and this adds to the charm of the city. Take a tour- the city is steeped in history. A walking tour is educational, and you learn to appreciate the history of not only Charleston but the entire country. One thing I've learned--we are now in a cashless society. Credit cards are used everywhere even in the parking meters.