Among the fascinating visual aspects of Charleston is the city's amazing array of iron work. Fabulous gates, grilles, balconies and balustrades frame the Holy City's historic architecture with beauty, strength and grace. There is a common story that one man did most of this, when that, like many stories about Charleston iron, is completely false as you will find.

Charleston is flanked by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, over which are some remarkable bridges in terms of history and design. The 2003 cable-stayed Arthur Ravenel bridge over the Cooper River hosts one of the most popular road races in the world thanks to its majestic position towering over historic Charleston and the Carolina coast. The Ashley bridges are less imposing to the eye, but follow a long legacy of tribulation for those passing by.

Charleston is famously surrounded by barrier island beaches that have a history that is far more grand than just sand. One of the most crucial American victories during the Revolutionary War was won behind the dunes of Sullivan's Island, which are in a battle for survival with unsound, potentially-dangerous environmental efforts. There is also a laid-back legacy on sandy islands to which vacationers flock, including the Bohemian beach area nicknamed The Edge of America.