Like the Energizer Bunny, Charleston just keeps going and going and going. Founded in 1670 by one-third of a flotilla that set sail from England the previous year — a severe storm caused the wreck of one boat and forced another to land in Bermuda — the South Carolina city has endured more than its share of calamity in the ensuing decades, including a small pox epidemic, a cattle plague, yellow fever, hurricanes, an earthquake, at least four major fires, not to mention the ravages of the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

Through it all, “America’s Most Historic City” has survived and thrived. Today, Charleston is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, described by some as a “living museum” due to its abundance of well-preserved historic architecture. As such, it is also among the country’s most visited cities. More than 4 million annual visitors spend an average of $225 per person per day on accommodations, food and beverages, sightseeing and shopping for a total annual impact of $4.48 million resulting in an estimated 82,055 direct and indirect visitor-related jobs.

Located in Carolina Low Country — a sliver of a region defined by Wikipedia as South Carolina’s “coastal counties, generally south of the North Carolina border and north of the Savannah River, including the South Carolina Sea Islands” — the greater Charleston area encompasses about 100 square miles, while the city itself is confined to eight square miles. That’s about one-third the acreage of Manhattan, but size isn’t everything.

Within its limited confines, Charleston offers access to world-class parks, cultural attractions, festivals and recreational opportunities. There’s an attraction here that has not gone unnoticed. In less than 10 years, the population of Charleston has increased from 80,414 to more than 104,000. This is also a city where the promise of employment is a draw. Its top employers include the Medical University of South Carolina, State Ports Authority, Roper St. Francis Hospital Group, Charleston Place and Piggy Wiggly Carolina.

Plus, the city of Charleston is the only federally designated renewal community in South Carolina. As such, businesses locating or expanding within its boundaries are eligible for numerous federal tax incentives that range from employment credits to capital gains incentives. Plus, state tax exemptions for new or expanding manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters apply for projects that meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, there is a negotiable fee in lieu of property taxes for industries expanding or locating in South Carolina.

Perhaps most appealing to businesses, Charleston is connected by road, rail, air and water to points across the country and around the world. Home to the fourth-largest container port in the United States, Charleston handles 1.6 million TEUs annually. (TEU is an international cargo container measuring unit that stands for “20-foot equivalent.” Containers, no matter how long, are measured in 20-foot lengths, so a 20-foot-long container is 1 TEU; a 40-foot-long container is 2 TEUs, etc.) The Port of Charleston also boasts 1.25 million square feet of warehouse space and 12,545 linear feet of berthing space with 21 container cranes. Charleston also is served by a comprehensive highway network, connecting it to I-95 just 52 miles away. Charleston International Airport (CHS) serves more than 1.6 million passengers annually with a schedule of more than 120 incoming and outgoing flights per day. Continental Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines provide passenger service to national and international destinations. Six private airports in the region accommodate corporate and private air travel. Mass transit, provided by the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, serves approximately 13,000 passengers per day on 23 routes.

Charleston also boasts an educated work force. The city is home to several well-regarded institutions of higher learning including the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, The Citadel, and Johnson and Wales University. Other colleges and universities with campuses in the greater Charleston area are Charleston Southern University, Trident Technical College, Miller-Motte Technical College and the off-campus offerings of Limestone College and Webster University. And as is the case in most college towns, Charleston boasts a vibrant cultural scene that includes a variety of performing arts companies and a symphony orchestra. The North Charleston Coliseum stages theatrical productions, concert and sporting events and the Charleston Area Convention Center offers a full roster of events ranging from fishing shows to dance competitions to arts festivals.

With a moderate climate averaging from a low of 50 degrees in January to a high of about 80 degrees in July, Charleston is the ideal locale for outdoor recreation. Tennis, golf and sportsfishing are popular. Each year, the Family Circle Cup brings the world’s top female tennis players to Charleston and local residents are proud supporters of the Charleston RiverDogs (baseball), Charleston Battery (soccer), Charleston Swamp Foxes (football), Charleston Lowgaters (basketball) and the South Carolina Stingrays (ice hockey). Plus, the greater Charleston area boasts 91 miles of beaches, 171,000 acres of freshwater lakes, and more than 160 federal, state and local parks.

LODGING

CHARLESTON PLACE HOTEL

This 440-room luxury hotel is considered one of the finest properties in Charleston. An Orient Express hotel, it is housed in an eight-story landmark building in the city’s historic district. Guestrooms feature period reproduction furnishings, Italian marble bath and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Hotel amenities include two restaurants, a bar, an indoor/outdoor pool, two tennis courts, fitness center and spa. $$$$
CHARLESTON PLACE HOTEL
205 Meeting St.
tel 843 722 4900, fax 843 724 7215
www.charlestonplacehotel.com

PLANTERS INN

This 64-room inn located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district combines the charm of old-world hospitality with 21st century amenities. Antique furnishings complement a residential atmosphere giving the inn the feel of an elegant Charleston mansion. The Inn’s two buildings wrap around a peaceful landscaped courtyard with palm trees, partierres and fountains. Planters Inn is located on the northeast corner of Charleston’s City Market convenient to the area’s boutiques and bistros. The inn is also home to the widely acclaimed Peninsula Grill. $$$-$$$$
PLANTERS INN
112 N. Market St.
tel 843 722 2345, fax 843 577 2125
www.plantersinn.com

WENTWORTH MANSION

Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, the 21-room Wentworth Mansion prides itself on offering guests a taste of Southern hospitality in an intimate setting. Housed in the circa-1886 former home of a wealthy cotton merchant, the building was restored and opened as an inn in 1998. Guestrooms feature gas fireplaces with original marble mantels, king-sized sleigh beds with European linens, inlaid design floors, whirlpool tubs and double glass-walled walk-in showers.The property also features a spa — The Spa at Wentworth Mansion — housed in the mansion’s former stables, which were restored to combine the original elements of the building with modern features for a one-of-a-kind ambience. $$$$
WENTWORTH MANSION
149 Wentworth St.
tel 843 853 1886, fax 843 720 5290
www.wentworthmansion.com

DINING

CHARLESTON GRILL

Chef Bob Waggoner prepares contemporary low-country cuisine featuring fresh local produce, seafood and game prepared with a Fre nch accent. Emphasis here is on quality ingredients, unique presentations and sophisticated textures served in a delightful yet casual atmosphere complemented by paneled walls, herringbone floors, softly padded carver chairs and local folk art and live jazz. Menu favorites include Maine lobster tempura over lemon grits and fried mini green tomatoes with yellow tomato tarragon butter and sauteed prime angus beef tenderloin with young portabellas and braised kobe tail and enokis in a black peppercorn port reduction. $$$-$$$$
CHARLESTON GRILL
224 King St.
tel 843 577 4522, fax 843 724 8405
www.charlestongrill.com

MAGNOLIAS

Innovative Southern cuisine emphasizing the fresh seasonal bounty of the Carolinas is the order of the day at Magnolias where Chef Don Drake creates favorites including low-country skillet grit cake with sauteed shrimp, leeks and tomato gravy; crawfish etoufée with spicy risotto wrapped in alamo greens, housemade Italian sausage, shrimp sauce and a catfish diamond; and pan-seared black grouper with sliced artichoke, fresh-picked spinach, and creamy lump crab and lemon beurre blanc. $$-$$$$
MAGNOLIAS
185 E. Bay St.
tel 843 577 7771
www.magnolias-blossom-cypress.com/magnolias

39 RUE DE JEAN

A little bit of Paris in Charleston is what you’ll find at this atmospheric bistro in historic downtown. The European ambience makes “Le Patio” the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or cafe au lait. Menu favorites include onion soup gratinée, sautéed escargot and traditional charcuterie. Daily specials enhance the already interesting menu, as does the predominantly French wine list. $$-$$$
39 RUE DE JEAN
39 John St.
tel 843 722 8881, fax 843 722 8835
www.39ruedejean.com

At Home with Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr.

Global Traveler: Now serving your eighth term, you’ve been the mayor of Charleston for more than three decades. Please highlight the changes you’ve witnessed during your tenure.
Joseph P. Riley Jr.: The revitalization of the heart of our city was a first order of business. Our downtown is now a national model for importance of the restoration of a healthy downtown. The inventory of wonderful parks, including water’s-edge walkways, has greatly increased as well as the interaction with our city neighborhoods, which provide valuable input into the direction for our city. Reduction in crime, safe neighborhood streets, affordable housing and growth of the city through annexation continue to be goals in the forefront. Additions to the public realm such as our new Cooper River Bridge and other buildings have credibility and greatness for the future. Preservation of our history and heritage while we move into businesses of the future has created a unique business climate.

GT: You’ve mentioned the revitalization of downtown Charleston as one of your key accomplishments. Please describe downtown Charleston “before” and “after.”
JPR Jr.: The downtown was economically depressed and lacked a spark. However, it had good bones and character. Parts were shabby with empty stores, which created an appearance of neglect. Today the city is one of the most desirable cities for people to live and work and shop. There is an unparalleled economy with high retail sales — and we are a super regional, multistate shopping destination. Charleston is also ranked as an exemplary model for urban planning.

GT: Charleston is often ranked among the nation’s most livable cities. What makes Charleston stand out from the rest?
JPR Jr.: Charleston maintains a small-town feel while providing access to big-city amenities. Local ordinances limit building height, affording the city aesthetic appeal and a unique sense of intimacy and charm and scale. The proximity of downtown homes to local businesses and to one another allows for a close-knit community and lively, active neighborhoods. Citizens are bound together by their appreciation of the city’s rich history and their commitment to its future.

The city is home to the Spoleto Festival, an international cultural event, with Piccolo Spoleto, the city’s outreach companion to the festival each May. Home to an outstanding number of art galleries, a wonderful Charleston Symphony and other festivals which highlight life in the low country, Charleston enjoys a rich tradition of arts and culture which began with its founding.

Charleston places public safety as a priority. The city’s dedication to creating a sense of neighborhood has led to the development of strong communities and wonderful places for recreation. We are working diligently to maintain urban growth boundaries and develop regional planning strategies so that this area will remain the livable place we have now.

GT: What are the benefits of doing business in Charleston?
JPR Jr.: Past national recessions have passed by the economy of the city of Charleston; year after year, it has proven itself strong and stable. This market strength can be attributed, in part, to a distinctive business environment and a growing population.

Charleston businesses are provided with a diverse work force and support by local organizations such as the Local Development Corporation. The Digital Corridor champions knowledge-based industry. The Medical University of South Carolina is an outstanding medical facility with nationally recognized leadership in many fields.

INFO TO GO

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is located about 12 miles west of the city. Taxi fare into the city averages $25. An airport shuttle connects the city to destinations throughout the city. Fare is $12 per passenger. The shuttle is a shared ride, so it makes stops according to the number of passengers and their planned destinations. Most major rental car companies operate outlets at the airport. For more information, visit www.charlestoncvb.com.