While my husband and I attended a wedding in the US 18 months ago, we took the opportunity of a long cherished desire to visit Charleston, so your Sunday Telegraph article was of particular interest http://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/news/learn-about-bernard-cornwell-and-his-favourite-town/  We did, however, visit in the middle of the summer and it was hot and humid but having spent several years in the Middle East  we survived!  Totally agree with your eating and historical experience assessments – we fully intend to return, and so just wanted to share a couple of tips from our visit in case you (a) haven’t done it already, and (b) they are of interest for any future trips you may make there.  We stayed at The Vendue Inn near the Waterfront, which is a charming place, wonderful staff and very comfortable.  We also took a historical walking tour with Anne Middleton Heron which was an utter joy – she is very much a local, and her childhood stories and experiences of Charleston really bring the place alive, all topped off with a glass of restorative lemonade in her family’s garden.

Penny Ward