Atlanta’s a fun place to live. Most residents enjoy the wealth of amenities and ease of travel within the city via rail and globally from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. For all the glitz and glamour that attract so many to this southern metropolis, there’s one element Atlanta has, unfortunately, lost much of over the years: historic architecture. If you’re looking for a place to get away that’s within a reasonable driving distance and offers a comfortable climate along with some fascinating historic and largely intact charm, pack your bags for a visit to Charleston.

Voted earlier this year as the top vacation travel destination in the entire world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Charleston is easily accessible from Atlanta: approximately five and a half hours by car and only 30 minutes or so if you choose to fly.

Founded in 1670, less than 100 years later Charleston emerged as the main center of Atlantic trade and commerce for the southern colonies. It quickly became the wealthiest and largest city south of Philadelphia and eventually one of the busiest seaports of its day, competing with the likes of Boston and New York.

Over the next two centuries it would experience a series of devastating blows: war, an earthquake (measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale) and Hurricane Hugo (1989). All of these events had cataclysmic impacts on the city, but today it still stands as an icon of American history. If you opt for a visit, there’s an endless array of things to see and do. Perhaps the most important aspect of the city is its vast array of preserved architecture style, which includes Adamesque, Federal, Georgian, Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian. Nowhere else in the United States will you find block after block of such breathtaking history.

Another added benefit for those seeking holiday getaways: the average temperature in Charleston in December is right around 62 degrees, so it’s more than comfortable enough for a carriage ride to take in the all the sights.

WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO

Annual Festival of Lights: One to celebrate the holidays with: it’s a three mile drive (you’re also welcome to foot it) through James Island County Park with more than two million lights and 700 displays. Continues throughout November and December. www.christmasincharleston.com

Plantations: You won’t find this many in such close proximity anywhere else. There’s Middleton, an 18th century rice plantation with 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens; Drayton Hall, the oldest American plantation house open to the public; Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest plantation and garden tourist sites in America; Boone Hall Plantation, America’s oldest working and living plantations (more than 320 years) and The Charleston Tea Plantation, home to American Classic Tea (it’s the only tea grown in the U.S.). www.discovercharleston.com/plantations/

Museum Mile: Located on a long stretch of Meeting Street between the Charleston Visitor Center and the Nathaniel Russell House, Museum Mile boasts galleries, restaurants, museums and many of the city’s most significant sites of culture and history. www.charlestonmuseummile.org

The Historic Charleston Battery: It’s on the southern end of the Charleston peninsula and is clearly the most popular Charleston tourist destination. See grand homes, amazing statuary, Civil War artillery, Charleston Harbor and a whole lot more. www.charlestonbatterytour.com

Charleston City Market: Now open 365 days a year, the Market began business in 1807 and continues today, attracting tourists and locals to Meeting Street looking for original paintings, handcrafted pottery, baskets made of sweet grass and low country dining a-plenty. www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com

WHERE TO STAY

READY TO SPLURGE

Charleston Place Hotel: It’s a popular place where the local society go to meet and greet. The hotel blends gentility and old-world charm with a leading-edge spa and innovative cuisine from the Charleston Grill. 205 Meeting St. 843-722-4900 www.charlestonplace.com

Planter’s Inn: Often referred to as the “grand dame of Charleston hotels,” Planters boasts 64 posh rooms and is within walking distance of museums, restaurants, nightlife and shopping. 15 North Market St. 843-722-2345 www.plantersinn.com

ON A BUDGET

Embassy Suites Historic District: This was actually the original 19th century Citadel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Close to the Market and King Street boutiques and restaurants. 337 Meeting St. 843-723-6900 www.historiccharleston.embassysuites.com

Courtyard Marriott: A decided modern flair just a short stroll from the best the historic district has to offer. 125 Calhoun St. 843-805-7900 www.charlestonhotel.com

WHERE TO DINE

Butcher & Bee: Handcrafted sandwiches and a menu that changes daily, it’s a fusion of traditional American, Middle Eastern and low country favorites. They’re legendary around town for onsite created breads and condiments. $-$$ 654 King St. 843-619-0202 www.butcherandbee.com

Poogan’s Porch Restaurant: One of the city’s oldest and most respected dining establishments, it’s a landmark with a rich history. A leader in gracious upscale fine low country cuisine (she-crab soup, shrimp & grits, pan roasted duck), it was recently picked as one of the world’s “scariest restaurants” on www.foodrepublic.com for its reported hauntings, which include people and a canine! $-$$ 72 Queen St. 843-577-2337 www.poogansporch.com

Closed for Business: Quite likely the largest collection of unusual and rare beers from South Carolina and beyond there are more than 40 taps to choose from. Prepared with a uniquely southern twist, try the crispy green beans with ranch dressing, duck pot pie and the pork slap sandwich. $-$$. 453 King St. 843-853-8466 www.closed4business.com

FIG: FIG is an acronym for Food is Good. Boasting seasonal cuisine with local ingredients, among the favored menu items are oysters on the half-shell, grilled pumpkin swordfish and a suckling pig confit. In a laid-back, eclectic and unpretentious atmosphere, you can find a comfortable blending of neighborhood café and posh bistro. FIG Chef Mike Lata captured the James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southeast Award in 2009. $-$$. 232 Meeting St. 843-805-5900 www.eatatfig.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM INFO: www.charlestoncvb.com