Along the Old Coast

CRUISING U.S. ROUTE 17,

also known as the Charleston Highway, is one of my favorite things to do. For me, the drive starts just north of historic Beaufort, a charming low country town, and stretches roughly 70 miles north to Charleston. Along the way, I find a nostalgic, pre-interstate America. The coastal highway rolls past marshes teeming with birds and other wildlife and friendly roadside markets that still sell Cracker Jack. Charleston is a whole story in itself.

Travelers headed to Charleston on Highway 17 cross the Ravenel Bridge.