Many Charlestonians are preparing their tailgating displays for the Charleston Cup, a steeplechase race taking place on Sunday, November 11th. While it is exciting to participate in the pageantry of the race, spectators are also taking part in a long Charleston tradition. Charleston has a long history of horse racing, starting all the way back in 1734 and Charleston has ties to Belmont Park, one of the world’s most famous racetracks. Charleston Place’s own Thoroughbred Club was even designed in an equestrian style to reflect the rich history of horse racing in Charleston.

The first horse race in Charleston was held in 1734 and quickly became a favorite pastime of the Charleston elite. That same year a group of South Carolina planters organized the South Carolina Jockey Club – 16 years before the formation of the English Jockey Club. Races were initially held at the York Course in present day North Charleston. Surviving documents and records suggest that there were as many as 10 tracks in the tri-county area with the most prominent being the Washington Race Course, which was established in 1792. It is what we know today as Hampton Park with Mary Murray Drive being the site of the original eight-furlong track.

During the Civil War, the track was used as a prison for Union soldiers. Many valuable racehorses were lost during the war, when they were used as cavalry horses. Racing did not resume until 1875 with races being held until February 1878. After the Civil War and depressed economy of Reconstruction, interest in horse racing and horse breeding declined. The Washington Race Course was leased as farm and pasture land in 1884 and eventually sold to the City of Charleston by the Charleston Library Society who acquired it after the South Carolina Jockey Club disbanded in 1899. In 1901 the grounds were used for the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition. It was there that a wealthy New York banker, August Belmont Jr., noticed the four stone pillars at the entrance to the Washington Race Course. The City of Charleston offered them as a gift and they were shipped to New York to be used at Belmont Park, the location of the Belmont Stakes. Even today, those stone pillars mark the entrance of Belmont Park.

In 1984, the charter of the South Carolina Jockey Club was revived; and, in 1986 developers at Stono Ferry Plantation in Hollywood began the Charleston Cup steeplechase races. The 19^th running of the Charleston Cup is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Sanctioned by The National Steeplechase Association, the Cup has become one of the premier sporting events in the Carolina Lowcountry. The nation’s top riders, trainers, and owners will be competing for purses totaling $50,000. Spectators will experience an exciting day of steeplechase and flat races.

So we invite you to spend the afternoon tailgating and enjoying the race. Afterwards, stop by Thoroughbred Club to order a “Run For The Roses” drink and some “Suffolk Downs Crab Cakes” and impress your friends with your new knowledge of Charleston’s horse racing history.

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In cities around the globe, significant public spaces are punctuated by heroic statues or forms of public art. With Charleston’s rich and storied history, the Holy City is no different. Many of the city’s public places are marked by unique statues. Two of the most notable in Charleston are the statue of famous South Carolinian John C. Calhoun, set in Marion Square, and   the Confederate Defenders of Charleston monument, which can be seen in Battery Park.

As guests arrive at the main entrance of Charleston Place Hotel between Meeting and Hassell Street, they are greeted by a hulking statue named “Quadriga.” In the mid 80′s, the hotel wanted to create a signature piece that would complement the hotel and destination, so they did what any other self respecting property would do—they commissioned sculptor John Mills, a member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors and the Royal Society of Arts. When Mills visited Charleston, he was struck by the history and architecture with its many references to ancient Greek and Roman styles.

Quadriga features a 14-foot Greek revival column in the center surrounded by four 9-foot bronze horses representing the significance of the horse in Charleston’s history, as well as its present day role. At the top of the sculpture is a Carolina bird of prey, which was long ago prevalent in the Charleston Market.

A quadriga is a car or chariot drawn by four horses, and symbolizes triumph, victory and fame. It is a very popular sculpture around the world, with significant pieces found in cities like Berlin, Brooklyn, Paris and Saint Petersburg.

What is your favorite statue or piece of public art found around the Holy City?

The list of reasons travelers rank Charleston as one of the top destinations in the country is quite extensive. Comfortable year-round weather, Southern hospitality, amazing history, and one of the most dynamic culinary scenes in the country. Just to name a few.

In addition to helping you explore the city’s most popular activities and attractions, our concierge team can arrange one-of-a-kind experiences—ones that guests typically would not find on their own. We asked our team to share a list of their favorite gems that they’ve planned for guests through the years.

1. A private walking tour of Charleston’s exclusive gardens in the historic district, by native author and expert, Louisa Pringle Cameron.

2. A tee time at either the Seabrook Island or Daniel Island Clubs, both which are closed to the public.

3. A private “behind-the-scenes” carriage ride at Middleton Place Plantation (reservations are not normally accepted).

4. A charter of the sailing yacht, The Fate, which is a privately owned 49-foot Beneteau that sleeps up to six people.

5. A private driving tour of “Little Jerusalem” by the past president, Ken Goodman, of Temple Beth Elohim, the oldest reform synagogue in the world.

6. An exclusive “behind-the-scenes” tour of the Calhoun Mansion.

7. Private tours of artists’ studios as well as introductions to the artists themselves.

8. A private historic district tour via bicycle with native authority Harlan Green—author of six books on Charleston history.

9. A morning or afternoon of horseback riding along the beach at Seabrook Island.

10. A private flying tour, either by Cessna or helicopter.

11. For a special occasion, a private dinner in a historic home with a famous local chef.

Have you enjoyed any of these hidden gems? What others would you recommend to locals or visitors? We would love to hear your thoughts!