Cheap flights from Chicago to Charleston from £123

Charleston Museum was one of the first in the country and is the perfect place to learn about South Carolina. There is a large natural history exhibition, plus another display about the Civil War and a third on Charleston silver. Kids’ Story is a fun area with plenty of interactive displays to keep your children busy.

Charleston Tea Plantation is situated just outside the city and was once a potato farm, but is now a leading tea producer. It is possible to join a free factory tour to learn how the tea is cultivated and processed into one of the world’s favourite drinks. The plantation is situated at Wadmalaw Island and is open Monday — Saturday 10.00 — 4.00 p.m. and on Sundays, 12.00 — to 4.00 p.m.

In the last few years, Charleston has become very art-loving, with an increasing number of permanent and touring art exhibitions. If you would like to enjoy some of the city’s contemporary art scene, head to Gibbes Museum of Art. Although it is one of the oldest galleries with plenty of history, its display of contemporary pieces by regional artists is varied and impressive.