Fellow LARPers, there’s no need for you worry your role-playing little selves about where to nest. We’ve got it all laid out for you right here. Yes, the Kingdom of Chucktown is a peninsula, but it’s a diverse one that has something for every man, woman, and elf. Whether you’re a fairy that likes to fly high over the bustling parts of town or a dwarf who wants to burrow himself in the up-and-coming scene, we have it mapped out for you to explore.
The magical realm of Harleston Village (1) encompasses the majority of the College of Charleston campus, goes as far south as Broad Street, includes the upper part of Calhoun Street, and is close to, well, everything. You’ve got King Street, Colonial Lake, Moultrie Park, and CofC all within a dwarf’s-height distance, not to mention grubbing spots like Jack’s Cafe, Jimmy John’s, Menkoi Ramen House, Caviar & Bananas, Queen Street Grocery, Persimmon Café, and late-night pizza spot, Norm’s.
The clan of Radcliffeborough (2) likes their mead. Seriously, this territory is primarily made up of college creatures who want to be close to campus so they can make it to class hungover. A short meander from King Street, dwellers can have a quick stumble home on the weekends. Plus, they’ve got Charlie’s Grocery on the corner of Jasper and Radcliffe streets for all their corner-store needs. This borough lies next to Harleston Village and includes everything in between Morris Street, Calhoun Street, Rutledge Avenue, and King Street.
As one of the kingdom’s up-and-coming ‘hoods, Cannonborough/Elliotborough (3) takes the shepherd’s pie. This land is where the PBR flows like the creeks of Narnia and the vibe is a hipster’s paradise. While you used to have to roam this realm with your sword at the ready, this area has become significantly safer with the influx of new mystical watering holes. Some neighborhood favorites are D’Allesandro’s, Cutty’s, Dell’z Deli, Warehouse, and Xiao Bao Biscuit.
While the realm of Ansonborough (4) is a hike and a picnic from school, it does have its perks like having the only Harris Teeter on the peninsula, which is convenient for those of you who don’t have a donkey and a cart to get around. This area also has East Bay Liquors and Pence’s Liquor & Wine for all your banquet needs, as well as neighborhood favorite East Bay Deli, Ted’s Butcherblock, and Shi Ki.
Mazyck-Wraggborough (5), commonly known as Wraggborough because honestly who knows how to pronounce the first part, is home to enchanting Spanish moss and quintessential Southern charm. This borough is in close proximity to Marion Square, King Street, CofC, and Bay Street Biergarten, which is where all the goblins go for a good brew
The East Side (6) of the kingdom is an area that lies on the east side of Meeting Street — hence the name — and has cheap rent but can be a bit sketchy. If you plan on walking around these parts at night by yourself make sure to err on the side of caution. But with eateries like Georgean’s and Palace Hotel, one will not want for delicacies, be it Caribbean cuisine or gourmet hot dogs. When looking for rentals, keep your eyes open for Nassau and Columbus streets.
The West Side (7) is past the Crosstown and is home to The Citadel, Brittlebank Park, and Joe Riley Baseball Stadium, the Charleston RiverDogs’ stadium. This is an eclectic neighborhood with a mix of college creatures, young professionals, and families. The West Side holds some of the kingdom’s hidden gems like Dell’z Uptown and Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen.
North Central (8) is a land that is almost at the end of the peninsula and is farther past the West Side. This area is improving and affordable for those who are looking to start a LARP-ing family of their own. Knights like to head to Moe’s Crosstown to reward themselves after battle with burgers and brews (if it’s on a Tuesday, even better, since they can save half their gold coins).
Hampton Park Terrace (9) is a slice of paradise that sits on arguably the best green space downtown, Hampton Park. If you have a pet dragon, Hampton Park is a great place to let them romp around. Ashley Avenue is a popular living location in this realm, and while it’s a little ways away from CofC, it’s quiet and beautiful.
Wagener Terrace (10) is the last realm before going off the peninsula, the last frontier if you will. This area covers Longborough and Lowndes Point and is home to many young professionals and families. And they pay for the idyllic setting and quaint surroundings with many houses selling for $500,000 or more. If you’re a student at CofC and live out here, you better be a gifted biker — and a studious sorcerer to keep the quiet neighbors happy.
In the Kingdom of Charleston lie two realms that are coveted for their exclusivity, history, and prestige. The first is South of Broad (11), where palaces scrape the sky and galleries and restaurants line the streets. While this neighborhood is for the most part home to the lords and ladies of the kingdom, some college creatures — those with royal birthright, we suspect — manage to find their way into quaint apartments and lofts.
Lastly is the King Street Historic District (12), which covers all apartments above the shops and restaurants on King. This district couldn’t be more convenient to CofC and the watering holes of downtown; however, the merrymaking may be a distraction for studious wizards. And, we wish you luck with the rent.
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