Calhoun Mansion

The single largest of Charleston [1]’s surviving grand homes, the 1876 Calhoun Mansion (16 Meeting St., 843/722-8205, www.calhounmansion.net [2], tours daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m., $15) boasts 35 opulent rooms (with 23 fireplaces!) in a striking Italianate design taking up a whopping 24,000 square feet.

The grounds feature some charming garden spaces. Though the interiors at this privately run house are packed with antiques and furnishings, be aware that not all of them are accurate or period.