Hampton Park

Description:

• Built in the late 1700s by the South Carolina Jockey Club (the first jockey club in the United States), this lovely park was once the center of fabled "Race Week", held every February as one of Charleston's grandest social events. Originally called Washington Racecourse, the oval shape of the race course can still be seen today amidst colorful landscaped gardens, bridges, picnic areas, playground, walking trails, a pond, and a fountain. In 1901 this was the site of the magnificent West Indian Exposition—the bandstand pavilion remains from that event. It's a hidden gem of the city. - Natasha Lawrence
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