This infrequently visited gem boasts a gorgeous campus studded with romantic Victorian buildings, statuary, moss-draped live oak trees, and well-manicured gardens. Visit at the weekends, when it’s extra sleepy, and the whole thing feels like a movie set portraying the Old South. Founded in 1770, C of C is the oldest college in South Carolina (today it’s a public university). Highlights include Randolph Hall, the main building, designed by Philadelphia architect William Strickland and constructed 1828–29. What you see today is mostly the result of the 1850 renovation, which added six Ionic columns. The Porters Lodge (bearing the Greek inscription for “Know Thyself”), was completed in 1852 in a similar Roman Revival style, while the Towell Library was completed in 1856. The oldest building on campus is the President’s House at 6 Glebe St., which was constructed in 1770 as the parsonage of St. Philip’s Church. Download a campus map from the website, or pick one up from Admissions in Craig Hall at 65 George St.