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THE HEART OF CHARLESTON

Eight-time Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. talks about how he helped transform a city.

Charleston, SC, is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the US and a wonderful place to live-but it wasn't always. By the early 1970s, the historic city had fallen on tough times. First elected mayor in 1975, Joseph P. Riley Jr. set out to revitalize the city, restore its historic treasures and reawaken its heart. His phenomenal success has kept him in office ever since-eight full terms and counting-and won him numerous national awards for leadership and vision. -Jason Zwiker

Mayor: Brownie Harris; Trolley on Battery Park: Bill Murton; Sea Turtle: ©South Carolina Aquarium; Fireman's hat: Courtesy of The Charleston Museum, Charleston, SC; GIbbes Museum of Art: James D. Mossman

In the 30-plus years that you have been mayor, Charleston's revitalization has been remarkable. Looking back, to what do you attribute the city's success?

"Charleston is a remarkably beautiful American city. We have good bones and a really wonderful architectural foundation to build on. So many American cities have destroyed their older buildings, but preservation leaders worked very hard to preserve the architectural treasures here. Then, we found a good, clear strategic vision of how to restore our city. It took a substantial engagement from the community."

You obviously have a great love for the city. Where do you go to relax?

"I love Waterfront Park, and I go there often. Every time I go to the South Carolina Aquarium (www.scaquarium.org), right there on the water's edge, I am inspired. The Gibbes Museum of Art (www.gibbesmuseum.org) is wonderful. I love walking the streets-or jogging in the morning- in the Historic District. I love the wonderful hustle and bustle of people on King Street (www.upperkingdesigndistrict.com); there are people who come to Charleston just to shop there.

"That's what I enjoy: the civic engagement, the activity that's always going on with our beautifully restored buildings. I've lived here all my life, but you see something different every time you go walking, whether it's a new angle of light or a new vine in a garden. That's the great thing about older cities and historic districts: the houses and gates and gardens and doors and alleys."

What are some must-see places to get a feel for the city's history and architecture?

"City Hall, the Old Exchange Building (www.oldexchange.com) and the Charleston Visitor Center (www.charlestoncvb.com). It's in a historic building and provides a great overview to our guests. Also, visitors should see the Battery and White Point Gardens, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry (www.explorecml.org), The Charleston Museum (www.charlestonmuseum.org) and at least one of the historic houses. Walking is the best way to experience the historic district, if you can, but a carriage ride can also be wonderful and the guides are excellent. Take a trip to Fort Sumter (www.nps.gov/fosu), if you have the time. It's an easy boat ride out on the harbor, which is exciting, and then you get to see this remarkable place."

Charleston is now well recognized as a culinary destination, too. If someone wanted a true Charleston dining experience, what should be on the plate?

"Seafood-shrimp, crab, all kinds of fish, oysters in season. The seafood is fresh; we catch it and that's the main thing that you want to take advantage of here. Shrimp and grits makes a wonderful Charleston breakfast."

You have served on the US Conference of Mayors and have received numerous awards and honors for your leadership and vision. Can you share some words of wisdom for improving quality of life and economic viability in a city?

"You need to make the heart, or center, of the city attractive, safe and lively. People help nourish and sustain the city. In the restoration of a city, you need to be sure that you restore that sense of people wanting to be active. It's not just about the tax base or the jobs. What the top cities in the world have is a happy, active public realm-the arts organizations, festivals and events that allow people to celebrate their city and love their city."

What advice would you pass along to future leaders of Charleston?

"I would hope that future leaders-and I'm sure they will do this, and I'm sure they will do it better than I've done it-will show great care and respect for the city and its continued growth and development. To ensure that the physical beauty and livability of our city is respected, revered and enhanced. To recognize we have a great treasure and be careful that everything we do enhances that and in no way diminishes it."