Charleston's history is closely tied to the plantations that produced rice and indigo for export around the world. Wealthy plantation owners, in addition to their agricultural holdings, often kept a Charleston house that they could occupy while they conducted business in the city. These days, many of us still aspire to the “Town & Country” lifestyle. The outlying areas of Charleston, such as Wadmalaw Island, Awendaw and McLellanville, still serve as delightful rural retreats for city folks.