From Your Guide

Plantations and Gardens

Jim acknowledges that everyone doesn't have a car nor an entire day to take advantage of the "Big 3" Plantations along the Ashley River Historic Corridor; therefore, the most convenient and poignant experience he recommends is at Mcleod Plantation Historic Site. Easily reached from the peninsula and thorough in its approach, Jim appreciates that it tells the story of plantation life in a compassionate and accurate manner. 

Museums

Jim recommends the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon because it's just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside, and the Dungeon is a creepy and cool as anyone would imagine it to be. 

House Museum

Jim calls the Nathaniel Russel House the "granddaddy of them all" and says that if there were a gold medal awarded to a house museum, the Nathaniel Russell House would be standing on the center podium. To him, it has everything: amazing architecture, amazing engineering, amazing restoration and interiors and an active archeological site in progress.

Outside the City

Accessible and informative, Jim recommends Charles Towne Landing as a view to the earliest days of the settlement carved out of modern suburbia. The state park hosts 60+ acres including wetlands, old growth maritime forest, Native American & Early Settlers dwellings, a palisade fortification, a replica of a coast-wise trading vessel and the closest thing to a zoo the area offers. Not to be missed is the Museum which offers a fantastic journey through time.

Restaurants

Jim says: "Being a son of Maryland, I am a snob when it comes to crab cakes and Fleet Landing does a great job at their’s. Think about this: Charleston is surrounded by water and this is really the only waterfront restaurant, plus it's situated in a former Navy pier. Seafood & Landfood. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch." Jim also recommends Port O' Call, describing it as "not your 90's mall food court." It offers Greek, Caribbean BBQ, Local Seafood, Taco and Dessert/Coffees as well as two fully stocked bars plus indoor and outdoor seating. Located at 99 South Market, this “food & brew hall” offers a lot: diverse options to satisfy everyone and a libation to endure that particular family member in your traveling group. 

More "Must-Do"s

Being a licensed captain, Jim has a vested interest to urge everyone to see Charleston by boat. Jim recommends a sunset sail on the Schooner Pride, a Historic Charleston Harbor Tour, or a Fort Sumter Tour all as ways to experience the city in the way he thinks it should be seen. On a budget? Jim recommends the Charleston Water Taxi crossing the Cooper River as a fun and easy way to see dolphins and live for the moment as a mariner.

Plantations and Gardens

Citing it as the best formal garden in America with a vast array of things to do, Mark recommends the Middleton Place.

Museum

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is Mark's favorite because it's the most historic building in South Carolina.

House Museum

Mark highlights the Edmonston-Alston House for its original furniture.

Outside the City

Mark recommends the Trappist Monastery, Mepkin Abbey, located in Moncks Corner. Take a tour, stroll through the Nancy Bryan Luce Gardens, and buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs and groceries at the gift shop.

To Eat

82 Queen, a Southern restaurant with a swanky bar and intimate courtyard, and Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.), an 18th-century warehouse-turned-restaurant serving modern Lowcountry cuisine, are Mark's downtown favorites.

More "Must-Do"s

Mark suggests finding Folly Beach's Morris Island Lighthouse as a fun activity. Hint: go North!

Check out Mark's website to discover the Lowcountry through the words of a Charleston history expert. 

Click here to browse Mark's collection of Charleston-themed books, including the Wicked Charleston series, Palmetto Predators: Monsters Among Us (True Crime), Charleston Firsts and more!

Plantations and Gardens

Dennis recommends Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation because he finds them the most immersive experiences.

Museum

The Old Slave Mart Museum and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are Dennis' must-sees. He also recommends The Vietnam Experience Exhibit at Patriots Point because it's a well-done recreation of a forward base from that era.

House Museums

Dennis considers the Aiken Rhett House the best example of domestic slave quarters and appreciates their commitment to preservation.

Outside the City

If you're looking for the Lowcountry vibe, Dennis points you to Shem Creek, which is easily accessible from downtown and a great spot for drinking and eating on the waterfront and enjoying nature. His favorite beach is Folly Beach, and the Angel Oak Tree makes a trip to John's Island worthwhile.

To Eat

Dennis recommends Bowen's Island Restaurant for an authentic Lowcountry experience. His other favorite spots include the Southern restaurant 82 Queen, Harken Cafe, and Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe, especially when the Night Market is running. Tommy Condons is a cozy spot for when it's cold and has an open-air dining option for nicer weather. For something sweet during the day, Dennis loves the popular King Street Cookies. Described as a "human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop," Bitty and Beau's Coffee is employed exclusively by people with disabilities and is a "must-do" for Dennis. For breakfast, he recommends Another Broken Egg Cafe over the popular TOAST.

More "Must-Do"s

For your wallet's sake, Dennis recommends free sites like the historic Dock Street Theatre and Charleston's Waterfront Park. Also be sure to walk King Street for all your shopping needs.

Plantations and Gardens

Middleton Plantation is Paul’s favorite for all the reasons others love it too. You can study the history of Charleston by studying the Middleton family and the history of the plantation. The Middleton’s fingerprints can be found throughout the pages of the history of Charleston. 

Museums

Paul recommends visiting the Old Slave Mart Museum and the Old Exchange and Provost Museum. The Slave Mart is the first museum in the United States to cover the history of slavery in this country. Very informative and sobering. The Old Exchange building is architecturally significant, and the museum inside provides an excellent, in-depth history of Charleston from the days of the region’s earliest explorers forward. 

House Museums

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the house museum tours but Paul’s favorite is The Edmonston-Alston House. Since 1825, the year construction was completed, the house has had two owners and the second owner, the Alston family, still owns it today and they have graciously opened the first two floors to public tours. The house is a study in various architectural styles that can be found throughout Charleston and the contents of the home, antiques, art, flatware, etc…, as well as the intricate woodwork throughout are evidence of the wealth of the owners and the skill of the craftsmen of the day. 

Outside the City

The Lowcountry offers something for everyone but a wonderful contrast to the history and old-world charm of Charleston can be found at Folly Beach. Surf, fish, paddleboard, enjoy the board walk or simply a lazy day on the beach. Food options abound at the many bars and grills along the strip.

Any other “must do”

Paul challenges anyone to visit the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and come away unmoved by the sacrifices made by our Nations’ combat forces. Exhibits include a tour of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, a Medal of Honor Museum, and other noteworthy experiences.

Read a good book lately?

When Paul isn’t giving tours of Charleston, he is busy writing. His books, southern fiction family dramas with a bit of murder intrigue thrown in, are all set in Charleston. You can learn more about them on Amazon: Paul's Books

Plantations and Gardens

Middleton Plantation is Evans's favorite for some very important reasons... It's the oldest landscaped garden in North America and was home to Authur Middleton, who signed of the Declaration of Independence. He notes that it is beautiful, has colorful gardens, a working stable yard, and an excellent restaurant.

Museums

Evans recommends visiting the The Charleston Museum. He notes that it is very interesting - "I've been going since I was a child and still discover something new".

House Museums

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the house museum tours but Evans’s favorite is The Nathaniel Russel House. He highlights that it was painstakingly restored to original 1808 appearance, and features an amazing staircase, which is an engineering marvel.

Outside the City

"Charles Towne Landing. I think it is underrated. It is rarely busy. It's Beautiful, and they have everything; a ship, replica structures from the original settlement, and the animal forest".

Any other “must do”

Evans highly recommends the Fort Sumter Tour. Not only is the history super interesting, but the boatride is beautiful there and back. Psst...an insider tip from Evans... "I skip the welcome speech - it takes up too much time".

To Eat

"Lunch - I'm going with RuRu's. Great tacos, fantastic service, and prices are affordable for families".

"Dinner - 82 Queen. I took my prom date there in 1987. They've been there a while. Try the tomato pie and the she crab soup".

Plantations and Gardens

Duggar’s favorite plantation is Middleton Place, a seven-thousand-acre estate often called the oldest landscaped garden in America. It was here that French botanist André Michaux introduced the Camellia, which was first grown outdoors. The working Stableyard features heritage breed livestock and historical interpreters who demonstrate blacksmithing, coopering, textile work, and the rice process.

Museums

For those interested in the fascinating history of the South Carolina Lowcountry, Duggar highly recommendsThe Charleston Museum. Founded in 1773, it is considered America’s first museum and provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s natural and cultural history. Visitors should plan on spending several hours exploring its exhibits.

House Museums

Duggar has two favorite house museums. The Edmonston-Alston House, located at 21 East Battery, offers a panoramic view of Charleston Harbor. It is said to be the place where Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter in 1861 after giving the order to fire the cannons that signaled the start of the Civil War. The Nathaniel Russel House on Meeting Street is another must-visit. Its elliptical, free-flying staircase serves as the centerpiece of the house and is one of Charleston’s most stunning architectural features. Both of these homes, built in the early 1800s, showcase the elegance of Charleston during that period.

Outside the City

For those who enjoy the sand and surf, Duggar suggests visiting Folly Beach. It is a non-commercialized throwback with wide, white sandy beaches stretching from the County Park on the far south end to Morris Island Lighthouse in the north. While on the island, a stop at Bert’s Market is a must. This local store, open 24/7 year-round, has a reputation for carrying just about anything a visitor might need. Another favorite spot is Loggerheads, a beach bar and restaurant known for serving the best flounder tacos in the area.

Any other “must do”

Duggar’s “must-do” experiences in Charleston almost always revolve around food. When friends or family visit, Fleet Landing is the go-to restaurant. It is the only restaurant on the peninsula located directly on the water. Duggar recommends ordering the Crispy Whole Fried Flounder (with the glaze on the side), paired with Southern Slaw and Pimento Cheese Grits. To start, the Stuffed Hush Puppies or Fried Green Tomato Stack are excellent choices.

Another hidden gem is Dave’s Carry-Out, a small cinder block building located at the corner of Morris & Coming Streets. It serves some of the best fried seafood in South Carolina. Duggar discovered it by accident, and shortly after, it was featured in Coastal Magazine. Recently named the “Best Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant in South Carolina” by Lovefood, Dave’s Carry-Out provides a truly cultural dining experience. Duggar has never taken anyone there who didn’t leave raving about it.

Plantations and Gardens

Bruce's favorite plantation close to the city is Mcleod. It holds a personal connection through his family friend Mr. Willy and is only a short distance from downtown. The site demonstrates the magnitude of the property, with slave quarters still intact and Confederate, Union, and enslaved gravesites preserved.

Must-Do's in the city

For those staying in the city, Bruce recommends the Aiken-Rhett House and the Manigault House for their convenient location. He also suggests the Charleston “Gateway” Walk, which includes St. Philip’s Church, the Congregational and St. John’s graveyards, and the Charleston Library Society, once a major gathering place for early politicians. And of course, he never leaves out Rhett’s Bluff.

House Museum

His favorite house is the Heyward-Washington House. It features a kitchen house, English gardens, and stands as a grand example of a Charleston double house. It also once served as the local office of the Cincinnati Society and is closely associated with George Washington’s visit to the city.

Outside the City

Outside of Charleston, Bruce's favorite site is Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island. With family connections to both forts, it holds special meaning. He often notes that for guests who choose not to visit Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie is an excellent alternative, as it shows just how close the two forts are.

Plantations and Gardens

Al has a hard time just picking one! He has three favorites that he likes for different reasons:

1. He loves the formal gardens at Middleton Plantation. He especially likes the fact they were laid out by a surveyor, so they are very precise. Additionally, there are also period craftsmen there to give demonstrations and answer questions.  

2. He suggests Magnolia Plantation for the informal gardens with an abundance of beautiful plants.

3. Drayton Hall makes the list for its spectacular architecture.

Museums

The Charleston Museum is Al's favorite. He highly reccomends checking out the gun collection.

House Museums

Al's favorite is Heyward-Washington House. He loves the Georgian architecture, the garden, and how well the outbuildings have been preserved. Many pieces of period furniture are here.

Outside the City

Looking for a great day trip outside Charleston? Al reccomends heading to Beaufort or Georgetown. Both are old coastal cities with beautiful waterfronts. He calls them "mini Charlestons"!

Any other “must do”

Al suggests heading to Fort Sumter. A beautiful boat ride out to the fort looking back toward the city... could it get any more historic?

To Eat?

Al likes the fish and chips at Tommy Condons, the shrimp and grits at Poogan’s Porch, the she crab soup at 82 Queen and fried seafood at the Oyster House.

Plantations and Gardens

James recommends visiting McLeod Plantation Historic Site for its significance in both the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War, as well as its important interpretation of African American history before and after the Civil War.

Museums

James recommends visiting The Charleston Museum, which was established in 1783 and is recognized as America’s first museum.

House Museum

James recommends the Joseph Manigault House because of its architectural significance and its role in inspiring the founding of the Preservation Society of Charleston.

Outside the City

James recommends visiting Fort Sumter due to its immense historical importance, and because the boat trip to the fort offers fantastic views of Charleston from the harbor.

More "Must-Do"s

James recommends Charles Towne Landing because it is considered the birthplace of the Carolinas.