• Battery & White Point Gardens - The tour kicks off at White Point Garden, the landing site of settlers in 1680. Here, you’ll learn about Charleston’s origins, a gift from King Charles II to 8 Lord Proprietors. You’ll also see the Stevens Lather House, a 17,000 sq. ft. mansion, the second largest in Charleston. In 1920, Charleston’s residents founded the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings in this home’s ballroom, marking the nation’s first preservation society.

• East Battery - As we walk along the high battery (waterfront), you’ll delve into the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. Hear about the Battle of Battery Wagner, featured in the movie “Glory,” and other Civil War tales. You’ll view some of Charleston’s finest antebellum homes and hear intriguing “insider” stories of old Charleston, like the 900-pound cannon piece that landed on the Roper House roof in 1864 and remains there today. You’ll also see the Carolina Yacht Club, Rainbow Row, and more.

• Tradd Street - On Tradd Street, we’ll be walking through what was once the original walled city. You’ll see some of Charleston’s earliest grand homes from the 1740s and 1750s. Known for its charming window boxes, Tradd Street is often featured in Southern Living Magazine. We’ll also visit Catfish Row (Church Street between Tradd Street and Broad Street), a historically black neighborhood before the Civil War and the setting for the play Porgy and Bess.

• Meeting Street - Next, we head to Meeting Street, where you’ll find more pre-Revolutionary War homes, including the James Simmons House, which served as General Beauregard’s headquarters during the Civil War. You’ll also see the Nathaniel Russell House, one of Charleston’s finest museum homes, an example of a Charleston Single House, and the Williams Mansion, the largest home in Charleston at 24,000 sq. ft. Built by George Williams in the Italianate style after the Civil War, the mansion was visited by Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone with The Wind) at age 13, possibly inspiring her famous novel.

• Transportation from your hotel included if necessary.

Charleston, SC is a wonderful place to visit. So much history, so many centuries old traditions. Choosing the right tour guide will make your experience truly memorable.

Mike and Nancy are licensed city guides and 30 year resident of the Old and Historic District. They can offer a perspective that almost no one else can. One of them will walk you through little known pathways and tell you about 300 year old Charleston customs that are still practiced today. For those interested Mike also offers Civil War in Charleston tours. Learn about the battles that took place in Charleston, the harbor defenses and the unique relationship between Major Anderson the Union commander and General Beauregard the Confederate commander.
Finally, Mike and Nancy are considered two of Charleston’s premier guides. See why Charleston’s leading hotels refer their guests to them.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.