Charleston Stories

The Gullah people of South Carolina have a rich heritage that’s associated with both their African roots and adopted European customs. Descended from enslaved African Americans that were brought to Charleston through the 1800s, Gullahs live predominantly in South Carolina, and the Geechee people generally live in Georgia and Florida. Discover more about this rich…

What is Charleston known for? When it comes to fun, we’ve got it all, including history, romance, drama, and food. Check out our definitive list of all the best activities that make the Holy City one of the best in the continental U.S.   1. History By Alonzo Chappel – https://library.brown.edu/collections/askb/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45388127 If you…

If your plans to visit Charleston this spring were put on hold because of the coronavirus, fear not! You can still virtually visit Charleston from the comfort of your own couch. Just put on some jazz and check out these Charleston virtual tours.  As the country gets vaccinated and things start looking more normal, we’ll…

Charleston was home to many Irish immigrants in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, many areas of the city and many local establishments were named after Irish settlers. Today, our residents still celebrate their Irish heritage. Here’s our definitive list of where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Charleston.   Charleston Irish History…

Women have officially had the right to vote for 100 years! Help us celebrate women in Charleston in the month of March by learning about the women who helped build the city — and fought for women’s rights all over the U.S. Here are just some of our women to honor throughout Women’s History Month…

Charleston jazz history is rich and complicated. While Charleston is not the most famous city to put jazz on the map, the styles of jazz that formed in Charleston are just as important as those invented in New Orleans and New York City. Celebrate Charleston jazz history at some of the city’s most famous music…

Charleston was the landing point in the U.S. for many enslaved Africans. In fact, more than half of African Americans in the country today can trace their roots through Charleston. February is Black History Month in Charleston and we recommend visiting the following sites (in order) and imagining what it would have been like to land…

Charleston is full of winter activities during the colder months. Indoor and outdoor activities abound as the holiday season is winding down. Check out famous houses, fireplaces and indoor activities showing Charleston’s best of winter.    Famous Charleston Houses Get a taste of history when you head to the houses of Charleston’s 18th and 19th…

Charleston is a shopaholic’s dream destination. Find the perfect holiday present for friends and family members. Read on for the best Charleston shopping spots to cross off gifts for everyone on your list.    Charleston Shopping Spots  King Street is the best place to start your holiday shopping. Located in downtown Charleston, this strip is…

The Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights is one of the city’s beloved holiday occasions. Each holiday season at James Island County Park, guests flock to drive through approximately 2 million lights. The 2019 30th annual Holiday Festival of Lights is open November 15- December 31.  Admission, Hours and Other Helpful Information  Hosted by the Charleston…

Charleston’s hospitality and rich history make it a delightful Thanksgiving destination. Find the ideal restaurant for your Thanksgiving meal and enjoy walks through the city, seasonal attractions and learn about the history of Thanksgiving in the Holy City. Read on for our favorite things to do in Charleston on Thanksgiving weekend.    Where to Eat…

Visiting Charleston’s Revolutionary War historic sites is easy. Like many Eastcoast cities, Charleston has preserved places where major events occurred in the American Revolution. Many of these historic attractions offer tours and commentary, explaining the city’s role in the war that led to American independence.  Charleston Revolutionary War Important Events Before Charleston Before we can…