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Discover the lost History of
CHARLESTON
DISCOVER THE LOST HISTORY OF
CHARLESTON
Exploring THE lOWCOUNTRY
Walk back through time tracing Charleston’s original walled city, where history lives and every step tells a story! This historic immersion tour promises to make your stay richer and culturally more enjoyable, as you take an insider’s look at the people, places and food that make Charleston unique. The #1 hospitable city in America welcomes you to explore our little city of love.
START YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY!
A STORY OF GRIT AND GRACE
If you change history you can change the future. Do you ever wonder how much of it has been buried in the annals of time? Go past the restaurants and museums and find out about the real history that isn’t in the history books.
As you explore Charleston’s hidden gems and best kept secrets, you will gain a new perspective and better understanding of the significance of Charleston in the founding of British America, Do you want to be a tourist or an explorer? Experience a private guide taking you on an insider’s adventure that you wouldn’t find on your own to capture the essence of all that is Charleston!
If you change history you can change the future. Do you ever wonder how much of it has been buried in the annals of time? Go past the restaurants and museums and find out about the real history that isn’t in the history books.
As you explore Charleston’s hidden gems and best kept secrets, you will gain a new perspective and better understanding of the significance of Charleston in the founding of British America, Do you want to be a tourist or an explorer? Experience a private guide taking you on an insider’s adventure that you wouldn’t find on your own to capture the essence of all that is Charleston!
Your tour departs the Laurens/ Rutledge House at 117 Broad Street twice a day, during the best
times of the seasons: summer mornings, mornings and afternoons in the fall and spring, and afternoons in the winter..
If you’d like a private guide to experience the real history of Charleston that you would never find on your own, go past the museums and carriages as Karen takes you on an insiders adventure. Discover the lost south and book your tour today!
My passion and enthusiasm for history began when I first sat down at a historic Charleston supper. The meal traced the origins of food in Charleston from its colonial founding, to the reconstruction period after the Civil War. My taste buds knew, as I realized too, that somehow I knew this city, not intellectually but experientially and so my quest began. It became my mission to unravel the mystery behind it.
Eventually, my career took me South of Broad as GM of the Governor’s House Inn, which is the Laurens/Rutledge house, circa 1760. Here my passion ignited as I realized I wasn’t just studying history anymore, I was living it every day! The mansion is steeped in history, most of which isn’t told and I became intrigued. How much more was there that isn’t in the history books and why was that so? The more I learned, the more I knew, if you change history you change the future! My passion became my mission to get the stories straight and share them with you. The thread of this tapestry of people, cultures, architecture and cuisine is a fascinating story of unity and brotherly love. How else did they survive the fires and the floods? Come with me now, as we explore our shared national heritage together. Let us go back and unravel the threads. There is so much more to the story!
My passion and enthusiasm for history began when I first sat down at a historic Charleston supper. The meal traced the origins of food in Charleston from its colonial founding, to the reconstruction period after the Civil War. My taste buds knew, as I realized too, that somehow I knew this city, not intellectually but experientially and so my quest began. It became my mission to unravel the mystery behind it.
Eventually, my career took me South of Broad as GM of the Governor’s House Inn, which is the Laurens/Rutledge house, circa 1760. Here my passion ignited as I realized I wasn’t just studying history anymore, I was living it every day! The mansion is steeped in history, most of which isn’t told and I became intrigued. How much more was there that isn’t in the history books and why was that so? The more I learned, the more I knew, if you change history you change the future! My passion became my mission to get the stories straight and share them with you. The thread of this tapestry of people, cultures, architecture and cuisine is a fascinating story of unity and brotherly love. How else did they survive the fires and the floods? Come with me now, as we explore our shared national heritage together. Let us go back and unravel the threads. There is so much more to the story!
LOWCOUNTRY HISTORY STROLLS!
Once I managed the Lauren’s/Rutledge mansion at 117 Broad Street, I was awed and humbled by an insider’s view. I never knew until I walked in their footsteps and lived it too. It isn’t just history, it’s alive today! This tour is an insider’s look at living history preserved by time, as we stroll back into the walled city.
Meet me at the front steps of the Laurens/Rutledge house at 117 Broad St., as so much of our American history begins right here!
We’ll stroll a mile and a half into the interior of the original walled city, which is one of only three in all of North America. See first hand Charleston's origins and points of interest like the Sword Gates, Rainbow Row and The Battery, as we explore our culinary history, architecture, wars and more.
We’ll learn from Charleston’s storied past about how we became the "Most Hospitable City in America". Taking this in on your first day will literally enhance the rest of your stay. As you learn the why, when and where, you’ll understand Charleston’s unique culture, right down to the meals served on your dinner plate!
Whether you are visiting or living here, I invite you to join me as we explore our shared history together!
100% Great Tour Guarantee!
How people expressed their feelings about this experience:
“Truly insightful, not like any of our other tours.”
“I would not have known what I was looking at had we not taken this tour.”
“This is exactly what I wanted, an overview of Charleston and it’s inhabitants.”
“A stroll with Karen will captivate you with her knowledge and Southern charm.”
“This was the best part of our trip!”
62 Acres:
100 Years of Colonial Era Charleston
I find that the level of intimacy you have with a place when you're with somebody local is so much deeper than when you just go and look around as a tourist. It is such a different feeling!" Condè Nast Traveler
We made this film specifically for travelers who want to stroll Charleston from the comfort of your own home or hotel. So don't let your travel plans, weather, health concerns or ADA get in your way! Grab your morning coffee, mid-day snack or happy hour treat and simply click on the button below that says Stroll! to get started.
As you begin your movie, you’ll be walking back in time with me to the oldest part of the city of Charleston. Here we'll learn how they survived fires, floods, earthquakes and more and lived to tell the story between 39 epidemics and 2 wars.
Come explore America's origins in 62 Acres: 100 Years of Colonial Era Charleston.
Travel early and travel often. Understand cultures other than your own. As your understanding of other cultures increases, your understanding of yourself and your own culture will increase exponentially.
-Tom Freston
CUSTOM CURATED STROLLS
Private tours are uniquely geared towards giving you a more intimate look at what makes Charleston special.
Charleston is a place where history comes alive! Is there a part of her historic allure which you long to know? Her artistic renaissance, architecture, traditions, culture, cuisine, drinking monikers, wars, secrets and more await your discovery as you learn local lore. Take a peek at the blogs below and call 843-327-3319 to speak with Karen personally about customizing your own curated stroll.
Historically rich in colonial history and architecture that predates the American Revolution, the city also played an important role in both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars and is home to many plantations that offer a glimpse into its storied past. You can even take a late morning culinary stroll tasting Charleston's famous cuisine with a private chef! Couple that with a drinking history that dates back to the founding of the original walled city and you'll have a truly historic day!
Planning a trip for the holidays? Be sure to include an afternoon Colonial Charleston Christmas Stroll ending with a yuletide toast. Or stroll along hidden lanes and alleyways to learn the inside secrets of all we hold dear as you experience all of this first-hand in your own specially curated stroll. Call now to begin your personal journey!
Would love your feedback if you enjoyed your tour!
Read Latest Blog
"Queen City of the South"
“To show what could be accomplished in Charleston in the adornment of edifices", Christopher Werner sought "to make it worthy of the name of ‘Queen City of the South.'"
27 October 2022 . 1 min read
Why is Charleston named the Holy City?
An insider's look inside the Heart Gate at St. John’s Reformed Episcopal by Philip Simmons and the city behind the name..
17 October 2022 . 1 min read
Ringing in the Wind
As I sat watching hurricane Ian come up the harbor, I was awed by a sense of the past as the bells peeled
02 October 2022 . 1 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN DO YOU OFFER TOURS?
We offer two tours a day, with seasonal time changes. Please refer to the calendar for availability.
WHAT ABOUT RAIN OR INCLEMENT WEATHER?
We present tours rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous. Charleston is famous for its afternoon passing showers. Feel free to call us at +1 (843) 327-3319 if you have any concerns.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you need to change your tickets, please let us know 24 hours in advance.
CAN I TIP MY GUIDE?
Gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
There are 2 hour free parking spaces South of Broad Street for residents and visitors to the area.
