Bulldog Tours
40 North Market St.
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-TOUR • 722-8687 www.bulldogtours.com
As featured in The New York Times, Travel Channel, and USA Today, Bulldog Tours is Charleston's premier walking tour company and offers the best history and ghost tours in town. Join Bulldog Tours for the Ghost & Graveyard Tour, Haunted Jail Tour, Dark Side of Charleston Tour, Ghost & Dungeon Tour, The Charleston Stroll Walk with History or Culinary Tours of Charleston. For more information and to make reservations, please call (843) 722-TOUR or visit our office, which is conveniently located in the heart of the historic district in the Rainbow Market.
Charleston County Parks
Office: 861 Riverland Dr.
James Island, SC 29412
(843) 795-4FUN • 795-4386 www.ccprc.com
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) represents one of the most unique park and recreation agencies in the state. With over 5,000 acres of parkland, the park system includes three land parks, three beach parks, a landmark fishing pier, three water parks, 19 boat landings, interpretive center, equestrian center, and marina.
Come to quiet Wadmalaw Island, 20 miles south of historic Charleston, to visit America's only commercial tea farm. See hundreds of thousands of tea plants; take the free, informative and educational factory tour; stroll the grounds; relax in a rocking chair on the front porch; take the classic trolley ride through the working farm; and visit the Gift Shoppe to taste and purchase American Classic Tea and other fine items. Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Visit our website for more information and directions to America's Only Tea Plantation!
Drayton Hall National Historic Landmark
3380 Ashley River Rd.
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 769-2600 www.draytonhall.org
With its extraordinary architecture and historic landscape, Drayton Hall evokes a sense of timelessness and continuity. More than a house, Drayton Hall offers an award-winning, interactive landscape tour on DVD; self-guided marsh and river walks; African-American cemetery; artisan-inspired Museum Shop; plus hourly tours and daily programs, including "Connections," an interactive program on African-American life from slavery to emancipation. Located on Highway 61, just nine miles north of Charleston, Drayton Hall is open daily: March through October from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November through February from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Edmondston-Alston House
21 East Battery
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-7171 www.middletonplace.org
The stately Edmondston-Alston House was built in 1825 on Charleston's High Battery and is one of the city's most splendid dwellings. A witness to many dramatic events in Charleston's history, the House is a classic example of the city's changing and sophisticated taste in architecture and decorative arts. See a repository of family treasures, including Alston family silver, furniture, books and paintings that remain in place much as they have been for over a century and a half. Three piazzas offer incredible views of Charleston Harbor. In 1861, General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter here. Tours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hunley Weekend Tours
Warren Lasch Conservation Center
1250 Supply St., Building 225
North Charleston, SC 29405
(877) 4HUNLEY www.hunley.org
Described as a remarkable experience, a weekend tour of the Hunley is a must for visitors to the area. During the Civil War, the Hunley became the first submarine in world history to sink an enemy ship. After completing the mission, she mysteriously vanished. Lost at sea for over a century, the Hunley was raised from the ocean floor in 2000. Tours include viewing the Hunley in her 90,000-gallon conservation tank and artifacts found aboard the submarine during excavation.
Middleton Place
4300 Ashley River Rd.
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 556-6020 or (800) 782-3608 www.middletonplace.org
An 18th-century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark encompassing America's oldest landscaped Gardens, the House Museum and Plantation Stableyards. The Gardens reflect the elegant symmetry of 17th century European design. Tours of the House Museum highlight family collections and the important roles of the Middleton family in American history. In the Stableyards, craftspeople recreate the activities of a self-sustaining Lowcountry plantation. African American Focus Tours offered daily. The Outdoor Center offers nature walks and kayak tours. The Restaurant serves Lowcountry cuisine for lunch and dinner, and the Garden Market and Nursery and Museum Shop offer plants, plantation-crafted wares, specialty foods, books and more. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located 14 miles north of Charleston on Hwy 61.
Schooner Pride
Departs from Aquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston
(800) 979-3370 or (843) 722-1112 www.schoonerpride.com
People of all walks of life enjoy the relaxing, yet exciting getaway aboard the Schooner Pride. There are no set courses for the Charleston Harbor cruise. She sails with the wind and tides, so every cruise is unique. The schedule for public harbor cruises varies, so please call ahead for reservations or book online!
The Sculpture in the South Show & Sale is held annually the weekend after Mother's Day in Azalea Park. One of South Carolina's premier outdoor art events. Meet 35 world-class sculptors. Full to gift size sculptures. Quick Draw and Auction. Children's activities. Award-winning SC barbecue. Ask about Patron's Amenities. Tour Summerville's Permanent Sculpture Collection year-round. A Map/Guide is located on our website or at the Summerville Visitor Center, 402 N. Main St.
The very best way to experience the beauty of historic Charleston is from aboard a SpiritLine Cruise yacht for a harbor tour or dinner cruise. Our Fort Sumter Tours provide the only commercial boat access to one of America's greatest historic monuments, the island fort where the Civil War began. Or join us for a Harbor Tour aboard one of SpiritLine's premier passenger yachts for a narrated tour of Charleston's historic harbor. Fort Sumter Tours and SpiritLine Harbor Tours depart from two convenient locations: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant.
Town of Summerville
Greater Summerville Chamber of Commerce
402 N. Main St.
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 722-2628 www.visitsummerville.com
Once a summer escape for plantation owners in the 18th century, Summerville has become a destination favored for its sophisticated shopping, eclectic mix of restaurants, historic sites, varied accommodations and authentic Southern charm. Located only 23 miles from downtown Charleston, this town known as the "Flowertown in the Pines" is the perfect day trip location.
Saffire is located in the elegant Charleston Marriott Hotel on the Ashley River, Lockwood Boulevard. Enjoy the bold flavors of Saffire’s seasonally inspired menu which reflects a belief in “the cuisine of today,”. Always healthy, always evolving. Eclectic, imaginative and unrestricted by ethnic boundaries.... Superb selection of wine. Free parking. Warm and welcoming. Tel: (843) 723-3000.
Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night. Live Irish music Wednesday through Sunday nights.
Charleston's premier walking tours with exclusive access to some locations. Behind the scenes of the Holy City's graveyards, back alleyways, and dungeon. As seen on Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted Places. Ghost Dungeon, Dark Side Charleston, Ghost Graveyard Walking Tours. Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Strolls Walk With History and more.