With a background in academic history, we understand the importance of providing context, and to achieve that, a solid foundation and meaningful discussions are essential.
Our walking tour begins with more talking than walking, which might seem unusual for this type of tour. But there's a method to our madness. The tour is structured to unfold gradually, building upon itself to give you the context needed for what you'll see later on.
Let's start with a conversation. In the beginning, we'll chat and get to know your historical interests. This information helps us tailor the tour content to match what you want to learn.
Then, we shift our focus to present-day Charleston. By discussing what we observe in the harbor, we lay the groundwork for the historical narrative that follows.
We'll also delve into Southern culture, exploring the story behind the pineapple-shaped fountain in Waterfront Park. This includes its origin and significance in colonial Charleston symbolism.
Next, we'll uncover the evolution of Charleston, from its colonial beginnings under King Charles the 1st to the Carolina settlement and the establishment of Charles Town by King Charles the 2nd. Our discussion extends to the geographic advantages that transformed Charlestown into a thriving trade center, exploring the economic foundations of the early settlement.
Addressing the topic of slavery, our focus is not on its horrors, but on providing context to distinguish Rural slavery from Urban slavery. We'll touch upon the workings of slavery in Charleston and the intriguing dynamic of wealth among free people of color who owned slaves.
With this contextual knowledge, our walking journey begins. As we navigate along the water, we'll shed light on the sights using the context we discussed earlier. Walking atop the original sea wall from 1680, we'll reveal hidden aspects and provide insight into the visible history that surrounds you.
Venturing into the heart of the historic district, we'll analyze the architecture along the seawall, pointing out details that might escape the untrained eye. White Point Gardens becomes a focal point, with discussions on its historical significance as we ascend Meeting St, passing colonial homes and exploring their relevance to Charleston's evolution.
Our path leads through entire blocks dating back to the early 1700s, unveiling significant churches and landmarks, including the original Fort. In this way, we build upon our earlier discussions, bringing history to life in a way that goes beyond imagination.
....and of course, we're going to have some fun along the way. That's important to us.
Charleston isn’t known for its straight and level sidewalks – that’s why we don’t recommend wheelchairs, electric scooters, or walkers on our walking tours.
We spend some time sitting in the shade. However, it can also be hot and humid in Charleston in the summer – in addition to comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring an umbrella if it looks like rain, and bottled water.
Not normally. Our walking tours are thoughtfully designed, with a portion involving sitting in the shade. While it's a historic tour, and walking is a part of the experience, we maintain a leisurely pace without overdoing it.
The average duration of our historic tour is about 2.5 hours. However, like all tours, it can run a little longer if people ask a lot of questions or spend time taking pictures. So give yourself some time between appointments.
Our walking tours cover a distance of approximately 2.5 miles, but fear not – we stroll at a relaxed pace, and we're the only historic tour in Charleston that incorporates seated breaks.
Children under 2 are always complimentary on Chucktown tours. However, we strongly recommend against bringing kids aged 2 to 10. Young children traditionally don't do well on a historic tour and can be disruptive to other guests.
Strollers are welcome on our walking tours, but due to the nature of the tour and limited level sidewalks in Charleston, it's unsuitable for walkers, electric scooters, or wheelchairs.
They are distinctly different historic tour experiences. Our walking tours are tailored based on history and your interests, lasting around 2.5 hours. Carriage tours, lasting about 1 hour, are predetermined routes chosen by the city. You can read more about it on our Dirty Little Secrets page.
Unfortunately, No. We uphold the longstanding tradition of Charleston walking tours, continuing rain or shine. You can switch to another tour if available. We'll always strive to accommodate you or provide a rain check for a future walking tour.
If for some reason we cancel the tour for weather-related safety, you will be refunded. You can read more about it on our Terms & Conditions page
Unfortunately, out of respect for the other guests, we will not wait. If you have an issue please let us know before the tour so we can work with you. We don't normally allow people to join the tour once it has started. If you are late, and we have to start the tour. You will be offered the next available tour, but not a refund. You can read more about it on our Terms & Conditions page
Restrooms are available at the start of the walking tour, and occasionally in the middle. (It's not always open) We'll make every effort to assist if needed. Read more about public restrooms on our Travel Tips page.
All our guides are licensed by the city of Charleston, SC, after rigorous testing and a comprehensive 500-page study guide, they are all qualified to give a historic tour of Charleston. You can find additional information on our Getting Involved page.
If you are going to take a tour, you should always dress according to Charleston's variable weather. Comfortable shoes are recommended on all walking tours, bring water in summer, (there is no place to purchase water on the tour) and carry an umbrella if rain is likely. Check the local weather forecast on our Travel Tips page.
Parking in Charleston can be difficult. The best parking for this tour is in the garage across from Fleet Landing restaurant. If you put Fleet Landing in your GPS it will take you right to the garage. Find additional information on parking in Charleston on our Travel Tips page.
Take a moment to explore the Local Hangouts section of this site. It features a curated list of our favorite places in town. The Planning Tips section will help you plan your trip, while the Reading list section and the History Blog will help you learn more about history.
Chucktown Tours is the largest Airbnb Experience provider in the entire state of South Carolina!
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