Through the 20th century, Charleston has enjoyed a vibrant arts scene, also featuring in a range of books and movies that use the historic city as their backdrop.
Several guided tours of Charleston explore this cultural side to the city’s history. Some provide an overview of the arts movements of the early 20th century or the city’s present-day art scene. Others focus on specific locations and history underlying the books and movies in which Charleston has featured.
See also:
– African-American history tours
– Architecture tours
– Food and drink tours
– Plantation tours
The Original Grimké Sisters Tour, 2hrs15 With Lee Ann Bain, Step Back Into History, or with Carol Ezell-Gilson, Broad Street Biz. Walking tour discussing the lives of Charleston’s Grimké sisters and Susan Monk Kidd’s novel, The Invention of Wings. $25 per person, 4-person minimum.
To take this tour with Lee Ann Bain, call 843-822-5248 for reservations or contact online (see website). To take it with Carol Ezell-Gilson, call 843-577-2947 for reservations or book online (see website).
Black History, Gullah Geechee & Porgy and Bess Tour, 1hr or 2hrs With Sites and Insights Tours. Bus tour of Charleston’s Black history sites and Gullah culture. 1-hour tour: adults $20, children (6-12) $15. 2-hour tour: adults $25, children (6-12) $20. Call 843-552-9995 for reservations or book online. More details
Porgy and Bess: the Charleston Influence, 2hrs With Lee Ann Bain, Step Back Into History, or with Carol Ezell-Gilson, Broad Street Biz. Walking tour exploring the history and Gullah culture of Charleston associated with Dubose Heyward’s novel, Porgy, and the opera Porgy and Bess.
To take this tour with Lee Ann Bain, call 843-822-5248 for reservations or contact online (see website). To take it with Carol Ezell-Gilson, call 843-577-2947 for reservations or book online (see website).
Doin’ the Charleston Renaissance: Arts and Literature, 2hrs With Lee Ann Bain, Step Back Into History, or with Carol Ezell-Gilson, Broad Street Biz. Walking tour exploring the history of Charleston’s early 20th century “Renaissance,” when a renewed enthusiasm for the arts, literature, music and preservation took hold in the city.
To take this tour with Lee Ann Bain, call 843-822-5248 for reservations or contact online (see website). To take it with Carol Ezell-Gilson, call 843-577-2947 for reservations or book online (see website).