The Old Mart Museum -- History, Not "His-Story"…read more When we toured the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, we were offered the chance to double down on history -- prepay access to the Old Slave Mart Museum just a few blocks away. We took it. But first? Food. Because nothing says "processing 18th-century imprisonment" like realizing your blood sugar is tanking. After regrouping and refueling, we made our way to the Old Mart Museum. The lesson takes place upstairs -- smaller space, more intimate setting. No theatrics. No dramatics. Just truth. Our guide -- well-groomed, composed, clear-spoken -- absolutely killed it. No sensationalism. No softening. Just facts delivered with gravity. What he described was horrific. Human beings cataloged. Sold. Families separated. Lives reduced to transactions. It was hard to hear. But it was history -- not HIS-story. There's a difference. This wasn't about personal interpretation or modern spin. It was documented record. It was accountability. It was context. Charleston is beautiful. Charming. Architectural eye candy. But layered beneath that beauty is commerce that once depended on human suffering. And standing in that upstairs room, listening quietly, you feel that weight. We walked out quieter than we walked in. Some stops on this trip were fun. Some were adventurous. This one was necessary.

A must see while in Charleston. Admission is cheap. There is an upstairs and downstairs area, it is…read morevery small. I did have a baby stroller with me and they offered to assist me upstairs. I learned a lot as did my daughter. It was very informative and heartbreaking. Nonetheless a must.

Visited: February 16, 2026…read more The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon was the perfect blend of history and hustle. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you feel the weight of Charleston's past. Inside, the immersion begins immediately -- postcards, patches, and meaningful souvenirs that make it easy to bring a little history home for friends and family. The highlight, though, was the tour. Our guide was a jolly local with razor-sharp, dry Southern wit -- the kind of storyteller who can pivot from Revolutionary War imprisonment to a perfectly timed sarcastic aside without missing a beat. Equal parts charm and "bless your heart," she made centuries-old history feel present and personal. Down in the Provost Dungeon, those brick walls carry gravity. British occupation. Prisoners of war. Pirates passing through. It's one of those rare spaces where you instinctively lower your voice. You don't just learn history -- you feel it. History hit different here. If you appreciate immersive storytelling, preserved architecture, and a tour that balances education with personality, this is absolutely worth your time.

Amazing! We just left and had Noah as our tour guide. He did such a wonderful job! We had dinner…read morereservations and had to leave a smidge early but he was so gracious and did a fabulous job answering our questions.

It is always good to see and brings a smile. The cow greets you with a smile. :) #HistoricalLandmarkread more

This is one of the most iconic if not THE most iconic sign in Charleston! Every holiday is captured…read moreby the Coburg Cow... Quite the wardrobe and decor this cow has! Want to know how serious a storm is? This cow don't fly through the sky... She gets taken down as to keep protected if the weather is bad. When the cow is down, it's serious business... A hurricane IS coming!

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens was one of the best parts of our first day here! The grounds are…read moreabsolutely stunning, with beautiful gardens, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and peaceful walking paths around every corner. It feels like you could spend the entire day exploring and still discover something new. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the history and preservation of the property. The historical aspects of the plantation were thoughtfully presented and gave us a deeper appreciation for the site's complex past. Our guide, Chris was especially amazing as he executed his explanation of the history of the plantation very well, and he made it worth the trip!

This is one of those places that is trying to be big, but doesn't have the substance. For the cost…read moreof the admission, there isn't much. The train ride is not worth $15. Our guide kept talking to himself, then stop suddenly to point out an alligator or bird by him, but by the time he got moving, the animals was pretty much gone. You can only see the same birds and swamp so much before it becomes redundant. Maybe some history about the family, the time period, anything! I didn't go on a guided tour of the house, just walked through, but I don't really know what a tour guide could have added with just those few rooms. The gift shop lady was outright rude. I got a shirt that was marked 20% off. On the app, it said 10% off any item $30 or more, it said nothing about sale items. She acting like I was crazy for asking and then basically said, "that's double dipping, it's not like CVS where you can stack coupons." Seriously! Then when my mom said that was deceptive marketing, she sat there and argued with her. Save yourself time and money and go somewhere they not only appreciate your business, but where they aren't just charging you for the land.

Who doesn't enjoy watching recent (or sometimes cult) films in a small set of theaters. Want wine…read moreor beer to sip while watching, then this is the place. The seats are comfortable, the lobby can get just a bit crowded but not claustrophobic. Pick a movie from its website or on its lighted "awning" (as some call it) and you are certain to find something today, if not, then tomorrow as the films change sometimes every couple of days. I have seen and enjoyed here, every single time. Come here and ejnjoy. Down side? Looking for an extra couple of minutes to find a parking space out front or just start out back instead for sure parking.

Meet the Feebles, more 80s throwback films, more variety needed. Nice staff. More events with…read moreguests would boost attendance.

Had a wonderful hair cut here. Staff were all extremely nice. Dedicated surface lot--yes!…read moreRecommended!

I went on my honeymoon here and it was the best experience. I miss this place and have such good…read morememories. I can't wait to return, and look forward to coming back.

The Pineapple Fountain is an iconic pit stop for your Charleston exploration. The surrounding park…read moreand waterfront are so beautiful. 10/10 would recommend!

The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park in Charleston is a symbol of the city and beautiful place…read moreto visit. It's surrounded by trees and looks right out onto the Charleston harbor. The area around the fountain is a nice place for a stroll. Street parking can be tough, especially during peak hours.

Working artists in a collective space invite you to explore their work.read more

i wanted to buy more art, so i showed up at 2:20pm and they were all locked up. sign on the door…read moreand google says they close at 3pm. just an fyi- call before you show up.

I visited Gibbes on a Wednesday when it is free entry to Charleston residents. Before that I hadn't…read morebeen here since I was in middle school. It was a great solo treat to see so many beautiful pieces, read, and learn. This is a two story experience with every changing exhibits. Currently you can see a few Monet pieces. I had no idea they would have Monet before visiting so this was a lovely surprise! In general the regular admission price is fair. The staff are incredibly friendly and the space is beautiful. It's also worth noting you are able to host weddings here.

The Gibbes is always an excellent experience. There are activities for all ages. The art is…read moreamazing! The interior architecture is incredible!

USS Laffey is closed for maintenance but no big deal since lots to see on Yorktown. I have now…read morebeen on all five aircraft carrier museums and Yorktown is a very close second to Midway and Intrepid which, IMO, are tied for best. Plenty of exhibits and planes to see. There are two guided tours available: Captain's and Admiral's Tours. These are just the names and have nothing to do with meeting Captains or Admirals. I purchased the Admiral's Tour and thought it was worth the $40. Great tour guide and we saw lots. I visited on Tuesday and Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed my time onboard. Admission also includes the Vietnam War Experience which I think is worth checking out.

I took a ghost tour on the USS Yorktown. The history and sites, incredible. The views at sunset up…read moreon the flight deck, absolutely breathtaking and such a memorable experience. This is a great spot if you enjoy learning about history.