Charleston Tours - Southern Living

Illustrations by Ryan Kelly

Palmetto Carriage Works

Who It’s For: First-time visitors who want a 101 overview of downtown Charleston--or anyone looking for a refresher course.

Why We Picked It: After we tried every carriage company in town, Palmetto stood out for its guides’ wit and historic accuracy.

Southern Living Tip: Palmetto offers free downtown parking. Take advantage of it: Arrive early and wander around the Market.

Palmetto Carriage Works: carriagetour.com or (843) 723-8145; $21

Illustrations: Ryan Kelly

Culinary Tours of Charleston

Who It’s For: Food Network addicts who dream of going behind-the-scenes and want to sample the dishes on Iron Chef.

Why We Picked It: The 2½-hour overview of Lowcountry dining combines tastings and chats with some of the city’s top chefs.

Southern Living Tip: The Chef’s Kitchen Tour is given Friday mornings. Plan it as a weekend kick-off--it may inspire a reservation.

Culinary Tours of Charleston: culinarytoursofcharleston.com or (843) 722-8687; $42

Illustrations: Ryan Kelly

Tommy Dew’s Walking History Tour

Who It’s For: History buffs who prefer edu-tainment over lectures. Get some exercise and make your history professor proud.

Why We Picked It: Tommy’s uniquely Southern view: “It’s called the War Between the States; there was nothing civil about it.”

Southern Living Tip: If you can’t join Tommy live (the tour regularly sells out), download his “Charleston City Slicker” iPhone app ($10).

Tommy Dew’s Walking History Tour: onthemarkettours.com or (843) 853-8687; $20

Illustrations: Ryan Kelly

Gullah Tours with Alphonso Brown

Who It’s For: Anyone who’s interested in the African American perspective and a snapshot view of the Gullah culture.

Why We Picked It: Because Alphonso grew up in the Gullah community, he provides an invaluable insider’s perspective.

Southern Living Tip: Have cash ready to purchase samples of ironwork by the late renowned Gullah blacksmith Philip Simmons.

Gullah Tours with Alphonso Brown: gullahtours.com or (843) 763-7551; $18

Illustrations: Ryan Kelly

Chai Y’all Tours with Janice Kahn

Who It’s For: Those who don’t know a shiksa from a yenta. Or those who want an immersion in local Jewish heritage.

Why We Picked It: Janice offers visits to such sites as Beth Elohim, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the country.

Southern Living Tip: Talk to Janice beforehand about your specific interests. Her shtick is all about tailoring stops to your whims.

Chai Y’all Tours with Janice Kahn: (843) 556-0664; call for prices (two-person minimum)

Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Charleston's Top 5 City Tours

Palmetto Carriage Works

Culinary Tours of Charleston

Tommy Dew’s Walking History Tour

Gullah Tours with Alphonso Brown

Chai Y’all Tours with Janice Kahn