Charleston Sole Walking Tours

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Charleston Sole Walking Tours Explore the Holy City’s history, lore and legends with Charleston Sole. Charleston-native Brian Si

What’s happening in Charleston this June? From live music and outdoor festivals to historic celebrations and farmers mar...
02/06/2025

What’s happening in Charleston this June? From live music and outdoor festivals to historic celebrations and farmers markets, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the Holy City.

Before you fill your calendar, book a walking tour with Charleston Sole. Our small-group tours bring the city’s rich history to life and give you the perfect foundation to appreciate everything Charleston has to offer.

After your tour, add in some of the best June events—like Spoleto Festival, High Tide, Park Circle Pride, and Carolina Day. This is the season when Charleston shines.
Save this post to help you plan your June in the Holy City.

Honoring the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we pause to remember their co...
26/05/2025

Honoring the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we pause to remember their courage across the nation, from the historic streets of Charleston, SC, where Fort Sumter stood witness to the Civil War’s start, to every corner of this land they defended. Their legacy lives on.

Fun Fact - In the Civil War, St. Michael’s was said to have been painted black to hide from Union cannon fire. The steep...
16/05/2025

Fun Fact - In the Civil War, St. Michael’s was said to have been painted black to hide from Union cannon fire. The steeple of St. Michael’s Church towered over the Siege of Charleston, a beacon in the Revolutionary War’s darkest hour. Its spire was a Patriot lookout, spotting British ships, and a guide for enemy vessels in Charleston Harbor. Today, its 1764 clock (oldest English tower clock in country) and eight bells (made by company who made Big Ben and the Liberty Bell) still chime, showing 260 years of resilience.

Built between 1751 and 1761, St. Michael’s is one of Charleston’s oldest churches and a National Historic Landmark. The steeple, rising 186 feet, is a defining feature of the church and Charleston’s skyline, contributing to the city’s “Holy City” nickname.

Book our walking tour to learn more of Charleston’s unique history.

Photos courtesy of &

🏛️ In 1785, the College of Charleston was chartered, becoming South Carolina’s oldest university and America’s first mun...
14/05/2025

🏛️ In 1785, the College of Charleston was chartered, becoming South Carolina’s oldest university and America’s first municipal college. Founded in 1770 by six Founding Fathers—including Declaration signers Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward Jr., and Arthur Middleton—the college aimed to bring elite education to the Lowcountry. Classes began in 1790 in the home of Reverend Robert Smith, with a rigorous classical curriculum of Latin, Greek, and philosophy. In 1794, the college celebrated its first graduating class: six resilient students who completed their studies despite limited resources and a fledgling institution. Out of 60 initial students, these pioneers earned bachelor’s degrees, marking a milestone for Charleston’s intellectual legacy. Their achievement laid the foundation for alumni like Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument.

Walk through history at Cistern Yard, the heart of this National Historic Landmark campus to explore 250 years of Charleston’s academic heritage! 🌳📚

Photos courtesy of The College of Charleston

The Fall of Charleston (Siege of Charleston)On May 12–13, 1780, Charleston faced one of its darkest moments: the Siege o...
13/05/2025

The Fall of Charleston (Siege of Charleston)

On May 12–13, 1780, Charleston faced one of its darkest moments: the Siege of Charleston. During the Revolutionary War, British forces under General Sir Henry Clinton surrounded the city, cutting off supplies and bombarding Patriot defenses. For six weeks, Charleston’s residents and 5,000 Continental soldiers, led by General Benjamin Lincoln, held strong. But on May 12, the city surrendered, marking a major British victory and the largest American defeat of the war. The British occupied Charleston until 1782, leaving scars on the city’s soul—but also stories of resilience that echo today.

Stand where history was made! Our walking tours take you to the Battery, where cannons roared, and the Old Exchange, where Patriots were imprisoned. Hear tales of courage and survival from our expert guides. Book your tour today and walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries.

🇲🇽 Brian is exploring central Mexico this Spring Break with his family—one colorful experience at a time. From the artis...
15/04/2025

🇲🇽 Brian is exploring central Mexico this Spring Break with his family—one colorful experience at a time. From the artistic soul of Coyoacán to the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacán, their days are packed with culture, history, and flavor. They’re diving into local life, exploring bustling markets, world-renowned museums, and savoring everything from iconic street eats to elevated cuisine. It’s a region that pulses with creativity and spirit—and this crew is embracing it all.⁣

After their urban adventures, they’re heading to the charming heart of the highlands: San Miguel de Allende. Founded in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is beloved for its old-world charm paired with modern comforts. Picture-perfect streets wind past colonial facades in every shade of the sunset, leading to La Parroquía, a towering neo-Gothic church of rose-colored stone that anchors the town’s iconic skyline. San Miguel pulses with culture—think buzzing rooftop bars, award-winning restaurants, and a rich arts scene.⁣





🌸 Springtime in Charleston & the Legacy of the Garden Club of Charleston 🌿⁣⁣Did you know that Charleston is renowned for...
11/04/2025

🌸 Springtime in Charleston & the Legacy of the Garden Club of Charleston 🌿⁣

Did you know that Charleston is renowned for its historic gardens, including those shaped by the - Founded in 1922, this club has played a pivotal role in creating the city’s lush landscape. From their first project—planting the grounds of the Charleston Library Society—to the creation of the iconic Gateway Walk in 1930, the club has long been dedicated to preserving Charleston’s beauty.⁣

Each spring, the city bursts into bloom with wisteria, camellias, and azaleas, and the Festival of Houses and Gardens—a tradition since 1947—offers a rare opportunity to explore Charleston’s private gardens and historic homes.⁣

But the Garden Club of Charleston’s influence extends beyond flowers. Over the years, they’ve been instrumental in creating educational programs like the Fragrance Garden for the Blind and a therapeutic gardening program at MUSC, as well as funding horticultural scholarships.⁣
With Charleston’s spring blooms and the Garden Club’s dedication to beautifying the city, it’s no wonder this Lowcountry gem is a must-see during the season.⁣




⛳️ The Masters are upon us - The legendary Augusta National will once again host the world’s top golfers, with tournamen...
09/04/2025

⛳️ The Masters are upon us - The legendary Augusta National will once again host the world’s top golfers, with tournament rounds running Thursday through Sunday, April 10–13. Expect green jackets, azaleas in full bloom, and the kind of drama only Augusta can deliver.⁣

But did you know the roots of American golf actually trace back to Charleston, South Carolina? Long before Augusta National was even a vision, golf was being played right here in the Lowcountry. In 1786, a group of Scottish merchants founded the South Carolina Golf Club—the first golf club in America—right in downtown Charleston on a patch of land now known as Harleston Green, near the College of Charleston. 🇺🇸🏌️‍♂️⁣

Unlike the manicured courses of today, Harleston Green was a natural landscape where golfers played on uneven terrain, using rudimentary clubs and balls. The “holes” were likely markers set up among natural features like sand dunes, shrubs, and grass. Despite the simplicity, the enthusiasm for the game was palpable, and Harleston Green quickly became a social hub for Charleston’s golf community.⁣

Charleston’s deep ties to the game, its Scottish heritage, and Southern charm have helped shape golf in the U.S.—from casual weekend rounds to the most prestigious tournaments.⁣

So whether you’re watching The Masters or planning your next golf getaway, know this: America’s love affair with golf began right here in the Holy City.⁣




Charleston, has a rich culinary history, and over the years, several well-loved restaurants have closed their doors, lea...
07/04/2025

Charleston, has a rich culinary history, and over the years, several well-loved restaurants have closed their doors, leaving behind fond memories for locals and visitors alike. Here are five restaurants in Charleston that were cherished but are no longer in business:⁣

🦐 Martha Lou’s Kitchen - A legendary soul food spot, Martha Lou’s was a Gullah Geechee institution on Morrison Drive, famous for its fried chicken, lima beans, and collard greens. Run by Martha Lou Gadsden for decades, it was a cozy, no-frills eatery that embodied the heart of Lowcountry home cooking. It closed in 2020 after Gadsden’s passing, though her legacy lives on in Charleston’s food culture.⁣

🍨 Carolina’s - Located on Exchange Street, Carolina’s was a Southern bistro that helped define Charleston’s upscale dining scene in the late 20th century. Known for its deviled crab and Lowcountry classics, it was a favorite for special occasions until it shuttered in the early 2000s. The space later became home to other ventures, but its original charm remains a memory.⁣

🍷 McCrady’s - Once a pinnacle of fine dining on East Bay Street, McCrady’s was helmed by acclaimed chef Sean Brock and earned national praise for its innovative Southern cuisine and elaborate tasting menus. It closed in 2018 as Brock shifted focus to other projects, leaving a void for foodies who adored its groundbreaking approach.⁣

🍝 Trattoria Lucca - This cozy Italian restaurant on Bogard Street was a neighborhood gem, celebrated for its handmade pasta and warm atmosphere. Chef Ken Vedrinski’s spot thrived until it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.⁣

🍔 Two Boroughs Larder - A quirky, beloved spot on Coming Street, Two Boroughs Larder started as a sandwich shop and evolved into an all-day café with inventive dishes like duck confit and kimchi-stuffed burgers. It closed in 2016 after a five-year run, mourned by those who loved its creative take on comfort food.⁣

Did you ever dine at Martha Lou’s, Carolina’s, or any of these gems? Drop a comment below and share your memories—we’d love to hear your stories!⁣

The Aiken-Rhett House: A Portal to Charleston’s Past ⁣⁣Nestled in the heart of Charleston, the Aiken-Rhett House is one ...
02/04/2025

The Aiken-Rhett House: A Portal to Charleston’s Past ⁣

Nestled in the heart of Charleston, the Aiken-Rhett House is one of the most well-preserved antebellum homes in the South, offering a raw and immersive glimpse into the complexities of 19th-century life. Unlike other historic homes that have been restored, this estate has been preserved in its original condition, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur—and stark realities—of Charleston’s past.⁣

A House of Wealth, Power & Shadows - Built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson, the home was later sold to William Aiken Sr., a successful Irish immigrant. After his passing, his son, William Aiken Jr., inherited the estate, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest men in the state and serving as Governor of South Carolina.⁣

The home underwent massive expansions in the 1830s and 1850s, with grand ballrooms, intricate plasterwork, and original furnishings that remain intact today. But behind this opulence, the estate also tells the story of Charleston’s enslaved population. The original slave quarters still stand, giving an unfiltered look into the conditions and lives of those who labored there.⁣

💡 Why It’s a Must-See for History Buffs - Unlike many historic homes that have been modernized, the Aiken-Rhett House remains frozen in time. You can see the worn floorboards, the fading wallpaper, and even the original cookhouse, laundry, and carriage house—all offering hauntingly authentic echoes of the past.⁣

📍 Ready to Experience Charleston’s History Like Never Before? This isn’t just another historic home—it’s a living time capsule of Charleston’s most defining era. Let me take you beyond the velvet ropes and bring history to life with fascinating stories, hidden details, and exclusive insights you won’t find anywhere else. Book a private walking tour with us and uncover Charleston’s history through the homes, streets, and stories that shaped it.⁣



Additional photos courtesy of the

Spring into Charleston: April 2025 Events You Don’t Want to Miss!⁣ 🗓️⁣Save and Share the April 2025 Charleston Event Cal...
31/03/2025

Spring into Charleston: April 2025 Events You Don’t Want to Miss!⁣ 🗓️

Save and Share the April 2025 Charleston Event Calendar—festivals, food, and fun await! ⁣






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