Charleston’s long history — dating back more than 350 years — is full of stories, both colorful and complicated. Tyler Page Wright Friedman, a certified tour guide and founder of Walk and Talk Charleston, brings them to life on walking tours built around unexpected themes, with plenty of historical gossip and insider intel mixed in. Here are her top picks for a perfect off-duty day in downtown Charleston.
Morning
Breakfast: Start the day with a croissant and coffee at the Mercato at Sorelle — “the best coffee on the peninsula,” says Friedman. On Broad Street, the restaurant is the perfect starting point for a day of exploring downtown. Another Friedman favorite: the coffee at Babas on Wentworth. Pro tip: if you’re in a rush, place an order ahead of time for pickup on their app.
Spend the morning getting lost in downtown Charleston’s centuries-old streets, lined with impeccably preserved historic homes. Friedman’s pick: the Nathaniel Russell House, a National Historic Landmark that Friedman says is “one of the most exquisite examples of Federal style architecture” in the city. Pro tip: book a private tour in advance for just $25 per person.
Walk to Waterfront Park to see a more modern version of Charleston, where The Cooper, downtown’s first luxury waterfront hotel opened earlier this year. Or check out the impressive collections and rotating exhibitions at The Gibbes Museum of Art — “it’s the story of Charleston through art,” Friedman says. The Beaux Arts-style building itself is a work of art, where inside you’ll find more than 600 American portrait miniatures and works from regional and American artists.
Afternoon
Lunch: Friedman loves the ham-and-cheese croissant at Le Chambertin a tiny French bakery tucked away on Church Street. Craving seafood? Head to Bar167 on Fulton St., a sister property to the popular but always packed 167Raw. While both are great, Bar167 takes reservations.
Less than a five-minute walk from Bar167 is a remarkable National Historic Landmark, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, the second oldest synagogue in the country and the oldest in continuous use. Friedman points out that it’s also notable for its Greek Revival architectural style. Learn more through a docent-led tour, which costs just $15.
Shopping is a must while visiting downtown Charleston. Peruse the dozens of art galleries along and just off King Street between Broad and Wentworth Streets. Friedman’s pick: the new Galerie Deux, which specializes in Old Master paintings. Can’t miss local shops, per Friedman, include:
- Mildred Newberry — This whimsical “gift shop of the past” sells stationary, gifts, wrapping paper, greeting cards, art and more.
- The Preservation Society Shop — Shop products made by local artists and makers and one of the best local book collections in the city. Pro tip: Preservation Society members get a discount.
- Ibu Movement — Clothing, accessories, jewelry and home decor all ethically sourced from women makers around the world.
- Madison Matthews — Bright and breezy dresses, shirts and skirts by local designer Caroline Chakeris.
- Beau & Ro. — A well-edited mix of women’s wear, including the brand’s own in-house collection, designed in Charleston.
- Buxton Books — A local, independent bookstore that has been a staple of Charleston’s growing literary scene for more than a decade.
Evening
Start off at Bar Vauté under Brasserie La Banque — which “feels like a fun speakeasy,” says Friedman — for champagne and oysters. For dinner, walk a few steps to Oak Steakhouse, housed inside a former 19th-century-era bank. Finish off the night with some local live music and dancing at The Commodore, a music club on Charleston’s Eastside.
Book a tour with Tyler and her team at walkandtalkchs.com and find more insider tips on visiting Charleston at her Substack, Tyler Wears Many Hats.