Charleston Inside Out » tours & attractions

The Center for Birds of Prey

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:23:36 +0000

22 miles North of Charleston, nature lovers should not miss the Center for Birds of Prey. The education, research, and conservation center provides medical care for injured birds of prey on its 152-acre campus. Visitors to the Center enjoy exploring interpretive displays, guided walking tours, and daily flying demonstrations. Other features include an Avian Medical & Oiled Bird Treatment Facility, recovery & flight enclosures, 2 flying demonstration fields, and display aviaries. “Beyond the beauty and fascinating nature of birds, we now recognize them as unparalleled in their role as indicators of overall ecosystem health.”

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:19:34 +0000

Built in 1771 as the Customs House and Exchange, this is the last public building built by the British and is packed with historically significant highlights: patriot soldiers were held in the dungeons, George Washington was entertained here, South Carolina ratified the US Constitution here, and a portion of the original fortification of the walled city, the oldest surviving structure in Charleston, was excavated from thedungeon below in 1965. The building sits on the site where pirates were once held. Guided tours of the dungeon every 30 minutes by costumed guides and a self-guided tour of the top two floors are included.

Francis Beidler Forest:

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:18:15 +0000

462-2150. 15000 acres or Black water Cypress-Tupelo Forest about a 50-minute drive from downtown Charleston. This is one of the least impacted wetlands in the state and has remained a natural habitat for 10,000 years. 5 miles of trails and a natural guided canoe trip (additional charge) Tues.–Su 9 am–5pm. 18+ $7, 6–18 $3.50 website

Charleston Waterfront Park

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:16:18 +0000

We highly recommend a visit to this lovely public park on the waterfront where you can sit in the grass, on a quiet bench or on the porch-style swings on the pier and enjoy the breeze from the harbor and fresh ocean air. Open to the public from 6 am–midnight.

Charlestowne Landing

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:15:23 +0000

(approx. 3 miles NW of downtown Charleston, off highway 171) This newly restored park is located on the spot on which the original settlers landed and lived (1670–1680). There is an extensive animal forest habitat, historic re-creations of a British Settlers’ homesteads, a full scale replica of a 17th-century trading vessel, and other attractions to help you envision what it must have been like for the early settlers.

Irvin House Vineyard

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:14:15 +0000

We recommend a visit to the area’s only winery. It is a great excuse to get out of town and see some beautiful rural areas; when you arrive, a treat awaits. The owners of the lovely muscadine winery, offer tastings and a small talk in a truly lovely and hospitable setting. The wines range from dry to sweet and are quite interesting. If the tasting does not satiate, you are more than welcome to purchase a bottle and drink it on the grounds. Open Thurs. thru Sat. 10–5pm, free tour every Saturday at 2pm. Closed the month of January.

Charleston Cooks

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:12:47 +0000

A wide variety of cooking classes and demonstrations by chefs and private instructors usually take place 1–3 times a day at this test kitchen. Their signature class, Taste of the Lowcountry, is given by staff instructor, is geared to visitors and includes samplings. Classes are 1 1/2 to 3hrs and cost $25–$70.

Culinary Tours of Charleston

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:20:15 +0000

The History of South Carolina looked at through the area’s cuisine. Behind the scene visits with chefs, bakers, artisan food producers and chocalatiers. Culinary Tours of Charleston’s mission is to promote South Carolina local artisan growers and producers, and to help preserve South Carolina’s rich culinary heritage. Come join us for an exclusive culinary adventure where you will experience South Carolina’s distinctive food and warm hospitality. Featured in Southern Living, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light, Michelin Guide and on The Food Network, Turner South, South Carolina ETV, and National Public Radio. Call for tour times.

Tommy Dew’s On the Market Walking Tours:

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:12:37 +0000

853-TOUR (8687). If you are interested in a history tour we recommend this popular tour which gives a nice introduction to Charleston with a heavy historic emphasis. Be sure to bring your camera, and provides plenty of photo ops. Walks leave daily at 11am from the city market and finish at the battery. Reservations are required as the group size is limited. website

Bulldog Tours

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:05:03 +0000

Pre- Revolutionary Dungeon and haunted Old City Jail and graveyard tours. Call these guys for a ghost tour.