Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: From 4:00pm. After checking in register with the Road Scholar staff in the hotel lobby. We’ll depart from the hotel lobby at 5:00pm and walk approximately 3 blocks to the Education Center at the College of Charleston for a welcome reception, light evening meal, and orientation session.

Dinner: Enjoy a catered light meal while getting to know one another.

Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner, staff will provide an overview of the program ahead. We'll review the up-to-date schedule, roles and responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. You’re about to embark on a very special learning adventure in one of America’s most historic and beautiful cities. The goal of the program is to gain an appreciation of Charleston’s extraordinary history, rich culture, and charm. You’ll be guided by experts in their respective fields. NOTE: Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible and appreciate your understanding

Lodging: Francis Marion Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Charleston’s History, Historic District Field Trip, Evening Program at the College

Breakfast: Breakfast each morning at the College of Charleston's dining hall approx. 3 blocks from the hotel and across the street from classroom. Breakfast items vary but typically include choices such as scrambled eggs, omelettes, quiche, grits, biscuits, pancakes, bacon. You'll appreciate our walks to burn off some of those calories!

Morning: Mr. Harlan Greene leads his audience through he settlement of Charles Towne into two wars fought at home, reconstruction, fires, and numerous natural disasters. He discusses past politics which make Charleston the unique city it is today.

Lunch: College of Charleston dining hall. Lunch items typically include a choice of soups, salad fixings, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, and side dishes; also vegetarian options.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: We’ll meet our guides in the hotel lobby and board the motorcoach for a field trip to the historic district. We’ll disembark at several stops and walk to see and learn about key sites such as Four Corners of Law, City Hall, and the Battery. The field trip will conclude at approximately 4:30pm with a return to the hotel.

Dinner: College of Charleston dining hall. Dinner offers a variety of soups, salads and hot entrees; also vegetarian options.

Evening: EXTRACURRICULAR: Visit the College’s unique Communication Museum for a special tour and lecture. A College performance may be available; staff will advise.

Lodging: Francis Marion Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Charleston Architecture, Keeping Charleston "Charleston", Campus Excursion, Historic Site of Your Choice, Southern Cuisine

Breakfast: College of Charleston's dining hall.

Morning: PRESENTATION: Charleston is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world due to its beautiful homes and stately buildings. Learn about Charleston's unique "Single House". PRESENTATION: Keeping Charleston “Charleston". A journalist and preservation advocate will discuss the challenges facing this historic city as it enters a new era.

Lunch: College of Charleston dining hall.

Afternoon: EXCURSION: We’ll have a guided walk through the beautiful College of Charleston campus. Founded in 1770, the College is situated in the heart of the city and is renowned for quality education, student life, and affordability. The campus is a noted arboretum and has a number of significant historic structures. EXCURSION: You will receive a ticket (included in the program price) that gives you admission to one of three historic venues of your choice. Program staff will offer directions. The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 and is regarded as America’s first museum. Special collections are available. In addition to its regular exhibits including an overview of Charleston’s rice cultivation and a collection of Charleston silver. The Heyward-Washington House was built in 1772 by rice planter Daniel Heyward. The City rented it for President George Washington's “Southern Tour” in 1791. There is a magnificent collection of Charleston-made furniture along with a traditional outbuilding and gardens. The Joseph Manigault House, situated near the Museum, built in 1803, is one of Charleston’s most elegant historic homes — a three-story Adam-style (Federal) architecture. The house is a fine example of a country estate originally located outside the city walls.

Dinner: Gather together with new friends for a buffet dinner.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Southern Cuisine. You will have a good time learning what makes Southern cooking and cuisine so special and distinctive, and finally understand the difference between grits and hominy.

Lodging: Francis Marion Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Boone Hall Plantation Field Trip, Lunch at Gullah Restaurant, Free Afternoon & Evening to explore on Your Own

Breakfast: Breakfast at College Dining Hall.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Assemble in the hotel lobby and depart by motorcoach to Boone Hall Plantation via the spectacular Ravenel Bridge. “America’s Most Photographed Plantation” is famous for its half-mile of Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Nine refurbished slave cabins (c. 1743) offer an insightful history into plantation slave life

Lunch: Lunch is at a Gullah Restaurant where you will sample true southern cooking.

Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: Prior to returning to the hotel for your afternoon excursions, the motorcoach will stop at Liberty Square for those wishing to visit Fort Sumter during their free time. FREE AFTERNOON FOR OTHERS: This is an opportunity to pursue more of your own personal interests. You may choose to visit historic houses such as the Aiken-Rhett House, Nathaniel Russell House, or some of the city’s many museums and churches. Or, you may wish to take a trip to one of the other nearby plantations such as Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, or Middleton Place. The program staff will provide directions to the site of your choice.

Dinner: Dinner is on your own to continue savoring your favorite flavors of Charleston.

Evening: FREE EVENING: Program staff will let you know about local events, if available.

Lodging: Francis Marion Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

At College Alumni Center, Dr. Nan Morrison lectures on Southern Literature. Dr. Nick Butler discusses music, colonial to present. Later we join Al Miller at the AME church in his discussion of African American, slave and black culture.

Note: Walk from Francis Marion Hotel to AME church @ two blocks, ten minutes) Short guided tour through Francis Marion Square.

Breakfast: Breakfast in College of Charleston Dining Hall

Morning: Dr. Nicholas Butler lectures on Golden Age of Music in Charleston. Dr. Nan Morrison entertains her audience with verse and line of her favorite Southern writers and poets.

Lunch: Lunch in College of Charleston Dining Hall

Afternoon: Al Miller will take you through the history of African American culture, slavery and present Black society. He will entertain you with a solo performance of Porgy and Bess.

Dinner: Join us in the Alumni Center for a farewell reception and banquet. We will revisit the week and say and share our favorite memories of Charleston!

Lodging: Francis Marion Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: College of Charleston's dining hall.

Morning: PRESENTATION: Charleston Renaissance. In the 1920’s, artists, writers, and poets discovered America’s “best kept secret” - a colonial city steeped in the past. An insightful lecturer will illustrate how this influenced Charlestonians.

Lunch: The program concludes before lunch. We hope you have enjoyed this enlightening and entertaining look at one of America’s most historic cities and that you will take away many fond memories. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals Included: Breakfast