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South Carolina

Charleston at a Slower Pace: A Journey Through Time & Culture

Program No. 23056RJ
Explore the culture and unique story of Charleston at a slower pace — discover plantation homes, Lowcountry cuisine, antebellum architecture and all the South’s myriad charms.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Charleston, SC
Program Concludes
Charleston, SC
Meals
11 ( 5B, 3L, 3D )
Activity Level
Take a step back in time — and pace — and discover one of America’s most historic and beautiful cities. Throughout Charleston and the coastal Lowcountry, stroll through manicured gardens, study ornate home interiors and dive into pre-war plantation history. Hear the stories of those who lived and worked in these stately homes and on plantations, black and white, enslaved and free. Learn about the Gullah community, descendants of enslaved people who have preserved more of their African heritage than any other community in the country.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Step inside the Aiken-Rhett and Joseph Manigault homes, as well as Boone Hall Plantation, and hear jazz, gospel and Gullah songs come to life in the historic Circular Congregational Church.
  • Explore the International African American Museum, the Charleston Museum and the only tea garden in the U.S.
  • Learn about the history of Charleston, Lowcountry cuisine, sweetgrass basket-weaving and Gullah culture.
General Notes
You may be interested in a more active version of this program, "Signature City Charleston: Historic Plantations and Gardens" (#19403).
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Tom Murray is a graduate of San Jose State University but is a Southerner by choice, having spent more than 45 years in the South absorbing the culture, customs and history of the region. Tom specializes in coastal history with an emphasis on the sea islands of Georgia. Few people know and love beautiful Cumberland and Amelia islands better than Tom. He has spent 25 years lecturing and leading Road Scholar groups to sites from the mountains to the sea.
Al Miller received a bachelor’s degree in English, speech and drama from Baptist College — now Charleston Southern University. He is a recognized historian specializing in local, black history with emphasis on the Gullah-Geechee culture. He brings his musical talent to his lectures for a unique perspective. Al enjoys leading educational excursions, is a licensed real estate agent, as well as a historian and lecturer on black history. He is also a member of numerous organizations, including the Choraliers Music Club of Charleston, Alpha Phi Fraternity and St. James A.M.E. Church.
Darryl Stoneworth, along with wife Angela, has been selling home-crafted sweetgrass baskets in the Charleston City Market since May 2009. If you happen by his stand, you'll know Darryl by his omnipresent smile. The couple is also constructing their first roadside basket stand along Highway 17N in Mount Pleasant, N.C. The town has renamed and dedicated this stretch of the highway in tribute to the hamlet's sweetgrass basket makers.
Harlan Greene is a native of Charleston, an award-winning novelist and author of many nonfiction books on Charleston. His works include “Charleston: City of Memory” and “Mr. Skylark: John Bennett and the Charleston Renaissance,” as well as others. Formerly the assistant director of the South Carolina Historical Society, Harlan is now senior manuscript and reference archivist for the College of Charleston. He also served on the Mayor’s Arts and History Commission.
Georgia Murphy grew up in a small middle Georgia town, but has called Charleston home for the past 37 years. She has been a licensed excursion leader for the City of Charleston for 28 years, and considers sharing the beauty and history of Charleston and the Carolina Low Country as one of her greatest joys.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile and standing up to an hour on field trips. Some uneven surfaces, especially at the plantations and in the Historic District.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.