Charleston revisited: layers of history and culinary delights

Returning to Charleston after years felt like revisiting an old flame. Craig, Savannah, and I had fallen in love with this city on our first trip, before kids and yTravel Blog, when a horse-drawn carriage ride was our big splurge. But this time, as guests of Explore Charleston, we experienced Charleston with intention, access, and time to dig deeper. We did the food tour, the Gullah tour, drove Ashley River Road, and found ourselves in a city of extraordinary layers.

A city of contrasts

From the moment we stepped off the plane at Charleston International Airport, we were struck by the city's understated elegance. The historic district's narrow streets, lined with antebellum mansions, whispered tales of the past. Yet, amidst the charm, we discovered a city that wears its history on its sleeve, unafraid to confront the darker chapters.

Our Gullah tour guide, Alphonso, opened with a language lesson, teaching us the roots of