Frankly Charleston Morning Walking Tour

The Frankly Charleston Morning Walking Tour provides a captivating look into the city’s rich black history and vibrant culture. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors explore significant landmarks, uncover the resilience of the Gullah community, and gain insights into the lives of free blacks in Charleston’s past. This thought-provoking two-hour experience offers a comprehensive understanding of the region’s complex history, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the enduring contributions of African Americans. Whether you’re a Charleston local or a first-time visitor, this tour promises to challenge your perceptions and leave you eager to discover more.

Good To Know

• This 2-hour small-group walking tour explores Charleston’s black history and culture, focusing on landmarks like Emanuel AME Church and Aiken-Rhett House.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on the legacy of slavery, Gullah traditions, and the lives of free blacks in Charleston.
• The tour offers a comprehensive understanding of Charleston’s African American heritage, contrasting with conventional tourist experiences.
• Participants can enjoy the vibrant Gullah culture, learning about its language, customs, and resilience.
• The tour has a 100% recommendation rate and 5.0-star average from 61 reviews, praised for its exceptional knowledge and thought-provoking experience.

Tour Overview

The Frankly Charleston Morning Walking Tour is a 2-hour small-group experience that explores the often overlooked black history and culture of Charleston, USA.

Based in the city’s downtown, the tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers. It starts at 10:00 am at the Charleston Welcome Center and returns to the same meeting point.

Priced from $46.19 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will visit landmarks like the Emanuel AME Church and Aiken-Rhett House while learning about slavery, Gullah culture, and the lives of free blacks in the Lowcountry.

The tour guide’s informative commentary and opportunity for questions create an engaging, educational experience.

Exploring Black History

Frankly, the Frankly Charleston Morning Walking Tour delves deep into the often overlooked black history and culture of Charleston, offering an immersive and educational experience for visitors.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores landmarks like the Emanuel AME Church and Aiken-Rhett House, providing insightful commentary on slavery, Gullah heritage, and the lives of free blacks in the Lowcountry.

Travelers have praised the tour’s ability to offer a comprehensive and thought-provoking understanding of Charleston’s rich African American legacy, contrasting sharply with the conventional tourist experience.

The small-group format encourages deeper engagement, allowing guests to ask questions and gain a more meaningful appreciation for the city’s complex past.

Landmarks and Sites

Woven throughout the tour are landmarks that illuminate Charleston’s complex African American history.

Guests will visit the Emanuel AME Church, a historic black congregation that was the site of a tragic mass shooting in 2015.

The Second Presbyterian Church, once racially segregated, now stands as a symbol of progress.

The Aiken-Rhett House provides a window into the lives of free blacks and enslaved individuals in the antebellum South.

Throughout the tour, the guide’s captivating commentary brings these sites to life, fostering a deeper understanding of Charleston’s black heritage and the resilience of its people.

Gullah Culture Insights

Immersing guests in the vibrant Gullah culture, the tour guide shares captivating insights into this unique heritage.

The Gullah people, descendants of enslaved Africans, have preserved their language, customs, and traditions in the Lowcountry region. Guests learn about the Gullah spirituality, cuisine, and crafts that continue to thrive in Charleston.

The guide explains how the Gullah community’s resilience and adaptability have shaped the city’s history. Travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring influence of Gullah culture, which seamlessly blends African and American influences.

This immersive experience allows guests to connect with the rich tapestry of Charleston’s black heritage.

Lives of Free Blacks

The tour also sheds light on the lives of free blacks in Charleston, a topic often overshadowed by the history of slavery.

The guide delves into the remarkable stories of these individuals, highlighting their contributions to the city’s cultural fabric.

Some key insights include:

1. The thriving community of free blacks who owned businesses, property, and even enslaved others, defying the typical narrative of black oppression.

2. The vital role of free black churches, such as the Second Presbyterian Church, in preserving African traditions and providing a safe haven for the community.

3. The complex social dynamics and legal obstacles faced by free blacks as they navigated the racially charged landscape of antebellum Charleston.

Informative Commentary

The tour guide’s commentary provides a rich and comprehensive understanding of Charleston’s black history and culture.

Travelers are captivated as the guide expertly weaves together stories of slavery, Gullah traditions, and the lives of free blacks in the Lowcountry.

Landmarks like Emanuel AME Church and the Aiken-Rhett House come alive with vivid details, shedding light on overlooked aspects of the city’s past.

The guide’s passion and deep knowledge create a truly educational experience, leaving participants with a greater appreciation for the vital contributions of African Americans to Charleston’s heritage.

The small-group setting encourages questions and dialogue, fostering a deeper engagement with the material.

Traveler Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants underscore the profound impact of this Charleston morning walking tour.

The tour boasts an impressive 100% recommendation rate and a flawless 5.0-star average rating from 61 reviews.

Travelers consistently praise the tour guide’s exceptional knowledge, passion, and ability to provide a truly educational experience.

Key highlights of the feedback include:

1. Appreciation for learning about the often overlooked contributions of black Americans to Charleston’s history.

2. Gratitude for the opportunity to gain a real and comprehensive understanding of the city’s complex past.

3. Acknowledgment of the tour’s ability to contrast with conventional Charleston tourist experiences.

Additional Details

Confirmation of booking is provided upon completing the reservation, allowing travelers to plan their Charleston morning adventure with confidence.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own water, though the guide generously provides it on warm days. This walking tour emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of Charleston’s Black history, offering a thought-provoking contrast to the city’s conventional tourist experiences.

While pets are allowed with proper cleanup, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Public transportation is available nearby, making it easy for visitors to reach the starting point at the Charleston Welcome Center.

Things To Known

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is 15 travelers. The tour highlights Charleston’s black history and culture, and features landmarks like Emanuel AME Church and Aiken-Rhett House in a small-group setting.

Are Any Alcoholic Beverages Provided During the Tour?

No, the tour doesn’t allow alcoholic beverages. According to the details, the tour specifically states "No alcoholic beverages allowed" under the "Inclusions and Accessibility" section.

Is the Meeting Point Easily Accessible by Public Transportation?

The meeting point is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible. The tour emphasizes Charleston’s black history and culture, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed during the experience.

Do Tour Guides Provide Water on Warm Days?

Yes, the tour guides provide water to guests on warm days. The tour overview states that "Guests are recommended to bring water (provided by the guide on warm days)."

How Do I Receive Confirmation of My Booking?

Confirmation of your booking is received at the time of booking. The tour operator will provide you with a confirmation of your booking, either by email or through their booking platform, which you can reference prior to the tour.

Sum Up

The Frankly Charleston Morning Walking Tour offers a compelling exploration of Charleston’s Black history and culture. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors uncover the resilience of the Gullah community and the contributions of free blacks, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s complex past. This thought-provoking and interactive experience provides a unique opportunity to engage with Charleston’s rich heritage.