Private tour in Charleston Leigh H
5.0
(3) reviews
2 hours
1
2 hours
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Leigh H.
5.0
Guide rating
3
Reviews
Tours delivered
11 hrs
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A native South Carolinian, I have been an avid student of Charleston history since I first visited the city on a Brownie Scout field trip. I graduated from the College of Charleston before earning an MA degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina. I have been a licensed city tour guide for more than 30 years and am a member of the Charleston Tour Association's Palmetto Guild. While I always enjoy taking my guests through the city's Old & Historic District, I can also take you beyond the usual tourist sites to explore the historic places and beautiful vistas of the Carolina Lowcountry, rarely seen places where stories of our nation's founding and the antebellum South unfold. I offer a unique experience designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of Charleston's history, as well as those who have visited Charleston before and want to experience something new and different. I have authored three published books about Charleston and have lectured extensively on Charleston history. I also serve as the biweekly history columnist for the Charleston Post & Courier and created/appear periodically on Lowcountry Live's “I Love the Lowcountry” series (WCIV-TV4). As Director of Communications and Public Programs at Historic Charleston Foundation, I directed the city’s annual spring house and garden tours for 13 years. While there, I was tapped by the Mayor’s Office to serve as co-editor of the city’s official history and tour guide training manual, released in 2011, and am currently helping to produce its second edition. I can curate virtually any tour specifically for you, tailored to your interests and time constraints. I can also provide transportation and am happy to cater to those who need to walk at a leisurely pace with places to sit along the way.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Leigh H.
This leisurely walking tour of Charleston's Old & Historic District focuses on three centuries of the architecture and culture to be found within the heart of the Holy City. As the author of three popular books about the city, I have written extensively about the unique history that makes Charleston such a remarkable place. On this tour, we'll stroll along some of Charleston's most historic and romantic iconic streets such as Meeting, East Battery, Broad, & Church. Throughout our walk, I'll share stories of Charleston's history, from the colonial period through the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, all the way into the early 20th century.
We are talking 30+ years experience and detailed knowledge of the area dating back to the 1600's. She spent the first little while establishing what interests us and took us on an extended unique tour based on our interests. We will book again the next time we are in town.
Wow! Leigh knows Charleston better than anyone, that's my assessment. I had left some messages with some specific questions I had, and she came prepared, even leaving me with some articles from her research. Leigh provides the deep dive into Charleston that we were looking for. Next time we're in Charleston, we'll have Leigh as our guide again.
This was a great tour. So much information about the history and little known facts details of Charleston. Leigh provided context and relevance to the personalities and lifestyles of the times. The buildings and homes were highlighted as well as changes in function and ownerships. Good storytelling along the path !
-Once we've met, we'll begin out tour at Charleston's famed Four Corners of Law. -Afterwards, we'll proceed down one of Charles Town's original streets, Meeting Street, where I'll introduce you to Charleston's continuum of architectural styles from Georgian into the 20th century. -Later, we'll visit White Point Garden. -We'll then proceed to High Battery, where we'll see some of Charleston's most distinguished antebellum mansions. Here we'll discuss Fort Sumter and the beginning of the American Civil War -We'll wrap up our tour visiting Charleston's most iconic spot: Rainbow Row, the birthplace of the American preservation movement.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
On foot.
80 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, United States
Ideally, we'd meet by the statue of George Washington in Washington Park, behind City Hall, 80 Broad Street. I'm also happy to meet you at a site convenient to you such as your hotel, and can provide vehicle transportation to the city's Old & Historic District on request, so contact me before booking.
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2 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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