The Places We'll Go

While the focus of our time in Charleston will be conversation, we’ll also get out each day to see some of the  artistic and historic sites in the city that will deepen our appreciation of its story. Founded in 1670, Charleston  became known as “The Holy City” because of the many church steeples that adorn its skyline. It is also a city of  many “firsts,” including the first theater building designed solely for theatrical performances in America (Dock  Street Theatre, 1736), the first museum (1773), and the first municipal college (the College of Charleston, where  Bret Lott teaches, 1836). Among the things we’ll see and do:

Carriage Tour of Charleston: There’s no better way to get acquainted with historic Charleston than a carriage tour.

Edmonston-Alston House, one  of the first houses built on Charleston’s High Battery (1825), has witnessed many of the city’s historic events. It was from this house, for instance, that General Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter at the outset of the Civil War. A quintessential example of Greek Revival architecture, the house contains a wealth of period furniture and artifact.

The Gibbes Museum of Art: Thanks to a bequest from local businessman James Gibbes, the museum that bears his name opened its doors in 1905. During our visit to the Gibbes we’ll not only take in some of the permanent collection but also see an exhibit by African-American artist Stacy Lynn Waddell.