Experience it all firsthand

What to See & Do

The story of Charleston truly comes alive when you see it for yourself. When you trace the steps of those who came before. When you hear the stories from those who have lived them. Use this directory to find a range of engaging tours and experiences, as well as cultural sites and noteworthy attractions to add to your itinerary.

Charming Enhancements

We are a full service wellness center located in Charleston, SC. We offer non-medical weight loss, body sculpting, waxing, facials, saunas and more.

Confidence Thru The Art of Barbering

Our mission is to celebrate diversity in every strand. We believe that the art of Barbering is not about routine, but about crafting unique styles for each individual in our vibrant community. Our shears don't discriminate; they create, redefine, and empower. Join us in a grooming journey that's as diverse as the community we proudly serve.

Naturally Geechee

All natural healing skin and hair care line that not only helps nourish and heal but leaves you with a sense of elegance and confidence. My luxury line is made with all natural clean ingredients and is great for all skin types. Made with healing hands, our body tribute skin care line promises to naturally make you feel confident with the skin you’re in!

Carolima's Dessert Boutique

We offer special occasion cakes and delicious southern desserts. Our menu includes items such as cupcakes, sweet potato pie, Charleston chewies, red velvet cheesecake brownies, banana pudding, and pound cakes.

Aspire Allure, LLC

Aspire Allure is a bridal and social occasion boutique specializing in unique gowns with a personalized styling experience.

Escape Haven & Co.

Escape Haven & Co., a company created to provide self care essentials such as soy wax candles and body products. We are here to reach more people, and educate them on the importance of self care through products. Escape Haven & Co. is an e-commerce store, but has grown with the addition of monthly workshops, classes for upcoming candle business owners, and as a manufacturer for other local businesses throughout the US.

Copper Cohens

I’m a jewelry designer of hand-painted wood jewelry for the family, as well as a published author, model and Alopecia Awareness advocate.

Moon-Seed, LLC

Moon-Seed creates statement jewelry and homewares with a fun, bold play on circular forms, geometric shapes, classic art movements, Caribbean vibes, and colorful patterns.

Gola Sweetgrass

Gola Sweetgrass is a retail footwear company based in Charleston, SC. Inspired by the sweetgrass baskets, our company is focused on shining a light on the art form of Sweetgrass baskets and basket-makers. Our mission is to educate and preserve the history of Sweetgrass baskets within the Gullah/Geechee culture and create a comfortable, high quality sandal that reflects Lowcountry living.

J. Vamm Designs

I design and make about 75 % of my jewelry. 50 % of them are made using Semi-precious stones with Sterling silver findings.

Gullah Tings LLC

Gullah Tings LLC is a unique and one of a kind products that are handmade, and an original that will trend to keep the art, culture and cooking. The items are Seasonings, Dry Goods, Kitchenware, handmade crafts, oils.Adjusted and/or launched new. I have accomplished a new and original business that contains a part of culture which will always be included in history.

Cuts by Yatta

With nearly 20 years as a barber and educator, Kenyatta is a Master Barber & Barber Instructor specializing in all haircut styles to include fade cuts, gentlemen's cuts, military cuts, razor shaves. He prides himself in building life-long relationships with every customer served.

The Mansion House of Beauty

The Mansion House of Beauty is an Experienced Styling Studio providing Hair & Makeup Services to the Working Women, House Wives, Brides, and all others in between! We provided Custom Hair Cutting, Extensions, and Hand Made Wig Units for Ladies with Hair Loss or Desiring New Looks! Get Mansion Made!

Donna M. Collection

We are an online woman’s boutique with a mission to empower and celebrate the everyday woman by building their confidence and igniting their inner beauty through style.

CKBakes4U

Baking up the best Crab Pies EVER, s A well as other sweet and savory dishes. Rather it’s a pound cake for dessert after Sunday dinner or a full spread complete with crab pie bites, seafood rice, dessert bars, and an array of shooters, let The Crab Pie Queen, CK, bake for you!

Twinz & M Homemade Treats, LLC

At Twinz & M Homemade Treats, LLC; we will meet your sweet needs. We are a small family owned home bakery that specializes in a variety of different treats from cupcakes, freshly baked ooey gooey cookies to cakes; with the favorite being the Real Red Velvet Cake.

Cycling Opportunities of SC

Cycling rides and tours

La?Roc Beauty

La’Roc Beauty Lash & Brow lounge is where luxury and relaxation meet. For the last 7 years we have provided beautiful Lash and Brow services to our clientele coming from all over the state. Featuring eyelash extension, Lash lifts, brow and lash tinting, and expert brow shaping to name a few. By appointment only, We are located in the beautiful town of Summerville, SC a suburb of Charleston.

AndCap Images

AndCap Images was founded in 2020. We’ve traveled to many places over the years. We decided to start offering some of our landscape images taken locally and around the world for sale. We wanted to offer something different than the normal framed images seen everywhere. Images are available in metal (hand made), canvas(archive certified), glass(handmade in the US) and metal (handmade in the US). All images are frameless. We are located in Charleston, SC.

Laser Focused Engraving & Design

"Laser Focused Engraving & Design specializes in one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes for any occasion. We use the latest 3D Laser Engraving Technology to bring you quality personalization from our collection of custom gifts and keepsakes and signs. Our company mantra is summed up in three words. Customize. Celebrate. Cherish. Come see us when it has to be special."

Coaxum Enterprise LLC

Seasonings books and oils

Kingsmen Consignment

Focusing on Men's Consignment

Take a Bite Desserts, LLC

Take A Bite Desserts, LLC is an at home made from scratch bakery. We specialize in custom made cakes, weddings cakes, pound cakes, cupcakes, pies, cheesecakes and pastries.

LANA'S LOCS

I’m a License Master Stylist and I specialize in all things traditional locs, natural hair care, and barber grooming services

Lew's Heavenly Treats LLC

We are a grab and go bakery/ bake supply store. Lew’s specializes in over 30 flavors of cheesecakes with our Charleston Chewie cheesecake being our top seller. However we aren’t limited to only cheesecakes we also offer pound cakes, pies, cakes, banana pudding and our famous sweet potato chewies. We also teach classes and sell baking supplies at this location. Lew’s is the only bakery supply store here in Charleston. [email protected]

Hipbone, LLC

With 28yrs custom screen printing & embroidering experience we “Help You Look Better Than You Did Yesterday”. Our 15 piece printing minimum or 1 item for embroidery will help you invest into your project without breaking the bank. -HIPBONE

JenSa Massage

JenSa Massage is a massage space, that has created a relaxing atmosphere for customers near and far. We have been in business for six years. We are soon offering Esthetics. We provide multiple massage services. Such as hot stones, Cupping, Prenatal massage, relaxation massage and deep tissue massage.

The Tiny Tassel

We are downtown Charleston’s only Black & Japanese owned boutique & balloon shoppe featuring our exclusive designs and handmade jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Our shop also highlights unique female founded & BIPOC owned brands that you’ll love. We’re located in the quaint Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, among many locally owned small businesses. Featured in Southern Living, Essence, The Today Show, Yahoo Finance, and more.

Styles By LaSeaun

LaSeaun is a Master Loctician and owner of Styles By LaSeaun, with over 15 years of experience, specializing in Loc Restorations, Instant Locs, Starter Locs and Loc Extensions for all hair types and textures.

Chuma Gullah Gallery

Artwork that reflects the Gullah culture. Beautiful art that have bold colors and comes both unframed and framed. Many of the artwork reflects all budgets.

She Biology Skincare

She Biology is CBD skincare brand turning skincare routines into self care rituals for people all over world, so they can honor and love themselves. We are a clean, sustainable, and non animal cruelty brand using only organic farm sourced ingredients.

The Loc Hair

Specializing in Health Locs

The Imperial Body

The Imperial Body helps woman by building awareness to self care and allowing us to understand the importance of taking time out for ourselves. It's okay to pamper yourself or take a day off to focus on you. Indulging in body and skincare products is the bonus to your selfceare routine. Our products are handmade, vegan, and cruelty free. We're helping woman gain healthy + glowing skin.

Daddy's Girl Bakery

Daddy's Girls Bakery is a family owned business that includes Nate and Chasity Brown along with their five kids. The company specializes in specialty baked goods including custom cakes, pies, cheesecakes, Charleston Chewies, and ice cream made in house.

Tastee Treats

A family owned business founded on the principle of maintaining Gullah/Geechee food and cultural traditions. Experience the rich Gullah history through our tastee treats.

Chic Customs

Chic Customs is where creativity meets craftsmanship! We specialize in handcrafted earrings, balloon decor, personalized gifts and party favors.

SOUL Sweet

Sweet Creations from Soulful Inspiration!

Tipsy Lady Caribbean Cocktails

Caribbean-inspired cocktails celebrate heritage, culture, and spice. Made to match the original taste of signature Caribbean drinks, with premium spirits and original flavors, the results ensure a distinguished, smooth, fruitful, and sophisticated zest. With 12% ABV, they are perfect for a day at the pool, boating, golfing, brunch, special events, or staycation. To buy online click the shop button: tipsyladycocktails.com

Da Brown Bag ABC Store

Da Brown Bag ABC Store is a black-owned, neighborhood-driven liquor store, located North Charleston. Da Brown Ba stocks a wide variety of liquor, wine and elevated spirits.

Lillie's of Charleston

Southern & Gullah family recipes uniquely blended for tons of flavor in our award-winning hot sauces, BBQ sauces & spices mixes. May you never feel unwanted, unloved or hungry.

Fuel Flo

We provide mobile fuel delivery services! Don’t waste your time in the city looking for a gas station. We come to you so that you can spend all of your time exploring Charleston!

Gullah Dolls of Charleston by Genya LLC

Authentic, hand-crafted Gullah Dolls. Representing Africa traditional childhood dolls. Genya's dolls originated from her childhood. She began creating her dolls in (1957).

Laura Vivian + Company

"This brand is #inspired by two women who fostered my #creativity, my grandmothers Laura and Dorothy (Vivian). Two women who always prefer the #simple things in life. Both women are #spicy & #visionaries in their own rights. This brand desires to create expressive products provisioned towards the simple things in life with keeping it just as simple, creative and spicy like my grandmothers."

Sparkle and Shine Artistry

Sparkle & Shine Artistry invites you to a memorable spa experience. We offer lash extensions, nail enhancements, full body waxing, and relaxing body treatments. Our goal is to make you look and feel as beautiful as you truly are.

Gullah Jewelry Fashion and Designs

Original, Handmade and Unique Fashion Jewelry Designs, Accessories, Fragrances, Artworks and Crafts.

Crafts By Camille LLC

Crafts By Camille LLC creates unique and handmade gifts for everyone. From acrylic business signs, logos, keychains, and more. We are here for all your custom needs.

BR Design Co

BR Design Co was founded by sisters Carlene Browner and Cassandra Browner Richardson. They handcraft clay jewelry and accessories. They sister began making clay jewelry as young girls with their mother Queenie Shannon Browner. Carlene, is a First Grade teacher in Charleston County and Cassandra is a Registered Nurse. They can be found popping up all over the Lowcountry and are a local feature at the Charleston City Market. BR Design Co launched the Mobile Shopping Truck “Queen Julia” Spring 2022.

Georgia Belle Candle Co

We handcraft candles, skincare, soaps, beard care and accessories.

Middleton Made Knives

Middleton Made Knives, founded by artisan Quintin Middleton in 2010, crafts bespoke, high-carbon steel chef’s knives. Middleton’s knives are trusted by top chefs nationwide.

Questions?

This site is meant as an introduction to the African and African American experience in the Charleston,SC area. We want this website to continue growing with new stories and articles submitted by Charleston-area contributors. We are especially interested in sharing stories written by people who have a personal connection to the topic (descendant or family member, subject matter expert, eyewitness to events, etc.). If you are interested in contributing, please email [email protected] to learn more.

For complete information about visiting the Charleston area, please call 800-774-0006 or visit ExploreCharleston.com. We suggest that you contact one or more of the institutions mentioned on this site for any research-related inquiries.