Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour

The "Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour" promises an engaging exploration of Charleston’s rich history and culture. Led by a local expert, the tour blends walking and riding through the city’s historic streets, allowing participants to discover its captivating landmarks in a unique evening setting. With insightful stories and perspectives, the tour offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing, inviting visitors to truly connect with Charleston’s vibrant past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable evening, this tour may just have the perfect balance of education and community connection.

Key Points

• This is a small-group black history walking tour in Charleston’s Wraggborough neighborhood, led by a local expert well-versed in the area’s historical significance.
• The tour focuses on landmarks like the old Citadel, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and an African American grave site, providing in-depth insights into the African American community’s resilience and contributions.
• The tour emphasizes Charleston’s complex past, with the guide, Frank, bringing a wealth of knowledge and an engaging style to bring the tour highlights to life.
• The tour includes transportation between locations and is not suitable for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions, requiring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate attire.
• This tour has earned a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for participants.

Tour Overview

The Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour is a small-group black history walking tour that takes travelers on an exploration of Charleston’s important but often overlooked local history.

With a maximum of 14 participants, the tour focuses on landmarks in the Wraggborough neighborhood, including the old Citadel, Mother Emanuel AME Church, Old Bethal Church, and an African American grave site.

Led by a local expert well-versed in black history, the tour provides an in-depth look at these significant sites, earning it a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence from travelers.

Exploring Charleston’s Black History

Charleston’s Wraggborough neighborhood holds a trove of significant black history, which the Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour skillfully uncovers. Participants explore landmarks like the old Citadel, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and an African American grave site, learning about their pivotal roles. The local guide, well-versed in black history, brings these overlooked aspects to light.

Landmark	Historical Significance
Old Citadel	Former military college that upheld segregation
Mother Emanuel AME Church	Site of 2015 mass shooting, center of civil rights movement
Old Bethal Church	Oldest black church in Charleston, hub of abolitionist activity
African American Grave Site	Resting place of enslaved and free black individuals

The tour provides a thought-provoking journey through Charleston’s complex past, shedding light on the resilience and contributions of the African American community.

Landmarks Along the Tour

Participants on the Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour explore a fascinating array of landmarks steeped in the city’s complex black history.

The tour visits the old Citadel, a symbol of Charleston’s antebellum past. Next, the group learns about the Mother Emanuel AME Church, the site of a tragic massacre that sparked a national reckoning.

The tour then stops at the Old Bethal Church, a hub of African American activism. Finally, the group pays respects at an African American grave site, a poignant reminder of the community’s enduring legacy.

1. The old Citadel, a symbol of Charleston’s antebellum past.
2. The Mother Emanuel AME Church, the site of a tragic massacre.
3. The Old Bethal Church, a hub of African American activism.

Meet Your Local Expert Guide

Frank, the local expert guide leading the Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his exploration of the city’s black history.

As a Charleston native, Frank is well-versed in the often-overlooked aspects of the region’s past. His personable and engaging style brings the tour’s highlights, including the old Citadel, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and an African American grave site, to life.

Travelers consistently praise Frank’s expertise, friendliness, and adherence to COVID-19 precautions, making the tour a memorable and educational experience.

Logistics and Meeting Point

The tour meets at the Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston.

From there, travelers will embark on a small-group black history walking tour that explores important but often overlooked aspects of the city’s past.

The tour includes:

1. A visit to Wraggborough, where you will see landmarks like the old Citadel, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and an African American grave site.
2. An air-conditioned vehicle for transportation between locations.
3. A local expert guide well-versed in black history to lead the journey.

The tour returns to the starting point at the Charleston Visitor Center after approximately 2 hours.

Health and Accessibility Considerations

Confirmation of booking is received at the time of purchase.

The tour isn’t suitable for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions. Service animals are allowed, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Nearby public transportation is available for those who can’t or don’t want to walk the entire route.

The tour covers about a mile and a half and requires standing for extended periods. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic were highly praised by past travelers.

Pricing and Reviews

The Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour is priced at $58.93 per person.

The tour company offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

According to the reviews, the tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 score based on 29 reviews.

Some notable feedback includes:

1. "Excellent tour and experience. Frank was very knowledgeable and personable."
2. "Franklin is knowledgeable, friendly, and amazing. His COVID precautions were superb!"
3. "Check 27 more on Tripadvisor" to read additional positive remarks about the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, but they should be mindful of their surroundings and respectful of any restrictions or requests from the guide. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific photo guidelines.

What Type of Footwear Is Recommended?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour, as it involves a significant amount of walking. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear will provide support and traction on the city streets and historic sites.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not specifically designed for children. It’s a small-group black history walking tour that may not be as engaging for younger participants. The maximum participant size of 14 also suggests the tour is better suited for adults.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome on this tour. The tour has a maximum of 14 participants, so solo travelers can easily join the small group and enjoy the educational experience alongside other visitors.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t specifically mention student or senior discounts. However, many similar walking tours in Charleston often offer reduced prices for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring about any available discounts when booking the Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour.

The Sum Up

The Frankly Charleston Evening Ride/Walk Tour offers a captivating exploration of Charleston’s rich history and culture. Guided by local expert Frank, participants can discover the city’s landmarks through a blend of walking and riding, seeing the vibrant past. With a focus on Charleston’s Black history, the tour promises an educational and community-driven experience for an unforgettable evening.