The Most Authentic Walking Tours in Charleston, SC
Experience the Charm of Charleston in a two hour walking tour with genuine local flavor!
Experience the charm of Historic Charleston in a two hour walking tour with local guides. Join native Charlestonian sisters, Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe, whose family dates from 1793, as you stroll through downtown Charleston’s historic district along its most beautiful streets and scenic alleyways. These local ladies are widely recognized as one of the leading tour teams of Charleston. Share in their hometown knowledge of Charleston’s rich history from its wealthy colonial days to the turbulent times of the Civil War and its aftermath. See some of the most historic homes of South Carolina now beautifully preserved and restored to their former glory. Along the way you will be entertained with anecdotes of colorful local characters, tales of lesser known events in Charleston’s past, and stories of days gone by.
Each tour of Charleston includes:
- Highlights of History
- Personalities of the Past (and Present!)
- Back Streets and Alleyways
- Rainbow Row and The Battery
- Architecture and Earthquake Bolts
- Gardens and Wrought Iron Gates
- Lowcountry Myths and Legends
Some of our Happy Customers
Therese gave our group an amazing tour! My friends had recommended this tour and they were right! Having lived in Charleston her whole life, Therese had so many personal details and anecdotes which were informative and highly entertaining. Therese had a wonderful way with the group. Our son was one of 3 teenagers on the tour and she immediately engaged him and the other kids. 2 hours flew by and we learned so much. Don’t hesitate- book this tour!
Amazing experience and tour for only $20!! We couldn't believe it. Had a 2-2.5 hr tour which included a lot of history, a good walk, and into some back alleys of Charleston. She knows many people who still live there, so we had a little bit of private access into some alleys, backyards, etc. A great experience from a true local!
I've had the opportunity to tour beautiful Charleston with each of the sisters and its just amazing how steeped in history these women are. Since they grew up here, are professionals, and are gracious southern women they make Charleston come alive. You can truly imagine all that has taken place in this historical city....this is a must do!
Our tour was led by Therese and it was excellent. Therese is very informed, lively, exuberant, often funny and welcomes any and all questions. We loved it and got a great overview of Charleston's history and architecture!
Meet your Guides to Charleston, The Two Sisters
Mary Helen Dantzler and Therese Smythe are 7th generation native Charlestonians whose family first arrived in the Lowcountry in 1793. They grew up in the historic downtown South of Broad area and know all the ins and outs of Charleston’s past, its turbulent history and its cultural preservation, but with an insider’s perspective. Both Mary Helen and Therese are happily retired attorneys who enjoy sharing their love of Charleston with visitors.
