Welcome to today's episode, where we take you on an audio walking tour through the beautiful and historic streets of Charleston, South Carolina, affectionately known as the "Holy City." Grab your walking shoes, because this 2.5-mile circular route will guide you through the heart of the French Quarter and the breathtaking South of Broad neighborhood. The tour takes about two to three hours at a leisurely pace, but we highly recommend budgeting extra time for taking photos and exploring the local shops!

Tour Itinerary:

Start: Charleston City Market (188 Meeting St) We kick things off at this historic four-block market, which has served as the city's commercial hub since the 1790s. While you're here, look out for local artisans weaving traditional Gullah Geechee Sweetgrass Baskets.

Stop 1: Waterfront Park & The Pineapple Fountain Heading south along East Bay Street, our first stop offers a beautiful harbor breeze and the famous Pineapple Fountain. The pineapple is a classic symbol of Charleston hospitality, and from this park, you can even spot the USS Yorktown across the water.

Stop 2: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon Located at East Bay and Broad, this is one of only four remaining structures where the U.S. Constitution was ratified. During the Revolutionary War, the British used its basement as a military prison.

Stop 3: Rainbow Row Just a block away is the postcard-perfect Rainbow Row. This stretch of 13 pastel-colored Georgian row houses dates back to the mid-1700s. While local legend says the colors helped drunk sailors find their way home, they were actually painted in the 1930s to keep the houses cool and improve curb appeal.

Stop 4: The Battery & White Point Garden Follow the high seawall to the southern tip of the peninsula to find the best views of Fort Sumter. Take a stroll through White Point Garden, shaded by massive live oaks, and look for Civil War cannons and a memorial to the "Gentleman Pirate," Stede Bonnet.

Stop 5: Nathaniel Russell House Heading north up Meeting Street, we stop at this Federal-style masterpiece, celebrated for its "flying" spiral staircase that appears to float without visible support.

Stop 6: The Four Corners of Law At the intersection of Meeting and Broad Streets, you will stand surrounded by four distinct arms of authority: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (Ecclesiastical), Charleston City Hall (Municipal), the Charleston County Courthouse (County), and the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse (Federal).

Stop 7: St. Philip’s Church & The French Quarter Turning onto Church Street feels like stepping back 200 years. As you walk north, you will pass the historic Dock Street Theatre and the towering spire of St. Philip’s Church, whose graveyard holds several prominent historical figures.

The Finish Line: Return to City Market Following Market Street for one block brings you right back to where we started. If you have any energy left, head two blocks west to King Street, the city's premier district for high-end shopping and incredible Lowcountry dining.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina - https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charleston,_South_Carolina&oldid=1340234337
• Provided Source Text: Charleston Circular Walking Tour

This podcast is for entertainment purposes only, please double check directions and take precautions if going on a walking tour. Remember to look before crossing the road! This episode was produced with the use of AI.