Walking Culinary Tour in Charleston (plus a few bonus stops)

What better way to learn about Charleston, and eat some good food, but to take a walking tour.  We signed up with Charleston Culinary Tours and based on the reviews, anticipated having a great time!

For an overview of Charleston's history, click here.

Charleston Harbor

Typical view down any alley/doorway in Charleston.

Charleston is known as the Holy City.

St. Phillip's Episcopal Church



Our guide, Cason. 

The circular disks in the side of the building are earthquake bolts. 

Our first stop on the food tour was Il Cortile del Re, an Italian restaurant.  While it wasn't very southern, we enjoyed a caprese salad, beet-arugula-goat cheese salad and a huge mushroom ravioli.

Our friends Raquel and Tom (at the end of the table), joined us for the tour.

Fun fountain in a beautiful garden.

Part of our tour included a walk through the oldest cemetery in Charleston at the Circular Congregational Church.

The rounded, bricked over tomb is the oldest grave there.

Originally headstones were made of wood but were replaced with slate.  Note the intricate detailing.  (Click the link above for the history of the skulls/cherubs/wings on the headstones.)

The big boxes are not tombs.  While the caskets are buried six feet under, the large concrete boxes act as "paperweights" of sorts in the event of flooding, etc.

The second stop on our food tour was Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar.  They took their name from the nearby street.  Again, while it's not very southern fare, this place is known for their fresh fish and seafood.  So, we enjoyed a tasty fish taco.

Cool chandelier made of oyster shells at Amen Street.

Our next stop was Southend Brewery and Smokehouse.  And we were promised a plethora of southern cuisine!



"Not your mama's fried green tomato"

Samples of the various beers.

Best shrimp and grits, ever!  Grits were silky, shrimp fresh and made with tasso ham gravy.  Delicious!

BBQ pork served on a slice of Granny Smith apple.

Our last stop was the local gelateria.  We could have spent the whole afternoon sampling gelato, but had to settle on one. 



While the tour wasn't as "rich" in the culinary history as compared to other tours we've been on, each stop was very generous with their tastings and we ended the tour with very fully bellies.  :o)

We spent some time after the tour walking around the pier and through the open market. 

Pineapple Fountain

After leaving downtown Charleston, we decided to drive by The Citadel and snap a few pictures for our friend Ron (a graduate).

Football stadium at The Citadel.

We enjoyed our time in Charleston, learning about the city's rich history and wonderful cuisine!