Historic Sites in Folly Beach

"Along a one-mile section of Meeting Street you will find 6 museums, 5 nationally renowned historic houses, 4 scenic parks, a Revolutionary War powder magazine, and an array of historic houses of worship and public buildings such as the Market and City Hall. To start planning your trip, simply click the banners on the map."

"Learn about Charleston’s role in the Revolutionary War or the Civil War. Browse engaging displays that capture the local social and cultural histories of the region. Wherever your interests lay, you’ll find plenty of fascinating exhibits at the Charleston Museum!"

"Celebrated as America’s first museum, this downtown institution masterfully interprets the cultural and natural history of the Charleston area with hands-on exhibits that include fossils, colonial clothing and more."

"Fort Sumter is a sea fort in Charleston, South Carolina, notable for the battle, which signified the start of the American Civil War. The Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861 was the bombardment of Fort Sumter by the South Carolina militia; the Confederate Army did not yet exist. The United States Army returned gunfire, but the fort had been cut off from its supply lines and surrendered the next day."

"When you’re looking for things to do in Charleston SC with kids, Fort Sumter is a no-brainer!. I love an activity where kids are learning and they don’t even realize it!. You and your family will learn about the history of Fort Sumter and the pivotal role it played in the Civil War, but I think it’s most fun for families to get out and explore the grounds of Fort Sumter."

"Join a fascinating boat tour to the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, set at the mouth of the beautiful Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a backdrop of Charleston’s stately waterfront homes, The Battery, and Rainbow Row. This fully narrated cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf at the South Carolina Aquarium."

"Historic Charleston Foundation fulfills its educational mission through the interpretation of its collections and two house museums, the Nathaniel Russell House (c. 1808) and the Aiken-Rhett House (c. 1820). These historic properties serve as the ideal exhibition space for the Foundation?. s outstanding collection of fine and decorative art."

"After Colonial architecture came Georgian architecture: square and symmetrical façades with five windows across the front, chimneys, and a centered front door with crown moulding. This style quickly swept the South – Georgian-style plantations began to pop up around town – and many homes followed suit. The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, was home to Thomas Heyward, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence; it was rented to George Washington during his stay in May 1791, the reasoning behind its name, ‘Heyward-Washington House.’ It opened in 1930 as the town’s first historic house museum, featuring a 1740’s kitchen open to the public, formal gardens with late 18th-century plants, and a collection of historic locally made furniture such as the Holmes Bookcase."

"As the name hints, this 1772 Georgian-style town house is kind of a big deal because George Washington rented it for a week, and visitors can stand in what was likely his bedroom. The owner, Thomas Heyward, Jr, was one of South Carolina's four signers of the Declaration of Independence, and it's fun to think about all the talk of revolution that must have taken place in the withdrawing room."

"The Governor’s House Inn is a pre-revolutionary National Landmark with romantic grandeur and modern comforts. Guests can stay in a boudoir stateroom and enjoy the veranda porches and drawing rooms. Each room and suite is individualized and inviting."

"The home has been declared a National Historic Landmark due to its association with Edward Rutledge, who was instrumental in the struggle for American Independence, and the youngest signer of the D..."

"Right in the heart of historic Charleston’s downtown, the Powder Magazine is one of the city’s oldest buildings. Built in 1713, it was once upon a time a storehouse for gunpowder, making it an important location for both British troops and loyalists and those colonists and soldiers who fought on the side of the new nation. After the war, as the Charleston landscape shifted, the small building remained standing, and served as—amongst other things—a print shop, a livery stable, and even a private wine cellar."

"The Powder Magazine, built in 1713, is the oldest government building in South Carolina. The building was used as an arsenal from 1713 to 1748 and was later used in the American Revolution to defend the city. Throughout its years, it has been used as a print shop, a livery stable, a wine cellar, and a carriage house."

"This is a museum operated under an association known as the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. It is the oldest surviving public building of the United Province of Carolina. The museum was earlier on just a godown where the natives used to store their gunpowder supplies."

"Set on the banks of Old Town Creek, Charles Towne Landing brings the past to life at the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. In 1670, the first English colonists landed on this spot and named their new town for King Charles II. Exhibits here today re-create what life was like for those early settlers: the earthen fort they built, the wooden palisade wall they erected to keep their enemies at bay, crops they planted to sustain themselves, and a reproduction of the 17th-century cargo vessel like the one they would have used to ferry supplies and provisions. There's also an animal forest where you can see native animals that the settlers would have encountered in their new home at South Carolina's first colonial settlement."

"This is a choice park to satisfy history buffs and nature lovers alike. Driving into Charles Towne Landing is reminiscent of the enchanted forest in a fairy tale. The live oaks lining the trails create breathtaking tree tunnels."

"If you are looking for a place to grab Stumptown coffee in Charleston, the Daily is the only coffeehouse selling exotic and local brews. They are a sister to Butcher and Bee, a famous artisan craft sandwich shop and a go-to spot for coffee lovers in downtown Charleston. Their menu also includes cold pressed juices, breakfast sandwiches and beer."

"We made it through a big week and it's time to sit, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, coffee and pastries. #Saturday #howidaily. A photo posted by The Daily (@thedailychs) on Jun 27, 2015 at 5:38am PDT"

"City Lights Coffee is a comfy old-school coffee house on Market Street with well-worn furniture, local artworks on the walls, an inviting espresso bar, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere in which to savor excellent coffee. The arty hangout serves excellent coffee and espresso drinks using Counter Culture beans, along with a range of light bites and vegan, gluten-free muffins, and offers free, reliable wires Internet, which attracts a hipster work crowd. The laid-back spot hosts jam sessions throughout the week and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily."

"This whole-in-the-wall locally owned coffee shop is the perfect place to grab some caffeine without the large crowds. They’re a little out of the way about halfway between the Charleston City Market and King Street, which only makes them a gem waiting to be discovered. They have a pretty robust menu of coffee but I’m particularly fond of the Counter Culture beans they use for their brews."

"City Lights is an arty hangout tucked away on Market Street. Regulars gather at the espresso bar to chat with the barista, and others clack around on laptops on the cozy, well-worn furniture. Oh, and it has most any espresso drink or flavored syrups anyone could want, plus vegan, gluten-free muffin options."

"Multi-level rooftop with dancing, drink specials, and views of the Market If there's such a thing as a divey rooftop bar, Henry’s is it. It’s fun for when you want to enjoy the weather and have a few drinks with friends, but it does have some drawbacks: the interior of the restaurant is aged, the food is nothing to write home about, and the service is sometimes lackluster. But here's the truth: the rooftop patio is always a fun time."

"Head up to Henry’s Rooftop Bar on North Market Street to watch the sun go down. Henry’s restaurant-bar, open since 1932, has it all — great food, live music and a lounge for dancing plus a rooftop patio for chill out drinks. Rock in a rocking chair or swing in a hammock while sipping on a Silver Rickey or a Sweet Tea Cosmo as a palette of vermilion streaks the skies."

"It also has a rooftop deck, with rocking chairs, a swing and other seating where you can enjoy $10 cocktails or $6-$10 glasses of wine."

"Rhong Zhou and his family came to America from China, by way of Japan in the late 80s. In 2010, they opened Zen Asian Fusion in Charleston SC and their business, and menu, have continued to grow since then. Zen’s philosophy is that food is an art that should be enjoyed with all five senses."