Downtown itinerary for Charleston, South Carolina

Follow this itinerary for a delightful morning-through-afternoon visit to downtown Charleston.

The Gibbes Museum of Art

135 Meeting St., (843) 722-2706. Tu 10am-5pm, W 10am-8pm, Thur-Sat 10am5pm, Sun 1-5pm.

One of the oldest art museum’s in the south, this vintage building features many architectural delights, including floors with tiny tiles. The Gilles Museum of Art collection centers on Charleston and the southeastern section of the U.S. It features many portraits of locals--including a collection of more than 250 miniatures--plus frames and furniture made in town. Personal favorites from the collection include “Carolina Paroquet” by Anna Heyward Taylor, a 1935 woodblock; and “Magnolia Gardens” by Alfred Hutty, a 1920 oil. I also really enjoyed “Betwixt & Between” by Patrick Dougherty, which was constructed in three weeks on site in 2017 of red maple and sweet grass.

exterior of The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

interior of The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

"Magnolia Gardens" at The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

“Carolina Paroquet” at The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

“Betwixt & Between” at The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

miniature portraits at The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina

Circular Congregational Church

Directly across the street, the charming 1681 Circular Congregational Church is built in the round and has the city’s oldest graveyard, which dates from 1696.

exterior of Circular Congregational Church in Charleston, South Carolina

interior of Circular Congregational Church in Charleston, South Carolina

A sign marks the spot across the street where secession from the Union was declared.

sign marks the spot where secession from the Union was declared
in Charleston, South Carolina

Washington Square park

Just down the street, Washington Square park opened in 1818. In the center is a memorial to the Washington Light Infantry made of Carolina gray granite; it is a 42-foot-high miniature of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. and was unveiled in 1891.

Washington Square park in Charleston, South Carolina

Poogan's Porch

Just around the corner, Poogan’s Porch at 72 Queen St., makes the perfect lunch stop. Dining in the cozy, low-key atmosphere of this repurposed home is a treat in itself. Outside, the sheltered front patio beckons, and inside, the small spaces--including the bar--as well as the very large former drawing room with fireplace, oversize mirrors, and tapestries are all delightful. But the delicious Southern cuisine cinches the deal. Items not to miss include plantation fried chicken (ask for spicy sauce on the side), fried alligator, pimento cheese fritters, chicken and waffles, sweet tea-glazed salmon, shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage and ham gravy, and some excellent biscuits.