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Discover Charleston’s History—Steps from Emeline

Charleston has always been a city with a story to tell—and lucky for you, some of the best chapters are right outside Emeline’s front door. Whether you’re stepping into the Holy City for the first time or returning to uncover its quieter corners, we’re delighted to be your home base for history, hospitality, and a little bit of adventure.

Emeline invites you to walk through time, with refined comfort waiting at the end of every day.

Walk to Charleston’s Most Beloved Historic Landmarks 

At Emeline, the most beloved historic Charleston attractions are closer than you think. Wander just a few blocks, and you’ll find pastel townhomes, centuries-old gardens, and waterfront promenades that have shaped the city’s story.

Rainbow Row

83–107 East Bay St | 15-minute walk from Emeline

A pastel-hued postcard of Charleston’s history. These 18th-century homes are the city’s most photographed—and a must for any first-time visitor.

Charleston City Market

188 Meeting St | 1-minute walk from Emeline

Operating since the 1800s, this historic market is home to local vendors, artisans, and the renowned Gullah sweetgrass basket weavers.

The Battery & White Point Garden

Murray Blvd & King St | 19-minute walk from Emeline

A stunning promenade of historic mansions, cannons, and shaded oaks at the southern tip of the peninsula, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet.

Nathaniel Russell House Museum

51 Meeting St | 13-minute walk from Emeline

Charleston elegance, circa 1808. Step inside and marvel at the famous floating staircase, intricate plasterwork, and a glimpse of the genteel (and complicated) life of early Charleston.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

48 Elizabeth St | 18-minute walk from Emeline

Not every story is polished—and that’s what makes this preserved home so powerful. Explore an urban plantation where both opulence and hardship are laid bare.

Philadelphia Alley

Between Queen & Cumberland St | 5-minute walk from Emeline

One of Charleston’s most atmospheric alleys, lined with bricks, gas lamps, and ghost stories.

Charleston Museum

Corner of John St. & Meeting St | 17-minute walk from Emeline

Founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” Charleston Museum holds centuries of stories throughout several historical houses.

Hidden Gems & Guided History Experiences 

If you’ve already checked the “must-sees” off your list, now’s the time to look a little closer. Some of Charleston’s richest stories hide in plain sight—or come to life with a guide who knows just where to look.

Heyward-Washington House

Spend a little time where Thomas Heyward, Jr. signed the Declaration of Independence—and where George Washington himself stayed during his 1791 Southern tour. No big fuss.

Charleston’s Historic Churches

The Holy City earned its nickname honestly. Wander past soaring steeples and sun-dappled sanctuaries like the Circular Congregational Church and the French Huguenot Church.

Gullah Tours

Led by those who live the culture, these tours offer an essential perspective on Charleston’s African American roots—from language to foodways to the unshakable spirit of the Lowcountry.

Slavery to Freedom Tours

These tours explore Charleston’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and follow the city’s path from slavery to emancipation. The experience is guided by storytellers who focus on the people, places, and events that shaped this history.

Ghost Tours of Charleston

After dark, Charleston’s spirits start stirring. Join a ghost tour for a night of tales (and maybe a few chills) as you explore graveyards, alleys, and historic homes.

 

Want something curated just for you? Let our concierge work a little magic, from private walking tours to museum passes to carriage rides under the stars.

Emeline’s Role in Charleston’s Story

181 Church Street has lived more lives than we can count. And if these walls could talk, they’d likely ask you to pour another glass before settling in for the stories. Today, Emeline stands proudly within Charleston’s original walled city, weaving old-world character into every brick and beam.

You’ll feel it in the quiet courtyards, the ones that echo Charleston’s hidden gardens. You’ll taste it at Frannie & The Fox, where wood-fired dishes pair Charleston’s flavors with a playful Italian twist. And you’ll catch it over coffee at Clerks, where conversation flows as easily as the espresso. This is a place where tradition is honored but never stuck in the past.

Plan Your Historic Escape to Emeline

At Emeline, you don’t just stay in history—you feel part of it. Wake up in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, steps from more than twenty landmarks, celebrated restaurants, and cultural treasures. Let our concierge curate your perfect day.

Our spaces mix vintage charm with modern comforts, creating a home base made for exploration—or relaxation, if the mood strikes. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, we’d be honored to be part of your Charleston story.

Book your historic Charleston stay at Emeline—where timeless stories meet contemporary Southern hospitality.