Best Museums in Kiawah Island

"Showcasing the creativity of regional artists, the Museum Store features jewelry, gifts, books and specialty items that introduce art into everyday life."

"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."

"Taking a Fort Sumter tour is pretty fun, more for the ride out to Fort Sumter. This is a great opportunity to cruise the harbor and see the city from a different perspective. Famed Charlestonian writer Pat Conroy described the city as a jewel perched on the harbor, and it’s easier to get that picture from the water."

"Stand on the only remaining site used as a gallery in South Carolina’s slave auctions. The Old Slave Mart was once part of Ryan’s Mart, a complex that spread from Chalmers to Queen streets, and included a brick-enclosed yard, a slave jail, a kitchen and a “dead house,” or morgue. Slave auctions took place on this site until November 1863."

"The Old Slave Mart is considered the last extant slave auction site in South Carolina. It currently houses a museum. As you can see in the image below from Photographer Shawn Lehman, it lies on the cobblestone Chalmers Street."

"Built in 1772, the Heyward-Washington house was the longtime city home of Thomas Heyward, one of four Declaration of Independence signatories from South Carolina. Today part of a complex that includes another historic house, as well as the Charleston Museum, the home boasts a number of historic home décor pieces, including the Holmes Bookcase, an intricately-carved 1770 library bookcase widely considered one of the most important pieces of furniture from the Colonial era. The staging of the house captures, for modern-day visitors, the feeling of Revolutionary-era Charleston life."

"Built in 1772, this Georgian-style double house was the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. The property features the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston as well as formal gardens featuring plants commonly used in the South Carolina Lowcountry in the late 18th century."

"Meyer Vogl Gallery is another contemporary art gallery in Charleston. Just like other art galleries where both amateurs and experts get to showcase their talent, this art gallery is known to upgrade its exhibits from time to time. The highlight of Meyer Vogl Gallery is its workshops where one gets a chance to appreciate art and learn techniques that they can confidently apply."

"On a typical daytime visit, this gallery and working artist studio feels terrifically spacious and calm, with indie acoustics on the playlist and paintings covering contemporary subjects are on the walls. One dynamic exception occurs on the first Friday of each month, when lots of area galleries (see King Street for more) stay open into the evening, offering up drinks and hors d’oeuvres for what Charlestonians call the “Art Walk." On that night, RLS is elbow-to-elbow indeed, with easily a thousand people passing through to sip wine and discuss paintings, or to play with the interactive “stack your own rocks” table upstairs."

"The exposed brickwork, and preference for lesser known but noteworthy artists and expansive exhibitions, have made Robert Lange Studios an award-winning gallery in the center of Charleston. The featured artists all have one important trait in common: they are the epitome of contemporary. With a modern and vibrantly pulsating feel, the works presented bring a liveliness to the walls of the gallery."

"Robert Lange Studios is a brick-walled art gallery which features work from visual artists, all of which are housed in the facility’s modern-industrial interior."

"The George Gallery, a highly modern gallery, features a select few artists with a resolutely creative and Southern perspective. Representing some of the most forward-thinking South Carolina artists of the moment, the space is dedicated to displaying their work with valor. Among the works on show are the haunting, yet dynamic mixed medium works by Charleston-based Tim Husey, and Paul Yanko’s beautiful, geometrical paintings that resemble kaleidoscopes rather than canvases."

"Charleston’s East Side isn’t as well known for its art scene, but this corner gallery on Bogard Street is home to contemporary shows with opening night crowds that regularly spill onto the sidewalk. Abstractions and textures often play a part in the stories of each artist’s work—it’s a fresh, modern take on art that’s happening right now."

"The George Gallery in Charleston features modern American works. In addition to sales, the George Gallery offers consulting and professional installation services."

"Located in the historic Fireproof Building, the South Carolina Historical Society Museum spans six interactive galleries and showcases more than 350 years of South Carolina history through the artifacts, personal treasures, and handwritten accounts of those who experienced it."

"See the opulent luxury of the late 19th century in all its vintage glory at the Calhoun Mansion on Meeting Street. The twenty-four thousand square foot mansion is the biggest single-family residence in Charleston and still used as a family home even though it’s open daily for public viewing. Take a tour through its three magnificent floors with thirty-five rooms full of period furniture."

"Seeing historic residences like the Calhoun Mansion is one of the coolest parts of touring any city. This is the biggest personal residence in all of Charleston. With 35-rooms, Calhoun Mansion is a seriously impressive piece of Charleston history."

"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."

"Taking a Fort Sumter tour is pretty fun, more for the ride out to Fort Sumter. This is a great opportunity to cruise the harbor and see the city from a different perspective. Famed Charlestonian writer Pat Conroy described the city as a jewel perched on the harbor, and it’s easier to get that picture from the water."

"A post shared by Charleston Artist Guild (@charlestonartistguild) on Sep 7, 2019 at 9:49am PDT. Headed and managed by a family of artists, Charleston Artist Guild Gallery is an open invitation to be a part of their family. They run the gallery in the spirit of southern hospitality and all art lovers that come to visit share a common goal."

"Charleston Gallery Association with over 40 art galleries in the greater Charleston area. Visit our website for a printable map and a link to all galleries and art offerings."

"With 600+ members, the Charleston Artist Guild is the region’s leading arts organization providing professional development, exhibiting opportunities and community outreach."

"Features investment grade Gullah Art by Jonathan Green & John Jones. Gullah gift items, books, prints and Historic Charleston keepsakes. A must on your visit to Charleston!"

"Located in Charleston’s popular Hampton Park Terrace neighborhood, you’ll be wowed by the Spanish moss covering the trees in this historic park. Ideal for grabbing that perfect picnic photo under the wisteria, you’ll have a difficult time choosing the best spot – there are just so many!. 30 Mary Murray Drive, Charleston, SC 29403"

"So if you’re looking for a Charleston nature spot, there’s no better place!. Hampton Park has the best and biggest flower displays of any of Charleston’s many parks. Many of the flowers are seasonal, but there is also a historic rose collection."

"Outside of Charleston on the quieter island of Johns Island is the largest tree east of the Mississippi: the Angel Oak Tree. The Angel Oak Tree is a massive live oak that makes up for not being too old (only about 600 years) by being big and graceful. The branches seem to spread out from the tree for a wide expanse, requiring wires and supports in many parts."

"If you’re looking for free things to do in Charleston, then the Angel Oak Tree should top your list!. Although technically located on John’s Island, the Angel Oak Tree is thought to be one of the oldest living organisms in the United States at around 400 years old!. Kids and adults alike will stand in awe at this gentle giant."

"Standing at a massive height of 66.5 ft, the Angel Oak Tree is one of the most visited natural attractions in Charleston."