City: Charleston, SC

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (843) 722-4630

Address: 147 King St.

Description: Another friendly informational oasis for the sore-footed traveler (especially handy for those touring the many antiques venues scattered along King Street) is the Preservation Society of Charleston. Its Book & Gift Shop offers a fine collection of books, reference materials, and gift items pertaining to Charleston and the Lowcountry. The accommodating staff of volunteers offers free tourist information as well. Every fall, starting in mid-Sept and running through Oct, the Preservation Society’s tours of private homes and gardens are very popular. This is a lovely time of year to see the city. Tickets are priced at $45 a tour and often sell out early, but you might check here at the book shop at the last minute and still be able to join one of these self-guided, neighborhood walking tours. (See the Annual Events chapter for more on the tours.) The 147 King St. location serves as headquarters and resource center for the organization (founded in 1920) originally known as the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwelling Houses, one of America’s premier preservation organizations. The Preservation Society Book & Gift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon through Sat. (See the Shopping chapter.)