Gullah Tours
Review Highlights
“ The tour is run by Alphonso Brown , who is not only knowledgeable but HILARIOUS. ” in 6 reviews
“ The true history and meaning of slavery is the Gullah culture , a relic that still exists in the city. ” in 8 reviews
“ We learned so much about Charleston, Gullah (language) and even Historical details about past ( slavery to civil war), how it influences the present and whats coming in the future. ” in 2 reviews
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9 Trachelle Ln
Charleston, SC 29407
West Ashley
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Alphonso B.
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Gullah Tours explores the language, history, culture and traditions of the Of Afro Americans from slavery up to present time. …
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The Gullah Tour in Charleston was a delightful experience. Two hours on an air-conditioned bus with the most charming, humorous, and friendly guide imaginable. There was so much information he provided about Charleston that we were on information overload. We love to take "overview" tours of cities we visit, and this was one of the very best. Not only do you learn a little Gullah, but you learn facts about Charleston that some other tours and all the guide books leave out - and you learn it from someone who has his roots here and speaks the language (Gullah) fluently. If you only have time for one tour, this is definitely the one you want to take.
If you take only one city tour of Charleston, this should be it. Alphonso is extremely engaging, funny and knowledgeable. The tour is comprehensive-- you'll see all of the "typical" sights, in addition to a great many overlooked by traditional tours. Historical trivia and stories comprised much of the two hour tour, and Alphonso did an excellent job of weaving in information about Charleston's gullah culture as it exists today. I was never bored, and felt like the $18 admission was a bargain. Make sure to make reservations well in advance using the form on the Gullah Tours website. I reserved our spots about two weeks prior, and had to take my third choice date and time because the first two were already booked.
Mr Alfonso Brown brings the history of Black Charleston alive and I'm grateful that we were able to get on his tour. I know that some people complain that this tour is entirely on a bus, but just bring a notepad and write down where you want to return to. Also, if you are looking for a nice gift for a lady-friend, Mr Brown stops at the Phillip Simmons house where there is great jewelry that can only be found in Charleston. It's also very reasonable priced.
This tour was great! Mr. Brown gave a fun and thorough tour of Charleston. He had lots of great stories to share, and it was interesting to hear from an African American perspective. He took us to Philip Simmons' home, a famous iron gate-maker. That was a bit strange and I felt like we were intruding. I don't know how his "workshop" still exists, as I'm sure it violates hundred of codes. One of the highlights of our Charleston trip! Throw a kiss to mama!
Hello Friends!! This is one of the tours i speak of highly. The tour guid is very informative, Happy, ready to shed some light on the haps of the city. When on tour he asked where I was from (as in what city), I told him Charlotte, NC. Welp, as i found out.. its a very small world. His brother moved from Charleston to Charlotte. Only to open up a Gullah resturant named "The Charleston House" (located on the Plaza). This tour is an On & Off tour, so you get a chance to do some walking site seeing. On the day that I went which is a few years ago, we went to a National Folk Treasurer (Philip Simmons). I got to take pictures with him, that made my day considering my love of photo's. Now years later i can say, "I was in the same air as one of the greatest). Thats cool! I plan to return and refill my passion bucket with all the new and old things to do.
This was the best tour I experienced in the city (by far). For reference, I also checked out the Jailhouse Ghost Tour (yawn, NOT worth the $), Schooner Tour on the Pride (lovely, but too crowded!), Red Barn Carriage Tour (ok, a bit too much architecture), & Exchange Dungeon Tour (I happen to like dungeons, so I enjoyed this $8 tour.) If you're looking to take one that includes both local flavor and information about many aspects of the city, do the Gullah Tour. It's half the price and twice as long as the others. The tour guide was engaging, animated, and quite funny. He delivers the tour of Charleston with a storyteller's flair, using the wrought iron works all over the city as a frame. It's aesthetically effective, and personally engaging, as our tour guide Alphonso was personally acquainted with the artist & national treasure (Philip Simmons--if you don't already know). Ferried along on an air-conditioned bus, you experience the city through the eyes of a native, and learn a bit of the Gullah dialect along the way. The rhythms of Alphonso Brown's speech are easy to listen to, and coax you right on into whatever story he's telling. He pulls over a few times to engaged in slightly longer tales, and stopped once for us to get off and check out Simmons' workshop. As an artist, I was intrigued by this particular moment in the tour, and found it to be both a mess and also decked out in the style of true artisans the world over (show me a tidy studio, and I'll show you an artist who's just put away their cleaning supplies...). Metalwork is a messy business (not sure what was up with the previous yelp reviewer griping about the studio) and it was a treat to step inside the creative space of a man who was dedicated to his craft. My favorite bit, after the humor and rhythm of our guide's tales, was the lesson in Gullah dialect we were so lucky to share in. Alphonso was kind enough to lead us through a few examples of the creole language, which I appreciated historically and linguistically (I'm an English grad student... what can I say). The peppering of Gullah words and phrases, delivered with verve, infused the experience with both humor and confusion, though he was patient in explaining more obscure phrases. The entire bus fell into genuine laughter many times--such is the skill of the guide. You'll learn quite a few things about the city and people, such as where the bodies are buried (literally), and engage in open discussion of the history of the Gullah people within the city of Charleston, enslavement through freedom and relationships up through the modern era. The only aspect of the tour that wasn't so awesome was after we'd disembarked at the visitor center--the guide was disinterested in further engagement/questions, and went a bit standoffish. Maybe he didn't like me taking notes through the tour--not sure. All the same, it was a lovely close to my time in Charleston. Reservations are required, so don't mess around if you're just visiting the city. These tours fill up fast on the weekends.
Loved it. Alphonso brown gave gullah lesson and is hilarious. Not enough about the gullah culture but a great charleston tour very knowledgeable and entertaining. Should stop more for pictures and questions . Raise price to $25 and add an hour. I bought his book for my daughter. Plan to do it again!
This was a really great tour but the name is deceptive. I thought there would be more about the Gullah culture in and around Charleston. It was essentially a Charleston history tour hosted by a man who spoke Gullah. Definitely recommended. The tour was overbooked so my friend had to sit in a seat in the aisle but was not charged full ticket price. The Cut Rate Drug Store (Hexis, Fixes, and Roots) mentioned in the description has, apparently, closed. Perhaps when that store was still open he talked more about rootwork.
This is not a knock on the tour guide, Mr. Brown. He was extremely engaging and funny and sweet! This tour is just not what we expected it to be based on the website. You sit in a van for 2+ hours (I'm guessing, we were actually so bored/unhappy with the tour that we hopped off after 45 min - which we felt SOOO terrible about but had too much we wanted to do) and basically pull over every few minutes while he tells you a story about the gate you're looking at or a wall...I thought this would be more about the Gullah culture, history, etc. but instead it was just a regular tour of Charleston as told from a Gullah man's eyes. We had already done a carriage tour and so this felt redundant. We had a very limited time in Charleston and were happy with our decision to leave after 45 minutes.
Loved the Gullah Tour!!! The tour is run by Alphonso Brown, who is not only knowledgeable but HILARIOUS. I was a bit confused because I had initially thought the tour was about Gullah culture and history, and it is, but I would say it's more of a tour of Charleston through a Gullah perspective, like if some guy you knew who was Gullah was showing you around Charleston and cracking jokes and telling stories and talking about what people used to say about this and that. Which was pretty cool. I don't usually go on guided tours because I find them too watered down and touristy, but this one I'm definitely glad I made the exception for.
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Gullah Tours
Type: Tours and Excursions
Last updated on June 29, 2015
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43 John St Charleston, SC 29407
843-763-7551
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A Gullah Guide to Charleston: Walking Through Black History (History & Guide) Paperback – May 9, 2008
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Enjoy three accessible walking tours and a bonus driving tour through places relevant to the rich and varied contributions of black Charlestonians.
Author Alphonso Brown, owner and operator of Gullah Tours, Inc., guides you through the history and lore. Visit Denmark Vesey's home, Catfish Row, the Old Slave Mart and the Market; learn about the sweetgrass basket makers, the Aiken-Rhett House slave quarters, black slave owners and blacksmith Philip Simmons. Brown's distinctive narration, combined with detailed maps and vibrant descriptions in native Gullah, make this a unique and enjoyable way to experience the Holy City.
- Part of series American Heritage
- Print length 160 pages
- Language English
- Publisher The History Press
- Publication date May 9, 2008
- Dimensions 4.88 x 0.37 x 6.63 inches
- ISBN-10 1596293926
- ISBN-13 978-1596293922
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- Publisher : The History Press (May 9, 2008)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1596293926
- ISBN-13 : 978-1596293922
- Item Weight : 8 ounces
- Dimensions : 4.88 x 0.37 x 6.63 inches
- #450 in South Atlantic United States Travel Books
- #1,364 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides
- #1,444 in African American Demographic Studies (Books)
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A Charleston Tour tells the story of Alphonso Brown, a local tour guide who, in 1985, founded Gullah Tours, the first tourism company in Charleston, South Carolina, to emphasize the region’s Black history.
A Charleston Tour was produced by Davidson College.
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- 843-763-7551
- Schedule A Tour
- Gullah Language
- Gullah Words
- Hear and Read Gullah
- Did you know that…
- Catfish Row
- Black Slave Owners
- Denmark Vesey’s
- Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Hexes, Fixes, Roots
- Jones Hotel
- Old Slave Mart
- Philip Simmons Blacksmith
- Slave Quarters
- Sweetgrass Market
- The Patty Wagan
- The Underground Railroad
- The Whipping House
- Reservations
- About Alphonso Brown
- Gullah Bookstore
Tours leave at the Bus Shed at the Charleston Visitor’s Center 375 Meeting Street (See map). Charleston, SC 29407
Tours begin Monday through Friday- 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Saturday- 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm
Mailing address only: Gullah Tours 9 Trachelle Lane Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-763-7551
Click on Image above to review Alphonso Brown's Book
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Click on Image above to review Alphonso Brown's Book. Schedule A Tour 843-763-7551. Alphonso Brown was born and reared in Rantowles, South Carolina, a rural area about 12 miles South of Charleston. He graduated from Baptist Hill High School. He received a BS Degree from S. C. State University in Music and a Masters Degree from Southern Illinois ...
Of course, if Gullah was spoken throughout the tour, you would not understand, nor would you enjoy the beautiful and interesting sites of Charleston. Your tour guide, Alphonso Brown, is a native of Rantowles, South Carolina, a rural community of Charleston, and is fluent in the Gullah language and familiar with many of the Gullah customs.
Join Alphonso Brown, owner and operator of Gullah Tours, Inc., on a driving tour through the places, history, and lores essay relevant to the rich and varied contributions of black Charlestonians. Visit Denmark Vesey's home, catfish Row, the Old Slave Mart, and the Market. Learn about the sweetgrass basket makers sewing their baskets, the Aiken-Rhett House slave quarters, black slave owners ...
423 reviews. #66 of 378 Tours & Activities in Charleston. Historical & Heritage ToursBus Tours. Closed now. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. On our GULLAH TOUR we give an interesting glimpse into an ancient culture of these mysterious people descending from way across da water.
34 reviews and 57 photos of GULLAH TOURS "This tour was great! Mr. Brown gave a fun and thorough tour of Charleston. He had lots of great stories to share, and it was interesting to hear from an African American perspective. He took us to Philip Simmons' home, a famous iron gate-maker. That was a bit strange and I felt like we were intruding.
Gullah Tours. 423 Reviews. #66 of 378 Tours in Charleston. Tours, Historical & Heritage Tours, Bus Tours. 375 Meeting Street, Bus Shed at the Charleston Visitor's Center, Charleston, SC 29401. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. WYS49.
375 Meeting Street, Bus Shed at the Charleston Visitor's Center, Charleston, SC 29401. ... "Outstanding tour!" The Gullah Tour was outstanding. Alphonso Brown, owner and tour guide, provided a very full... read more. Reviewed February 23, 2024. ekoenig2, Novato, California
33 reviews of Gullah Tours "This tour was great! Mr. Brown gave a fun and thorough tour of Charleston. He had lots of great stories to share, and it was interesting to hear from an African American perspective. He took us to Philip Simmons' home, a famous iron gate-maker. That was a bit strange and I felt like we were intruding. I don't know how his "workshop" still exists, as I'm sure it ...
Alphonso Brown is the founder and owner of Gullah Tours, in Charleston, South Carolina.Born and raised in Rantowles, a dozen miles south of Charleston, he is a retired band director. With a deep love for his city, Alphonso started a tour company dedicated to telling the stories of the many contributions Black Charlestonians made to the area.
Gullah Tours. May 1985 - Present 38 years 9 months. www.gullahtours.com | Learn more about alphonso Brown's work experience, education, connections & more by visiting their profile on LinkedIn.
A Gullah Guide to Charleston. Before Your Tour. Click on Book Image on the Right: All Seats: $20.00 each: Step-on tours (chartered bus) $525.00: Private group booking all 21 seats on my bus: $500.00: ... Click on Image above to review Alphonso Brown's Book. Schedule A Tour 843-763-7551 .
Alphonso Brown's Gullah tours explore the stories, places, and contributions made to Charleston's history by native black Charlestonians. ... 43 John St Charleston, SC 29407. Phone: 843-763-7551. Advertisement. Advertisement. Find the 10 best nearby: things to do. restaurants. nightlife. stay. shopping. Advertisement Advertisement Explore ...
Brought to America in the 1700s and 1800s as enslaved Africans, many people retained a deep connection with the heritage of their homeland. Today, Gullah is a beautifully intact cultural identity woven deeply in the fabric of Charleston's history. Gullah Tours owner and operator Alphonso Brown was born and raised in Rantowles, South Carolina ...
423 reviews. #66 of 377 Tours & Activities in Charleston. Historical & Heritage ToursBus Tours. Closed now. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. On our GULLAH TOUR we give an interesting glimpse into an ancient culture of these mysterious people descending from way across da water.
422 reviews. #64 of 371 Tours & Activities in Charleston. Historical & Heritage ToursBus Tours. Open now. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. On our GULLAH TOUR we give an interesting glimpse into an ancient culture of these mysterious people descending from way across da water.
Alphonso Brown was born and reared in Rantowles, South Carolina, a rural area about twelve miles south of Charleston. Mr. Brown is a licensed tour guide for the City of Charleston and owns and operates Gullah Tours. He is a lecturer on the Gullah language and black history of Charleston.
The Gullah imprint on Charleston culture runs deep, from the soulful flavors of Lowcountry cuisine to the coils of artistry woven into each handcrafted sweetgrass basket. Scroll on to discover 14 spots to experience Gullah culture in the Lowcountry, including the Aiken-Rhett House, Boone Hall Plantation, Charleston City Market, Charleston ...
A Charleston Tour tells the story of Alphonso Brown, a local tour guide who, in 1985, founded Gullah Tours, the first tourism company in Charleston, South Carolina, to emphasize the region's Black history. A Charleston Tour was produced by Davidson College. - July 07, 2022
Gullah history -- Walking tours -- The Museum District -- The Market District -- The College of Charleston area -- Driving tour Summary Join Alphonso Brown, owner and operator of Gullah Tours, Inc., on three accessible walking tours and a bonus driving tour through the places, history and lore relevant to the rich and varied contributions of ...
Gullah Tours appreciates any feedback you may have concerning our website and our tour. Please do not use this form within 24 hours of the tour you wish to take. Instead, please call 843-763-7551. Please take into account the following when making a reservation: 1) The tours are about 2 hours long, and bringing babies and toddlers on the tour ...
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Charleston, SC 29407. Tours begin Monday through Friday- 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Saturday- 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm. Mailing address only: Gullah Tours 9 Trachelle Lane Charleston, SC 29407. Phone: 843-763-7551. ... Written by your tour guide, Alphonso Brown . Click on Image above to review Alphonso Brown's Book. Schedule A Tour 843-763-7551 ...