A local's eye view
Philadelphia Alley is perhaps the most famous of Charleston’s cool alleys. It has had a number of names over the years, but was named for the city of Philadelphia in 1811 after it had sent generous financial aid to help Charleston recover after a large fire in 1810.
This garden belongs to the Simmons-Edwards House on Legare Street, more commonly referred to as the Pineapple Gates House. The stone pineapples are a symbol for “welcome.”
First Baptist Church was designed by the famed architect Robert Mills. Mills is perhaps best known for designing the Washington Monument, honoring the United States’ first president.
The gate in front of this handsome Charleston house was designed by Philip Simmons, the legendary Charleston blacksmith. What an amazing, talented and wonderful man.
Lodge Alley is one of Charleston’s cool alleys and cut-throughs. Running between State and East Bay Streets, it’s a great way to get where you’re going.
This beautiful building on Society Street was designed by the famed architect E.B. White. It was built in 1840-42 as the home for the High School of Charleston.
Following the Civil War, the citizens of Charleston gathered here (the Gaillard-Bennett House) to greet Robert E. Lee — who spoke to them from the second level of the portico. Even without that, it’s a pretty memorable sidewalk and house.
Dave’s Carryout, on the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Morris Street (in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood), is the source of some pretty excellent fried shrimp (among other things). Far from fancy, it’s worth seeking out. In 2016, along with restaurants such as Hall’s Chophouse, FIG and Charleston Grill, Zagat’s named it one of Charleston’s best restaurants!
Burbage’s Self-Service Grocery has been serving the community around Broad Street since 1948. For local residents, it’s a beloved store where you can go in and order a spicy (or mild) BBQ sandwich, pick up some other great and/or needed stuff, and then just say, “charge it to my account” and head on home.
This cool seating area is under the house’s piazza — the side porch of a Charleston single house. A piazza is a type of porch, but not all porches are piazzas! You can find this one on South Battery.