Charleston, South Carolina, may look postcard-perfect—but beneath the cobblestone streets and pastel façades lie a litany of lesser-known stories you probably haven’t heard yet. In this episode of Destination Spotlight, Afar host Tiana Attride uncovers the hidden history of Charleston—including the real story behind the city’s iconic Rainbow Row, unexpected tales of witches, pirates, and ghosts, and the origins of a famous song with roots right here in the Holy City. Whether you're looking for unexpected things to do in Charleston or you’re curious about its untold past, start here.
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - Pirate Lore Is Everywhere
1:06 - Ghosts, Witches, and Centuries-Old Cemeteries
2:19 - The Oldest Liquor Store in America
2:40 - The Truth Behind Charleston’s Most Famous Street
3:22 - The Strictest Architectural Preservation in the U.S.
3:50 - The Mysterious Symbols Carved on Windows
4:21 - The Story Behind That Bright Pink Gothic Church
4:51 - The Coolest Streets in Charleston Are Its Hidden Alleys
5:30 - The Gullah Origins of the Song “Kumbaya”
5:46 - The Birthplace of the First Great American Opera
6:27 - Outro
Start planning your trip to Charleston: https://www.afar.com/travel-guides/united-states/south-carolina/charleston/guide
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CREDITS
Tiana Attride - Host
Jonathan Kramer - Video Editor
Tiana Attride - Afar Senior Editor, Social and Video
Elizabeth See - Senior Designer
Sarika Bansal - Editorial Director
Michelle Heimerman - Director of Photography
MUSIC
“came up (lofi version)” by skateshop
“In Memory” by Cultus
“Aint No Sacrifice (Instrumental)” by Kenny Lynch
FOOTAGE / PHOTOGRAPHY
Tiana Attride
Shutterstock, Vimeo, iStock, Storyblocks
