BOAT TOURS
     •  AQUA SAFARIS: Charter boats for fishing, parasailing, offers power and sailing yachts. Corporate, wedding, public or private intimate charters. Fish the Gulf Stream or backwater creeks; tour historic Charleston Harbor or scenic Intracoastal Waterway; investigate barrier islands; sail the harbor, offshore or to Savannah. 1-800-524-3444, (843)886-8133, E-mail: aquasafari@aol.com. Office hours 9am-5pm M-Sat. Boats run anytime.
     •  BOHICKET: Bohicket Yacht Charters, 1880 Andell Bluff Blvd., near Kiawah and Seabrook islands, offers guided tours and rentals. Two-hour dolphin-watching trips (river tours, sunset cruises) on a 30-passenger tour boat, sailing charters, or private tours combining dolphin watching, shelling, fishing and scenic marsh tours (for groups of six or less). Also power boat, sailboat rentals, kayak tours and rentals, guided fishing trips and inshore light-tackle fishing trips. Shelling shuttles to remote island beaches, (843)768-7294. Office hours 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days weekly March 1-Labor Day.
     •  BULL ISLAND FERRY: Passenger ferry to Bull Island, 6-mile long undeveloped barrier island. Wind through salt marsh creeks of 64,000-acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. See birds, dolphins, alligators, more. Departs at 9 a.m. and 12:30 from Moore's Landing on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Returns at noon and 4 p.m. Thursdays "Day at the Beach" departs at 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. No reservations required. $20 (adults), $10 (ages 11 and under). Private charters available. (843)881-4582.
     • CAP'N RICHARD's ACE BASIN NATURE TOUR: Experience the beauty of "The ACE Basin". Visit Bonnie Doone plantation and view wildlife common in the ACE Basin. Enjoy boating on the Ashepoo River and a picnic lunch on the grounds of the plantation. For reservations call(843)766-9664.
     •  EXPLORER CRUISES: When it comes to the waters of Charleston, Explorer Cruises has something for everyone! Try shell hunting on an uninhabited barrier island, tour the harbor in search of dolphin and folk lore, or experience tackle busting inshore fishing geared toward family groups. For more information, call (843) 723-5656 .
     •  COASTAL EXPEDITIONS: Explore coastal islands, marsh creeks, secluded beaches by stable touring kayaks. No experience necessary, and everything you need is provided. Half day guided tour: $55. Full day guided tour: $85. Rentals and instruction also available. Certified instructors and naturalists. (843) 884-7684
     •  GRAY LINE: Harbor of History Tour aboard the Charles Towne Princess. Two-hour tours depart daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 196 Concord Street (Except Nov. 28-Dec. 24 and Jan. 3-Feb. 28, when tours are at 2 p.m. only.) Prices are $11 (adults), $5 (ages 4-11), children under 4 ride free. Harborlights dinner-dance cruise boards at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations required. $36.72 (includes dinner, beverage, dessert). Private charters available at $550 per hour (2-hour min.). (843)722-1112.
     •  FISHEAGLE: Fisheagle Tours offers two-hour nature tours on Lake Marion aboard 38-passenger, covered pontoon boat that is wheelchair accessible. Watch ospreys, egrets, herons, turtles, alligators. Departs dock at Santee State Park (I-95, exit 98). Call for departure times. $12 (adults), $10 (senior citizens), $8 (under 12); under age 6 or over 90 ride free with family. Group rates available. 1-800-967-7739.
     •  FORT SUMTER: Boat tours to Fort Sumter National Monument depart daily from two different locations. From Liberty Square, adjacent to the South Carolina Aquarium and Patriots Point Naval Museum in Mt. Pleasant. The tour lasts approximately 2-1/4 hours and the schedule varies with the season. Please call (843) 881-7337 for departure times and rates.
     •  HARBOR TOURS: The SpiritLine Harbor Tour leaves from two different locations. From Aquarium Wharf adjacent to the South Carolina Aquarium and Patriots Point Naval Museum in Mt. Pleasant. The tour lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours and the schedule varies with the season. Please call (843) 881-7337 for departure times and rates.
     •  SPIRIT OF CAROLINA: The SpiritLine Dinner Cruise departs Patriots Point Naval Museum in Mt. Pleasant. The cruise departs at 7:00 p.m. and includes a three hour harbor tour, a three course meal and live entertainment. Prepaid reservations are required. Please call (843) 722-2628 for further information.
     •  SCHOONER PRIDE: Coastal sailing aboard the 84-foot three-masted tall ship the Schooner Pride. Sails out of the Aquarium Wharf for two-hour afternoon or sunset harbor cruises. $20 (adults) $15 (ages 4-12) Private charters begin at $700 for 2 hours. Call (843) 559-9686 for information.

CARRIAGE TOURS
     •  CHARLESTON: Charleston Carriage Company Inc. offers narrated tours departing every 20-30 minutes 9 a.m.-6:15 p.m. daily. $16 (adults), $5 (ages 4-12), ages 3 and under ride free. Private carriages available by reservation for 1-6 passengers ($55-$80). (843)723-8687.
     •  CLASSIC: Classic Carriage Tours offers narrated tours departing every 15-20 minutes, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily. $16 (adults), $8 (ages 4-12); ages three and under ride free. Discounts available. Private tours available for 1-6 passengers ($65-$100). (843)853-3747.
     •  OLD SOUTH: Old South Carriage Company offers narrated tours by guides dressed in Confederate uniforms. Tours depart every 15 minutes, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $16 (adults), $8 (ages 6-11); ages 5 and under ride free. (843)723-9712.
     •  OLDE TOWNE: Olde Towne Carriage Co. offers narrated tours departing every 15-20 minutes, 9 a.m.-dusk daily. $18 (adults), $8 (ages 4-11); ages 3 and under get in free, with an adult ticket. Discounts available. Private tours for 2-4 passengers $75-95. (843)722-1315.
     •  PALMETTO: Palmetto Carriage Works offers narrated residential tours departing every 15-20 minutes 9 a.m.-dusk daily. $16 (adults), $5 (ages 6-11), 5 and under ride free. Narrated commercial tours available 6:15-9 p.m. daily, Memorial Day-Labor day. $11 (adults), $5 (ages 6-11); 5 and under ride free. Private tours available for 1-4 passengers ($50-$80). Barn has farm animals. (843)723-8145.
    
WALKING TOURS
     •  ED GRIMBALL WALKING TOURS: Tours leave from the Pineapple Fountain located in Waterfront Park, next to the Cooper River every Monday -- Saturday, except in January. January tours are Friday and Saturday only. Daytime tours are 2 hours, $13 (adults). Evening tours are 1-1/4 hours, $10 (adults). There is no charge for children under 13. (843)762-0056.
     •  TOUR CHARLESTON LLC Tour Charleston LLC offers three professionally conducted walking tours to choose from: On the Ghosts of Charleston Tour, you will explore the haunted side of Charleston with stories about local bed and breakfast inns and the Charleston Gullah culture. Tours begin at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily. The Story of Charleston historic walking tours leave at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day except Sunday. The Pirates of Charleston Tour will walk you down the streets of a city living under the shadow of pirates and rogues of the sea, with history and storytelling. Pirate tour times are 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
     All tours leave from Waterfront Park, at the end of Vendue Range in front of the fountain. Reservations required. Rates for each tour: $14 (adults) and $8 (children 12 and younger). Group rates available. (843)723-1670 or (800)854-1670.
     •  THE ORIGINAL CHARLESTON WALKS: Recommended by CNN Travel Guide, The Learning Channel, and Charleston's Post & Courier, tour Charleston with the city's original thematic tour firm. Our selection of 2-hour guided walking tours includes: Lowcountry Ghost Walk, Civil War Walk, Historic Homes Walk, Slavery & Freedom Walk, & The Charleston Walk.
     Ticket office 58-1/2 Broad Street; Open 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM daily. Space limited/reservations required. Call 1-800-729-3420 for information; or purchase tickets at ETIX.COM
     •  ARCHITECTURAL TOURS: Architectural Walking Tours of Charleston offers two tours, a morning tour of 18th-century Georgian architecture at 10 a.m. and an afternoon tour of 19th-century architecture on Meeting Street and the Battery at 2 p.m. Tours depart from the Meeting St. Inn, 173 Meeting St. and last two hours. $13 (adults) and children under 12 are free. (843)893-2327.
     •  STEPPING OUT IN CHARLESTON: Interested in taking your own self-guided walking tour of Charleston? As the local public health representatives, we encourage walking as a great, low cost form of physical activity, and have outlined four different walking tours of historic Charleston. Whether you are a resident of the area or a visitor to our city, we hope that you will explore downtown Charleston on foot. Have fun and get moving!
    

BUS/VAN TOURS
     •  ADVENTURE: Adventure Sightseeing of Charleston offers narrated tours by bus and van, departing daily 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call for schedule. Two-hour tours $20 (adults), $11 (ages 5-11); 4 and under ride free. 1-1/2-hour tour $14.50 (adults), $10 (ages 5-11). 1-1/4-hour tours $11.50 (adults), $9 (ages 5-11). (843)762-0088.
     • CHARLESTON TOURS: Charleston Tours offers guided tours of the City of Charleston, as well as guided tours of Charleston area plantations every day of the year. Tours by bus and van. 4-1/2 hour plantation tours depart daily 8:30 a.m.; 2-1/2 hour plantation tours depart at 2:30 p.m. City Tours depart at 10am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. Combination tours depart at 10am. Rates range from $15 for the City Tour to $45. Call for information and reservations: (843)571-0049.
     •  TALK OF THE TOWNE: Talk of the Towne offers minibus tours of Historic Charleston with the most experienced guides and featuring the finest house museums. The 75-minute tour is $13 per adult. The 2-hour tour is $21 and features a visit to either the Nathaniel Russell House or the Edmondston-Alston House. Tours depart from the Visitor Center at 9:15 (Mon.-Sat.), 12:15 and 3:15 (daily). For a more information, discount coupons and a complete schedule visit the Web site or call 795-8199.
     •  TAYLORED TOURS: Taylored Tours of Charleston offers narrated historical tours by van. More than 90 points of interest. $11.50 (one hour and fifteen minutes); $16 (1-1/2 hour); $19 (two hours). 9:15 a.m., noon, 2:45, 5 p.m. daily. Private tours available. (843)763-5747.
     •  LIVING HISTORY: Living History Tours offers narrated tours of Historic Charleston and sea islands with Afrocentric perspective. City tour 4 p.m. daily. City, island tours noon daily. 1-1/2-hour city tour $15.50 (adults), $7.75 (ages 6-12). Three-hour city, island tour $25.50 (adults) or $12.75 (ages 6-12). Call for reservations and to verify times. (843)207-9000.

    
PLANTATIONS, GARDENS
     •  CYPRESS GARDENS: Cypress Gardens, a former rice plantation on Cooper River, has swamp garden, spring-bloom foot paths, guided flat-bottom boat tours. Butterfly house opens in June and the new aquarium opens mid-summer. Off Hwy. 52 between Goose Creek, Moncks Corner. $7 (adults,) $6 (seniors) and $2 (children 6-12.) Prices include boat ride, Butterfly House and aquarium. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. (843)553-0515.
     •  DRAYTON HALL: Only pre-Revolutionary plantation house remaining on Ashley River. House tour each hour. Picnic area, reflecting pond, self-guided nature tour, 250-year-old live oak trees. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Ashley River Road (Hwy. 61). $8 (adults), $4 (ages 6-11) $6 (12-18); under 6 get in free. (843)769-2600.
     •  BOONE HALL: Boone Hall, a 738-acre former cotton plantation, has avenues of moss-draped live oaks planted in 1743, slave cabins, gin house. Off Hwy. 17 North, Mount Pleasant. $10 (adults), $8.50 (seniors), $5 (ages 6-12). 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. (843)884-4371.
     •  MAGNOLIA GARDENS: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Hwy. 61, west of Ashley. America's oldest major garden, features Barbados tropical garden, waterfowl refuge, horticultural maze, herb garden, plantation house tours (additional $5), petting zoo, mini horses plus bird walks. $9 (adults), $7 (ages 13-19), $4 (ages 6-12); under 6 get in free. Nature train tour $4 (adults) $3 (13-19) $2 (6-12) and under six get in free. Swamp Garden Tour $4 (adults) $3 (13-19) $2 (6-12) and under six get in free. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. (843)571-1266.
     •  MIDDLETON PLACE: Middleton Place, an 18th-century rice plantation and America's oldest landscaped gardens. Plantation stableyard with animals, craftsmen demonstrating tasks vital to plantation life. Plantation house tours, rice mill, springhouse. Seasonal Events. $20 Gardens and Stableyards, plus $10 for house tour. AAARP discounts. Groups rates for 15 or more available with prior confirmation. Middleton Place Restaurant open 6-9:00 p.m. for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Plantation Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. (843)556-6020.
     •  SWAMP GARDEN: Audubon Swamp Garden, a 60-acre blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp, planted and traversed by dikes, boardwalks, bridges, natural wildlife refuge. At entrance to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Hwy. 61. $4 (adults), $3 (teenagers) $2 (6-12) 6 and under (free).8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. (843)571-1266.
    

    

HISTORIC FORTS
     •  MOULTRIE: Col. William Moultrie repelled attack by British fleet on June 28, 1776, at Fort Moultrie. Interior restored to reflect history of American coastal defense. 1214 Middle St., Sullivan's Island. Adults 16-61, $2; All others, $1. Maximum per family, $5. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. (843)883-3123.
     •  SUMTER: Fort Sumter National Monument. Fort on man-made island in Charleston Harbor target of bombing that began Civil War. See Fort Sumter Tours under BOAT TOURS for trip schedule. (843)883-3123.
     •  DORCHESTER: Fort Dorchester, off Dorchester Road, Summerville. Site of town settled in 1696 on Ashley River. Ruins of fort, old St. George's Church, plus cemetery. (843)873-1740. Free. Thursdays-Mondays 9-6 p.m.
    

PARKS/OUTDOORS
     •  ANGEL OAK: Angel Oak Park on John's Island, off Bohicket Road just past intersection with Maybank Highway. Park features the magnificent Angel Oak, believed to be more than 1,400 years old. Picnic tables, restrooms, gift shop. Park open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free admission. (843)559-3496.
     •  BRITTLEBANK: Brittlebank Park, 10-acre park on Ashley River off Lockwood Boulevard. Boat docking, fishing pier with canopy, picnic tables, handicapped parking. No restrooms.
     •  CHARLES TOWNE LANDING: Charles Towne Landing State Park, site of first settlement of Charleston in 1670. Features 80 acres of gardens, freshwater lagoons, live oaks, copy of 17th-century vessel the Adventure, settler's life area, picnic areas, animal forest and more. Tram tours, bike rentals. Hwy. 171, west of Ashley River. $5 (adults), $2.50 (ages 6-14 and non-S.C. seniors); free for ages 5 and under and S.C. residents 65 and over. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through May. June-August hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (843)852-4200.
     •  FOLLY BEACH: Folly Beach County Park, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Lifeguards on duty. Snack bar. 600-foot stretch of beach. $4 per car (up to 8 people,) $8 per RV. (843)588-2426.
     •  JAMES ISLAND: James Island County Park has picnic areas, nature and walking trails, pedal boat, canoe, keowee, hydro-bikes and bike rentals, fishing docks, RV campground and cottages. Splash Zone water playground open Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Labor Day. It features 500-foot Lazy River and 164-foot Action River plus tube slides, two pools with spray geysers, shade structures and interactive play structures. Admission $6.95 (Charleston County residents) or $8.95; three books of Greenbax stamps (for county residents) or four books (nonresidents) also accepted. $3.50 for ages 62 and up and $5.95. (Some activities restricted to children under 42 inches tall) Park is 871 Riverland Drive, off Maybank Highway. $1 per person gate admission. Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily May-August; otherwise 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (843)795-7275.
     •  PALMETTO ISLANDS: Palmetto Islands County Park offers picnic areas, nature and walking trails, pedal boats, observation tower, play gym, bike rentals, fishing docks. Off Hwy. 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Park admission $1 per person; under 3 get in free. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May-August. Splash Island water playground open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission for Charleston County residents is $4.55 or two books of Greenbax stamps. For others, it's $5.55 or three books of Greenbax. Senior admission $2.25. Groups of 15 or more, $3.95 per person. Some activities restricted to children under 42 inches tall. $3.95. (843)884-0832.
     •  OLD SANTEE: Old Santee Canal State Park, U.S. Hwy. 52, Moncks Corner. 250 acres of walking trails and boardwalks, swamp life. Stony Landing House, interpretive center and two films on history of the canal. Also canoe rentals, free guided tours, picnic areas. $3 per car, $15 per bus. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday. (843)899-5200.
     •  WATERFRONT: Waterfront Park, situated on 1,280 feet of waterfront property along Concord Street, Charleston. Grassy green, pier, benches, swings, picnic tables. Open 6 a.m.-midnight daily. Free.
     •  BEACHWALKER: Beachwalker Park, an ocean beach park on Kiawah Island. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through August. Lifeguards, snack bar and beach rentals weekends through May, daily June-Labor Day. (843)768-2395.
     •  FRANCIS BEIDLER FOREST: Audubon Society's Francis Beidler Forest in Dorchester County has 1-1/2-mile boardwalk through Four Holes Swamp, the world's largest virgin bald cypress-tupelo gum swamp forest. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday year-round . $4.50 or $2 (ages 6-18); under 6 get in free. Take Exit 187 off I-26; follow signs. (843)462-2150.
     •  FRANCIS MARION FOREST: Francis Marion National Forest, a 250,000-acre forest with fishing, picnicking, camping plus hiking and horse trails. Named for Revolutionary War hero nicknamed "The Swamp Fox," whose men staged guerrilla raids on the British from areas such as this forest. Accessible off U.S. Hwy. 52 North or S.C. Hwy. 41 in Berkeley County. (843)336-3248.
     •  HAMPTON PLANTATION STATE PARK: A historic state park that interprets a significant Lowcountry rice plantation of the 18th century. THe main house is a renowned example of early Georgian architecture and is available for guided tours everyday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with guided grounds tours on Mondays at 10 a.m. The park is 15 miles southwest of Georgetown off U.S. 17.
    

    

MUSEUMS
     •  AMERICAN MILITARY: American Military Museum, 44 John St., has uniforms, artifacts from war in Vietnam, Korea, both World Wars, Spanish-American War, Indian wars, Civil War. $5 (adults,) $1 (12 and younger) and free for military in uniform. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday. (843)723-9620.
     •  AVERY CENTER: Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture, 125 Bull St. Restored facility at former Avery School built in 1865, part of College of Charleston. Center documents, preserves, makes public the historical and cultural heritage of Lowcountry African-Americans. Open to public noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday or mornings by appointment. Free admission. (843)727-2009.
     •  BERKELEY MUSEUM: The Berkeley Museum, 950 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner (adjacent to Old Santee Canal State Park), has exhibits interpreting more than 12,000 years of Berkeley County and Lowcountry history. View prehistoric artifacts, Gen. Francis Marion's vest. Learn about antebellum life, early industries. Living history workshops, special events throughout year. Museum, gift shop open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission $2. Children under 12 get in free. $3 parking fee. (843)899-5101
     •  BEST FRIEND: Charleston Train Museum, on Ann Street near the Visitor Center, has full-scale copy of 1830's steam engine The Best Friend Of Charleston, the first regularly scheduled passenger train in nation. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Free. (843)973-7269.
     •  CHARLESTON MUSEUM: America's first museum showcases a variety of cultural and natural history artifacts that tell the story of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Visitors of all ages will be transported back through time, viewing artifacts from ancient fossils and an enormous whale skeleton to elegant costumes and Charleston silver. Pages of History: The Post and Courier's First 200 Years on exhibition through May 5, 2003. Don't miss the Heyward-Washington House (c.1772), "Charleston's Revolutionary War House" and the Joseph Manigault House (c. 1803), "Charleston's Huguenot House." Museum admission is $9/adults, $4 children (4-12), 3 and under free. www.charlestonmuseum.org (843) 722-2996.
     •  GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART: Gibbes Museum Of Art, 135 Meeting St., has collection of American art, including views of Charleston, portraits of notable South Carolinians, paintings, prints, drawings from 18th century to present. $5 (general), $4 (seniors/military/students), $3 (ages 6-18); ages five and under get in free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday. (843)722-2706.
     •  CITADEL: Citadel Museum, 171 Moultrie St., features history of The Military College of South Carolina from founding in 1842 to present. Open 2-5 p.m. Sunday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Located in first building on right inside campus gates. (843)953-6846.
     •  EDISTO: Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society Museum, Hwy. 174, Edisto Island. History of island to 1920 including Indian, Colonial and Confederate eras. Also, natural history with native fossils, shells, fauna. Local artists exhibits change monthly. Open 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. $2 (adults) and free for children 9 and younger.(843)869-1954. E-mail EIHPS@worldnet.att.net for more info.
     •  KARPELES MANUSCRIPT MUSEUM: Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 68 Spring St. (former St. James United Methodist Church). Historical manuscripts, including Egyptian Book of the Dead, letter urging defense of Charleston. 10:15-4:45 Monday-Saturday. Free admission. (843)853-4651.
     •  MUSEUM ON COMMON: Museum on the Common, 217 Lucas Street, Mount Pleasant. Multi-sensory exhibits including Hurricane Hugo Revisited. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Free. (843)849-9000.
     •  PATRIOT'S POINT: Patriot's Point, a naval and maritime museum in Mount Pleasant. Home to World War II aircraft carrier Yorktown and other ships. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets before 6 p.m. $13 (adults), $6 (under 12); under 6 get in free. $1 discount for seniors and military (843)884-2727. Also includes Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, honoring recipients from 1861 to present. Displays of medals, artifacts, information on recipients. www.patriotspoint.org
     •  DORCHESTER: Summerville/Dorchester Museum, 100 East Doty St., Summerville. Features "Window to the Past" shown by appointment or during museum hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 2-5 p.m. Saturday. Senior citizens get free refreshments 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays. (843)875-9666.
    

HISTORIC BUILDINGS
     •  AIKEN-RHETT HOUSE: The Aiken-Rhett House, 48 Elizabeth Street. Built by merchant John Robinson in 1818 and greatly expanded and redecorated by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830's and 1850's, the property has survived virtually unaltered since 1858. The original outbuildings including kitchens, slave quarters, stables, privies and cattle sheds offer a glimpse of life in the 19th Century unavailable anywhere else in Charleston. Audio Tour. Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon - Saturday. Sunday 2-5 p.m. $7 per person or $12 for a combination ticket to the Nathaniel Russell House. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (843)723-1159.
     •  THOMAS ELFE HOUSE: The Thomas Elfe House, 54 Queen Street. Built in 1760 in the old part of the city. A rare surviving example of a pre-revolutionary period house including finely paneled rooms with period furnishings and a historic kitchen. Tours Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon, some afternoons and weekends. $4. (843)722-9161.
     •  EDMONDSTON-ALSTON: Edmondston-Alston House, 21 East Battery. Completed in 1825, house contains documents, portraits, engravings, furnishings and extensive library. Tours 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1:30-4:30 Sunday, Monday. $10. (843) 722-7171.
     •  HEYWARD-WASHINGTON: Heyward-Washington House, 87 Church St., open for public tours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Built in 1772, it is only 18th-century house open in city with original kitchen buildings, carriage house, courtyard. Formal garden planted with flowers in keeping with the house's period. House admission $8, $14/two site ticket, $18/3 site ticket. Tickets available at houses or The Charleston Museum at 360 Meeting St., (843) 722-2996. www.charlestonmuseum.org
     •  JOSEPH MANIGAULT: Joseph Manigault House, 350 Meeting St., open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. House, c. 1803, is example of Adam style of architecture. House admission $8, $14/two site ticket, $18/3 site ticket. Tickets available at houses or The Charleston Museum at 360 Meeting St., (843)-722-2996 www.charlestonmuseum.org
     •  CALHOUN MANSION: Calhoun Mansion, 16 Meeting St., open for 45-minute guided tours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Victorian mansion, built 1870-1876, was home of Civil War blockade runner George Walton Williams. $10. (843)722-8205.
     •  NATHANIEL RUSSELL HOUSE: Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting St. Fine example of Adam architecture completed shortly before 1809. Contains notable flying staircase, period furniture. Tours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 2- 5 p.m. Sunday. $7. For $12, public can also tour Aiken-Rhett House. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (843)724-8481.
     •  OLD EXCHANGE: Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon, 122 East Bay St., open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Guided and Self-guided tours of city's original customs house, built 1767-71. Dungeon was used to confine prisoners during Revolutionary War. $6 (general) or $3.50 (ages 7-12); ages 6 and under get in free. (843)727-2165.
     •  POWDER MAGAZINE: The Old Powder Magazine, 79 Cumberland Street. Built circa 1712, it's the only public building remaining in the Carolinas from the period of the Lords Proprietors, that group of English nobleman who originally owned and ruled the joint province of Carolina. Interpretation focuses on early Charleston as a walled city and an urban center and its inhabitants. Open March 15- October 31. Mon - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 2- 5 p.m. FREE Admission. (843) 805-6730.
    

CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES
     •  CIRCULAR CONGREGATIONAL: Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Organized 1681. Formerly The Independent Church of Charles Towne. Open when tour guides available. (843)577-6400
     •  CONGREGATION BETH ELOHIM: Congregation Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St. Second oldest synagogue in country, oldest in continuous use, oldest surviving Reform synagogue in the world, a national historical landmark of the U.S.. Birthplace of American Reform Judaism in 1824. Open for tours 10 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. (843)723-1090.
     •  EMANUEL AME: Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 110 Calhoun St. Established 1818. Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. daily. (843)722-2561.
     •  FIRST BAPTIST: First Baptist Church, 48 Meeting St. Oldest Baptist church in South. Founded 1682. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Friday. (843)722-3896.
     •  HUGUENOT: French Protestant (Huguenot) Church, 136 Church St. Built 1844-45. Free guided tours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. March-June 15; June 15-Oct. 1, open Sun only 10:30 a.m.-noon; Oct. 1-Thanksgiving is same as March-June 15. (843)722-4385.
     •  OLD ST. ANDREWS: Old St. Andrews (Episcopal) Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road. Oldest surviving church in Carolinas, built 1706. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. (843)766-1541.
     •  ST. JOHN'S: St. John's Lutheran Church, Clifford and Archdale streets. Mother church of Lutherans in S.C. Built 1817. 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. weekdays. (843)723-2426.
     •  ST. MARY'S: St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 89 Hasell St. Oldest Roman Catholic Church in state. Mother church of dioceses in Georgia, the Carolinas. Built 1839. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday. (843)722-7696.
     •  ST. MATTHEW'S: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 405 King St. Second Lutheran congregation organized in Charleston. Built 1872. Stained glass windows tell biblical stories. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. (843)723-1611.
     •  ST. MICHAEL'S: St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Meeting and Broad streets. Completed 1761. Oldest church edifice in Charleston. George Washington worshiped there in 1791. 200-year-old bells. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. (843)723-0603.
     •  ST. PHILIP'S: St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 142 Church St. Established 1680. Current church rebuilt 1835-1838. Bells converted into cannon during Civil War. 10 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. (843)722-7734.
     •  UNITARIAN: Unitarian Church, 8 Archdale St. Built 1772-1787. Unusual fan tracery ceiling. By appointment. (843)723-4617.
     •  ST. JOHANNES LUTHERAN: Anson at Hasell St. Built in 1841, this church is known for its simplistic beauty and stained glass. It's been called an architectural gem in the heart of Ansonborough. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (843)722-8906.