Charleston SC
Places to Visit
We are very excited to be hosting the 35th Annual South Carolina State University Foundation Gala and Tribute in Charleston, South Carolina this year!
Your time in Charleston is more than a visit—it’s an experience. From rich history and vibrant culture to unforgettable food and meaningful fellowship, we invite you to explore the city and support the local businesses featured below as you enjoy all that Charleston has to offer.
International African American Museum
14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
While in Charleston, we invite you to visit the International African American Museum (IAAM)—one of the city’s most meaningful cultural destinations.
Located on the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, where nearly half of all enslaved Africans entered North America, the museum offers a powerful, immersive experience honoring African American history, resilience, and contributions across generations. Thoughtfully curated exhibits, interactive storytelling, and stunning harbor views make IAAM a must-visit during your stay in the Holy City.
Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, a visit to the International African American Museum is a profound way to enrich your Charleston experience.
Frankly Charleston
https://www.franklycharleston.com/
Franklin Williams was a man fed up with the white-washed, picture-perfect, scripted retelling of a history he knew left out the most important part; The Africans enslaved who built it.
Franklin Williams has been in the tourism industry since 2001, and since starting Frankly Charleston in 2015, he has been committed to learning as much about city slave life in Colonial Charleston as he can. Picking out discrepancies from truth, and only delivering pure fact to his guest. He may tell you a joke, but he’ll never tell you a lie!
Frankly Charleston has been featured in Condé Nast, Forbes, Fodors Travel, The Miami Herald, and is a local media darling (naturally!)
This mid-afternoon tour features our unique “Ride-Walk” experience. Where our guests travel through, and lean about “The Other Charleston”, both through our Frankly Charleston Van, and stretching their legs at Historic landmarks, immersing themselves, in Charleston’s Colonial Black History.
Gullah & Grooves
4950 Centre Point, Ste 206, North Charleston, SC 29418
https://www.gullahandgrooves.com
Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, Gullah & Grooves restaurant fuses rich Gullah culinary traditions with a modern Southern twist—offering an unforgettable dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated by rhythm.
From savory seafood Gullah rice and slow-cooked oxtails to freshly baked cornbread and okra soup, each dish is a soulful tribute to Gullah flavors passed down through generations. The ambiance pulses with energy—live jazz, R&B, and curated grooves set the tone, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.
Whether you come for the cuisine, the cocktails, or the culture, Gullah & Grooves is where history, hospitality, and harmony meet. Come hungry. Leave uplifted.
Luxe Cigar Lounge
5101 Ashley Phosphate Rd, STE 125 , North Charleston SC 29418
https://luxecigarlounge.com/home/
Luxe Cigar Lounge is a premier luxury cigar and private social lounge located in North Charleston, at 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road. Luxe Cigar Lounge is the Lowcountry’s destination for premium cigars, fine spirits, and elevated social experiences. Blending refined sophistication with Southern hospitality, Luxe offers a curated environment where cigar aficionados and lifestyle connoisseurs connect, relax, and celebrate in style. Luxe operates as a membership-based lounge and provides a $10-Day Access Pass to non-member guests visiting from out of town, granting temporary access to the private venue and amenities without requiring full membership. This option supports flexibility for visiting professionals and guests while maintaining the integrity of the private lounge model.
Ma Daisy’s Porch
1255 May River Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910
https://www.madaisysporch.com/
At Ma Daisy’s Porch, every visit is a journey through culture, flavor, and tradition. Through thoughtfully curated cuisine, rich global flavors, historical storytelling, and immersive entertainment, we celebrate the richness of Gullah heritage. Our atmosphere brings people together in a vibrant space where cultures blend, stories are shared, and every gathering becomes an unforgettable experience
Although it’s a bit of a drive from Charleston, visitors have said that it’s definitely worth it!
Estelle Colored Glass
236 King St. Charleston, SC
https://estellecoloredglass.com/
Estelle Colored Glass was created to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments—those gathered around the table with the people you love. Inspired by the founder, Stephanie Summerson Hall’s grandmother, Estelle, and her tradition of hosting beautiful, joy-filled dinners, the brand blends timeless elegance with vibrant, modern color. Each piece is designed to elevate everyday entertaining into something truly special.
Visit the Estelle Colored Glass display and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on their stunning collection of heirloom-quality glassware.
Laura Vivian Leather
ONLINE SHOP
https://www.lvivianleather.com/
Small-batch artisan curating handcrafted leather & textile goods in limited quantities.
Code valid on select products. Ends 12/31/2026.
SCSU ALUMNI 26 10% off select products code.
Any terms or restrictions-
- For Online Store
- 10% off 4 products
- Applies to one-time purchases
- No minimum purchase requirement
- One use per customer
- Can’t combine with other discounts
- Active from today until Dec 31
Da Brown Bag
1709 Remount Road, North Charleston
Da Brown Bag ABC Store is a neighborhood-driven liquor store, owned by SCSU Alumnus, Solomon Rivers, that features a large inventory and wide variety of liquor, wine and elevated spirits.
Black Food Truck Festival
https://www.blackfoodtruckfestival.com/
The Black Food Truck Festival honors these cultural ties with a line-up of over 40 food trucks, serving an array of cuisines from Black American soul food to West African dishes. This family-friendly event welcomes all to join our celebration of Black culture.