Charleston & The Hammock Coast: Southern Soul, Coastal Beauty and Cultural Legacy

This destination is rich in heritage, hands-on experiences and coastal charm.

Denella Ri'chard Published August 01, 2025

Charleston, South Carolina

Step Into Living History

Charleston, South Carolina, doesn’t just nod to the past — it immerses travelers in it. Here, history lingers in the salty air, dances along cobblestone streets and echoes from church steeples across the Low Country skyline.

But beneath the postcard-perfect charm lies a layered cultural narrative. For clients who value depth, authenticity and storytelling, Charleston and the Hammock Coast offer an unforgettable journey where every tradition carries the weight of centuries.

Every street corner holds a story, and every tradition carries the weight of centuries.

A Taste of the Low Country

Charleston’s culinary scene is rooted in its land and people. The flavors of the Low Country — a region shaped by marshes, waterways and Gullah Geechee heritage — shine at restaurants like 82 Queen, where dishes such as Charleston Red Rice offer a bold, flavorful window into African culinary traditions that continue to define the region.

Landmarks of Legacy

At Waterfront Park, travelers relax beneath moss-draped oaks beside the iconic Pineapple Fountain, a symbol of Charleston’s legendary hospitality. Just a short stroll away, The Battery reveals antebellum mansions and cannons overlooking Charleston Harbor — a place as beautiful as it is historically complex.

Nearly 40% of enslaved Africans entered the U.S. through Charleston’s port — an emotional truth that shapes the city’s identity.

The Heartbeat of African American Heritage

Charleston’s soul is inseparable from its African American legacy. At the Charleston City Market, Gullah artisans craft intricate sweetgrass baskets, preserving techniques passed down for centuries. Nearby, Palmetto rose tours offer enriching insight into this enduring culture.

A short walk leads to the Old Slave Mart Museum, a sobering yet essential space where the past is honored and remembered. For a broader narrative, the newly opened International African American Museum (IAAM) dives deeper into the African diaspora’s powerful stories — featuring voices like David Drake, the enslaved potter who inscribed poetry into his work in defiance of slavery’s restrictions.

Hands-On Coastal Adventures

The Low Country offers more than reflection — it invites participation. Recommend Casual Crabbing with Tia for clients seeking a fun, safe and immersive experience. From casting nets to setting traps, this family-friendly outing connects visitors with the rhythms of coastal life.

Stay Creekside

For comfort and convenience, Shem Creek Inn offers boutique waterfront accommodations with easy access to local restaurants, paddleboarding, kayaking and some of the freshest seafood in Charleston.

Shem Creek is where Low Country relaxation meets waterway adventure.

The Hammock Coast: A Tranquil Retreat

Nature, Golf & Gardens

Just a short drive south, the Hammock Coast delivers a slower pace and lush surroundings. Golfers will love the scenic Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, while art and nature lovers can explore the expansive Brookgreen Gardens, home to native wildlife and captivating sculpture.

Celebrate Gullah Culture

At the Gullah Museum of Georgetown, clients can engage with stories, language and artifacts passed down through generations. For a flavorful finish, recommend Frank’s Restaurant and Bar, where Chef Charif Arabe plates up heritage-infused dishes that bring the Low Country’s flavors to life.

Why Recommend This Destination?

Charleston and the Hammock Coast go far beyond scenic getaways. They invite your clients into living stories — woven with cultural richness, spiritual legacy and unforgettable beauty. For travelers seeking connection and authenticity, this region delivers an experience that’s as enriching as it is relaxing.

Charleston and the Hammock Coast are not just destinations; they’re revelations.

Why It Works for Your Clients

Charleston and the Hammock Coast cater to multiple client types:

Cultural travelers seeking historical context and heritage-rich experiences
Families and multigenerational groups interested in engaging, hands-on learning
Foodies and culinary travelers who crave authentic, story-driven cuisine
Couples and small groups looking for a blend of romance, adventure and reflection
Luxury, boutique and eco-conscious travelers who value authenticity over crowds

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About the Author

Denella is the host and executive producer of the award-winning, nationally syndicated (ABC, CBS, NBC, CW) and globally streaming television show, “Traveling With Denella Ri’chard”, which won two, 2023 Silver Telly Awards for “best cultural and diversity television series” and two Magellan GOLD Awards (2023), one for her partnership with Disney Cruise Line. Denella was recognized by International Hospitality Institute and Global Hospitality Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in USA Hospitality and Travel for 2023.

With her unique blend of Southern charm, humor and hospitality, Denella Ri’chard is a world traveler, TV personality, travel industry executive, travel lifestyle influencer, and entrepreneur. Her uncanny ability to connect with people at all levels inspires them to experience the beauty and abundant culture that travel offers. Yet beneath her powerful influence, she is both authentic and accessible. Her ability to engage her audience in life-changing experiences allows them to walk in the footprints of her journeys.

Denella is a sought after travel expert and thought leader, often speaking at conferences on the future of travel, women in travel, and diversity in travel. She previously held leadership positions with publicly traded multi-billion dollar travel companies: Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation & Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.