Free in Charleston – Yes, Free in Charleston – 11 Free Things to Do!!!

By Mark A. Leon

Strapped for cash but still want to explore some Charleston magic.  Sick of walking the streets aimlessly and want to find something new and unique.  Here are eleven ideas to help you schedule your time here in Charleston.

Enjoy.

Free Charleston Walking Tour – Tours By Foot – Tours by Foot offers daily free tours focused on Civil War, historic and architectural.  They are the only pure free walking tour in Charleston.  You have to book your tour online.

Free hush puppies from Hyman’s – Most days, on the corner of Market and Meeting, a friendly smile will offer free hush puppies from Hyman’s.  This is a meal in itself and worth a linger in that area.  Some days you may even catch a free music act.

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History – Open weekdays / weekends from 11 AM – 4 PM except for Wednesday.  Located on the College of Charleston campus, this free look at millions of years of history through archeological remains is a treat for children and adults and totally free.

City Gallery at Waterfront Park – This gallery located right on Waterfront Park in front of the Pinapple fountain is open Monday – Friday – 10 AM – 6 PM and Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM.  This is free and offers some amazing exhibits from local and national artists from all walks of life.

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art – Open Monday – Saturday – 11 AM – 4 PM.  Located on Calhoun Street on the College of Charleston campus, this art gallery offers a true unique art experience with exhibits ranging from students to professionals.  This is a free gallery for all.

College of Charleston Koi Pond – Come to this quiet pond and park on the College of Charleston campus.  Bring a lunch or snack and sit by the pond enjoying the turtles and koi fish.  Also, have a picnic or enjoy a refreshing drink under the warm Southern sky.

Karpeles Transcript Museum – Located on Spring Street.  This old Methodist Church is now home of some of the most rare documents in the world.  It is free, but only open Tuesday – Friday – 11 AM – 4 PM.

Citadel Student Parade – If you have not witnessed this amazing free 45 minute event, you have missed out on a true Charleston tradition.  During the school year on Friday’s only at 3:45 PM, students get in full uniform and do formations in the courtyard of the campus.  Make sure you check the schedule on this link.

Charleston Postal Museum – Right inside the historic post office on Broad Street, is a quaint little museum that dates back to the 1800’s.  For any history buff or postal fan, this is a must see.  Read through the guest book and see all the visitors from around the world.

The Best Friend of Charleston – If you love trains and love to learn more about how the locomotion train changed Charleston forever, come by and see the little train that could.  It is free and you will learn a great deal.  Right next to the Visitors Center.

Magnolia Cemetery – Just north of the peninsula is one of the most historic cemeteries in the South.  From Confederate soldiers to founding fathers, this cemetery is haunting and comforting at the same time.