No region in America offers such a tantalizing combination of authentic cultural experiences, history, relaxed cities, beautiful and remote beaches, verdant countryside, and award-winning cuisine as the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia. Centuries of American history, distinctively colorful architecture and intricate iron work on charming homes and grand estates, magnificently manicured gardens, and the divine dishes of one of the country's most exciting culinary scenes all make this a destination like no other.
The Lowcountry is a year-round destination with mild winters, and it's easy to enjoy the outdoors with so much to see and do out in wide open, gorgeous surroundings! Charleston is the most popular urban destination in this region and offers the widest variety of accommodations. The coastal properties here are captivating and sprawling; one is spread across grounds larger than the island of Manhattan!
There's a wealth of distinctive culture in this special region, including the customs and traditions of the Gullah, direct descendants of West African slaves who spoke their own Creole language which make them a unique subculture within the African diaspora. No visit would be complete without a Lowcountry Boil filled with fresh shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, red potatoes, and whatever else your chef adds to this hyper-local specialty (pictured above). CLICK HERE to learn some new Southern cooking skills!
Click below for two recent blogs about the American South to refresh your memory on all the incredible options for you through Nine Muses Travel, then dive in to learn more about the Lowcountry!
Why the Lowcountry?
Year-round subtropical climate
Lots of flight options
Outdoor adventures - beaches, sailing, fishing, golf, etc.
Cultural legacy: history, cuisine, architecture and Gullah culture
4 and 5 star accommodations including home and villa rentals
Charleston, South Carolina
You'll want to take an architectural tour in this charming, walkable city where you'll enter distinctive homes, admire the lovely forged ironwork, or visit private gardens with outdoor tea service. Savor a casual boil or the fine dining in the city's famous restaurant scene. I recommend staying at Belmond Charleston Place, The Dewberry Charleston, Wentworth Mansion or Zero George Street Hotel. They're each very different, and we'll find the best one for you.
Top Experiences
Charleston architecture tour
Civil War history boat tour with Fort Sumter
Tea and garden walking tour
Celebrity chef-led cooking class
Barrier Island cruise & beachside boil
Mansion & gardens tour
Historic Charleston carriage tour
Ghosts & graveyards night tour
Sunset harbor sails
Savannah, Georgia
After an easy, beautiful drive two hours south from Charleston, you'll check in at Perry Lane Hotel - the best hotel in Savannah. (En route, be sure to visit Beauford, SC!) Take an easy bike tour along the flat streets or join an architectural historian on a city tour that includes luscious gardens, fountains in charming squares, and more. Check out the very rich art scene with graduates of the preeminent Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), providing special access to meet working artists in their studios. This is a laid-back city you'll love.
Top Experiences
African American traditional cooking class & demo
Insider Savannah art walk with studio visits
Civil War themed walking tour
Bike tours
History & architecture tour
Barrier Islands & Bluffton, South Carolina
Stunning coastal resorts, mossy trees, relaxing landscapes, and abundant flora and fauna of the island, egg-laying sea turtles, bluffs and marshes combine to make this a magical must-see in your journey through the South, where you can learn about conservation with a local naturalist. The Barrier islands are very remote, so you can run free! And in Bluffton, carriage tours are touristic but still fun as you navigate small alleyways and enjoy the beautiful homes and sights. If you dare, take an evening tour of the abandoned city jail - a great idea for Halloween! Stay just 30 minutes from Savannah at Montage Palmetto Bluff or experience The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and their private homes and villas. On Hilton Head I recommend The Inn & Club at Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort, or stay near the Florida border at The Cloister at Sea Island. The hardest part is choosing among them!
Top Experiences
Golf lessons and tee times
Vintage luxury motorboat cruise
Wetlands biking with a naturalist guide
Bluffs and marshes eco-tour
Deep sea fishing
Sunset kayaking excursion
Sea turtle discovery adventure
Remote beach horseback ride
Suggested Itineraries:
Low Country for Families: Savannah, Montage Palmetto Bluff, Charleston
City & Sand Adventure for Foodies & Arts Lovers: Charleston, Kiawah Island, Savannah
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional tour operators who add value for all my clients.
Expert guides for private tours: specialists, historians, unique locals
Exclusive experiences
Comfortable, sanitized, and luxurious vehicles
Custom-designed routings
24/7 real-time support
Competitive rates at four and five star properties with strict health and safety protocols
Deep destination knowledge
Flexible and worry-free cancellation policies, including 100% refunds until shortly before travel
Contact Nine Muses Travel when you're ready to feel high on life in the Lowcountry and to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I creatively customize luxury travel highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
-Danielle Dybiec
President of Nine Muses Travel