I had a lovely time exploring Charleston on this informative walking tour. The city is gorgeous. Mr. Dew is friendly, courteous, and passionate about the city and the South. He knows dates, names, battles, architecture, flora, fauna, and lots of interesting historical tidbits. Mr. Dew is a passionate storyteller with strong opinions and a colorful delivery. At times, the narrative leaned a bit selective -- slavery was mentioned, somewhat breezily, and 'antifa' somehow made a cameo. If you're looking for an entertaining tour with a strong local flavor and a guide dedicated to sharing the version of Charleston he loves most, you'll enjoy this walk. read more

Been on two other great tours the past few years on visits and this tour was by far my favorite!

Wonderful tour. Tommy was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Amazing access to areas where I don't think others would be able to go. read more

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We were in Charleston with friends and staying in the historic district. Our hotel recommended this walking tour and it did not disappoint! Tommy offers and extremely knowledgeable, interesting, and fun walking tour of the historic area of Charleston. read more

Recently, while in Charleston, my and I took Tommy's tour. So glad we did, very informative. He brings Charleston's history to life. Would highly recommend Tommy Dew's Walking Tour. read more

Remarkable Tour - like taking a stroll with your own private History Professor - easily the Highlight of our stay in this charming city - Malcolm read more

Tommy Dew delivers a power packed tour you won't want to miss. I've recommended every friend who visits Charleston to begin their visit by seeing him! read more

Amazing tour! Tommy knows his history! With a romantic passion Tommy brings to life the city secrets. Not regurgitating phony history, but the real hidden authentic history of Charleston. Not to be missed!! You will wish the tour lasted longer but you will leave with a deeper understanding of Charleston and the South. read more

We just took Tommy's walking tour and we're blown away by how much history we didn't know. My husband went to C of C so he thought he had a good knowledge but man was he wrong! Tommy had unique trivia and excellent knowledge about the founding of Charleston. He was so so entertaining. Would take his tour again and again!! read more

My wife and I really enjoyed the walking tour with Tommy today. Tommy not only shared historical facts and pointed out landmarks, he also shared his insights into the stories. Tommy helped further this old US History teachers understanding of the founding and settling of Charleston, it rise as a financial power, the Civil War period, and the aftermath of war. Tommy was able to explain the political, economic, religious, and social forces that made Charleston what is was, and how that legacy impacted American history for generations. Tommy did not sugarcoat or gloss over any of the history or personalities that shaped Charleston; there is no political correct BS on this tour! If you ask Tommy the right questions, you might get his to tell a few humorous inside stories. I highly recommend this tour to any and all!! read more

Tommy was awesome! A wealth of Charleston knowledge from 40+ years of living in Charleston. The tour covers a little over a mile of walking but he fills it with thoughtful stories and had answers to all of the groups questions. We would highly recommend. read more

My husband and I have been on multiple Tommy Dew Walking Tours. We were first recommended his tour on our honeymoon in 2009, and rediscovered him on an anniversary visit in 2020. We have been back to Charleston twice since then, and Tommy's tour is the ONLY "Must Dew" we have on our list. He is insightful and humorous, and his ability to tailor each tour for his individual audience is unparalleled. Not to mention that his passion for history is contagious! I highly recommended TDWT to anyone who wants a taste of Charleston, and to learn why this fair city is the most beautiful in America. read more

There were some new and interesting facts learned on the tour. However when you refer to the civil war as secession and do not mention the word slavery, it comes across as a rewriting of history. Tommy talked about the presidents that we elected that did not receive the majority of the popular vote and did not mention Trump. I guess that was an alternate fact. read more

My wife and I have taken over eight walking tours with Tommy, and learn something new each tour. Every time we have an out of town guest or family member that comes to Charleston we always book a tour with Tommy. He is THE BEST guide in the city of Charleston. He presents a deep history of Charleston in a fun and comprehensive manner, and brings in how the history relates to today's Charleston. He is also very funny, and tells stories from his own personal experience of living and working in Charleston since the mid 1980's, a true delight. read more

interesting and a great way to ground us on our first day in charleston, but...if you're looking for a more textured perspective or a tour rooted in just the facts - you might want to look elsewhere. some of his personal takes on historic events, culture, and people were distracting and disappointing. read more

At the recommendation of some Arizona friends, we took Tommy Dew's walking tour of Charleston on Dec 30. This approximately 2 hour tour took us through a fascinating 3 centuries of Charleston history. Tommy himself is an engaging and compelling guide who deeply understands the history of this city and presents from a uniquely southern perspective. We are amateur historians ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed Tommy's well-informed narrative. Highly recommended. read more

Tommy Dew's Walking Tour - Tours Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Tommy's tour was a bizarre mile-long jaunt, fully loaded with the sort of awkward political commentary best reserved for the nutty uncle over Thanksgiving dinner. I have a degree in history and was eager to dive into the past of a historically significant colonial city. As an attorney, I also value fair and balanced narratives rooted in fact and relevance. Tommy's tour however managed to skirt every one of these essential ideals. Within the first few moments Tommy acknowledged his agenda to "rewrite the textbooks" on "the only war that mattered" (offensive to those of us with family members who have served). Tommy quickly set a course of providing an alternative narrative to the Civil War from a southern perspective with little regard for the complexities that defined the conflict. "Did you know the emancipation proclamation didn't even abolish slavery in the north?!" Yes Tommy, because by 1804 all northern states had already abolished slavery. This curious jab at one of the most celebrated political achievements for the advancement of humanity was only the beginning. Soon the tour devolved into an off-handed harangue accusing everyone in the media of being a socialist - painting in the same sort of broad strokes that fueled the cultural divisiveness leading to 1861. Tommy's greatest misstep however was his painful omission of any significant reference to slavery. Failing to address slavery during a history tour of the city where 40% of all american slaves first landed (providing the entire economic and cultural foundation of that city) is at best, grounds for a partial-refund, and at worst, suspiciously heinous. Unfortunately, Tommy's whimsical remembrance of the 30 confederates from his congregation who died defending slavery was muted by the glaring exclusion of the story of the multitudes who began their decent into unimaginable horror only blocks from the very building in which we stood. There's a century of scholarly work and research dedicated to viewing the civil war from the southern point of view and understanding the complex reasons behind cession. Tommy's tour seems to undo all of it in just two hours. read more

My wife and I made a reservation for the walking tour and were told that it goes rain or shine. It drizzled a little but we were the only couple signed up and Tommey canceled the tour on us. Very disappointing. read more

One of the best walking tours that I have ever been on. Tommy has lived in the area for almost 40 years. He is very well versed in the history of the city and can talk about just about anything. He also puts the history in perspective in a way that a non native can understand. He framed the forces that brought about the plantation system. He explained the divergent evolution of the economies of the north and south and the asymmetric population growth that led to the south being marginalized and pushed to secede. I was blown away at how he synthesized these ideas and gave the group insight into what it was like to be buffeted around by these forces. He was also able to discuss other aspects of history and technology. Finally, Tommy is a charming man. I told my wife (to her dismay) that if I'm ever back in Charleston, I would be happy buying him a drink and listening more. We took two other tours during our stay and Tommy was in a class of his own. Not to be missed! read more

Tommy does a great job. He really gets down to the real history behind the founding and preservation of Charleston. The 2 hour tour went by fast and we learned a lot. We ran into some people at the bar from Texas now living in the City and they said, "you've got tor do a tour with Tommy Dew". We agree. read more

I just took this tour this afternoon at 2 o'clock. We were a group of perhaps 15 people and he was just terrific. His passion for this place and the detail of his store of historical knowledge is truly impressive. I especially appreciated his telling of Civil War history. It included economics, sociology, national politics and a world view that was something I had not Heard before. His responses to my many questions were always more interesting than I expected. He's an authentic southern gentleman with a strong foundation in history & great communication skills. I took a carriage tour later and the young man giving us his historical narration was not even close to Tommy's grasp of history. Don't even think about it. Book her tour with this gentleman and you will certainly be satisfied. read more

Tommy Dew's Walking Tour - Tommy talking about more of the fascinating and detailed history of this beautiful often mistreated place. - Tours Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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He did a great job and really helped us understand the southern perspective. So much good information read more

Tommy Dew's Walking Tour - Tours Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Great local perspective and commentary, not just the relaying of facts (though Tommy does a great job of that, too). Tommy imparts facts and perspective you will not likely find elsewhere. I wish the tour was literally twice as long. Thank you, Tommy! read more

My family thoroughly enjoyed Tommy's walking tour of Charleston. We learned so much about southern culture, the history of Charleston, the not so known facts surrounding slavery, and so much more! Tommy is a wealth if information. read more

In April of 2016 we visited Charleston for the first time & being curious people we knew we wanted to take a tour of some sort. Family friends who live in Charleston, insisted we seek out a Tommy Dew Walking Tour. Tommy's knowledge of Charleston was beyond impressive & the tour exceeded our expectations. He is a wealth of information of all things Charleston, originally from Virginia (I believe), but his heart & soul are firmly rooted here. In the two hours we spent walking throughout the city, we learned much more than I recall from my AP American History class oh so long ago. Mr Dew gives you an interesting perspective on the Civil War, the stance of the South & a myriad of factoids about charming Charleston. Truly, one of the more interesting tours I've taken & one not to miss if you are visiting. We attended this tour as tourists, moved to Charleston 8 months later, and took the tour again when guests visited. We covered the same walk as the previous year's tour but Tommy is so personable & well spoken, that he kept the delivery fresh & interesting. His script isn't memorized and while the skeleton of the tour might be fixed, what he decides to flesh out changes daily. Neither he or the material get stale. Next time we have family in town, we will probably go on this tour again & learn some old & new things about this lovely city. read more

Tommy is a phenomenon: engaging, smart, and funny. My wife and I took his tour on our 25th wedding anniversary holiday---and he emphatically told our group that the civil war was all about state's rights(!)---and the confederate flag is simply a historical symbolic representation of Southern heritage. Tommy says that slavery had nothing to do w/the civil war. Tommy is terrific but his understanding of American "history" is misguided and is wrong. read more

Outstanding tour. Perhaps our favorite of anywhere that we have visited. He has a tremendous fund of knowledge of the history of the region, and did a masterful job of navigating the awkward and uncomfortable history of slavery, as well as the multiple other political and socioeconomic factors leading up to the civil war. The true story is always more complicated, and he took us through it all. His tour should be the first stop for anyone visiting the area for the first time, or for anyone trying to reconcile the complex history of Charleston. We'll be seeing him again next time, as I'm certain every day is different, based on where the participants take the conversation. read more

Great historical tour provided by a charming host. I did start to feel a bit like he might lament the loss of the southern way of life. Still, this guy knew his stuff! We learned a lot and covered some ground. read more

Great way to get familiar with the city. Tommy was nice, accommodating and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Tommy's breadth and depth of knowledge of the history of Charleston is both amazing and impressive! You'll learn about everything form the geology to the histories, religions, politics, architecture and more. You'll learn more than you'd imagine you would. read more

One of the best tours ever - truly outstanding! Tommy is knowledgeable and entertaining. So much history in two hours that it was truly memorable. He shares much backstory information about cause and effects and events of the civil war and the history of Charleston and the US, particularly 19th century. This is a do not miss tour if you visit Charleston and have any historical curiosity. read more

Our school, Charleston Day School, took the faculty on a walking tour. What a wonderful way for us to learn more about our city to share with our students. Due to the fact that we are a downtown school and use "Charleston as our classroom," this will enhance the many programs we have in our curriculum. Tommy and his team were very knowledgeable and extremely personable. Their love for their city shines in how humorous, intriguing and insightful the tour was. I could spend a week with them and learn something new every time. Our faculty will now be able to incorporate more of Charleston into our everyday lessons. I enjoyed every bit of the guided tour of the city I live in and love! read more

We did the 830 AM tour on a Saturday morning, and we had a great time. Since it was in July, I wanted to take my family as early as possible to beat the heat, and also hoped it wouldn't rain. It was a great time to take the tour, and he is a fabulous guide. He has lived in the area for many years, and as a very experienced and intelligent guide, he gives a great perspective. It started near the main market, and ended near what used to be called Oyster Point. Along the way, he made the history of the city visible in my mind with his vivid descriptions and colorful illustrations. Having studied the history of the area, he made excellent points about what lead up to the various critical moments in history from the perspective of those who made and influenced the decisions. I only wish I had made the tour on my first day. Also, I recommend using the tour as a starting point for a walk through the very historic town - he really gives a great outline and you could spend days with all the little museums along the way. read more

The tour with Tommy was the non-food related highlight of our trip. Tommy knows his Charleston history and provides good perspective. You won't regret booking this approximately 1.5-2 hour tour. read more

Tommy Dew's walking tour is a must "dew" when visiting Charleston. His knowledge of Charleston's history is vast and incredibly informative. My husband and I were visiting from the West coast and although we were History majors, Tommy's informative southern perspective to the American Revolution and Civil War was an eye opener; in a good way. I told him he absolutely should be a college professor. Take the tour......what a bargain compared to a semester of college! read more

One of the most interesting and satisfying walking tours I've ever been a part of. Tommy Dew helped me see Charleston through the lens of its illustrious and controversial history. After the tour, I truly felt that I was visiting one of the greatest (and underrated) American cities; a living museum with a vibrancy that continues today. read more

Tommy Dew for a walking tour of historic Charleston that was a delight despite overcast skies. His charming and informative stories and southern history tales brought 1700-1800's Charleston alive. He covered key highlights and connected with the small group of clients on tour. Given we are from Chicago area he nick named us his friends from the Land of Lincoln, although he informed us Lincoln as president was not liked in the south and worked to move us the appreciate the confederates. Highly recommended for a walking tour, it lasted about 2+ hrs. read more

Tommy's tour was the highlight of our Charleston trip. His perspective really gave you a true sense of the history of Charleston not only from the southern perspective but in context of what was going on in the rest of the country and the factors that affected the South. He could handle any question & can adapt his tour to what your group was interested in. read more

Tom Dew provides the most informative tour around. If you want to know about Charleston and how it ties into the war, how and why Charleston has evolved into the city it is, then this is the tour for you. This tour is at a leisurely pace and he takes time to answer all of the questions. This should be a "must take" tour for everyone. read more

My wife and I took Tommy's tour on the recommendation of the concierge at the Vendue and he did not disappoint. As a history major in college and attorney I found Tommy to have a profound grasp of social, economic, and geographic foundations behind both Charleston and the south's development. Tommy provides many northerners with a very different perspective on southern history and society than most have probably been exposed to. The history books are written by the victors and the impact of the civil war on the southern economy and social fabric is a woven into the tour effectively by Tommy. As a northerner who is married to a southerner and live in the south I highly recommend Tommy Dew's tour to any visiting Charleston. read more