Charleston Culinary Tours: A Culinary Journey from 2010 to Today

In 2010, the seeds of Charleston Culinary Tours were planted in the vibrant food scene of Charleston. As fate would have it, three individuals—Oscar Hines, Glenn Morehead, and a born-and-raised Charlestonian, with a passion for both the city and its gastronomic treasures—came together with an idea that would soon become a culinary adventure for locals and visitors alike.

At the time, I, Guilds Hollowell, was working as a Caddie master at the Kiawah Island Club. Oscar, hailing from West Virginia, and Glenn, a blossoming Tour Guide in Charleston, shared a vision to explore the burgeoning food culture of Charleston. With my deep roots in the area and connections through my professional music career, which spanned across the Southeast, I knew the chefs and restaurant owners intimately. The synergy was undeniable, and Charleston Culinary Tours was born on February 1, 2011.

Initially, our culinary escapades centered around the downtown French Quarter area, where the culinary renaissance was taking its first steps. The response was overwhelming, prompting us to expand our tours in 2012 to the Upper King area—an emerging food hub that quickly stole the spotlight from the Market Street area.

A unique initiative called “Taste the Market” brought together the vibrant food community once a month. The Palmetto Carriage’s parking lot transformed into a lively venue where restaurants collaborated to showcase their offerings. It wasn’t just about food; it was a celebration of the culinary arts, complete with live music—a testament to my dual passion for both food and music.

Navigating the unprecedented challenges posed by the infamous 2020 pandemic, Charleston Culinary Tours faced a formidable test that resulted in a forced shutdown. The closure of our doors, while a difficult decision, was a necessary step to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community and staff.

However, fueled by resilience and determination, we emerged from the temporary closure stronger than ever. After a three-month hiatus, we reopened our doors, ready to embrace the new normal and continue our culinary journey through the heart of Charleston. The experience of overcoming such adversity has only served to fortify our commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences.

Since reopening, Charleston Culinary Tours has not only weathered the storm but has been steadily growing. The unwavering support of our community, coupled with the passion of our team, has propelled us forward. Each step of the way, we have strived to adapt and evolve, ensuring that our tours remain a beacon of culinary excellence in Charleston.

As we reflect on this challenging period, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what we love – showcasing the diverse and delectable offerings of Charleston’s culinary landscape. The journey through the flavors of our city has not only resumed but flourished, and we are excited to share the culinary magic of Charleston with both seasoned patrons and newcomers alike.

In the face of adversity, Charleston Culinary Tours stands as a testament to the resilience of our community and the enduring love for the rich tapestry of flavors woven into the fabric of Charleston. We invite you to join us on this continued culinary adventure, celebrating the triumphs and savoring the moments that make each tour a unique and memorable experience.

Recently, we celebrated our 13th anniversary with a partner appreciation party at Firefly Vodka. The turnout was spectacular, with around 60 attendees, including servers, bartenders, owners, and managers. Music filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere and underscoring the sense of community that has been pivotal to our success.

Charleston Culinary Tours has proudly become the number one food experience in Charleston. Over the years, I have witnessed the city’s food scene evolve and flourish. As we continue to celebrate our culinary journey, we invite you to join us on a tour, savoring the rich flavors and stories that make Charleston’s culinary landscape truly exceptional.

Here’s to 13 years of indulging in culinary delights, and we look forward to welcoming you on a Charleston Culinary Tour soon!