Gullah Heritage Trail Tours

To enjoy a charming historical walking tour in the Gullah Geechee corridor, you need to know a bit about their heritage. To recognize the indigenous culture of the Gullah Geechee people who now stays in the Sea Islands and coastal areas of North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia, there is the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor established by the U.S. Congress.

The descendants of the black slaves transported from West Africa to the “Rice Coast” in the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry still hold on to this part of the nation. Their lesser known Gullah heritage has been recently developed and brought to the lime light. With the declaration of the Emanciapation Proclamation, many of the slaves fled to Hilton Head Island and also to the Union Army outpost. However, the ones who decided to stay back held on to their culture and tradition. And all through the years, they protected their heritage through language, food and other customs.

The Hilton head activities are many and who are interested in culture and Gullah Heritage Trail Tours can enjoy the following places:

Gullah Neighborhoods

Being exceptionally autonomous, Gullah neighborhoods consists of a group of extended families which includes the place of the spiritual leaders, food processing mills, Praise House, essential craftsmen and a regular conveyance to the waterway. Hilton Head Island still date portrays how the people lived in the late 1860s. Stoney, Jonesville, Chaplin, Simmons Fishing Camp, Gardner Marshland, Spanish Wells, Union Cemetery, Squire Pope, First African Baptist Church and Queen Chapel AME Church are some of the interesting things to look for in Hilton Head Island.

Juke joints

The late 1940’s had many Gullah neighborhoods which had the popular, rustic dance halls where music, food and drinks were served. The place was called the juke joints. With the mainland people reaching the Island, this concept became more popular and more scopes of urban entertainment technology reached this sea island. About a 12 mile stretch of Hilton Head Island beach, visiting these joints is one of the most interesting things to do in Hilton Head. In the yester years, this place served as points for church picnics before there were resorts made here.

Mitchelville

Soon after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, the people of Mitchelville were all set to create a new, self-governed culture that till date serves as the guidepost for the future generations. Situated on Hilton Head Island, SC, Mitchelville represents one of the most interesting displays of the Gullah Cultural Heritage Corridor. Speaking of culture, heritage and tradition, this legacy and the aesthetics is not just limited to urban etiquette but brings out the raw beauty of the place. The interested tourists can get more information about Mitchelville Preservation Project.

Coastal Discovery Museum

This iconic museum on Hilton Head has conserved many of the Gullah art exhibits, crafts and sweetgrass baskets. Both self-guided and guided tours are available for tourists as a part of the Hilton head activities. In fact, there is scope for a huge range of cultural and natural excursions where if one is interested can learn how to weave the sweetgrass basket from a local Gullah basket maker at a nominal price. Temporary art exhibits are also included such as The American Gullah Collection, gorgeous and colorful paintings depicting the story of the West African slaves who were brought to South Carolina.

With so much to see and do in Hilton Head, it is today one of the most favored weekend getaway destination for the people of United States. The Gullah and Geechee culture on the Sea Islands of Georgia still preserves the ethnic traditions from West Africa.

Many traditions of the Gullah and Geechee culture were passed from one generation to the other through language, agriculture, and events, festivals and even spirituality. The culture is very specific to the West African ethnic groups who were enslaved on island plantations to help in the plantation of rice, indigo, and cotton.

If you are planning for a Hilton Head Vacation, here's a list to follow so you don't miss on any of the major interesting places.

•    Coligny Beach

Although it is clearly trafficked, tourists can enjoy this island’s most popular beach enjoy a refreshing piña colada at the tiki hut.

•    Harbour Town Golf Links

Devised by notable course designers Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, it offers golfers two dozen different courses to choose from.

•    Harbour Town

This charming area is a great place to spend the day in and you can also visit the 90-foot red-and-white striped lighthouse. It gives a panoramic view of the town and is one of the finest places to click with your loved one.

•    Mitchelville Freedom Park

Established in 2005, it is a gorgeous outdoor space to enjoy Hilton head activities along the shore which is a very important part of the Gullah Heritage Trail. Tucked away from the rest of the islands attractions, here you can enjoy some lone time under the canopy of trees.

Founded in 1996 by a Hilton Head Island Gullah Family Partnership, the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours is one of the most popular companies that have been involved in preserving and presenting the Gullah cultural heritage. If you are interested in learning and exploring about the history of Gullah Culture, schedule your travel at Gullaheritage.com. From Old Debarkation Point to Gullah Family Compounds, visit some of the most important places for an exciting and informative trip.

The unique culture of enslaved West African who inhabit the Sea Islands of South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, has a mesmerizing impact on tourists who love to visit maverick places.

The Gullah Geechee Corridor, which includes the Hilton Head Island has been responsible for preserving the African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other African-American community in the US. Although there are so many things to do in Hilton head, it is impossible to get a complete trip of the island on one day.

To get a glimpse of what the Gullah Geechee culture, it is a must to go around the Gullah neighborhoods. They uniquely hold on to the culture of their ancestral villages in West Africa. They have the set up of the Praise House, essential skill bearers, Spanish Wells, Gardner Marshland, Union Cemetery, Jonesville, Stoney, Simmons Fishing Camp and the food processing mills that portray the look of the old villages.

But when you come for Hilton Head Vacation, there are some touristy things you must do. For which, the following are some of the highlights of the tour:

•    Visit the main house as well as attendant slave quarters, that are nicely preserved for viewing at six-acre Baynard Ruins Park. Explore the ruins of the pre-Civil War home to get a feel of how the folks sacrificed and valiantly fought to get them out of the perturbing torture of slavery.

•    Situated on Hilton Head Island, SC, Mitchelville was formed soon after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. You can know more at Mitchelville Preservation Project.

•    The Gullah Heritage Trail Tour takes you to the Gullah Museum preserved their history, culture, language, customs, traditions, stories, songs and more.

Founded in 1996 by a Hilton Head Island Gullah Family Partnership, Gullah Heritage Trail Tours caters to Low Country visitors interested in learning about the history of Gullah Culture. They have been actively involved in preserving Gullah cultural heritage, for more than 40 years. If you want to have a wholesome experience of the island, get in touch with the team of Gullaheritage.com or dial 1-843-681-7066 to know more about their services and how you can book your tour.

The lesser known Gullah heritage started with the descendants of slaves transported from West Africa to the “Rice Coast” in Georgia and South Carolina. The Emancipation Proclamation was passed, even though most of the slaves fled to Hilton Head Island and its Union Army outpost, some decided to stay back. Today, the place is well known for having a Hilton Head Vacation.

The Gullah Heritage Trail Tours helps you get a glimpse of the culture. Here's a list of what you can see at the Island:

Mitchelville

Soon after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1862, the people of Mitchelville promptly created a new, self-governed culture which the future generations considered as their guidepost. Situated on Hilton Head Island, SC, Mitchelville represents a new era in their community through patterned houses, roads, developed electricity and more. To get more details, speak with the guides who will share more information about Mitchelville Preservation Project.

Consisting of clustered houses of the extended families, houses of spiritual leaders, Praise House, essential craftsmen, food processing mills and a regular conveyance to the waterway - the landscape portrays the traditional look of the tribal community.

One of the most memorable destinations on Hilton Head vacation will be a visit to this museum which brings you closer to the natural history and cultural heritage of the community. It is actually a 68 acre Honey Horn property and is open on all days for visit. The Museum makes learning about the folks fun-filled and interesting.

•    Juke joints
•    Gullah Family Compounds
•    Old One-room School House
•    First Freedom Village Historic Marker
•    Plantation Tabby Ruins
•    Old Debarkation Point
•    Gullah museum

If you are interested to know about the Gullah culture, or is simply planning a vacation where you can get interesting facts about the Gullah tradition, get in touch with the Trail tour organizers. Visit Gullaheritage.com or call 1-843-681-7066 to get free information about the tours. You might or not need prior appointment depending on the rush. Get all the required details to enjoy a different vacation.

With the declaration of the Emancipation Proclamation, some of the descendants of slaves of the West African community fled to Hilton Head Island and its Union Army outpost and the others stayed back. This is what gave rise to the Gullah heritage.

Today, of course, it is known for being one of the finest vacation destinations and there are a range of Hilton head activities for visitors of all ages.

The Gullah Heritage Trail Tours, which is one of the most popular forms of traveling across the land, gives you a glimpse of the culture. Here's a list of what you can see at the Island:

•    Coastal Discovery Museum

One of the most memorable destinations while being on Hilton Head vacation is the visit to this museum which exhibits the natural history and cultural heritage of the community. Based on a 68 acre Honey Horn property, the place is open on all days for visit. The Museum makes learning about the community interesting through various artifacts and more.

•    Mitchelville

A new, self-governed culture was formed soon after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1862. The people of Mitchelville wanted the future generations to consider that as their guidepost. Situated on Hilton Head Island, SC, Mitchelville represents a new era in their community through developed electricity, proper roads, patterned houses and more. The Mitchelville Preservation Project can be better explored with the help of the local guides in Hilton head tours.

•    Gullah neighborhoods


As the name suggests, the place consists of clustered houses of the extended families, Praise House, essential craftsmen, houses of spiritual leaders, food processing mills and a regular conveyance to the waterway - the entire landscape showcases a very traditional look of the tribal community.

The other major highlights of Hilton head tours consist of:

•    Juke joints
•    Gullah Family Compounds
•    Old One-room School House
•    Old Debarkation Point
•    Gullah museum
•    First Freedom Village Historic Marker
•    Plantation Tabby Ruins

Tourists who are interested to know about the Gullah culture, or are planning a vacation with the loved ones can get interesting facts about the Gullah tradition from the local guides. Get in touch with the Trail tour organizers by visiting Gullaheritage.com or call 1-843-681-7066 and get free information about the tours. Depending on the rush, you might or not need prior appointment.

Long-time islanders joke how Hilton Head is just a southern extension of the Buckeye State. But if you visit the place, from charming historical walking tours to exploring the natural beauty, there's so much to do for all age groups in Hilton Head!

About 42 square miles, Hilton Head is made up of both public spaces and private communities. With so much to see and do, it's nearly impossible to do if you don't do more than one Hilton head tours.

The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor today, links the historic African-American communities in four most important southern coastal states. It gives an authentic taste of the culture of the Sea Islands which have survived centuries of slavery and more than a century of free lifestyle.

But you are in luck if you are one of those visitors who are searching for some local tours that can make them look around the city. If you are coming here for the first time, there are a number of Hilton head activities that might interest you. Let's have a look at them one by one:

•    Coastal Discovery Museum

This iconic museum on Hilton Head has preserved various Gullah art exhibits, crafts and sweetgrass baskets. Both self-guided and guided tours are available for tourists. In fact, there is scope for variety of cultural and natural excursions where if one is interested can learn how to weave the sweetgrass basket from a local Gullah basket maker at a nominal price. Temporary art exhibits are also included such as The American Gullah Collection, gorgeous and colorful paintings depicting the story of the West African slaves who were brought to South Carolina.

•    Gullah Museum of Hilton Head

Inaugurated in 2003, the Gullah museum is one of the must see in the Hilton head tours. There are three different structures to visit on this property of which there are two one-room houses and a remodeled trailer. Each of these was inhabited by migrant workers and sheltered native island families. These small and intimate structures are designed to educate visitors of the Gullah culture, the bravery and sacrifices of its people. The guide is usually a descendant of the enslaved community and one can spend hours learning about the past.

•    Gullah Heritage Trail Tours

This is one of the finest ways to roam around the island. All you need to do is board a bus and take a two-hour tour to know all about the culture and tradition of the Gullah people. The guides are descendants of the community who will help you learn about the Gullah language, cuisines, crafts, art, music, religion and other fascinating historical facts. Roam around the Gullah family compounds, plantations, schoolhouses, and other landmarks which hold onto the history of the beginnings of this proud people. The tours generally run on all days except is there is any special holiday or other declared closing. You can choose your pick up location if you already have an appointment. These are provisions for planning appointments for group tours as well.

The Gullah culture, which was once looked down upon is one of the most fascinating places to visit to. Know more about their history and present by planning a trip to this Sea Island!

 Looking for a holiday destination where you are able to spend a quality time with your dear ones? Want to unravel a new culture and tradition? Want to unwind your body and mind on the sea beaches? Whatever might be your needs, there is a place that will leave a lasting impression on your entire holiday trip and it is Hilton Head Island. With the plethora of activities to be engaged in, a trip to this island can be both memorable as well as affordable for your pocket.

The place will fulfill any travel or leisure desire, from professionally designed golf courses to picturesque seaside vistas; there are several things to explore. Situated in the South Eastern part of the South Carolina, Hilton Head is a boot-like island. The temperature is warm throughout the year and for this, you can come here at any time. You can spend your time with your loved ones in the pristine beaches and witness and the majestic beauty of sunrise and sunset.

Would you like to explore a new culture that is not exposed to the entire world? Then your desire will be fulfilled when you come here. Gullah people preserve a unique culture and tradition, termed as the Geechee culture. It is the authentic culture of the Sea Islands that reflects the traditions, customs, art forms, beliefs, and family life of West African people.

Because of their geographic protection, they maintained a separate Creole language and developed a distinct culture pattern. If you want to be acquainted with their isolated lifestyle, folklore, family life, cuisine and many more then come to Gullah neighborhood. Their hospitality will amaze you.

If spending time on the beaches is not your cup of tea, then you can look for something else. Hilton head tours have so many things to offer you that will hardly get time to be bored. It offers several wonderful sporting attractions as well. For the golfer, the island offers twenty-five beautiful golf courses. Moreover, the island has numerous tennis courts for the ones who enjoy a scenic match located in South Carolina.

To explore the beautiful, yet fragile environment and to learn about the art, culture, and, history of the land; come to the Coastal Discovery Museum. If you are traveling the place with your child, then they would love to visit the place. In your leisure time, you can visit the clothing store, the grocery stores and restaurant and many more. To enjoy nature, and to have a bath in the middle of it, you might prefer to visit the beach park. For the bike ride, Hilton Head Island is a good place. You can also visit the Arts Centre of Coastal Caroline to enjoy the performance of the Gullah people.

To visit all the places at your own comfort, you can hire a tour guide. There are descendants of West African people who work as tour guides in Hilton Head. You can get the assistance from any of them. They will not only help you to visit the places but also unravel the history of the place. As there are several agencies that offer the services of tour guides, you need to do a little research before choosing one. Unwind your body and mind with the refreshing air of Hilton Head. The trip will take a permanent position in your memory that you can later recollect in tranquility.