community’s role in American history, several tours and programs offer guided educational experiences that enhance visitors’ understand-ing of the region. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours , which operates out of Hilton Head Island, offers a two-hour bus tour narrated by native Gullah people from the region. With stops at the Plantation Tabby Ruins, First Freedom Village Historic Marker and the community’s old one-room schoolhouse, visitors will get a sense of what life was like in this area when the region consisted of isolated communities surrounded by farmland and the sea. Charleston-based Gullah Geechee Tours present vis-itors with a number of tours focused on specific topics, like a walking tour with an empha-sis on the story of Porgy and Bess , Gershwin’s opera, which takes place in Charleston. After strolling the botani-cal gardens of Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, join Gullah descendent and Vice President of Creative Education Ron Daise for an informative program on the history, culture and cuisine of the Gullah Geechee people. Penn Center, St. Helena Island SWEETGRASS SOUVENIRS The Gullah people practice the art of sweetgrass basket weaving, which is the official craft of the state of South Carolina. Sweetgrass basketry is known for its intricate designs and time-honored technique, which has a direct connection to the craftsmanship found in West Africa. These baskets once had a functional purpose: helping families store food and other essential materials. They are now considered works of art. Driving along North Highway 17, you’ll see several roadside stands where artisans sell their wares. Beaufort’s Original Gullah Festival , which takes place annually on Memorial Day Weekend, often features many practitioners talking about the history behind their designs and showing visitors their design process. Well-known artists often can be found working in stalls at the Charleston City Market . Historically based pieces can be purchased at places like the gift shop at Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island. DiscoverSouthCarolina.com 45
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