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The Top 5 Alleys in Historic Downtown Charleston

by Elissa Campbell

When you're visiting most major cities, an alley is usually something you tend to avoid right? Well not when you are visiting the Holy City; in fact, Charleston's Historic Alleys are a must-see! They are usually South of Broad in Residential areas and quite hidden. I'm going to let you know how to find my top 5 Favorite Historic Alleys.

1. Stoll's Alley

Stoll's Alley is between Church and East Bay St. If you enter from East Bay if you blink you may miss it. It is so narrow on that end, you can stand in the middle and touch the buildings on both sides. If you start on Church, it will narrow and darken until you feel like you're in a tunnel!

2. Longitude Lane

Longitude Lane is also located off of Church St. and is one of the most lovely of lanes in the Holy City. It is lined with ferns and cast-iron and shade trees line the passage. It is bordered by walls of ivy of some of the most historic Charleston homes.

3. St. Michael's Alley

St. Michael's Alley connects Church and Meeting St. located (like its namesake) next to Historic St. Michael's Church. This Alley is the site of some of Charleston's earliest preservation efforts. It is also the location is also home to one of the most recognized Phillip Simmons' Gates.

4. Philadelphia Alley

This is my personal favorite and in my opinion, the most beautiful. Philadelphia Alley is located between Church and State St. and connects Cumberland and Queen St. in Charleston's French Quarter. Its trademark is the brick-lined path paired with the mossy brick walls. It dates back to the 18th Century and was once known as Duelers Alley because as legend has it, dozens of duels were fought here.

5. Price's Alley

Price's Alley is located between Meeting and King St, below Tradd, and a cool little cut-through between them. in a very Residential Area of Charleston and some of the most beautiful properties that pop on the Market. Check out a current listing on Price's Alley and a few other Lovely Lane Listings by clicking on the links below!

https://www.flexmls.com/share/5BGlM/1-Prices-Alley-Charleston-SC-29401
https://www.flexmls.com/share/5BGr2/28-Longitude-Lane-Charleston-SC-29401
https://www.flexmls.com/share/5BGsf/2-Longitude-Lane-Charleston-SC-29401