Dessert with Death in Charleston

A Unique Halloween-Style Experience Combining Dessert and Haunting Stories in Charleston

The Dessert with Death in Charleston tour offers a distinctive blend of sweet treats and spooky tales all within a cozy, private setting. Priced at $70 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this experience is perfect for those who want to indulge in local desserts while soaking up Charleston’s haunted history. The tour is designed for small groups—maxing out at 17 travelers—ensuring a more intimate atmosphere where storytelling and dessert tasting are enjoyed up close. It departs from 184 E Bay St, a convenient central location, and includes a multi-course dessert menu and coffee or tea.

This tour stands out because it combines morbid storytelling with delicious desserts in a private, historic setting. It’s well-suited for adults and older teens, especially those interested in ghost stories, history, or unique food experiences. An important note is that the tour is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol to pair with the desserts. While it offers a relaxed and atmospheric ambiance, it doesn’t involve walking, making it accessible and comfortable for most.

Key Points

• Price: $70 per person, booked about 23 days in advance on average
• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes, ideal for a relaxed evening
• Location: Begins at 184 E Bay St in Charleston
• Experience: Combines five courses of local desserts with spooky Charleston ghost stories
• Setting: Held in a private 19th-century dining room, creating an intimate ambiance
• BYOB: Guests are encouraged to bring their own alcohol for added enjoyment
• Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 25 reviews, with many praising the storytelling and desserts

Charleston’s Historic Heart in a Private Dining Room

The Dessert with Death tour is hosted by Charleston Culinary Tours, a company with a long-standing reputation in the city. It takes place in their State Street headquarters, a historic building that provides a fitting backdrop for a morbidly delightful evening. The experience lasts about 90 minutes, during which guests are seated comfortably in a private dining room dating back to the 19th century.

Visitors can expect a carefully curated multi-course dessert menu that reflects Charleston’s local sweets, complemented by coffee or tea. As the desserts arrive, the guide shares gothic tales and haunted history that have lingered in Charleston for centuries. These stories range from Charleston’s most notorious serial killers to restless spirits wandering the city’s narrow alleys. The intimate setting allows for a relaxed atmosphere where stories and desserts are savored without rush.

How the Ghostly Tales Elevate the Dessert Experience

What makes this tour truly memorable is the storytelling. The guide recounts tales from Charleston’s haunted past, including legends of murder, melancholy, and restless souls. Guests enjoy hearing about the city’s most famous ghost stories while indulging in the five-course dessert menu. The morbid ambiance is enhanced by the historic surroundings, making each bite and each tale more immersive.

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable storytelling and the entertaining delivery of the host, Jeremy. His passion for Charleston’s spooky history shines through, making the experience both educational and eerie. The PG-13 rating indicates some language and scary elements, so it’s best suited for older teens and adults who appreciate a bit of supernatural thrill alongside their sweets.

The Five-Course Dessert Menu and Local Sweets

Guests are treated to five courses of local desserts, which are designed to evoke Charleston’s darker tales. While the specific desserts may vary, the focus remains on delicious, locally inspired treats. The tour includes snacks and coffee or tea, rounding out the tasting experience. One reviewer mentioned that desserts could be elevated further, but overall, the variety and quality satisfy most guests.

The desserts are served in a historic, private setting, making the tasting feel exclusive and special. Guests are encouraged to enjoy their BYOB options with the desserts, adding a personal touch to the evening. The careful pairing of local sweets with spooky stories results in an experience that is both flavorful and atmospheric.

The Guide: Jeremy’s Storytelling and Presentation Style

Jeremy, the host, is praised for his passion for Charleston’s history and his entertaining storytelling style. Many reviews mention his excellent storytelling and his ability to captivate the audience. Some note that he is quite knowledgeable, providing detailed accounts of Charleston’s haunted past.

A few reviews pointed out minor distractions, such as the host slurping drinks or not wearing formal attire, but these are minor in comparison to his overall engaging presentation. Guests appreciate Jeremy’s ability to balance storytelling with humor and suspense, making the experience enjoyable and memorable.

Logistics and Group Size: Intimate and Accessible

The tour’s small group size—maximum 17 travelers—ensures a cozy, personalized experience. Meeting at 184 E Bay St, the tour begins promptly and remains in the private venue for the entire duration. Since it doesn’t involve walking or outdoor activity, it’s accessible to most guests, including those with mobility considerations.

Guests are welcome to bring service animals, and the tour is near public transportation, making it easy to reach the starting point. The flexibility of private events is also available upon request, perfect for special occasions or groups seeking a customized experience.

Pacing and Atmosphere: A Relaxed, Morbidly Elegant Evening

The 90-minute duration strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy multiple desserts and stories, but short enough to keep attention engaged. The private setting in a historic dining room enhances the morbid elegance of the experience, creating a relaxed yet slightly eerie atmosphere.

The suggested thematic attire adds an extra layer of fun, allowing guests to dress in costumes or themed outfits if desired. The overall vibe is one of delightful spookiness without anything overly intense, making it suitable for most adults interested in supernatural tales and sweets.

Value for Money and Customer Feedback

At $70, the tour provides good value, especially given the multi-course dessert tasting, the private setting, and the entertaining storytelling. The reviews reflect this, with many guests calling it a fun, unique way to experience Charleston’s dark side.

While some felt the desserts could be more elevated, most agree that the combination of history, storytelling, and sweets is engaging and well worth the price. The tour’s high rating of 4.5 out of 5 underscores its popularity and quality.

Options for Private Events and Themed Additions

The tour offers private event options, ideal for special celebrations or group gatherings. The event can also be customized with thematic attire, adding a fun, immersive element. For those interested in even darker or more theatrical experiences, Charleston Culinary Tours promotes their “Death is a Drag” event, available for a limited time.

The Sum Up: A Fun and Spooky Dessert Tasting in Charleston

Dessert with Death in Charleston delivers a unique, intimate experience combining local desserts with haunted tales, all within a historic private venue. It’s a relaxed evening perfect for those who enjoy spirited storytelling and sweet treats. The small group setting and knowledgeable host make for a memorable experience, especially when paired with BYOB flexibility.

While some might wish for more elevated desserts, the overall value and atmosphere compensate nicely. It’s particularly well-suited for adults or older teens with an interest in Charleston’s ghost stories or a desire for a different kind of night out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is rated PG-13 due to some language, demon nudity, and scary elements, so it’s best for older teens and adults.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, the tour is BYOB, and guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks to enjoy with the desserts.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 184 E Bay St in Charleston.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers, but private events are available upon request.

What is included in the price?
Guests receive five courses of local desserts, coffee or tea, and the storytelling experience.

Are the desserts locally inspired?
Yes, the dessert menu highlights local sweets, reflecting Charleston’s culinary traditions.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves no walking, making it accessible for most guests.

How far in advance should I book?
It is typically booked about 23 days in advance; early reservations are recommended.

Is there any dress code?
Thematic attire is welcomed, adding to the fun and immersive atmosphere.

What if I want a private event?
Private events are available upon request, perfect for celebrations or special groups.