Well, this certainly calls for a drink! The oldest liquor store in America is found right here in South Carolina. And not even the locals realize the significance of the store as being the oldest continuously operating establishment serving spirits, not only in the state, but also in the country!
While many locals and visitors alike can identify one of Charleston’s most famous streets - the row of colorful houses found along Rainbow Row, not many realize the gem hiding in plain sight only steps away.
Kristin Lee- Charlestonspired / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images Located diagonally across the street to the north of Rainbow Row sits the Tavern at Rainbow Row.
This store was the go-to spot for the original occupants of Rainbow Row when they were in search of wine and spirits (and not the kind of spirits that haunt The Holy City, either).
Google/Phil Brown The establishment opened in 1686 and has been in operation ever since.
Of course the image below isn’t from 1686, but it hearkens back to a much simpler time. An era when we all had more time on our hands to sit a spell and enjoy some vodka or a glass of wine.
Facebook/The Tavern at Rainbow Row Over the centuries, 3.3 of them to be exact, since the Tavern opened, the city has grown and changed. But the one constant… is where to go to get your liquor.
It’s not an enormous store, yet you’ll find all sorts of essentials here (from top shelf to bottom) as well as local spirits, too.
Google/The Tavern at Rainbow Row
Occasional entertainment awaits in certain seasons, although the store’s website doesn’t provide any sort of event calendar to signify when to expect to see and hear minstrels singing outside the store.
Google/The Tavern at Rainbow Row
Inside, you’ll find knowledgeable staff that are always eager to open up and tell you all about the history of the Tavern at Rainbow Row.
Google/John Syers Just don’t ask them if the building is pink or tan. (The answer really depends on the lighting and the time of day.)
The oldest liquor store in America is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Google/The Tavern at Rainbow Row
Learn more and find a map to the store by visiting the official website for Tavern at Rainbow Row, here.
Kristin Lee- Charlestonspired / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Located diagonally across the street to the north of Rainbow Row sits the Tavern at Rainbow Row.
Google/Phil Brown
The establishment opened in 1686 and has been in operation ever since.
Facebook/The Tavern at Rainbow Row
Over the centuries, 3.3 of them to be exact, since the Tavern opened, the city has grown and changed. But the one constant… is where to go to get your liquor.
Google/The Tavern at Rainbow Row
Google/John Syers
Just don’t ask them if the building is pink or tan. (The answer really depends on the lighting and the time of day.)
Ever shopped here? Fire up some feedback in our comments!
Heading to Charleston for the weekend? Here’s the perfect itinerary to see and do it all in the span of a few days!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: The Tavern at Rainbow Row, 120 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
