Catfish Row Cabbage Row
Historic Catfish Row (formerly Cabbage Row) in Charleston, inspiration for 'Porgy,' offering charming streets and unique artisan shops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Catfish Row Cabbage Row
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Catfish Row (formerly Cabbage Row) in Charleston, inspiration for 'Porgy,' offering charming streets and unique artisan shops.
"A must-visit for its historic charm and unique artisan shops, especially Needlepoint.com!"
🎯 Check Store Hours
Some shops, like Needlepoint.com, have limited hours (e.g., Wed-Fri). Verify before your visit!
🛍️ Unique Souvenir Finds
Look for Charleston-themed needlepoint canvases and local crafts for a special memento.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Cabbage Row Charm
The streets of Catfish Row
Wander through the picturesque streets that inspired 'Porgy,' admiring historic architecture and soaking in the ambiance.
Needlepoint.com Boutique
Needlepoint.com store
Explore a treasure trove of needlepoint canvases, threads, and finished pieces. A haven for crafters and souvenir hunters.
Local Artisan Shops
Various shops along Catfish Row
Discover unique gifts, local crafts, and charming souvenirs that capture the essence of Charleston.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of Cabbage Row
Shop Local & Support Artisans
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Store Hours
Some shops, like Needlepoint.com, have limited hours (e.g., Wed-Fri). Verify before your visit!
🛍️ Unique Souvenir Finds
Look for Charleston-themed needlepoint canvases and local crafts for a special memento. +1
📸 Capture the Architecture
The historic buildings and charming streets are perfect for photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander the streets and discover hidden gems.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Store Hours
Some shops, like Needlepoint.com, have limited hours (e.g., Wed-Fri). Verify before your visit!
🛍️ Unique Souvenir Finds
Look for Charleston-themed needlepoint canvases and local crafts for a special memento. +1
📸 Capture the Architecture
The historic buildings and charming streets are perfect for photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander the streets and discover hidden gems.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the historic charm and unique shopping experiences in Catfish Row, particularly highlighting the exceptional offerings and friendly service at Needlepoint.com. The picturesque streets and architectural beauty are consistently praised, making it a delightful area to explore for souvenirs and a glimpse into Charleston's past.
"Needlepoint.com is a well established industry leader. This is their second shop. The original is in Raleigh. With a strong thread selection and an excellent line of their own canvases, this is one of THE places every needlepointer needs to visit at least once. The staff were incredibly friendly and made me feel at home. Many of their canvases, including their famous travel round series and Charleston themed pieces, are available with stitch guides. They have kits available as well. There are many kits from their sister company Elizabeth Bradley also available. I loved all their stitched models, which they display in the most amazing, elegant vitrines. This is a great place for both the experienced and the novice stitcher alike."
Andrew Hill
"I had such a wonderful experience at this store. I came in as part of my bachelorette trip and Elise was so great in helping me pick out threads. It was an amazing start to my trip!"
Lauren Rickenbach
"Stopped in to get a few essentials ahead of a beach trip. The staff were so helpful, and kind to my toddler who was with me! Highly recommend checking out this LNS if you’re traveling."
Jill Trimbach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Catfish Row is located in the historic district of Charleston, easily accessible by car, ride-sharing services, or even by foot if you're staying nearby. Parking can be challenging in this popular area, so consider a parking garage or public transport options.
Absolutely! The charm of Catfish Row is best experienced on foot. The streets are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore the shops and admire the historic architecture at your own pace.
The best way to explore Catfish Row is by taking a leisurely stroll. Allow yourself ample time to pop into the unique shops, admire the colorful buildings, and imagine the history that unfolded here.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit Catfish Row itself. It's a historic neighborhood with shops and businesses open to the public. Individual shops may have their own entry policies.
Opening hours vary by shop. Many shops in Charleston, including those in Catfish Row, tend to operate from mid-morning to late afternoon. It's highly recommended to check the specific hours for any store you plan to visit, especially for businesses like Needlepoint.com which may have limited days.
There are no entrance fees to walk around and experience the historic atmosphere of Catfish Row. You only pay for any purchases you make in the shops.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area is incredibly photogenic! Focus on the colorful historic buildings, charming doorways, and the unique architectural details. Broad Street, which runs through the area, offers many picturesque scenes.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private businesses, especially if you're not making a purchase.
Look for the vibrant facades, flower-draped balconies, and unique signage. The area's history as 'Cabbage Row' also offers a unique narrative for your photos.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Catfish Row is known for its charming boutiques, including specialty stores like Needlepoint.com, gift shops, and art galleries. You can find unique souvenirs, local crafts, and artisanal goods. +1
Several gift shops along Catfish Row offer a variety of Charleston-themed souvenirs, postcards, and local crafts. Needlepoint.com is also a great place for unique, handcrafted items. +1
While Catfish Row is primarily known for its shops and historic atmosphere, the surrounding areas of Charleston's historic district offer a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters
📚 Literature & History Buffs
Walking these streets allows you to connect with the setting of a significant work of American literature and imagine the lives of its inhabitants. The preserved architecture further enhances the historical immersion. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Catfish Row (Cabbage Row)
Heyward's novel reimagined Cabbage Row as 'Catfish Row,' a fictionalized, impoverished African American community. The literary success of 'Porgy,' and later the iconic 1935 opera of the same name by George Gershwin, brought international attention to this specific Charleston locale. While the opera and novel are fictional, they are deeply rooted in the real-life atmosphere and community spirit of the original Cabbage Row, making it a pilgrimage site for those interested in American literature and music.
Today, the area retains much of its historic charm, with beautifully preserved architecture. While the residents no longer sell cabbages from their windows, the spirit of community and commerce continues through the various shops and boutiques that now occupy the historic buildings. Exploring Catfish Row offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to walk the same streets that inspired a timeless piece of American art.
Shopping at Needlepoint.com
Visitors often praise the friendly and welcoming staff, who make both experienced stitchers and novices feel at home. The shop also features stitched models displayed in elegant vitrines, offering inspiration and showcasing the potential of their canvases. Beyond their own creations, they also offer kits from their sister company, Elizabeth Bradley. The store's layout is described as nice and open, making it easy to browse their vast array of canvases and finished work examples.
It's worth noting that Needlepoint.com has historically had limited operating hours, often focusing on Wednesday through Friday. It's crucial to check their current hours before planning your visit, as this can impact your ability to experience this unique shopping destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit