A brand new PBS journey documentary takes viewers on a rediscovery of America’s hidden pure and cultural treasures, and a part of the primary episode takes place proper right here in Charleston. 

The present follows a Nineteenth-century journey information, providing moments to face the place explorers stood greater than 100 years in the past, turning strangers into buddies and specializing in what brings folks collectively in a divided nation.

“America: The Land We Dwell In” premieres on PBS stations and on-line streaming providers beginning Feb. 23. On this pilot documentary, hosts Sophia Michelen and Scott “Doc” Varn retrace the steps of the creators of America’s first journey information, “Picturesque America,” written throughout Reconstruction to assist piece the nation’s tradition again collectively. 

Within the first episode, Michelen, a New York native, and Varn, a South Carolina native, climb the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina earlier than descending into the Lowcountry to go to locations round Charleston, juxtaposing pure conservation and historic preservation within the hourlong episode.   

“The e book is the hook, however the folks we meet alongside the best way are the essence of the present,” mentioned Michelen, a 36-year-old freelance photojournalist.

Charleston-area residents driving the expertise embody artist Jonathan Inexperienced, crabber Tia Clark, artist Mary Edna Fraser and chef Amethyst Ganaway. Michelen and Varn go to White Level Backyard, Carolina Vintage Maps and Prints, Charleston Harbor, the Ashley River, Drayton Corridor, Magnolia Plantation, 20 South Battery, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion and Inexperienced’s artwork studio.

Clark mentioned she, Varn and Michelen grew to become quick buddies after she took them out on the Ashley River. She gave them the total fishing expertise of catching and cleansing their meals for the day.