About Us

Jonathan Jackson, a veteran tour guide and skilled photographer, has dedicated 29 years of his career to showcasing the beauty of Charleston and Savannah. Through his work, he has gained a deep appreciation for the history, architecture, and landscapes of these cities, and has captured them through his lens. Starting as a guide during his college days, he has always been drawn to the profession and now offers private history and culinary tours. His interest in documenting the rich cultural heritage of South Carolina and Georgia led him to pursue photography. He has since expanded his portfolio to include other historic cities in the eastern United States. His passion for fine cuisine has also inspired him to collaborate with renowned and emerging chefs, creating exceptional food tours in these cities.

We’ve been told that touring with Jonathan is like walking around with a travel guide written just for his guests. Point to any building in Charleston, and he probably knows it’s full history and the best place to get a cup of coffee and great lunch within walking distance!

Clift Severlis is a highly skilled stone carver and photographer.  Clift apprenticed under his father, the renowned master stone sculptor Constantine Seferlis. Constantine's legacy includes notable restoration projects such as the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception, The Washington Monument, The Smithsonian Castle, The National Cathedral, just to name a few. With over three decades of experience, Clift is frequently commissioned for carving and restoration projects in and around the greater Washington, DC region. His work has been sought after by prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian, where he has contributed to the ongoing restoration of their headquarters building.

In addition to his restoration work, Seferlis is a knowledgeable guide for historical and architectural tours of major cities along the east coast. He has collaborated with esteemed author and historian James M. Goode, providing captivating images for Goode's latest edition of "Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capital", a book that has become a landmark in its field since its original publication in 1974.

Ian Sanchez is a multi-talented individual, with a passion for fostering purpose-driven enterprises and immersive learning experiences that prioritize community involvement, sustainability, and outdoor exploration. Ian has successfully built and led businesses focused on environmental and STEM education, eco-tourism, outdoor recreation, and biofuels. Notably, he embarked on a kayaking journey from the mountains to the sea in South Carolina, highlighting the watershed and creating an award-winning documentary and webisode series. His expertise in training, management, scuba diving, boating, guiding, and research has been utilized by esteemed conservation and nature organizations in the state.

Ian's tours have been described as a though-provoking excursions, where he masterfully intertwines the diverse historical eras and cultures of our cities into a captivating narrative.

Robert Ball is an 11th generation Charlestonian. He began creating memorable experiences for visitors to Charleston while a concierge in one of the city's top hotel. His commitment to the industry led him to become a member of the exclusive organization Les Clefs d'Or USA. His passion for sharing the rich history and exciting activities of his hometown led to the creation of Open Gate Private Tours. His top priority is connecting families and groups with the absolute best tour guides in the business.