Hilary & Eric
Things To Do
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Middleton Place
Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, is the site of the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Originally a plantation owned by the Middleton family, it is now a museum dedicated to those who lived and worked on the plantation. The stories of Middleton Place range from those of the Founding Fathers to that of enslaved people, offering a rich look into the history of the nation. Adult tickets are $29 for access to these 110 acres of gardens, farmland, and historic buildings at Middleton Place.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
This is the wedding venue but also so much more!! There is no better way to wrap up this list than Charles Towne Landing: the birthplace of South Carolina. This landing is where a group of English settlers first arrived in 1670. Nowadays, the park is home to a replica village and sailing ship that allows people to experience the life and era of America’s first settlers. Admission to the park is only $12 for adults. With 6 miles of trails and 80 acres of gardens, Charles Towne Landing is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and to experience some of the nation’s history.
Charleston City Market
One of the nation’s oldest public markets, Charleston City Market, is both a cultural and a culinary hub. Open during the day year-round, with weekly Night Markets, Charleston City Market is constantly bustling. Over 300 entrepreneurs sell their wares at the market, offering everything from Christmas collectibles to handcrafted jewelry to gourmet jellies.
Angel Oak Tree
Known as one of the most beautiful trees in the world, Angel Oak is another Charleston treasure. It is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, and its canopy shades more than 17,000 square feet. Many believe that this tree is haunted by the spirits of enslaved people. Whether this is true or not, many visitors claim that the tree has an otherworldly presence. Angel Oak is just a 30-minute drive outside the city, and its surrounding park is free admission. This tree is an absolute must-visit wonder
Waterfront Park
Riley Waterfront Park is one of Charleston's most popular places to unwind. This ten-acre park overlooks both Charleston Harbor and Cooper River and offers waterfront and off-the-water paths to tread upon. In the park is the beautiful Pineapple fountain, which is gorgeously lit up at night. This park has been beloved by Charleston locals and tourists alike since it was established in 1990.
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is a famous series of 13 houses along Charleston’s East Bay Street. With its captivating, eponymous bright colors, Rainbow Row is one of the most photo-worthy locations in the city. Each pastel home has its own fascinating history and architecture. Theories as to why the houses are so brightly colored range from the colors helping drunk sailors find their way home more easily, to their allowing merchants to indicate what wares they sold, to their ability to keep the buildings cooler during hot summers. Whatever the truth, Rainbow Row is a must-see part of Charleston.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
The 738 acres at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens contain a wealth of nature and history. Its well-preserved slave quarters offer an eye-opening look inside the culture and lifestyle of enslaved people on the plantation, while the main hall provides visitors a glimpse inside the traditions of Southern planting families. The gardens are home to countless butterflies and varieties of antique flowers. Visitors can learn about the history of enslaved people, the plantation’s farming practices, and more during a visit to Boone Hall, with tickets starting at just $28.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter, standing regally at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, was the location of the first battle between the Confederacy and the Union during the American Civil War. Its walls still show much of the extensive damage left behind by that 1861 assault. Now a National Historic Park, it can be accessed by a 30-minute ferry ride. Visitors can explore the fort and its accompanying museum, which showcases the history of the Civil War and of the fort itself. For $32, visitors can explore the grounds, take a trip around the harbor, and learn about Fort Sumter’s important place in American history.
Gibbes Museum of Art
The finest visual art institution in Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art aficionados and those interested in the cultural history of Charleston. With over 10,000 pieces in its permanent collection, this Beaux Arts-style museum offers hours of entertainment and education. Artists whose work is in the permanent collection include Henrietta Johnston, Merton Simpson, and George LaGrange Cook. A visit here will also introduce you to the up-and-coming and well-established contemporary artists in and around Charleston.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
History and military valor are on full display at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, an institution that is home to the World War II-era aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Yorktown and a fleet of other ships. Since it opened in 1976, this museum has highlighted the valiant and courageous efforts of American troops over the years, as well as various technological innovations that have contributed to American victories.
South Carolina Aquarium
Conservation efforts are at the forefront of South Carolina Aquarium’s initiatives. Not only does it operate a world-class Sea Turtle Care Center to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles, it also has efforts to reduce plastic pollution in the seas and to promote the responsible consumption of seafood. Besides that, South Carolina Aquarium is home to over 5,000 species of aquatic animals, from massive groupers and pelicans to alligators and river otters.