Ian & Ashleigh
Things To Do
Mount Pleasant Visitor Center
Our local visitor center is always a great place to start for recommendations, information, and even discounts on local attractions!
Charleston Visitor Center
The Charleston Visitor Center is much larger than the one located in Mt. Pleasant. We highly recommend visiting with them if you're making plans to see local attractions throughout the area!
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Charles Town Landing dates back to 1670 when it became the site of the first permanent settlement made by the English in the Carolinas. Eventually, the settlement was moved to a nearby peninsula that was more easily defendable and the name became simply "Charleston." Today, this 664-acre historic site is home to a replica ship, an animal forest, nature trails, and archaeological excavations.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Patriot's Point is host to a number of activities, but perhaps most notable is the Naval and Maritime Museum, which is a must-see for anyone interested in Military History. Although it is home to the USS Yorktown that's easily visible during any trip over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, the USS Laffey or "The Ship that Wouldn't Die" remains one of the groom's favorite. It is the most decorated World War II era US Destroyer still in existence and has even survived an atomic bomb.
South Carolina Aquarium
The SC Aquarium is always a fun trip for visitors of all ages and interests. It is home to over 10,000 plants and animals, many of which can be found locally in the state of South Carolina. The aquarium operates as a non-profit organization with a focus on education and conservation. It also serves as the local Sea Turtle Hospital, providing veterinary care for stranded and injured turtles to help ensure their healthy return to the ocean. FUN FACT: The bride started a fundraiser for the Sea Turtle Hospital by selling a custom designed sea turtle shirt to be worn by the care team members of MUSC!
Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center
This is another great option for any history lover! Leave by boat from historic downtown Charleston (right next to the SC Aquarium) and get a tour of the place where the civil war began! Fort Sumter is a National Historic Park that dates back to the war of 1812. Its construction was still incomplete in 1861 when the bombardment of the fort began. Fort Sumter is also where the "End of War Celebration" took place. An event that is often forgotten because sadly, President Lincoln declined his invitation and instead chose to attend Ford's Theatre that evening where he was assassinated.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange building was completed in 1771 and has served a variety of civic institutional functions. At one point it was a prisoner-of-war facility operated by British forces during the American Revolution. The building also has served as a customs house, and post office, in addition to hosting President George Washington. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 and now operates as a museum run by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
CSS H.L. Hunley Submarine
After already sinking twice and killing 13 crew members, the Hunley went on to become the first combat submarine to successfully sink a warship. On February 17, 1864, the Hunley successfully attacked and sank the Housatonic, which had been on Union blockade duty in Charleston's harbor. Again, the Hunley sank, taking with it the lives of all eight members of the third and final crew. The submarine remained lost in the harbor until it was finally located in 1995. In 2000, it was raised from the water and is now on display at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center on the Cooper River. Recent discoveries suggest that the Hunley was as close as 20 feet from the Housatonic, when the deployed torpedo exploded, leading to the submarine's loss as well.
White Point Garden
White Point Garden is bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. The first settlers originally called the area Oyster Point due to the sun-bleached oyster shells on the ground. What appears as a beautiful park today was once the place where dozens of pirates were hung and left dangling from their nooses to deter other pirates from entering Charleston Harbor. In 1837, the City of Charleston bought part of White Point to create a waterfront park. White Point Garden has numerous monuments, a gazebo, and cannons that date back to the Civil and Revolutionary War era. It also is surrounded by beautiful antebellum mansions and massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Named after Charleston's longest-serving mayor (and also one of the longest in the United States), Waterfront Park is an eight-acre park located along the Cooper River. The park received the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The most iconic fountain there is known as the “Pineapple Fountain," which symbolizes the hospitality of the Lowcountry. Just around the corner from Waterfront Park, you can find the Battery and White Point Gardens.
King Street
Originally named for King Charles of England, King Street once served as the main route into and out of Charleston. Now, a revitalized and vibrant King Street boasts some of the city's trendiest restaurants and sophisticated cocktail scenes along with hotels, art galleries, flourishing businesses, and lively nightlife - not to mention some seriously exceptional shopping. Today, King Street is considered one of the "Top 10 Shopping Streets" by U.S. News and World Report.
Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row is one of the most visited and photographed places in Charleston. These 13 brightly-colored houses can be found along East Bay Street on the Charleston Harbor. In the 18th century, the houses held shops on the lower levels with living quarters above. However, after the Civil War, these homes fell into disrepair. In the 1920s, the homes began being restored, which is when the owners along the street started painting their homes bright pastel colors. Rainbow Row is one of the most unique places in Charleston and continues to attract visitors from around the globe.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Walk, run, or drive the Arthur Ravenel Bridge for an incredible view of the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor. At a span of 1,546 feet, it is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The bridge connects Mount Pleasant with Downtown Charleston and both sides allow access to the pedestrian walkway.
The Charleston Museum
This year marks the 250th Anniversary of the Charleston Museum, which was established in 1773 and is recognized as the oldest Museum in the United States. Its highly regarded collection includes historic artifacts, natural history, decorative arts, and two historic Charleston houses - the Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House. The Museum's collections now represent the nation's most comprehensive collection of South Carolina artifacts.
Gibbes Museum of Art
A favorite for art lovers, the Gibbes is home to over 10,000 works of fine art. Many of the pieces are American works with a connection to either Charleston or the southern United States. The art museum was created in 1905 and recently underwent a $13.5 million restoration in 2016.
Charleston City Market
First established in the 1790s, the Charleston City Market is one of the oldest markets in the United States. The building stretches over four blocks in the heart of downtown Charleston and is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Today, the market has over 300 vendors - offering a huge variety of items, such as sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, local art, clothes, toys, local food, and more! With so many options, you are sure to find something you love with a shopping experience unlike any other!
Charleston Harbor Tours
Ready to see the area by boat? Charleston Harbor Tours run daily and offer the chance to see and learn about over 75 different landmarks, such as Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, the USS Yorktown, and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, among many others. If you're lucky, you may even see a few dolphins in the harbor while you're out!
Old South Carriage Company
For any horse and history lover, a carriage ride with Old South Carriage Company is the way to explore the Holy City! Old South Carriage Company is repeatedly rated the best of Charleston, not only for their knowledgeable tour guides but also for the love and care they provide to their horses. Even if you don't take a carriage tour, you can still see their stables which are located at 14 Anson Street and are open to the public.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Boone Hall was founded in 1681 and is one of the south's oldest plantations still in operation. It is also considered the most photographed plantation in the United States and has been featured in numerous films, including "The Notebook" and "North and South." Plantation admission includes a house tour, access to the gardens, a self-guided tour of the preserved slave dwellings, a "Gullah" presentation, guided wagon tours through the current crop fields, and amazing views of the marsh and famous "Avenue of Oaks". NBC Daytime Television describes Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens as “a must-see stop on any trip to Charleston.”
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation is located on the Ashley River and dates back to 1676. Originally built by Thomas and Ann Drayton, the plantation still remains in the Drayton family after 15 generations. In the 1840s, Reverand Drayton began planting beautiful gardens for his wife and the location has been receiving admiring visitors since it opened to the public in 1870. Winter is the perfect time to visit Magnolia Plantation to see the world-renowned camellia collection in bloom. While there, visitors can also enjoy the petting zoo, conservatory, a theater, and stop by the Peacock Cafe. The money raised here goes towards the Magnolia Plantation Foundation which provides charitable aid to wildlife, conservation, horticultural, and educational entities, with a special focus on local African American causes. FUN FACT: The bride and groom got engaged on the infamous 'Long White Bridge.'
Charleston National Golf Club
South Carolina is ranked as the #1 Golf Destination in the United States, and 5th in the world by the International Association of Golf Travel Operators. With over 350 courses to choose from in the state, golf players have plenty of options. Two other popular courses include Dunes West Golf and River Club (where the wedding will be held) and Patriots Point Links.
Isle of Palms Beach
Even in the winter, nothing beats a relaxing walk along the beach! The Lowcountry has a number of different beaches open to the public. Above is information for the Isle of Palms, which is just across the Isle of Palms connector from Mt. Pleasant and where the bride and groom love to go! There are also several other local beach options, including Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach on James Island!