Charleston Destinations

Stretching from the Cooper River to Wragg Park, this quiet street encompasses several architectural styles, built in the transitional period between revolutionary to civil wars. From the Mazyck’s to the Wragg’s, Adamasque to greek revival, revolutionary to the civil, Flemish to English common bond, these slate sidewalks and Carolopolis award winners testify to Charleston’s commitment to preservation.  

This military college plays a prominent role from its’ inception in 1842, originally located in downtown Charleston’s Marian Square. Now accepting students from all walks of life, the beautiful campus, now located north of the city, is a testament to the discipline of the US military education.   https://go.citadel.edu

 Although under a much-needed renovation, this was once the south’s premier, beach amusement destination. It has gone through many stages since it was built, but even under construction, the pier is a fabulous place to breath in the salty air and imagine the heydays.    https://www.ccprc.com/1753/Folly-Beach-Pier

Travel to the edge of Folly Island for a up close and personal view of the Morris Island lighthouse. Learn the secrets of this abandoned part of the island, and why the lighthouse is now in middle of the ocean. You will be escorted down a colorful road (.25/mile) to end of the island for this beautiful photo op. Walk the beach for different views, but it is not necessary to get in the sand. 

https://savethelight.org    Lighthouse is not accessible.

Thought to be one of the oldest organisms east of the Mississippi, the Angel Oak tree is more than 500-years old. If trees could talk…

https://www.charleston-sc.gov/153/Angel-Oak  

Lunch!  We will pre-order sandwiches only from the menu then stop to eat and shop the market!    https://stonofarmmarket.com

The Drayton family genealogy is perhaps one of the most interesting (and complicated) in the south (and north). Drayton Hall circa 1738 is the only Ashley plantation to survive in its original state. It has never been renovated.. This peaceful property stands the test of time.     

https://www.draytonhall.org/

Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann arrived from the Barbados to the new English colony of Charles Towne and established Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River in 1676. The oldest public tourist site in the Low Country and the oldest public gardens in America. We will stroll down Live Oak Alley to the reflection pond and bridge and have a glimpse of the house.  https://www.magnoliaplantation.com

Built in 1706, this simple, elegant church is the oldest surviving structure used for worship south of Virginia. It is South Carolina’s only remaining colonial cruciform church and we are free to explore these sacred grounds.  

https://www.oldstandrews.org/

Perhaps the ugliest lighthouse in America, but it is still functional, and it is located on one of the most tragic, yet interesting islands in America.    https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=334

Lighthouse is not accessible.

Come stand in one of the most infamous spots in American history. A place that temporarily lodged thousands upon thousands of African slaves that were transported to this country. during the 16 & 17th centuries.  A place that witnessed the first shots of both Revolutionary and Civil Wars. An ironic spot where so much violence has passed through it, and yet now, so tranquil.   Note: we do not go inside the fort.  https://www.nps.gov/fosu/learn/historyculture/fort_moultrie.htm

Admission required.

You have to experience Charleston from the water!   Enjoy the 30-minute ride across Charleston Harbor back to the Aquarium/ Maritime Center

http://www.charlestonwatertaxi.com 

Boat Length: 30 minutes   

Middleton Place’s 110 vibrant acres include 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens – floral allées, terraced lawns, a pair of ornamental lakes shaped like butterfly wings – as well as a House Museum, Eliza’s House, working Stable yards with artisans and heritage breed animals, a Restaurant, Inn, and Organic Farm – all waiting to be explored.  

Admission fee required. 

https://www.middletonplace.org/

For tea lovers, we promise a once in a lifetime experience.  We're the only tea garden in North America* where you can see hundreds of thousands of tea bushes stretching out acre after acre for almost as far as the eye can see.   Located on picturesque Wadmalaw Island in the heart of the Lowcountry.  

Additional fee for Trolley Tour. 

https://charlestonteagarden.com/

A local and visitor favorite, they grow and harvest the grapes as well as make and bottle our wines all on site.  The vineyard offers walking trails, many animals to get to know, a garden, a large pond, the winery (of course), and our charming little gift shop. Located on Wadmalaw Island.  

Additional fee for wine tastings. http://www.deepwatervineyard.com  

From recreation to restaurants to retail, Kiawah Island does offer public access to shopping and its beaches.  Look at the Arts and Cultural Event calendar to plan your visit.  

https://www.kiawahisland.org/