50 First Dates



STORY BY PLUFF STAFF
PHOTOS BY CAITLIN CUNAGIN, NIKKI GLENN
AND MELISSA DELANEY
Good enough just isn’t good enough in a city like Charleston. Planning a date here couldn’t be harder. There’s a sea of choices that’s more overwhelming than the City Market. To make an impression, you need to bring your best. With so much to see, do and chew, there’s no excuse for being bland. Here are 50 Charleston-caliber ideas that will ensure your first date leads to a second.

1. Floating date
Drop the “g” and go floatin’ down the Edisto. Grab your suit, find a float, pack the cooler (don’t forget to BYOB) and head north for a lazy day on the river. Leave your car at Messervy Landing and start your trek at Givhans Ferry State Park (don’t forget $2 for admission). The blackwater river is the perfect place to keep cool and show off your chill side while taking part in a South Carolina pastime.
2. Bookish date
There's a story for everyone at Blue Bicycle Books, the King Street collector of used, rare and out-of-print titles. Seeing which one your date picks out might say more than any conversation over coffee could. A cookbook could lead to a future dinner date, while a mystery may present a challenge. If your date selects a visual index of handguns or a self-help book, don't dog-ear that number; it'd be best to check out of there fast.
3. Speakeasy date
The romance of the forbidden pulls you in; the glamour of the never-ending party keeps you until the late hours. With perfectly crafted cocktails, dim lighting and mixologists—never bartenders—speakeasy-inspired bars are quickly gaining favor in the hearts and livers of Charlestonians. Take a hop, skip and a jump back to when the times were good and booze flowed freely—behind closed doors, that is.
Start early (5 p.m.) on Upper King Street at The Cocktail Club, home of the Bourbon Happy Hour Wednesdays. Bourbon’s not your style? Try a specialty cocktail like the Lavender Vesper, inspired by James Bond’s cocktail of choice, with Tito’s vodka, Blue Coat gin, Lillet Blanc and lavender tea.
Continue the evening at The Gin Joint on East Bay, where the mixologists dress the part in suspenders and bowties. Don’t know what you’re craving? Answer a few select questions, and your very own cocktail specialist will whip up a custom gin-centric drink.
End the night up the street at The Speakeasy, arguably the most authentic of its kind in Charleston. So secretive there’s not a single advertisement to hint a bar even exists. Look for a door discreetly to the left of Club Light or a dapper gentleman outside to guide you to some serious cocktails.
4. Griswold Date
Admit it. There’s a little tacky tourist in all of us. Embrace that Griswold DNA and explore Charleston’s most hyped hot spots. Start the day fanny pack in tow at the Charleston City Market, and don’t even think about leaving until you’re the proud owner of a sweetgrass basket. Next, catch a Palmetto Carriage Tour ride at the “Big Red Barn” just off the Market to get a SparkNotes-style whirlwind tour of Charleston’s rich history. After expanding your knowledge of all things Charleston, fill up the tank at Hyman’s Seafood on Meeting Street. We recommend anything seafood and deep-fried. Visors, Hawaiian shirts and socks with sandals are the attire of choice.
5. Splash date
It’s hot. Like really hot. You’re also with your secret crush, so you want to impress him or her with your creativity. Where’s the one place you could go in Charleston to cool off without suggesting a cliché trip to the beach? One of the area’s three water parks, of course. Relive your youth with your date at James Island County Park’s Splash Zone. Ride down the two 200-foot slides or relax in a double float as you drift along the 500-foot lazy river. For only $11.99 per person (or less on Extra Value Days or with Piggly Wiggly Greenbax), it’s a sure way to cool off while heating things up.
6. Speed date
Speed dating may not be for you, but this kind of speed date will certainly make a big impression. Thriller Charleston is a high-speed boat ride that takes you through a tour of historic forts and scenery narrated with rock music to get your blood flowing even more. The tour lasts an hour and takes you on a 30-mile trip through Charleston’s waters. You should probably wait until a nicer day with no wind, or you may end up soaked in sea spray. Plan ahead and book your tour online (adult tickets are $25 to $35) so you can pre-order a Thriller poncho for your adventure.
7. Walking date
First dates can be nerve-wracking, so why not walk off the stress? Throw on a pair of sneakers, snag a camera and prepare for a romantic stroll in the Holy City’s backyard. Half your work is already done thanks to the charm and Southern sophistication of this American coastal gem. It’s an easy city to get around without a car, but it’s more fun to get lost in the mysteriously hidden nooks and crannies.
Stoll’s Alley is a particularly magical place, nestled between East Bay and Church streets. Take your date down this quant alleyway and bathe in its shade and mystery. It’s roughly six feet wide and is surrounded by three-story Charleston homes and an eight-foot tall privacy wall covered in fragrant jasmine.
Just off Market Street lies Philadelphia Alley, known to most as Dueler’s Alley. The site of a duel gone wrong, it is said that Philadelphia Alley still carries the sound of pistol shots and the smell of gun smoke. It is considered one of the most haunted lanes in town, but the crumbling brick walls and green foliage replace fears with curiosity. Look at the walls left and right of the bricked entries and you’ll find what appear to be bullet holes.
You can’t roam the streets South of Broad without a picture in front of the pastel facades of Rainbow Row, one of the most photographed spots in Charleston. This was once the city’s colonial commercial district; shops and markets were on the first floor, and merchants lived on the upper floors. If your date is a hit, you can show the photo to your grandkids.
8. Music date
Want to go on a date where you don't have to talk or listen to your date talk? The Music Farm is Charleston's favorite music venue. Whether you like Wiz Khalifa, We The Kings or the local Long Miles, you can catch a great show in this tiny concert hall. There's a bar and balcony as well as a dance floor close enough to the band that you're likely to get sprayed with their sweat. There are cheap (as low as $10) shows every week, and it’s right down the street from upper King’s bustling bar scene, so you can rock on long after the concert.
9. Progressive date
Foodie adventurers, try a progressive dinner date to satisfy your stomachs. Grab an app and a glass of wine at Social, then head down the street to SNOB or Magnolia’s for your main course. Next, walk down the Market to Kaminsky’s for dessert and an Irish coffee before calling it a night. Want to stretch out your date? Throw in a soup/salad course at the East Bay Meeting House.
10. Kodak date
With all there is to do in Charleston, sometimes the simple beauty of the city itself can go unnoticed. Take it all in by snapping photos together. A great place to start is the top of the parking garages downtown. Sunrise or sunset, the shining Charleston vista will be different each time. Go high, go low and travel to places you haven’t seen yet. Taking pictures forces you to put your surroundings under closer observation. You may fall in love with Charleston all over again, or spark a new fire with your date. And if you don’t want your date to end, remember the old saying: Take a picture. It’ll last longer.
11. Sporty date
Take me out to the ball game—but first take a few swings yourself. Head to Frankie’s Fun Park in North Charleston and swing for the fences in the batting cages ($2 for 16 pitches), then head to The Joe for a Riverdogs game. Snuggle up in the bleachers up and watch the sun set over the Ashley River, then heckle the visiting team. What could be more romantic? Glad you asked. Make it a Friday night, when home games end with “oohh, aahh”–worthy fireworks displays.
12. Bowling date
Forget about your hometown bowling alley. Forget the greasy cheese fries and the screaming kids in the lane next to you. Upper King’s new hotspot, The Alley, welcomes you with a retro vibe in a surprisingly modern space. Instead of the typical pepperoni pizza, try the roasted beet French bread pizza, courtesy of Home Team Kitchen (the folks behind Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ). Juggle your time bowling in one of the eight lanes, sipping a Westbrook White Thai and challenging buddies to a game of Skee-ball.
13. Swamp date
Birds squawk and chirp past your gently floating rowboat. Massive cypress and tupelo trees loom above as the sun creates leaf patterns on every seeable surface. Lily pads litter the water, their white and pink flowers a shocking contrast to the dark pond. Cypress Gardens, only a 45-minute drive from the heart of Charleston, may as well be a world away. For $10 a head, you can see one of the most beautiful outdoor gardens in the Lowcountry, with three and a half miles of flower-strewn walking paths that give the air a sweet smell. The romantic Swamp Boat Adventure, as seen in the movie The Notebook, is its best attraction. Just watch out for the gators.
14. Movie date
Want to go old school with dinner and a movie? Combine the two at Mount Pleasant’s Cinebarre, a restaurant inside a movie theater. Waiters quietly pass through the aisles while the film mesmerizes audiences. The menu consists of meals named after classic films like Fight Club and the Blue Velvet Burger, as well as a selection of wine and beer. On Tuesdays, tickets are $5 for any showtime.
15. Painting date
It’s hard for dinner dates to feel repetitive in a foodie city like Charleston, but sooner or later you crave something different. Grab an ice-cold beer (or a generous glass of wine) and your significant other, and prepare to unleash your inner Picasso. No painting experience? Not an issue, because there are a number of local studios that help amateurs create works of art. Bottles and Brushes in West Ashley and Summerville and Wine and Design in West Ashley have professional artists who help you every step of the way. You complete and take home your painting in one class.
16. Dancing date
Feel the music, kick up your heels and show off your rhythm (or lack thereof) with a dance lesson at Fred Astaire Studios in West Ashley or Mount Pleasant. Regardless of your date’s foxtrot, tango or shagging skills, this date is bound to bring you closer. A high-energy group lesson or romantic private session might be just what you need to get a few laughs and break the ice on the dance floor.
17. Midnight date
If it’s tough to carve out time from your busy days to meet up with a friend or special someone, make the most of Butcher & Bee’s late-night dining option Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and schedule a midnight dinner date. The popular Upper King Street restaurant, open from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., is BYOB, so don’t forget to bring a bottle of Italy’s finest or a six pack of your favorite craft beer. A word to the wise: Get there before the bars let out, or you’ll be fighting for a spot at the community tables.
18. Disc golf date
If your date is an outdoorsy type who loves to play golf with a little spin to it, then try disc golf. In Charleston, the biggest course is at Trophy Lakes. The watersports destination offers private water ski and wakeboard lessons, day camps and, most importantly, disc golf. It’s a fun, easy and cheap (only five bucks a person, and ladies play free on Saturdays) way to get to know your significant other. With 18 full-sized courses and a cooler full of alcohol, by the end of the day, you’ll be ready for a nap. Ideally, not alone.
19. Vino date
Spanish moss–draped oaks tower above, their shadows dancing in the breeze. A rustic barn-like winery sits against the vibrant green field of grapes. The only local vineyard and winery, Irvin House grows, harvests and bottles five types of muscadine wine on site. For $4 you can try all five wines and leave with an Irvin House wine glass. What a better way to spend a beautiful Charleston afternoon (except Sundays) than on a self-guided tour of the 48 acres while enjoying Lowcountry wine?
20. Chilly date
In a city where the heat can drive you mad, the Carolina Ice Palace is the coolest place to hang out. The public skates on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. are perfect for date nights. Start out at the rink’s restaurant/bar, The Penalty Box, which has half price appetizers, $3.25 margaritas and $2.25 tequila shots on Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. If you’re a beginner, though, you might want to skip the specials and wait until after your skate to head to the Penalty Box, or you might not look so cool when you get out on the ice.
21. Historic date
If your date has a thing for history, then get thee to the Joseph Manigault House. Stepping into the historic home is like taking a journey back in time. Pictures of former residents bring the home’s history to life, and the bright upholstered furniture in the living room, the china set eloquently on the table and the spiral staircase will help you and your date imagine what it was like to live in the Federal style home in the 19th century.
22. Dog date afternoon
What could be a more relaxed and fun first date than playing with puppies? Spend a Saturday volunteering for Pet Helpers, a local nonprofit no-kill shelter that holds adoptions every weekend to place their loveable fur balls in permanent homes. All you have to do is attend a one-hour orientation the week you plan on volunteering, then you’re qualified to play with puppies and help them find families. If things don’t work out with your date, there’s a good chance you’ll find a new best friend.
23. Dog date evening
If you wound up adopting that pooch at Pet Helpers, don’t leave the little guy home alone; let him play third wheel on your date. Plenty of restaurants will welcome your four-legged pal with open paws after a ball toss and swim at the James Island County Park dog park (AKA, hound heaven).
Pups are welcome to join you in the outdoor seating area at Molly Darcy's, an Irish pub that offers music, dancing, food and drinks.
Restless pooch? Parson Jack’s Cafe has the only off-leash patio in town, where your dog can socialize with other furry friends, drool over the free treats and gourmet dog food and hang out in the oversized doghouse.
In more of a chill mood? Enjoy a hookah and baba ghanoush at Tabbuli, which has a large enclosed outdoor patio.
Not in a Mediterranean mood? Fuel Caribbean Cantina offers unique Caribbean dishes along with a few traditional Southern options to enjoy while your dog sunbathes in the outdoor seating area.
Of course, Dogs are the honored guests on the dock-side deck at Red's Ice House.
24. Tree-hugger date
What’s more romantic than a mid-afternoon picnic? Enjoying said picnic under a 300- to 400-year-old oak tree that spans 187 feet from tip to tip. Thought to be one of the oldest living things in the United States, photos of the Angel Oak do not do it justice. Pack a lunch and sit at one of the tables or bring a blanket on a slow day and sit directly underneath one of its massive branches.
25. Pub crawl date
Everyone knows the city is packed with history, but its alcohol-saturated past is a little-known fact.
Charles Towne had the most taverns per capita in
colonial America, says Alan Stello, owner of Charles Towne Pub Stroll. “The stories we discuss are about blind tigers (1890s) and Prohibition (1920s) criminals of Charleston.” This 18th century character-led pub stroll will teach you everything you need to know about colonial-era Charles Towne and the bars that made it thrive.
26. Coffee date
For a low-key, energizing date, skip the corner Starbucks and head to Kudu coffee on Vanderhorst. Grab a chai latte (or a freshly made smoothie if you’re not into caffeine) and chat on the peaceful patio. If you’re musically inclined, check out the monthly open-mic night and surprise your date with a solo. If you’ve just finished strolling through the market, head to City Lights Coffee or The Bake House on East Bay.
27. Kayaking date
What better way to view Charleston than by water? Imagine you and your date cast against the backdrop of the Holy City skyline while kayaking through Shem Creek. Coastal Expeditions offers three-hour kayaking tours every day, and it’s not unusual to spot pelicans and dolphins while en route. Or look out for sea turtles and rare birds on a Folly River kayak tour led by Sea Kayak Carolina. We can’t guarantee you won’t get wet, but we can promise an experience you and your date will share for months or even years to come.
28. Cheesy date
Choose between Swiss cheese, beef or seafood fondue for an evening of DIY deliciousness at Thursday Night Fondue at Gaulart et Maliclet, otherwise known as Fast & French. The staff brings out a tureen and flame, and you do the rest (don't worry, they'll be more than happy to help). If you know a little about cooking, now's the time to make a good impression and not undercook the chicken. Salmonella's a big turn-off. The noise level is above conversation, and the people-watching is great, meaning awkward pauses (or food getting lost in the fondue) aren't a problem. Spills are frequent and fun at this casual but classy Broad Street cafe, so don't wear your whites.
29. Beach date
Hear that calm, soothing sound? The beach is calling your name, taunting you with its turquoise waters and fine sand. When the sun shines bright, drop everything and head to Sullivan’s Island. Start the day basking in the sun (with sunscreen, of course), then embrace your adventurous side and try a little paddle boarding, canoeing, skim boarding, surfing or—most challenging of all—windsurfing (try not to not injure any small children with the massive sails). Check out Charleston Outdoor Adventures, Olinah, Catch Some Air or Sealand Adventure Sports for rentals or lessons. End the day by grabbing some of the juiciest burgers to ever pass your lips at Poe’s Tavern. Be warned, it gets crowded quick.
30. Cooking date
If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then the way to any foodie’s soul is through Lowcountry cooking. Learn how to impress each other with some Southern cooking skills at Charleston Cooks!. Classes range from fish and shellfish or bourbon and barbecue workshops to how to cook the perfect Charleston Sunday brunch. The Cooks! will even teach you how to pair the perfect wine with your home-cooked food for your next romantic night in.
31. Stand-up date
SUP. No, not “What’s up?” We’re talking about stand-up paddle boarding. This fast-growing sport, which originated in Hawaii, is a fun, easy way to go play on the water and get a full-body workout. Charleston SUP Safaris on Folly Beach offers eco-, dolphin, sunset, full moon and Morris Island Lighthouse tours. Never paddle boarded before? No biggie. People of all ages and skill levels try this activity for the first time and are up and surfing in no time. Plus, it will give you the opportunity to use the line, “Have you ever walked on water?”
32. Turntable date
Monster Music, one of the few remaining record shops around, is a haven for vinyl lovers. The West Ashley shop offers a wide selection of used funk/R&B, classical, jazz and rock vinyl. But the last weekend of each month brings out the real aficionados for Record Day, when vendors who collect and sell vinyl barter their records. You and your date can take an album or two for a spin on the in-store record player while you watch and observe the few remaining vinyl lovers in their natural habitat.
33. Mystery date
If you’re hurtin’ for one of those doubled-over, tears-in-your-eyes laughing fits or you find yourself sword fighting with your special someone in the living room a little too often, plan your next date at The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. Next to the Market on Church Street, The Black Fedora offers several shows, including the bone-chilling Sherlock Holmes Charleston History Mystery, the buccaneer-friendly Pirate Mystery and Inspector NoClue’s classic murder mystery. Grab a drink, tapas and dessert while enjoying the show, or play a character yourself.
34. Creepy date
Halloween may be months away, but in this graveyard-heavy, ghost-infested city, you don’t have wait long to get a little—or a lot—spooked. Bulldog Tours offers four terrifying and unique tours to enjoy with that cutie you’ve been wanting a reason to get closer to. The 18-and-up Dark Side of Charleston Tour takes an R-rated look at Charleston’s dark past, complete with scandal, corruption and prostitutes. Other tours explore ghosts, dungeons, graveyards and arguably the most haunted spot around: The Old City Jail. Don’t be surprised if you come across the spirits of 19th century pirates or Civil War prisoners, as this place housed the deathbeds of such criminals for more than 100 years.
35. Spa date
When you plan a first date, your No. 1 goal is to pamper your partner enough to warrant a second date. Leave the pampering to the pros at the Spa at Wentworth Mansion, where you and your date can relax and bond during an hour-long couples massage. Once your muscles and minds are soothed, enjoy dinner at the 126-year-old inn’s Circa 1886 restaurant. If a hotel and couples massage feels too forward, book separate Signature Charleston massages at Seeking Indigo, then head up the street to The Grocery for dinner and compare notes.
36. Tease date
Unlike your typical bar, Tease Dry Bar is Charleston’s first to specialize in hair over booze. The vertical space appears much like a drinking bar at first glance, only of a much more girly and glamorous breed. Bar stools and coasters are replaced with pale pink salon chairs and hairdryers, and the only spirits you’ll find behind the bar take form in an array of aerosol cans and plastic pump bottles. Make a date with your best gal pal—or treat yourself to some pre-date pampering—take a seat and peruse an unorthodox menu of hairstyles: the Goddess, the Free Spirit, the Siren, the Sophisticate, the Trendsetter or the signature Tease. For $35, Tease will wash, blow and style your hair in less than 45 minutes. Want to make it a primping party? The King Street spot, which opened in the fall, will personalize your event with on-site catering services, making it the perfect spot to toast to friendship and your inner-goddess.
37. Fishy date
Chances are you don’t own a scuba kit, or your date might not want to hook on all that hardware just for an afternoon out. Lucky for you guys, all you have to do is walk toward Charleston Harbor and visit the South Carolina Aquarium. The aquarium features thousands of plants and animals, from stingrays and sharks to a rattlers and gators (including an albino one). There are also programs and events each day, from dive shows to lemur feedings. Entrance to the aquarium is $24, so you may still have some shells left over for the gift shop or a snack at the aquarium’s cafe.
38. Plantation date
Want your date to be romantic? Memorable? You’re in luck. It doesn’t get more idyllic than a picnic and stroll through one of Charleston’s many magnificent plantations. Spread out a blanket beside the manicured grounds at Middleton Place or the grand oak trees at Boone Hall Plantation. Or take a train ride at Magnolia Plantation to get a close look at rare birds, alligators, swamps, gardens and old slave cabins. Bonus: College of Charleston students and faculty get free admission for two to Magnolia Plantation.
39. A-la-Carte date
The Elliotborough neighborhood has come to life in recent years. The growing area has Trattoria Lucca, D’allesandro’s, Cutty’s, Barsa and now Elliotborough Mini Bar. It’s a good pick any night, but it's the place to be on Tuesdays. Cozy up at the intimate bar for live music, drink specials and themed a-la-carte dinners prepared by guest chefs. Previous dinners have featured chefs Danny Cooper of Triangle Char + Bar, Maureen McNellis of Puree Organic Cafe and Emily Hahn, the “Empanada Mamma” of the Marion Square Farmer’s Market. Bring your appetite and some green—these dinners are cash only.
40. Ship date
With the coastal city’s strong military presence, it is no surprise that there are a plethora of naval activities. The U.S.S Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is home to the Medal of Honor Museum, so you can tour the Yorktown, then read incredible stories about those who served our country. Active duty military members get $3 off the $18 admission, but if they’re in uniform, they get in free. If you’re more interested in below-water vessels, The Hunley submarine on the old Charleston Naval Base offers tours every weekend. Military members get $2 off the $12.00 advance admission price.
41. Sunset date
Charleston looks pretty enough by the light of day, but it gets even better when the sun sets over the city. The best spot to view the explosion of light is down at the Battery. Find a bench, or spread a blanket in front of the bandstand, lay out some cheese and crackers and watch the sun sink into the harbor.
42. Panoramic date
Get a new perspective on the city from the 14th floor of the Holiday Inn Riverview. The Harborview Restaurant and High Spirits Lounge has sat atop the circular building on the banks of the Ashley River since the hotel opened in 1971. Get a bellyful of happy hour specials such as $3.50 tacos and $5 margaritas and an eyeful of the sights below.
43. Candy shop hop date
Channel your inner Charlie Bucket with a Willy Wonka-inspired date. Ditch your diet and grab all those colorful goodies you've been eyeing on your daily strolls past the candy shop. If anyone asks, say you’re searching for the golden ticket. Compare childhood favorites with your date, and see how many free praline samples you can grab during your walk down Market Street. A few places you have to hit: Robot Candy Co., Market Street Sweets and Charleston’s Candy Kitchen.
44. Om date
Grab a bottle of water, a yoga mat and your date, and prepare to spend an hour of your Friday afternoon detoxing before a weekend of retoxing. From 4:15 to 5:15 Charleston Power Yoga offers a free—in case you missed that, free—class to the community. The studio fills up fast and only lets in the first 35 people lined up at the door, so get there at least 40 minutes early, especially during the school year, and watch your date heat up.
45. Laser date
While your date is of this Earth (hopefully), it doesn't mean you can't tag him or her with the technology of another. Glozone LaZer Tag specializes in beaming and blasting your opponents with laser weapons in a competitive (and undeniably nostalgic) course. The walls glow in shapes last seen in Tron, but try not to geek out too much. This is only the first date, and you don't want your date moving to a planet far, far away. LaZer Zone charges $7 a game, and there are no reservations. The '90s live on, to infinity and beyond.
46. Art walk date
Impress your date with a stroll around the many esteemed art galleries downtown. On the first Friday of every month, The French Quarter Gallery Association Art Walk participants open their doors to the public and offer free hors d’oeuvres and wine. If you only have time to visit one gallery to visit on the peninsula, make it Robert Lange Studios, voted best in Charleston by the City Paper for the past four years.
47. Pier date
Take a long walk on… well, a long pier. Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant has a 50-foot observation tower and a boardwalk through a sun-kissed marsh. James Island County Park’s impressive saltwater fishing dock is a great spot for crabbing. Shem Creek Pier offers the best central Mount Pleasant marsh view. The pier at Waterfront Park, downtown at Market Street and East Bay, is dotted with big wooden swings that are perfect for relaxing on the harbor. Want a more adventurous stroll? Watch the fishermen reel in sharks at the Folly Beach fishing pier.
48. Civil War date
If you’re dating a Civil War history buff, wander through the powder magazines and cannons at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, and learn about the historic fort inside its small but impressive museum. Then take the scenic path to the beach and watch the sun set over Fort Sumter.
49. Settlers date
You’ve seen the placards throughout downtown and visited the museums, but if you really want to know about the history of Charleston (or South Carolina or even America, for that matter), head to West Ashley, where the first settlers landed. Charles Towne Landing is a state park with an interactive museum, remnants of life in the1600s and breathtaking grounds. Climb aboard a 17th century-style cargo ship, stroll past crop gardens, cannons and an African-American cemetery and visit with the black bears, pumas, bison and wild turkeys at the animal forest. At just $7.50 per person, it’s one of the best deals in town.
50. Free date
Don’t even have a few bucks to spare your date? Never fear. You can fill an entire day with spectacular activities that charge zero cover. Stand in the middle of the huge, circular echo stone at the south end of Waterfront Park downtown, and speak. Your voice will carry all around you. Then head up town to the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and walk the 2.5 miles to the other side. Breathe in the jasmine-scented air, watch the dolphins play below and look all around you, from the peninsula skyline to the North Charleston Navy yard to the shores of Daniel Island. End the day by swinging side by side at the playground at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park at the end of the bridge.




PHOTO COURTESY ELLIOTBOROUGH MINI BAR







PHOTO COURTESY TEASE DRY BAR


PHOTO COURTESY HARBORVIEW RESTAURANT


