Fun Things To Do Around Charleston

Old St Andrew’s Parish Church

You may want to visit the link below and read about the history of this gorgeous 318 year old church; we are so thankful to exchange our vows in such a special place.

Walk across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Where to park, how long, the history… go to this website to find out more.

Visit Edgar Allan Poe’s Haunt’s on Sullivan’s Island

Only 18 years old and using the assumed name of Edgar A. Perry, Edgar Allan Poe enlisted in the US Army in 1827 to serve a five-year stint. On Oct. 31 of that year, he and his brigade set sail for Charleston, where he would be stationed for the next year at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island.

Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

Fort Moultrie is located on Sullivan's Island and features 171 years of seacoast defense history from the American Revolution through World War II.

Fort Sumter Tours & Visitor Center

Civil War History buffs… this is where it started; the first shots of the Civil War were fired upon Fort Sumter. Boat tours leave from Charleston or Mt Pleasant. More tour info at the link below. The visitors center is located in Liberty Square, beside the SC Aquarium, at the address above and does not require a boat ride.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Patriots Point Development Authority was established in the 1970s to develop a naval & maritime museum on Charleston Harbor with the World War II aircraft carrier, USS YORKTOWN as its centerpiece. It’s also home to the Patriots Point Museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, the Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the U.S.

CSS Hunley Submarine

The disappearance of the H. L. Hunley is one of the greatest mysteries in maritime history. Shortly after sinking the USS Housatonic on February 17th, 1864, the Hunley vanished without a trace. For more than a century, history buffs and adventurers speculated on the legendary submarine’s fate while divers searched for the wreck in the waters off Charleston. When the Hunley was found in 1995, and then raised in 2000, many hoped the answer would finally be within grasp… learn more at the Hunley History Museum. Reserve tour tickets at their website.

South Carolina Aquarium

Mary Stuart and her sister, Dottie, enjoyed the aquarium from a young age. The best part is the view of the bridge over the Cooper River! Note the changes to the bridge since Mary Stuart’s youth.

Charleston Tea Garden

Charleston Tea Garden is 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. There is no admission charge. The only charge you will incur is one for an optional trolley tour. Free tastings of their many delicious Iced and Hot teas. Be sure to visit Angel Oak on the way to the Charleston Tea Garden.

Deep Water Vineyard

Want to try a “Dryish” Muscadine wine? Or other blends? Visit the only domestic winery in Charleston; 48 acres on Wadmalaw Island.. not far from Charleston Tea Garden and Angel Oak.

Angel Oak Tree

On Johns Island stands the majestic Angel Oak. Estimated to be between 300-400 years old, the tree towers 65 feet high. Be sure to visit Charleston Tea Garden and/or Deep Water Vineyard after your visit to Angel Oak.

Shem Creek Boardwalk

Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant's popular waterfront dining and drinking district, has a park and boardwalk offering panoramic views of the marsh and Charleston Harbor. A total of 2,200 feet long, the boardwalk runs from Coleman Boulevard to near the mouth of the creek. Standing at the harbor end of the walkway, you can see all the way from Fort Sumter to Castle Pinckney. Count on staying for a delicious seafood meal at one of the many restaurants. See website for ideas.

Firefly Distillery

Home of the world’s first Sweet Tea Vodka, Firefly continues to make great spirits. From the original vodkas to the maritime influenced bourbon, and lineup of 11 moonshine flavors, Firefly has grown to include more than 30 innovative spirits. You may book tastings online. Note: closed all day Friday, October 25th. (In honor of our wedding???). They usually have music and a food truck on Saturdays, and Sunday Brunch events.

Palmetto Brewing Co.

Patriots Point Golf Links on Charleston Harbor

Famous for the Par-3 17th hole… an island green poised in the Charleston Harbor with sweeping vistas of Fort Sumter, Shem Creek and the historic downtown skyline. This is a golf hole that will not be forgotten. Don’t want to play 18 holes? The practice facility at Patriots Point Links delivers the perfect area to improve your golf game and provides Charleston with its largest, all-grass, lighted driving range. The bermuda-grass teeing area has room for 28 golfers. The range also includes a variety of targets to hone in everything from a lob wedge to a driver.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort

Drop huge bucks to experience this iconic golf course… better yet, just go to the clubhouse and enjoy a beverage by the ocean. It was where Drew proposed to Mary Stuart on September 2 of last year! You won’t regret the somewhat long drive out. It’s well worth it.

Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

Since 1997, the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch has grown to be one of the largest fall festivals in the state. Try to find your way through the corn maze if you dare! October 25th & 26th (10:00 am - 5:00 pm) October 27 (noon - 5:00 pm)

Charleston BeerFest @ Riverfront Park

Saturday, October 26th, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Annual beer festival in Riverfront Park, North Charleston, with beer from craft breweries, live music, food, & games. Age 21 and over.