By: Carolyn Danton
Romance is always in the air in Charleston, where ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss flank every street and each corner seems to whisper hints of a rich and deep history. This is the perfect city to lose yourself with a sweetheart, so why not take a little direction and point yourself towards the most romantic spots in Charleston that are sure to fan the flame of your romantic fire?
The Battery and White Point
A short walk south of the Francis Marion, you’ll find The Battery, a promenade built on a seawall right where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers drain into the Atlantic. This promontory offers a stunning view of Fort Sumter and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse in the historic district. You may want to pack a romantic picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. You’ll want to take your time so you can enjoy the iconic antebellum homes and beautiful native flora which line the streets.
Bask in the Shade of Angel Oak
Located twelve miles from downtown Charleston on Johns Island, this fourteen-hundred-year-old tree is over twenty-five feet around. Angel Oak isn’t just a tree, but rather a natural wonder. A stroll hand-in-hand in the shade of this historic beauty is inspiring and titillating.
Take A
Moonlight Sail
Take to the seas for an adults-only moonlight sail
aboard the Schooner Pride, where you can
reenact all your favorite love scenes from Titanic. You’ll enjoy the magic of
sailing on a tall ship reminiscent of another era. This replica of an
eighteenth-century trading schooner will get the sparks flying.
Carriage
Tour Back in Time
Transport yourselves back in time with a horse-drawn
carriage tour of the city. The cobblestone roads and classic architecture
should be enough to set the mood, and a crisp nip in the air just adds a little
more incentive to cozy up to your sweetie.
Grab an
Oar and Go
For the more adventurous, outdoorsy couples, there’s
no excuse for not taking advantage of the countless rivers, boat launches, and
ocean fronts in the city. Rent a kayak, canoe, or even a stand-up paddleboard
to do some maritime exploration in and around Charleston.
Stroll
with the Fishes
A dim-lit romantic escape on a rainy day, or a little
reprieve from the heat, the South Carolina Aquarium is the perfect place to
explore an indoor reef, feed the rays, and make like a hand-holding otter. A
nice mix of education and natural beauty make this a wonder-inspiring trip for
two. Moreover, it’s only a few blocks
walk from the Francis Marion Hotel.
Swinging
on the Pier
The swings on Charleston Pier are a lovely way to end
a day as the sun goes down and the moon comes up. If you’re a child at heart,
there’s no time of day that isn’t sweet for swinging, but the views by night
are simply breathtaking.
So let the city seduce you and visit the most romantic spots in Charleston. You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to fall in love with this historic city.
Carolyn Danton is a leisure and travel writer who enjoys checking out the rare historical sights in every place she visits. When she’s not flying around the country, you’ll find her driving around her home state of Louisiana looking for hidden gems.