Charleston

South Carolina Makes Waves for Vacationers

The best part about Charleston is that you can make this town your own. No matter what you seek in a vacation, Charleston can provide it. If you crave an Epicurean-style trip of endless wine, food and nightlife, you can find it. If you're feeling the explorer within bubbling to the surface, there's no better place to experience art, architecture and historic sites. And for the shoppers out there, the historic downtown area offers a plethora of high-end retail cloaked in 18th century structural integrity.

Points of Interest:

• South Carolina Aquarium: Makes a good pit stop because although it's small, it packs some big punches with a bald eagle, an albino alligator and a two story tank mimicking the mysteries of the deep.


• Cinebarre: This theatre isn't your cookie-cutter AMC. No need to sneak your beer in here because the front is a huge bar surrounded by pool tables and other goodies. After buying tickets (and drinks) from the bartender, head straight back to the stadium theatre seating equipped with counters right in front of each row. Cinebarre boasts a full menu including Princess Leias, which are scrumptious handmade cinnamon rolls served with vanilla cream frosting dip. Guests enjoy full service for the entirety of the movie.


• Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: This 500 acre, 17th century plantation offers a full day of activities, so be sure to dedicate a good five hours (at least!) to take in all the sights. There are several tours including the house, gardens, boat tour, nature train, swamp garden, petting zoo and their newest tour, slavery to freedom. Walking the grounds is truly an astonishing experience, especially the swamp garden where you stand less than 40 feet from 12 foot alligators and countless species of birds.


• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Regardless of how you feel about war, you can't help but become swept up in the history and grandeur of the USS Yorktown. This self-guided tour includes multiple sites including a Cold War submarine, a Vietnam support base, Medal of Honor Museum and a planes and flightdeck aboard the USS Yorktown.

Whether you consider yourself an adventurer, romantic, or historian, Charleston can provide what many places can't--all three.

(Picture Magnolia Plantation)