Looking to visit black history sites in Charleston, SC? Or maybe looking to learn more about Charleston black history? The beautiful city has some unique historical sites and museums where you can learn about the atrocities of slavery in this country and in South Carolina.
We recently visited and compiled this list of black historical sites in Charleston, SC, where you can go to learn anytime you’re in the area.
(more…)We stayed at the new stayAPT Suites in North Charleston, SC and loved the spacious rooms with full kitchens. This hotel is ideal for families during trips and longer-term stays!
Thanks to stayAPT Suites for inviting us to their North Charleston location so we could provide this review.
You know that feeling of walking into a hotel room and just enjoying the immense space you’ve got there? Me neither. One of the things that makes stayAPT Suites stand out are the huge rooms, which are basically like an apartment. I walked in and I literally felt like I walked into an apartment. One of my kids actually said that word.
When I travel with my family, I almost always stay somewhere that has a kitchen because let’s be honest, eating out for every meal gets pricey really fast. StayAPT really hits the mark on the kitchen, the spacious bathroom, and the huge bedroom. I was just floored at all the space. This is a big reason why I think families especially will love stayAPT – that and the affordable prices.
StayAPT Suites are all 500+ square feet with distinct living space, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The company wants their guests to feel at home, to be comfortable, and to enjoy the time spent there. They don’t want them to feel like they have to sacrifice the comforts of home when they travel for work, vacation, or even relocation.
StayAPT Suites are mostly centered in the Southeast and Midwest but are working on a few locations out West. They are growing fast and their location map can help you find the one closest to your destination for travel. If you’ve got family coming to Greenville who need a place to stay, they have two locations in our area: one in Greenville and the other in Greer.
We stayed at the stayAPT Suites in North Charleston for our adventure, which was the perfect area for exploring and relaxation.
Every stayAPT Suites has a courtyard, a fitness room, and an on-site laundry room. The suites are pet-friendly so don’t worry about leaving your furry friend at home.
They don’t have a pool or breakfast buffet but you won’t really miss it when you’re out exploring and saving all that money doing fun things with your family instead of spending it all on a cramped hotel room.
All rooms have free and fast wi-fi so you can get your work done if needed.
The kitchen we had at stayAPT Suites was a beautiful, eat-in kitchen. Honestly, I’d love to have this same kitchen in my house. It’s bigger and prettier than my own kitchen.
There’s a full-size refrigerator, a huge granite peninsula with chairs and a sink, a dishwasher, an electric stove, a coffee maker, and a toaster. I was at home here and I loved it.
While they provide one day of coffee, if you’re here longer, bring your own coffee and filter. They have pots and pans, silverware, and cups. A roll of paper towels and salt and pepper would be helpful to bring with you as well.
The decor around stayAPT is very minimalist and has no frills. The courtyard is really pretty though with comfortable seating and an area to relax and let the kids play after a long drive.
The hotel is able to keep rates low because they have minimal staff and amenities to keep up with. All of the staff I met were incredibly nice and helpful. While I checked in at the lobby, you can use keyless and contactless check-in via an app.
This minimalist philosophy is a huge advantage in most places but especially in Charleston, where it’s not easy to find someplace affordable to stay for families or longer term stays.
StayAPT is perfect for traveling nurses, families who are relocating and need a spot to stay for a bit, and longer-term travel for business.
I was immediately floored when I walked into the room because it was just so large and spacious. And I absolutely loved the kitchen with all the open space and big countertops. It was perfect for when I cooked breakfast and dinner during our trip and helped us save money, which is always appreciated.
I wasn’t expecting such a minimalist hotel in terms of the normal amenities that most hotels usually offer like a pool and breakfast (if you’re lucky) but it was an easy transition to make in my mind because we weren’t cramped and the location was great.
I especially find stayAPT Suites a fantastic option for visiting families or people who need a place while relocating. Not all of us have a lot of extra space for when our families come to visit and stayAPT Suites has two locations in the Greenville area for such an occasion!
It’s super easy to book your stay at stayAPT Suites as everything is done online on their website. StayAPT Suites has double queen and king rooms available and rates will depend on season, holidays, and other factors that determine the prices – but rates will be competitive.
You can book your stay at the stayAPT website for North Charleston as well as search their other locations.
Find fun things to do in Charleston, SC!
Ever wanted to have your own romantic boat ride through massive cypress trees like Noah & Allie in “The Notebook”? Well, you can right at Cypress Gardens near Charleston, SC.
I loved the Nicholas Sparks romance, The Notebook, and while the book is always better than the movie, the film didn’t disappoint, especially when it came to creating a scene that looked like it was from another world on a boat amongst massive cypress trees and swans.
While I took this trip with my kids (who have not seen the movie), the boat ride at Cypress Gardens was just incredible, beautiful, and peaceful. Doing it with your significant other would be next level up romantic. But there’s more to see at the gardens than the swamp gardens, which I’ll tell you all about.
Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre nature preserve with trails, a swamp garden with boat rides, a Swamparium, a playground, and an education center.
Think lots of beautifully tall trees and Spanish moss, flowers everywhere, and a sense of total peace, especially on the water.
It seems that Hollywood also loves Cypress Gardens, Charleston SC. The Notebook was filmed here, as well as parts of the “Outer Banks”, Swamp Thing, The Patriot, and Cold Mountain. You can see the full list on the Cypress Gardens Website.
Just outside the Swamparium is a small waterway where we saw two big gators. I actually thought they were fake until we got closer. Nope, they are real and they are everywhere in the gardens. They are pretty docile – just don’t go trying to pet them.
The Swamparium is a building that houses lots of fish and reptiles that are found both in local waterways and swamps as well as in South America. We saw big catfish and a couple of venomous snakes but the biggest thing we saw was the massive Anaconda.
This thing was huge – and it was feeding time. I’ll spare the details for those readers who would rather not read about this part of nature but for those who think it’s cool, it was.
The self-guided swamp boat tours are part of your admission ticket, which is pretty awesome. We went in February, which could not have been more perfect in terms of temperatures and bug levels. It was cool and bugless so we could really take in the immense beauty of the blackwater and cypress trees. It’s truly a stunning sight.
There are very sturdy rowboats to take out into the swamp and life jackets are available. Pro tip: for smaller groups, take a smaller boat. There were only three of us and maneuvering the larger rowboat was a challenge.
The self-guided tour takes you through the swamp by arrows on the trees so it is easy to follow. You’ll go right past the part of the swamp where Noah and Allie were filmed in the boat as well as the bridge that was shown at the beginning of the film, referred to by the guides as the “duck bridge” because you have to duck under it while paddling. It’s so pretty.
We were told it would take us about 45 minutes to paddle through the swamp and it took us a bit longer, maybe. I totally lost track. It was peaceful and quiet paddling through the blackwater. We were given instructions to watch for gators and other wildlife and just to keep to ourselves. I’m sure they were there but we didn’t see any in the swamp.
If you’d rather paddle with a pro, Cypress Gardens offers guided boat tours, it’s an additional $5/person and you can reserve that when you get there.
There are trails that wind all around the gardens. We took the pink trail around part of the swamp and it took us about 20 minutes to walk it all. There are places to sit along the swamp and admire the beauty. There are other, longer trails if you’d like.
The Butterfly House is a must-see. The plants and flowers there are very pretty and you may get to see some newly-made butterflies. There is a small pond inside with koi fish as well.
And kids will love the playground at Cypress Gardens. There is a larger playground for bigger kids and a smaller one for the littles. There is also a covered pavilion with picnic tables that are perfect for a shaded rest.
My kids are 13 and 9 and they really enjoyed Cypress Gardens. They are used to me dragging them to gardens to see pretty flowers and plants but not to take a boat ride in a swamp. They both definitely liked it but for me, I was just awed the whole time. Yes, I love the romantic movie that was filmed there but I love nature more. The beauty of those huge cypress trees standing tall in the water just blew me away. I could have done that boat ride again.
And the Swamparium was also really neat. I may be in the minority but I like snakes and turtles, especially the more I learn about them. The building was so well put together and educational.
And one of the best parts about Cypress Gardens was the price. I couldn’t believe the low cost of admission to see all we did and the fact that it included the self-guided boat ride. You can’t really do any better than that in the Charleston area. This place is a treasure – go visit.
Cypress Gardens is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm with the last admission at 4 pm and the last self-guided boat tour going out at 4:15 pm. They are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission is $10/adults and $5/kids ages 6-17 and free for kids ages 5 and under.
Pets are allowed only from November through February and they must be leashed at all times. They are not allowed in buildings. Be sure to check the website for special events, like an upcoming torch-lit boat ride!
Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC
843.553.0515
Cypress Gardens Website
Discover more things to do in Charleston, SC!
Are you looking for road trip tips for families? And maybe you need some ideas about how to manage the kids in the car on a family road trip? Whether you need ideas for long-distance travel with the family, safety tips while traveling, or what road trip essentials to keep in the car, we have some great tips from lots of experience taking road trips with kids. Keep everyone having fun, and sane, with these family road trip tips!
We’ve spent a LOT of hours in the car on the road with many small children. I don’t think we are experts in many things – but we might qualify as experts on sitting in the car with our kids. The road can be a challenge for sure. Look at the same signs. Play the same games. Hear the same music. Create the same memories. However, being in the car with our whole family can be pretty amazing if you allow it to be.
Not quite ready for a long road trip with your kids? Check out these 10 Inexpensive Day Trips near Greenville in addition to our Ultimate Guide to Day Trips to start planning your next getaway!
Well before you start packing for your big road trip, you’ll need to figure out where you want to go! Check out our Travel Guide, loaded with ideas, reviews, and information about dozens of places to vacation. The guide offers ideas based on state, city, educational opportunities while traveling, seasonal travel, and so much more!
Packing for a long car ride is already difficult, but making sure you have what you need in the front of the car is very important when it comes to car rides with kids. Entertainment, snacks, emergency supplies, and things to make your children comfortable will help everyone stay calm and collected during the trip.
Utilize books on tape, music, and movies. Maybe even buy or borrow (from the library for instance) a few new movies that they haven’t yet seen. The Greenville Library has many movies, audiobooks, and magazines that can be checked out, or try Amazon and Audible and download them to your phone.
Pre-download movies, games, and books onto your child’s tablet. This way, you will not have to run your hotspot from your phone the entire time, and it will save you the hassle of running into connectivity issues!
Pack a portable charger (and actually charge it beforehand). These will help keep everyone’s phones, tablets, and portable dvd players charged and ready for the long haul.
If you are going screen-free, Keep the little ones happy and the car somewhat tidy, with a small bin tall enough for books standing up. We used the kind meant to hold a few file folders on top of a desk.
Utilize coloring books. You can give each child a new hardcover drawing book with new super washable markers to keep them occupied. You can also purchase WaterWow coloring books for kids that are mess-free, and they are great for toddlers and preschoolers.
Use creative storage ideas to keep organized. Consider getting shoe organizers, meant to go over the back of closet doors, and hang them (cut to fit) on the backs of seats. The pockets can hold coloring supplies, wipes, paper towels or even a juice box. (Side note: Even if you don’t have a child in diapers, bring wipes. So many messes can be cleaned with wipes.)
Pack a lot of snacks. Making sure there are snacks is key to reducing meltdowns and boredom. Try snacks that are rare but desirable, so they have a treat to look forward to. Having a combination of carb, fat, and protein-rich foods will help everyone stay full and avoid crankiness. If bringing a baby along, make pre-filled bottles of milk, formula, or breastmilk and use freezer packs to keep them cool while easily accessible.
Pack a set of essential items for each child. Paper towels, tissues, hand sanitizer, snacks, and drinks, placed all within reach while they are buckled are very helpful. We also have a water bottle for each child
Make sure there is a change of clothes for each child that is easily accessible (not in the suitcase). I like to organize these in Ziploc gallon bags. Also include some bags to use for dirty clothing.
I like to let each child take their own pillow, it’s worth it in the long run if they feel more comfortable. My children like to stuff their blankies, stuffed animals, and pajamas into their pillowcases.
Keep your emergency kit up front. Pack a thermometer, Tylenol, motion sickness medication, etc just in case along with your emergency kit. Keeping this upfront will help you avoid random stops if someone gets a cut or feels nauseated.
When traveling with children, especially ones that can walk off and away from the group, its important to prepare everyone to be as safe as possible during your road trip. The tips below will help keep everyone safe while traveling.
Long distance, sightseeing trips can be magical and full of wonder! A couple of years ago Maria took a family road trip with three young children across the entire country. Traveling long distances with young children can be done without losing your sanity! The family traveled to Kentucky to visit the Corvette Museum on day 1, and then on to St. Louis to visit the Gateway Arch. Then continued to travel to Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and then headed to meet up with our Traveling Homeschooler group at YMCA of the Rockies, where they spent one spectacular week. We gathered some of the best way to keep the cost down during long-distance road trips!
Remind yourself – your kids will literally be older at the end of the trip than they were at the beginning.
And when you strap them into their seat and you sit down into yours, you have just entered a little time machine where you get a chance to listen to your children, talk to your spouse, build up a memory bank with the people you love and redeem the day if you choose.
What’s your best tip for car travel with your kiddos?
RELATED: See our Travel page full of real parent reviews of nearby destinations!
Need more parenting tips and guides for around Greenville, SC and the Upstate? We’ve got you!
Getaway (Greenville location is here!) understands how crazy life is and why it’s so important to take time to recharge, which is why they’ve created pretty amazing places to do so, including their outpost near Greenville, SC. A Getaway house is a tiny house stocked with everything you need to unwind, relax, and enjoy nature. We checked it out and have all the details on how to get away from it all for the ultimate time to rest and relax.
Thank you to Getaway, who provided accommodations so we could do this review. All opinions are those of the author.
Life is hectic, busy, and stressful and I think we all savor moments when we can get away from the everyday grind and connect with those we love. I do this through nature – hiking, camping, paddleboarding, biking. It’s definitely my happy place, as it is for many of us.
Getaway, a company that also savors connecting with loved ones out in nature, really gets this and has created more than a dozen outposts around the country with tiny cabins where you can rest, relax, and recharge with no agenda. In a Getaway house, nothing is distracting you, other than getting a campfire started to roast marshmallows.
The closest outpost is near Greenville, SC at Lake Hartwell. I spent a weekend there with my two daughters and it was truly incredible. I’ll tell you why right here as well as things to do in the area if you want to get out and enjoy nature, go shopping, eat some tasty food, or just relax.
Getaway started in 2015 when Jon Staff, after leaving his stressful job in a startup and taking to the van life, figured out how essential immersing himself in nature was to his overall health. He wanted to create that same experience for as many people as possible so he founded Getaway!
The company currently has more than 20 outposts nationwide, which consist of tiny cabins meant for either two or four people and include everything you need to get away from the everyday life and reconnect with loved ones or just take some time for yourself.
The outpost in Greenville is one of their newest locations. The outpost is located less than an hour away at Lake Hartwell and consists of 40 cabins on 54 very private acres.
Cabins either have a queen bed or queen bunk beds and are tiny, between 140-200 square feet, but have everything you need to enjoy time away from home. Cabins are pet-friendly.
Also, Getaway has a loyalty program where you stay seven nights (they don’t need to be consecutive), and you get the next night free. This could prove useful if you travel around and look for the nearest Getaway outpost during your trip.
I just love tiny homes and the feel of having everything you need in a small, but well-thought-out space. That’s exactly what our Getaway cabin felt like.
Our cabin had two queen bunk beds, a two-burner stove, full bathroom, table with chairs, radio, pots and pans, knives, tea kettle, aluminum foil for outdoor cooking, cups, mugs, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Outside there were four Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, a picnic table, and a provisions box with firewood ($8/bundle) and fire starters ($2) for purchase. Inside, you could also purchase for a small fee ($2) coffee, tea, and insect wipes.
I had seen photos of these cabins before I went but going there and seeing it in person was a million times better. The beds are next to a giant window that looks out into the old-growth forest so it’s like tent camping but way better and more comfortable. I love tent camping but staying at this Getaway cabin may edge it out. Plus, the hot shower and lack of bugs were fantastic.
Every communication you get from Getaway aims to make your trip as seamless as possible, from booking to check-in to staying there. The email I got the day before said something like, “let this be the last email you’ll read for the next few days.” I love it. They really do try to help you in every conceivable way to truly get away for rest and relaxation.
The cabin also has a cellphone box where you can store your phone so as to not be tempted to be distracted by it. There is no wif-fi. There are books on outdoor adventures, a deck of cards, games, and printouts with questions about your goals for the time away and how to be intentional about making the most of your stay.
It was obvious that Getaway is absolutely intent on making your stay as peaceful and relaxing as possible. The customer service was great in our experience as well. I had an issue trying to get our code to work at check-in and Getaway immediately helped me out via text message.
While there are 40 cabins at this location, they are spread out so you’re not close to anyone. We visited when the leaves were all off the trees and we still couldn’t get a close look at any of our neighbors. From spring through fall, it will be even more private when the trees are fuller.
On their website, the Getaway Greenville location has a list of things to do in the area like hiking trails and places to eat as well as where the nearest grocery store is so you can plan to get what you need before you come.
There is also a section on campfire recipes, which I most certainly checked out before we came. I ended up choosing two of the recipes on the site for inspiration for what I cooked there: campfire pizza and campfire nachos. The pizza was not as successful as the nachos but hey, I made up for it by letting my kids have an extra s’more after dinner.
I love campfire cooking even though I’m much better in an actual kitchen. But I really appreciated that Getaway’s website has so much information and helpful tips that I really didn’t need to go anywhere else.
Getaway’s Greenville location is so ideal. It’s in Oconee County, which has more than 200 waterfalls and miles and miles of hiking trails. Getting outside in nature is so easy here. The historic town of Seneca, SC is only 15 minutes away so you can go shopping and eat there if you like. There are several farms nearby as well. Here are a few things to do while you stay at Getaway.
If you stay in the fall or winter, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for farm fun at McLadke Orchard, which is less than five minutes from the outpost. In the fall, they have a pumpkin patch, animals to play with, a hay ride, and an apple slingshot. In the winter, they have lots of Christmas activities and events.
Known for its award-winning goat cheese, you can visit Split Creek Farm for a self-guided tour (check hours before you go), pick up some amazing fudge, and visit with baby goats.
During the summer, you and your kids can play on the inflatable aqua course at Big Water Marina and have dinner at J.R. Cash’s overlooking Lake Hartwell.
Stroll through the beautiful gardens for free and enjoy all the pretty flowers and plants.
One of our very favorite fall destinations, Denver Downs, is really close to the Getaway outpost. What a great way to spend the weekend – stay at the outpost and wear your kids and yourself out at Denver Downs during the day!
We checked out Yesterday’s Treasures Antique Mall in Dillard, GA on Highway 441 and had so much fun, except when I saw Lincoln logs for sale in an antique shop and felt old.
You can go shopping, dine, or just explore Historic Seneca and Ram Cat Alley. The town was founded in 1873 and there are events all the time during the warmer months.
We got bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits for breakfast here one morning and it was so delicious. Highly recommend. You can order Dimas Brothers online for quicker pickup.
There are so many waterfalls within a 40-minute drive of Getaway: Yellow Branch Falls, Riley Moore Falls, Isaqueena Falls (and Stumphouse Tunnel), Chau Ram County Park, Station Cove Falls, King Creek Falls. Pick a few and make a day of it.
Tallulah Gorge is pretty amazing and if you can go, definitely check it out. It’s an hour from Getaway and you can hike down into it via a million steps or even hike the floor of the Gorge if you are lucky enough to snag a free permit. Nearby is Toccoa Falls on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, which is an astounding 186-ft tall free-flowing waterfall.
During the summer, visits to either Mile Creek County Park or South Cove County Park are great options for swimming in Lake Keowee.
If you’re super ambitious, you can drive an hour and 15 minutes to the Beegum Gap trailhead and hike 1.6 miles up to the Rabun Bald fire tower for 360-degrees of the mountains. It’s amazing and a great spot for sunrise or sunset – or just go when you want to and enjoy the views. We loved it.
I don’t think this would qualify as a relaxing weekend but you can certainly stay here and go see Clemson play during the fall as it’s nearby.
I am always up for anything that will give me the opportunity to make wonderful memories with my kids and Getaway certainly provided that.
We had so much fun making a campfire, roasting s’mores, drinking hot chocolate, playing games, and enjoying the privacy and overall novelty of the tiny cabin. We read books at night, went hiking during the day, and I made breakfast the last morning we were there.
The cabin was really comfortable and had everything we needed to have a fun and relaxing weekend. I was especially happy that it didn’t have a television or great cell service. I sometimes need that extra kick to get me to put down my phone and just focus on the present.
My kids loved the AM/FM radio at the cabin, which they had never actually seen before. It was so cute watching them try to manually find the stations on the dial.
I would go back here with my kids but also consider it if I ever got the opportunity to spend a night alone. All the books I could read!
Booking online is really easy. Prices depend on the time of year and weekend or weeknight request. Cabins start around $88/night. Be sure to follow Getaway via social media and sign up for their newsletter since they run a lot of specials and discounts.
Getaway Greenville Outpost
299 Outpost Road, Seneca, SC [130 Lakeshore Lane, Seneca got me there via my GPS]
You’ll find more Getaway Tiny House locations all across the country. There are locations in California, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, Alabama, and more! Click on “Locations” to find the nearest Getaway house to you.
Planning a trip to the Mount Pleasant area? If you’re looking for free things to do in Mount Pleasant, SC, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re sharing our top recommendations for things to do that you will not want to miss on your next trip to the Low Country. From history-rich tours to fun at the waterpark, we’ve got you covered on things to do and even where to eat in Mt. Pleasant.
Planning a trip to the Lowcountry? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Charleston, SC – read it before you go!
Want to plan an educational trip to the low country with your family? Discover all things you can learn on a Road Schooling Trip to the Charleston Area.
This article includes:
Free Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Cheap Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
More Things to Do in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Where to Eat in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Charleston is a popular destination for residents of the Upstate of South Carolina. Tucked away, just at the other end of the iconic Ravenel Bridge, is the town of Mount Pleasant. And if you’re looking for free things to do in the area, we’ve got some recommendations for you to consider adding to your itinerary.
As you cross the Cooper River into Mount Pleasant, you’ll be on top of one of the best places to visit. Beneath the Ravenel Bridge is the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. The Park offers visitors a bunch of things to do for little to no cost. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s center is located at the front of the park, and this should be one of your first stops. Inside you’ll be able to get all kinds of information about the area, grab discount tickets for area attractions, and book reservations for popular restaurants.
Underneath the bridge is a great playground for kids. With seating for parents and a fenced-in area, it will be a favorite stop for you. The park’s huge greenspace is host to several free events, including live music, moonlight movies, and more.
If fishing is something your family enjoys, you’ll love the pier. The bait shop offers everything you’ll need to drop a line in the water with your kids. You could be in for an exciting time on the pier! If fishing isn’t your thing, the pier is excellent for people-watching.
Another great place to visit in Mount Pleasant is Shem Creek Park. The 2,200-foot boardwalk extends over the marsh and out to the water. The creek is home to the local fleet of shrimp boats, and kids will love watching them come and go. The boardwalk is a great place to bring your kids’ scooters. If your family owns a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, this is a great place to bring it. You can rent one at the shop right there if you don’t own one.
This is also a popular spot for watching dolphins frolic in the creek as they hope for scraps from the incoming fishing vessels. Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from the many benches along the boardwalk.
If the crowds at Folly Beach aren’t your thing, then you’ll enjoy Sullivan’s Island, located off the coast of Mount Pleasant. Free public parking makes the beaches on this quiet island appealing, and the secluded nature of the beach makes it peaceful. Searching for shark teeth is a great lesson in patience and attention to detail for adults and children alike.
There’s also a small local library, the Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library, you can visit. There’s a comfortable sofa and plenty of books for kids to enjoy. The Island has ties Poe, and you’ll find his name all over the island.
We’ve got even more things for you to do at Sullivan’s Island.
The Pitt Street Bridge (also known as the Cove Inlet Bridge and the Cove Inlet Causeway) was once the only way to cross the water to get to the beaches. Originally built for a trolley, it was later widened for personal vehicles. The bridge closed in 1945 and was converted into a fishing pier. The old bridge burned, and now it’s covered by Pickett Park, a greenway lined with palm trees that takes pedestrians and cyclists across the former bridge site. At the end of the bridge is a great spot to go fishing.
Charles Pinckney helped draft and sign the US Constitution, and now you can visit a 28-acre remnant of his original 715-acre plantation, Snee Farm. While visiting, you’ll be able to learn about Pinkney’s life and political influences, the People he enslaved, plantation operations, and the main cash crops of the Lowcountry (indigo and rice). There is no fee to visit Charles Pinkney’s National Historic Home.
Taking a trip to the Charleston area doesn’t have to break the bank. If you need some extra things to do on your trip, there’s plenty of low-cost fun to be had!
Kidding Around’s fans are some of the best around! The suggestion of the Charleston Water Taxi was from a loyal reader. She hesitated to share her secret, but we’re glad she did.
The Water Taxi is a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective. The pontoon-style boat picks passengers up at several different locations. Pro-Tip: There are no bathrooms on board, so make sure to stop at a restroom before hopping on.
One of the nice things about the taxi is you can stay on as long as you’d like, or hop on and off to sightsee. The taxi offers some very unique views of the ships docked at Patriots Point.
A complete trip around the harbor takes approximately 60 minutes. Make sure to have your camera ready because, in addition to the photo opportunities at Patriots Point, guests of the taxi are often treated to visits from dolphins. You can also capture some nice family photos with the Ravenel bridge in the background. The guys that captain the ship are happy to jump in a play photographer, so you can capture the memory of your entire family’s day out on the water.
$14 a person gets you a pass that covers the entire day, and kids 3 and under ride free.
Sullivan’s Island is also rich in history, as it was home to where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Fort Moultrie is part of the National Park Service. Adult admission costs $10, and children 15 and younger receive free entry.
Among the ranks at the Fort was someone who was destined for fame later in life. Regimental Sergeant-Major Edgar Allen Poe spent just over a year stationed here, and you will find evidence of his time here all over the island.
For more immersion into Lowcountry history, take a visit to Patriots Point. In June 1975, the USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor and was the first ship dedicated to the Naval & Maritime Museum. Patriots Points opened the following year, housing the museum and a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships. You’ll be able to view a World War II Aircraft Carrier. You’ll also find the Cold War Memorial, the only Vietnam Experience Exhibit in the US, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the official Medal of Honor Museum. It’s a very popular attraction and one to consider.
Give yourself 2-3 hours to go through everything. A single-day Patriots Point ticket for adults 12-61 years old is $27, children 6-11 years old tickets are $16, children 6 and under are free, and seniors 62+ years old will pay $19 for their tickets. There are bundle ticket options, and Veterans, First Responders, Teachers, and Active Military are offered discounts.
Splash Island Water Park is an excellent and fun attraction within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The water park features a 200-ft body flume, a 16-ft otter slide, cyclone swirling water ride, a pool, and plenty of sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls. There are lifeguards on-duty, and you’ll find concessions, restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Be sure to check their site for hours of operation because they do close during the winter season.
Another thing to do in Mt. Pleasant is to visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. The plantation was founded in 1681 by Major John Boone. His family and descendants were significant influencers in South Carolina’s history. It’s one of the oldest working plantations in the US; it continues growing crops to this day. Boone Hall has been dubbed “a must-see stop on any trip to Charleston, SC” by NBC Daytime and is recognized as the “#1 Plantation in the Charleston Area by USA Today 10Best.”
Regular Adult tickets are $28, Seniors/Military/AAA are $25, children 6-12 years old are $12, and children 5 and under are free.
There’s no shortage of pitmasters in the Lowcountry, that’s for sure. Swig & Swine BBQ is a favorite. If you haven’t been yet. Be sure to follow Swig & Swine BBQ on Facebook so you don’t miss out on their daily specials, like $5 burger night and Wing Night!
Bon Bahn Mi is another local favorite restaurant in Mount Pleasant. They have delicious food and a build-your-own kid’s meal menu that is a hit when we go! Kids get to choose from a taco, a rice bowl, a noodle bowl, or a sandwich – and build it with protein and veggie options all for just $7 with an included drink!
Be sure to treat yourself to one of their iced Vietnamese coffees, they are amazing!
The Pitt Street Pharmacy Soda Fountain is an old-school spot where you can grab a no-frills meal and a low price. Cheap burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream are the perfect lunchtime meal when you are on the go. Dine in and go around exploring Historic Mount Pleasant, or get it to go and head up the road to Shem Creek to relax.
Every Monday night, from 6-8 pm, Dog & Duck has family bingo night! The family-friendly prizes include gift cards for X-Box, iTunes, and more. If you make it there before we do, let us know!
Want to read our entire guide to visiting Charleston, SC? We’ve got you covered with Charleston Itineraries, Things to Do in Charleston, Where to Eat, and Places to Stay.
We can’t wait to add more free and cheap fun to our list of activities in Mount Pleasant! Check back often to see where our next adventure takes us.
Once you’ve been to the beaches of the Suncoast Keys and Southwestern Florida, it will spoil you for the rest. Crystal blue waters that you thought only existed in the Caribbean, can be found here. These beaches are all the most popular beach spots on the west coast of Florida (and some secret ones too). Beaches where you can look for shark teeth, a world-famous beach, a beach where you can find Sand Dollars and other fun adventures!
So grab your floppy hat, a cool drink, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful beaches and fun in the sun in Florida!
(more…)Ready to relax at one of these awesome Florida vacation home rentals with a private pool? Many of these rentals include fabulous family extras like game rooms, beach carts and supplies, toys, fire pits, bikes, kayaks, and more!
Planning a visit to Greenville, SC? Travel to the area is booming, and we’re so glad you’re here! We love our little city (and so does The New York Times, Forbes, and Southern Living!) because there’s so much for everyone to see, do, and eat.
Art connoisseurs, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and history buffs will all find something to enjoy while visiting Greenville. And, of course, families have an incredible amount of opportunities to make memories here. So, since you’re planning to visit, we wanted to make your planning a little easier by giving you a list of our top recommendations for places to eat, places to stay, and things to do in Greenville… as well as a guide to parking in downtown Greenville.
(more…)Love alpacas and mini-animals? Take a trip to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC for a fun day trip with your family!
Media tickets were provided for this review, which was updated in January 2024.
The drive up to Winchester Creek Farm in Waynesville, NC is probably worth the trip alone. The beautiful scenery of mountain peaks and valleys, eventually wind their way to the feet of the Smoky Mountains, where the farm is situated. Winchester Creek Farm, about a 90-minute trip from the South Carolina Upstate, has alpacas and many miniature animals like cows, horses, and donkeys, as well as super fluffy sheep and an adorable little Juliana pig.
And if you’re making a trip to Asheville, NC, be sure to check our guide of everything to do, eat, and see while you’re there!
