Spring came early to Charleston this year with a mild winter and plenty of sunshine. But that doesn’t mean we’re done celebrating the season. There’s so much to do this time of the year that we need an extended spring season to make it through our list. Here are five of our favorite spring activities:
1. Visit a local plantation. Not only are these sites filled with incredible history, architecture and remnants of Charleston’s past, the gardens come alive in the spring. We recommend touring the gardens at some of these spots:
- Boone Hall Plantation – Founded in 1681, Boone Hall remains one of America’s oldest working, living plantations.
- Charleston Tea Plantation – Head to Wadmalaw Island to visit the only tea plantation in North America, where thousands of tea bushes stretch for acres at this working tea farm. See the factory and visit the gift shop for free.
- Drayton Hall – Circa 1738, this site along the Ashley River has survived the centuries in near-original condition and is the oldest preserved plantation house in America that is open to the public.
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, this plantation is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and is home to the oldest public gardens in America.
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site – This 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site has been carefully preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. It also has the McLeod oak tree, which is thought to be more than 600 years old.
- Middleton Place – This site is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens, which have been planned so something is blooming year round. Visit the 18th- and 19th-century Plantation Stableyards where costumed interpreters demonstrate the skills once performed by enslaved people.
2. Take a carriage tour. A fun way to learn about local history is with a carriage tour along the streets of downtown Charleston. Classic Carriage Works, Palmetto Carriage Works and Old South Carriage Co. offer carriage tours daily near the Charleston City Market.
3. Embark a walking tour of Charleston. Whether you stroll the cobblestone streets on your own or enlist one of the local tour companies, you’ll enjoy taking in the sights at a leisurely pace as your stroll past historic homes and gardens, art galleries and pieces of Charleston’s past.
4. Go shopping at the local farmers market. The Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square opens on Saturday, April 8 and continues each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. With plenty of local growers, artisans and crafters, plus delicious food vendors, it’s the perfect Saturday stop.
5. Have a cocktail … with a view. Toast the spring season at one of Charleston’s rooftop bars. Here are three favorites:
- The Rooftop at the Vendue Inn at 19 Venue Range.
- Stars Rooftop & Grill Room at 495 King St.
- The Watch: Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits is located in The Restoration hotel at 75 Wentworth St.
What’s your favorite springtime activity? Share with use on social media with #CharlestonTraveler.