By Bailey Laskowski
Too cold for the beach? No problem, there are plenty of things to do around Charleston during cooler weather. So, grab your jacket and check out some of these wintertime favorites for an unforgettable time in the Holy City.
Stare at the sea turtles
Everyone loves sea turtles and they are a main attraction at the South Carolina Aquarium. Take time to see the new Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery area of the aquarium, which walks visitors along the path of a rescued sea turtle as it moves through treatment and rehabilitation and ultimately to release back into the ocean. Visitors can watch a live surgery through a glass window and on a TV monitor. Tour the rest of the aquarium with thousands of aquatic animals from river otters to sharks in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea.
Walk Museum Mile
Along a one-mile section of Meeting Street you will find six museums, five nationally renowned historic houses, four scenic parks, a Revolutionary War powder magazine, and an array of historic houses of worship and public buildings, including Charleston City Market and City Hall. During the month of January, access participating Museum Mile sites with one discounted ticket. Purchase an adult ticket for $25 and a child’s ticket for $10 to access 11 different sites.
Lose yourself in a play
As much as we love movies and television, there’s still something magical that comes from watching a live performance and seeing a story come alive right before your eyes. Spend an evening in one of Charleston’s theaters and you’ll be mesmerized from the moment the curtain opens. Visit theatrecharleston.com for details on upcoming productions and plays.
Browse art galleries
Charleston is home to dozens of art galleries where you can find everything from European fine art to contemporary and modern pieces. Browse the galleries and take home a piece of Charleston’s charm. Or simply take an art walk and enjoy the collection of masterful works by artists from the Lowcountry and beyond. Visit charlestongalleryassociation.com for a list of galleries and details on upcoming art walks.
Jump around at indoor trampoline parks
Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Mount Pleasant and Velocity Air Sports in North Charleston are great winter activities for the whole family. Get your exercise while having a jumpin’ good time! Both offer special promotions and deals.
Celebrate nature at Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
This annual event is a three-day celebration of wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, social events and various exhibits. From Feb. 16-18, SEWE hosts hundreds of artists and exhibitors, plus experts in wildlife and nature art – all eager to share their work and insights with more than 40,000 attendees. Info: sewe.com
Be adventurous
Coastal Climbing Gym, 708 King St., has 3,000 square feet of indoor bouldering with more than 100 boulder problems
suitable for a variety of levels and abilities. You can also put your climbing and balance skills to the test at Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park, featuring 72 suspended obstacles up to 35 feet in the air. Or check out Charleston Zip Line Adventures, located just north of Mount Pleasant. Zip from a 65-foot tower through the trees, going between tree platforms, towers, three swinging bridges and a grand finale zip of 750 feet.
Cheers! Have a drink
Deep Water Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island is Charleston’s only working vineyard and winery. Plan a visit to sample one of the nine wines made from four types of muscadine grapes grown at the vineyard. Don’t miss Weekend Wine-Down on Saturdays with food, music and wine tastings. Prefer a cold pint of craft beer instead? You’re in luck! Charleston is home to more than a dozen local breweries serving up craft beers and frothy concoctions. Check out our list of local breweries.
Stuff yourself at Charleston Wine + Food Festival
Fueled by a contagious passion for the people and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, the annual festival infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event from Feb. 28 to March 4. Attend one of 100 events all around the Charleston area with the anchor of the festival, The Culinary Village, taking place in Marion Square Friday through Sunday. Info: charlestonwineandfood.com