Romantic Getaways in South Carolina

The state of South Carolina is blessed with a diverse landscape. Its location on the East Coast, means it has several stunning beaches while the Blue Ridge mountain range provides scenic opportunities in the northwest corner. Above all the state has a rich heritage of art and culture. So, whether you're looking for a secluded mountain getaway or a night of fine dining in the city, South Carolina has a lot to offer when it comes to romance.

Charleston

For history buffs, few places hold as much charm and character as Charleston. Apart from embodying the old-world Southern atmosphere, Charleston has enough cultural and culinary attractions to satisfy all aspects of your palate. A signature Charleston experience is a carriage ride through the historic district, where you can see the city's famous mansions.  You can also take a carriage tour of Middleton Place, a restored 18th-century plantation as well as a National Historic Landmark. Once you are done with the tour, you can even go horseback riding or kayaking on the premises.

One of Charleston's premier attractions, is the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Founded in 1676, the plantation is still under its original family ownership and has been open to the public since the late 1860's. At The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, you and your partner can take advantage of bike and nature trails, view antebellum cabins, stroll through an exquisite Biblical garden, and look up a restored slave cabin, a petting zoo, a water fowl refuge and so much more.

A top attraction in Charleston is Fort Sumter National Monument, which commemorates the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Situated on an island in Charleston harbor, the only way to reach the fort is by boat which means a romantic boat ride is part of the package. Couples with a penchant for history will also want to visit the Charleston Museum, the first and oldest museum in the country, which dates to 1773. Above all, make a date at the Waterford Park which comprises eight acres of lawns and fountains. Here you can walk, jog or recline on the wooden swings. After you are through with sightseeing, head for the Dock Street Theatre, home to the acclaimed Charleston Stage Company. Once you have taken in the historic and cultural attractions of the city, it will be time to move on to taste succulent Southern dishes. Also you will be spoilt for choice on your accommodation – you can choose to stay at secluded resorts on the beach or live like nobility at the historic inns.

Myrtle Beach

This is one of the best beaches is North America and is a particular favorite as a romantic getaway. The biggest lure for the couples is of course the spotless sand, the crisp sunlight, and ideal surfing conditions but one should not over look the countless water parks, golfing adventures, shopping and lots of other fun stuff. Also check out the two main state parks - Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington State Park offer nature trails and beachfront picnic areas, as well as campgrounds and cabins if you're looking for a more rustic getaway. You can also have fun with your sweetheart at Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and Aquarium. Take a step back in time with a riverboat cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway and most cruise providers even offer sunset and dinner cruises, with entertainment and dancing as well as theme-based cruises like "Golden Oldies" and "Country Music. Myrtle Beach also has its share of golf courses, with over 100 along The Grand Strand. For shopping enthusiasts, the Tanger Outlets in town has more than 100 stores, restaurants and entertainment options in an outdoor mall setting. At night seek out entertainment at the clubs and entertainment venues. In fact Myrtle Beach a whole lot of eateries, with choices ranging from traditional American fare to Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. Most are family oriented, but you can find a few restaurants offering a romantic dining experience the town also offers a variety of resort options, including the Horizon Myrtle Beach Resort , which has a variety of romance packages that include spa services and candlelit dining.

Florence

Nickname, "The Magical City,", Florence is truly where your deepest romantic wishes will come true. Whether you enjoy the arts, golf, music, or history, Florence can provide you and your loved one with entertaining and romantic activities. For starters take in a performance by the delightful community theater , Florence Little Theatre. If you and your loved one enjoy music Florence Symphony Orchestra this is the place to go. This 60-piece orchestra gives local music talent the ability to collaborate and create beautiful music. Purchase your tickets, sit back, and enjoy the sweet sounds of classical concerts together. If you're both art-lovers, try going to the Florence Museum of Art to view its beautiful Asian and Western art exhibits. If you decide to visit in November, you can attend the museum's annual oyster roast that helps raise funds for future exhibits. Finally invite your partner to one of several golf courses at the Oakdale Country Club for a relaxing afternoon. This club was built in 1961, and provides courses for both beginner and expert golfers. Play a round with your partner, then head inside for a romantic meal together.

Hilton Head

Located off the southern coast of South Carolina, Hilton Head is an upscale summer beach resort. The island has more than 20 golf courses, 50 miles of bicycle trails, beaches, horseback riding and fishing. Here you can stroll through the gorgeous beaches hand in hand with your beloved and take in a romantic sunrise. Alternately Head out for a romantic sunset cruise and watch the sun go down on the waters. Shopping areas are available all over the island and include local boutiques as well as national chain stores.

Columbia

Yet another South Carolina city which affords varied romantic possibilities is Columbia. You can enjoy a romantic walk at sunset at Cayce Riverwalk Park, Riverfront Park or West Columbia Riverwalk. Or catch the Lake Murray sunset aboard a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray. Share a canoe for two at Saluda Shoals Park or take a "full moon trip" with Adventure Carolina, where you can take a late night kayak trip when there's a full moon. The next day you can head to  the historic Main Street for a movie at Nickelodeon Theatre, Columbia's only independent movie theater, where you can enjoy the latest indie flick, watch a unique documentary or fall in love with a classic film all over again - all with a glass of pinot or a brew of your choice. In fact you can even plan an entire afternoon around an activity as romantic as wine-tasting. For this, check out places like  Cellar on Greene, Wine Down on Main, Wine Garage or The Gourmet Shop where you can sample fine wines of all sorts, whether white, red, rosé, dessert or sparkling. With tastings at varying times, you can fit a romantic moment into nearly any part of your day. Finally how about you and your sweetheart cap off the evening with a romantic bird’s eye view of the city lights at The Roof Top Lounge? After a cozy dinner at any of the city’s fine dining destinations, head for desserts at one of Columbia's sweet hideouts, like Nonnah's, Goatfeathers or Terra for a truly indulgent end to your romantic Columbia getaway.

A romantic Train Ride

A scenic train ride always makes for a fantastic romantic experience and in South Carolina, you can make a beeline for the South Carolina Railroad Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Located south of Winnsboro, the Museum was established in 1973 by a group of railroad buffs with a mission to preserve railroading in South Carolina. Journeys available through the museum run generally westward from Rockton Rion, through the Rion community to the Anderson Quarry. You can even have a narrator accompanying you on an hour-long ride and sharing information, explaining such things as the blue granite in the Anderson quarry. If however you are keen on a longer journey with your beloved, you can book a scenic Amtrak  train trip from Florence to Charleston. You can leave in time for dinner in historic Charleston, spend the night and travel back to Florence the following day.