Five Romantic Nights Out Complete With Southern Charm
Between the Spanish moss and the antebellum architecture, Charleston, SC, drips with romantic details and Southern charm. Drop the kids off at grandma's and prepare for a memorable night out on the town. From beautiful scenery to mouth watering Southern cooking, this city has plenty of options for romance.
Step Up Your Chef Game: Zero George Cooking School
What better way to experience a foodie city like Charleston than to dive in headfirst with a cooking class? The Zero George Cooking School (0 George St., Charleston, SC) serves up a variety of demonstration-style cooking classes you and your partner can enjoy. The class is led by executive chef Vinson Petrillo and sous-chef Tyler Chavis. You'll get to watch food preparation before enjoying the tasting portion of the evening served up as a multicourse meal with wine pairings. The sample menu includes cantaloupe gazpacho, pan roasted snapper and strawberries with basil balsamic syrup and honey-sweetened chantilly cream. The two-hour class takes place in the Zero George Street Hotel's 1804 historic Kitchen Carriage House that features a Lacanche French enamel range. The best part is you'll leave with a full belly and new skills that even your kids will appreciate.
Grab Drinks: Rooftop Bar at the Vendue
If it's been a tough week at work or the kids are on your last nerve, be sure to drop by the Rooftop Bar at the Vendue (19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC). Whether you're looking for dinner or drinks, try to catch the sunset at the bar, which has been voted the Best Rooftop Bar by the city's newspaper every year since 2007. The bar features live music, a casual atmosphere and spectacular views of the Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Open seven days a week, the Rooftop is most popular on the weekend. While you're there, be sure to try one of the bar's specialty cocktails, like the Peach Mule or Serenity Now that features green tea infused with Ketel One vodka, mint, lemon juice and honey syrup.
Go for a Stroll: Romantic Charleston Night Walks
Historically, Charleston's Battery (E. Battery and Murray Blvd.) seawall protected the city during times of war and natural disaster. Today, the Battery serves as a historic backdrop to gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. Nearby, another opportunity for a romantic stroll awaits: Stoll's Alley (Between E. Bay and Church streets, Charleson, SC). Beginning at White Point Gardens (2 Murray Blvd., Charleston, SC), walk up the brick section of Church Street before taking a right into Stoll's Alley and continue walking toward East Bay Street. This walk is as charming during the day as it is at night.
Visit the Ocean: Moonlight Strolls on Charleston's Beaches
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy summer night in Charleston, a great alternative is to make the drive to any one of the city's closest beaches. A short, 40-minute drive from Charleston, Folly Beach (101 E. Arctic Ave., Folly Beach, SC) boasts a pier perfect for evening strolls. At the end of the wooden pier, you and your partner can take in the salty sea air, watch the waves and listen to the relaxing sounds of the ocean. From the end of the pier, turn around to face the shore and take in all of the lights. If Folly Beach is too far, make the drive to Sullivan's Island (Station 18 St., Sullivan's Island, SC). At 23-minutes from Charleston, Sullivan's Island's south end provides views of Fort Moultrie and a lighthouse. Bring a beach blanket and watch the ships come in before taking a romantic walk in the sand.
Wind in the Sails: Charleston Harbor Cruises
Set sail for romance aboard Fate Sailing's private harbor tours (17 Lockwood Dr., Charleston, SC). Each sunset voyage is limited to a small number of attendees so the atmosphere is more intimate. While aboard, you and your partner can participate as little or as much as you'd like. Relax aboard the ship or join in as a first mate. The tours include nonalcoholic beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own, if you'd like. The tours also offer catering services, so you don't have to worry about preparing food and can focus on enjoying the beauty of the Charleston Harbor. Tours typically pass by historic landmarks like the Battery, Waterfront Park, Castle Pinckney, the Arthur Ravanel Jr. Bridge and sometimes Fort Sumter. If you or your partner are into wildlife watching, be sure to pack a pair of binoculars. It's common for a pod of dolphins or several species of birds to make an appearance.