Things to do in Charleston Archives - Luxury Simplified Retreats

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With a spring event season stretching from January all the way through to June, there’s a lot to see and do in Charleston, SC. Visitors flock to the area from around the world, not only to experience these top tier events for themselves, but to experience them in the unparalleled setting that is uniquely the Holy City. This historic city makes for a unique backdrop with its deep history, breathtaking and diverse architecture, and seemingly endless southern charm. Though the festivals draw crowds to the city, it’s the city itself that keeps them coming back year after year. Here are some of Charleston’s top festivals – so mark you calendar now!

For Foodies

For Athletes & Sports Fans

For Wildlife Enthusiasts

For History Buffs

For Arts Lovers

 

Stay in Luxury

Plan a trip to Charleston, SC where you can spend time on the water, plus discover its historic charm, cultural richness, and coastal beauty. With its historic downtown, captivating museums, warm, year round weather, and inviting beaches, Charleston beckons travelers to experience the very best of the South Carolina lowcountry. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking relaxation by the sea, book a stay at any of our luxury vacation homes in the heart of Downtown Charleston or on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island and be that much closer to having your toes in the sand. With our portfolio of luxury vacation rentals centrally located near all of your favorite festivals and events, we’ve got your perfect place to stay. Plus, the team at Luxury Simplified Retreats goes above and beyond to offer guests an outstanding experience with beautiful beach rentals and unparalleled concierge services. Browse our Experience Packages to consider making your trip especially unique, then sit back, relax, and leave all of the planning to us.

 

 

It’s time to pop the champagne, watch the ball drop, and say hello to 2024. In the Holy City, there are plenty of celebrations to go around. Don’t know where to spend New Year’s in Charleson? No worries! With an array of festive options to choose from, it is no secret that Charleston is one of the top cities to spend your New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for a low key beachfront party or yearning to break out your black tie, the lowcountry offers every type of New Year’s celebration. Here are our picks for the top 5 New Year’s Eve parties in Charleston:

New Years Eve at the Aquarium Aglow

The countdown is on for this family-friendly, annual NYE event held at the South Carolina Aquarium designed for the early bird that doesn’t what to wait until midnight to ring in the new year.  In addition to the full Aquarium Aglow experience, there will be a DJ keeping the party vibe hyped, plus stilt walker, face painting and fun for the entire family.

5:50-9:30pm

South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston

 

Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop and Fireworks

Watching a ball drop to ring in the new year is so 1990’s, why not enjoy a flip flop drop instead? The town of Folly Beach rings in the new year with a street party on Center Street and the annual Flip-flop Drop. Center Street will be close to traffic as revelers enjoy local restaurants and family-friendly festivities. The fun culminates when the huge, sparkly flip-flops descend to mark the stroke of midnight and the beginning of the new year.

 

The Duney Drop Celebration

This New Year’s Eve family event at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms offers a magical experience for the entire family.  Tickets for adults include a 3-hour bar, non-alcoholic beverages, appetizers, desserts, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.  Children and teens will have their own celebratory experience that includes appetizers, desserts and a complimentary sparkling cider toast.  Purchase your tickets early and don’t miss this

No matter what time of the year, Charleston is always suited for a rooftop party. If you’re looking for a low key, yet lively New Year’s Eve celebration, ring in the new year at Revelry Rooftop, one of Charleston’s spotlight local breweries. Enjoy great company, live music and a fabulous selection of homemade brews all day and all night.

8 pm – Midnight

Palms Ballroom at The Sweetgrass Inn

5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms

 

New Years Eve at The Watch

Enjoy a night of celebrating under the stars and ring in the New Year at one of Charleston’s most scenic rooftops, complete with a live DJ and champagne toast at the stroke of midnight.  Located on Wentworth Street atop the Restoration Hotel, The Watch delivers views overlooking Charleston’s famed historic district. Grab your friends and spend an evening raising a toast to the new year!

9 pm – Midnight

The Watch at The Restoration Hotel

75 Wentworth Street

 

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Looking for a New Year’s eve experience that will have you saying “Ahoy” to the New Year? Why not ring in the new year in style with an incredible dinner and sweeping views of the historic Charleston skyline.  Cruise the Charleston Harbor aboard the elegantly decorated Spirit of the Carolina while enjoying live entertainment provided by Jay Miley.

6:30pm – Midnight

The Spirit of the Carolina

Patriots Point

40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant

 

Stay in Luxury

Book a stay at any of our luxury vacation homes in the heart of Downtown Charleston or on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island and you’ll be close to the festivities no matter where you plan to ring in the New Year. The team at Luxury Simplified Retreats goes above and beyond to offer guests an outstanding experience with beautiful beach rentals and unparalleled concierge services. Browse our Experience Packages to consider making your trip especially unique, then sit back, relax, and leave all of the planning to us. Plus, if you’re staying in one of our luxury vacation homes, New Year’s Eve can be just as fun spent at home. Whichever way you want to spend your last night of 2023, Charleston has the celebration. Pick your party and book your weekend at one of our available vacation homes now, before it’s too late!

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in history, culture, and southern charm. While the Holy City itself offers a plethora of attractions, there’s a world of adventure waiting in and around the coastal lowcountry, and even the mountains of the South Carolina Upstate. If your visit to Charleston is a month long or longer, why not take some time to explore some of the charming towns that are just a short drive away.  There are a variety of day trips you can take, venturing to nearby small towns like Georgetown, Camden, Savannah, Beaufort, and Asheville NC. Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making them perfect for a day of exploration.

Georgetown, SC

boats and shrimp boats along the waterfront in Georgetown SC

Drive Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Things to Do: Stroll Front Street along Georgetown’s historic waterfront, explore the Rice Museum, and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
History: Located half-way between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, Georgetown boasts a rich maritime history and played a vital role in the rice and indigo trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather, but year-round access makes it a great destination anytime.

Camden, SC

Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours
Things to Do: Discover historic sites like the Kershaw-Cornwallis House, take a scenic walk along the river, tour the nearly century-old Springdale Race Course, dive into equine history and lore at The Steeplechase Museum, visit a working horse farm or experience the Carolina Cup Steeplechase held every spring.
History: A town with a storied equine heritage, Camden boasts the highest density of horses in all of South Carolina, with a thriving equestrian community. Camden is steeped in Revolutionary War history and served as a major British garrison during the war.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for the Carolina Cup horse race, or anytime to soak in its historic charm.

Savannah, GA

View of the fountain in Forsyth Park Savannah GA

Drive Time: About 2 hours
Things to Do: Take a leisurely walk in Forsyth Park, explore the historic district, stroll the waterfront along the Savannah River and enjoy the sumptuous Southern cuisine.
History: Savannah is known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, and it played a significant part in the Civil War.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall when the weather is mild and the city is in full bloom.

Beaufort, SC

Exterior Image of historic home in Point neighborhood Beaufort SC

Drive Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Things to Do: Visit historic homes like the Thomas Hepworth House, tour the charming downtown, and explore the waterways of the Port Royale Sound.
History: Overlooking the Beaufort River and the Port Royale Sound, Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and played a role in the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for comfortable temperatures and lush lowcountry scenery.

Asheville, NC

view of Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys in Asheville NC

Drive Time: Around 4 hours
Things to Do: Explore the Biltmore Estate, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy the vibrant arts and music scene.
History: Asheville is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a rich Appalachian heritage and a robust music scene. Famously known for its reputation for those seeking an “artsy” lifestyle, the River Arts District and West Asheville are full of restaurants and vibrant street art.
Best Time to Visit: Fall for stunning foliage, but for the hiking enthusiasts Asheville offers something special year-round.

When to go

The best time to embark on these day trips depends on your preferences. Spring and early fall offer mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, each destination has its unique appeal, so you can plan your day trips based on your interests and the local events happening throughout the year.

Where to stay

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply experiencing the warm hospitality of these charming towns, the day trips from Charleston, SC, offer a delightful escape. If you’re considering spending a while in Charleston, SC, there’s no better choice than booking a longterm rental from our luxury portfolio. As you settle in to explore our charming city, you can rest assured that we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure every need is met. Whether you choose to stay on Folly Beach by the water or in the heart of downtown Charleston, you’ll have everything you need to make your space feel like home. Browse our long-term vacation rentals to find your ideal home away from home.

 

Did you know Charleston is considered one of the most romantic city in the US!  From cozy sidewalk cafes perfect for mornings filled with coffees and pastries, to strolling hand-in-hand through gardens overflowing with camellias, jasmine and magnolias,  and incredible restaurants for those whose “one & only” is also a foodie at heart,  no other southern city offers such an endless array of activities filled with romantic possibilities.

You can discover all of Charleston’s best-kept secrets by downloading the Insider’s Guide to Charleston. This curated guide is bursting with restaurants, activities, and top destinations, and it includes some of our Top 5 favorite things to see and DO in Charleston, for any kind of vacation you can dream of.

Here are some of our favorite ways to experience Charleston when love is in the air.

Indulge in The Best Brunch

Voted the Second-Best Brunch Restaurant in the US, Charleston’s High Cotton serves up classy southern brunch in a soft, romantic atmosphere. Located in the French Quarter of Charleston, this elegant spot surprises and delights brunch go-ers daily. Our favorite offerings are the Chicken and Waffles and the Crabcake Benedict. Keep the celebration going by ordering a bottle of bubbly and the Mimosa Trio.

(Sight) See the Romance!

Spend your days exploring the historic city of Charleston! Book a private horse-drawn carriage tour and learn about the rich history of Charleston from a local. You’ll be an expert in no time. Fans of The Notebook will enjoy a trip to Cypress Gardens. The Gardens are the backdrop of the famous rowboat scene. Take one of the rowboats for a spin yourself while you’re there – it’s the perfect romantic photo op.

 

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A Day Trip for Two

After you’ve made the most of your time in the city, take a day trip to Sullivan’s Island for a beach day! This 2.5 mile beach sits along a charming coastal town with trendy eateries and fun boutique shops. Complete your day trip with cocktails at a new local favorite, The Longboard. At this beautiful escape, you’ll find unique cocktail creations with exotic flavors, and the freshest oysters in town. We recommend cooling down with the Passion Fruit Frosé, the Wadma-Law-Breaker, or the Sullivan’s 1040.

 

Date Night Every Night

A week away means a week of date nights! Charleston is known for its incredible food scene, and these places do not disappoint. We’ve hand-selected the most romantic and memorable Charleston dining to end every night on a high note. Looking for more? Browse our Insider’s Guide to Charleston to see more of our favorite restaurants in the Holy City.

Fine Dining

 

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Elevated Dining

 

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Casual Dining

 

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Nightlife

Rooftop Bars

What’s more romantic than seeing the twinkling lights of the city from above at one of Charleston’s famous rooftop bars?  Delight in handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and beautiful views of Charleston skyline.

Dessert Bar

 

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After a delicious dinner in the city, stop by Carmella’s, a trendy dessert bar on East Bay Street —just a short walk from Waterfront Park. A local favorite, this spot is known for its cakes and cannolis, as well as its cocktail offerings. Our favorite pairings are the Espresso Martini and the Cannoli Cake or the Frosé and Lemon Blueberry Cake.

Natural Wine Tasting

If you haven’t tried natural wine yet, we highly recommend that you try Monarch Wine Merchants. Taste, sample, and shop at this neighborhood natural wine shop located King street, Charleston’s popular downtown shopping destination.  From Orange Wine to Rosato, you’re sure to find a new favorite at Monarch.

Stay with the Best

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long visit to the Holy City, you’ll find that our team at Luxury Simplified Retreats goes above and beyond to provide an unforgettable experience. Choose your dream vacation home from an impressive portfolio of high-end properties tucked alongside grand historic homes and some of the top historic sites located on the Charleston peninsula. Each property boasts its own unique character and features stylish furnishings and contemporary décor.

Browse our high-end accommodations and start start planning your romantic getaway today!