Places to Go
American Military Museum
Located in Aquarium Wharf, the American Museum is full of authentic artifacts from 14 different American conflicts from the Revolutionary War to more recent wars in Iraq. Established in 1987, the museum displays over 70 cases with 260 uniforms, 33 flags, medals and hundreds of military artifacts from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. 360 Concord St., Charleston. 843-577-7000. www.americanmilitarymuseum.org.

Angel Oak
Considered the oldest tree east of the Rockies, the Angel Oak off Bohicket Road on Johns Island is believed to be at least 1,400 years old. With a circumference of 25.5 feet and height of 65 feet, the Angel Oak’s longest limb is 89 feet in length. The oak is owned by the City of Charleston. Visiting the Angel Oak is free and includes a gift shop where you can purchase Lowcountry specialty items as well as Angel Oak seedlings. 3688 Angel Oak Road, Charleston. 843-559-3496. www.ci.charleston.sc.us.

Audubon Swamp Garden
This 60-acre blackwater swamp has been transformed into a gorgeous garden for visitors to walk through with bridges and boardwalks. 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 800-367-3517.
www.magnoliaplantation.com/tours_audubon.html.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
See one of America’s oldest working plantations at Boone Hall Plantation. Known historically for growing cotton and pecans, the farm today grows strawberries, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. Tour the plantations stables, plantation house, slave cabins and gardens. 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 843-884-4371. www.boonehallplantation.com.

Carolina Heritage Outfitters
Offering guided and unguided canoe and kayak trips, Carolina Heritage lets you explore the Edisto River. It also offers a ferry service to Bull Island where visitors can spend the night in a tree house.
843-563-5051. www.canoesc.com.

Carolina Ice Palace
This ice rink is perfect for the family with two NHL-sized rinks, a video arcade, a virtual reality center and a full-service pro-shop. 7665 Northwoods Blvd., Charleston. 843-572-2717. www.carolinaicepalace.com.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center
As an excellent site for education field trips, the Interpretive Center includes over eight miles of hiking trails, 100 acres of former rice fields, a classroom and a laboratory for students. 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. 843-889-8898. www.ccprc.com.

Charles Pinckney Historic Site
This National Historic Site marks the plantation of Charles Pinckney, one of the signers of the U.S. Constitution. The site notes the history of the plantation with artifacts, exhibits and films. 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 843-881-5516. www.nps.gov/chpi.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Park
As the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina, Charles Towne Landing recently underwent a complete redevelopment. The remodeled park includes a new visitor’s center, museum, archaeology exhibit, an Animal Forest and Adventure, a replica of a 17th-century trading ship. 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. 843-852-4200. www.southcarolinaparks.com.

Charleston Ghost and Graveyard Tours
As the only walking tour that has access to sites other than the sidewalks at night, Bulldog Tours takes its guests throught the Old City Jail, Dungeon and Charleston’s oldest graveyard. There are evening tours and late-night tours throughout the haunted attractions in Charleston. 40 N. Market St., Charleston. 843-722-8687. www.bulldogtours.com.

Charleston IMAX Theatre
Located at Aquarium Wharf, the Charleston IMAX offers students and visitors a chance to explore the scientific world. The 422-seat auditorium and state-of-the-art technology enables audiences to live the adventure. 360 Concord St., Charleston. 843-725-4629. www.charlestonimax.com.

The Charleston Museum
As America’s first museum, founded in 1773, the Charleston Museum maintains the mission to preserve and interpret the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Along with new exhibits, the Colonial Charleston Teacher Workshop is a week-long course for teachers to learn about daily life and the political and military history in the area. 360 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-722-2996. www.charlestonmuseum.org.

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry hopes to spark a love of learning in children by using interactive, interdisciplinary and hands-on experiences. The museum also offers a wide range of birthday parties from regular traditional parties to ones with educational themes. 25 Ann St., Charleston. 843-853-8962. www.explorecml.org.

The Citadel Museum
The museum located on the campus of The Citadel educates visitors on the history of the school. The exhibit, which is arranged chronologically, permanently features the military, academic, athletic and social aspects of a cadet’s life. 171 Moultrie St., Charleston. 843-953-6846. www.citadel.edu/museum.

The Confederate Museum
Located on the second floor of the old City Market Hall, the Confederate Museum is also the headquarters of the Charleston Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The building was built originally sometime between 1788 and 1807 and has since been rebuilt several times due to fires and tornadoes. 188 Meeting St., Charleston. 843-723-1541.
www.csa-scla.org/articles/ConfederateMuseum.htm.

Cypress Gardens
Recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, Cypress Gardens is located 30 miles from Charleston. Guests can take boat rides through the blackwater Cypress Swamp. Scenes from “The Patriot” and the “Notebook” were filmed here. 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner. 843-553-0515. www.cypressgardens.info.

Edisto Beach State Park
Not only does this state park include a maritime forest, a salt marsh and beach, it also offers cabin rentals and a campground. 8377 State Cabin Road, Edisto Island. 843-869-2756. www.southcarolinaparks.com.

Edisto Island Museum
On Edisto Island, this museum is located among several houses, plantations and churches. In the late 1700s, planters here produced long staple cotton, one of the finest cottons ever. The museum chronicles the history of the island from its very beginning when the Edistow Indians, the first known occupants, occupied the island. 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, Edisto Island. 843-869-1954. www.edistomuseum.com.

Edisto Island Serpentarium
The first true serpentarium in South Carolina on Edisto provides displays on reptiles from all over the world and those native to the region. There are exhibits both indoors and outdoors with large ponds for alligators and turtles to swim in. 1374 Hwy. 174, Edisto Island. 843-869-1171. www.edistoserpentarium.com.

Folly Beach State Park
With over 4,000 feet of waterfront and over 100 acres of highland, Folly Beach State Park is a perfect destination for a day of swimming and lying out at the beach. 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach. 843-588-2426. www.beachparks.com/follybeach.htm.

Fort Moultrie
As the site of the first decisive victory in the American Revolution, Fort Moutrie is now an educational site where visitors can learn the history of seacoast warfare. Visitors can use the free self-guided brochures to tour the fort. Posted throughout the fort are interpretive signs that give visitors a glimpse back into the time of World War II. 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. 843-883-3123. www.nps.gov/fomo.

Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter National Monument celebrates key moments in America’s military history. Before going onto the boat to the fort, visitors can experience the new state-of-the-art facility where they can learn about the monument’s history. At the visitor center, National Park Service rangers are available to answer questions on the Civil War’s beginnings at Fort Sumter. 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. 843-883-3123. www.nps.gov/fosu/home.htm.

H.L. Hunley
During the week, archaeologists continue to work on the H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine that played a key role in the Civil War and sunk in 1864. On the weekends, visitors can view the Hunley in its conservation lab. 1250 Supply St., North Charleston. 877-448-6539. www.hunley.org.

The International Center for Birds of Prey
Featuring over 80 species of eagles, hawks, falcons and other birds of prey, the International Center for Birds of Prey is dedicated to education, research and conservation. The center houses more than 250 raptors with both an indoor and outdoor facility. 4719 Hwy. 17 N., Awendaw. 843-928-3494. www.internationalbirdsofprey.org.

Isle of Palms County Park
This park offers its visitors over 600 feet of ocean waterfront. The facility also includes boardwalks, picnic areas, showers, a snack bar, and beach and chair rentals. One 14th Ave., Isle of Palms. 843-886-3863. www.beachparks.com/isleofpalms.htm.

Magnolia Plantation
For over three centuries, Magnolia Plantation has belonged to the Drayton family, possibly the only remaining plantation under the same ownership of its original family from that early date. Along with its gardens, which were once featured in Time Magazine, the plantation offers canoe trips, nature trails, a gift shop, a restored slave cabin and an art gallery. 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 800-367-3517. www.magnoliaplantation.com.

Middleton Place
This 18th-century plantation has been carefully preserved as a center for endless outdoor activities, along with a museum and inn. Middleton has served as the home of several political figures throughout American history making it a National Historic Landmark.
4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston. 843-556-6020. www.middletonplace.org.

Morris Island Lighthouse
A group called Save the Light Inc. bought this historic lighthouse located just off of Folly Beach in 1999 and has since worked to preserve it for South Carolina. The 130-year-old lighthouse currently stands on 80 acres of submerged land. It is recognized as one of the top 100 cultural sites in the state. 843-556-0353. www.savethelight.org.

Old City Market
Located between Meeting and East Bay streets, this retail district offers novelty shops, restaurants and a flea market. 800-868-8118.

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
This building is one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. It dates back to the late 1700s and was the site of many defining events in the formation of the country. 122 East Bay St., Charleston. 843-727-2165. www.oldexchange.com.

Old Slave Mart Museum
Since its days as an actual location where slave trading occurred, the old Slave Mart has been a tenement, auto repair shop and more before being turned into a hotel under this name. In 1964, the Old Slave Mart was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and operated as a museum. Interpretive programs depict the slave experience. 6 Chalmers St., Charleston. 843-958-6467. www.ci.charleston.sc.us.

Old South Carriage Tours
A one-hour tour led by a guide dressed in a Confederate uniform through the historic district. 14 Anson St., Charleston. 843-723-9712. www.oldsouthcarriagetours.com.

Palmetto Carriage Tours
Take a ride on the oldest carriage company in Charleston. The one-hour tour takes passengers through the 30 blocks of the historic district’s houses, gardens, churches and parks. In the summertime, Palmetto Carriage offers cool evening tours as well as day tours. 40 N. Market St., Charleston. 843-723-8145. www.carriagetour.com.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
As one of the largest museums of its kind, Patriots Point exhibits four ships and 25 aircraft. At the center is the world- famous aircraft carrier USS Yorktown which was considered to be the “tip of the spear” in the Pacific during WWII. In 1980, Patriots Point began a program for children’s organizations to camp aboard the USS Yorktown and sleep in bunks where sailors slept. 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 866-831-1720. www.patriotspoint.org.

Powder Magazine
The oldest building in South Carolina, the Powder Magazine was part of a fortification wall built around Charleston to protect it from attacks. The Powder Magazine dates back to 1713 and was used to store loose gunpowder. A National Historic Landmark and a museum, the building has been restored to its original appearance. 81 Cumberland St., Charleston. 843-722-9350. www.powdermag.org.

Shem Creek Maritime Museum
This free outdoor exhibit chronicles Charleston’s maritime heritage. Visitors can see the boat builder on site and learn all about the area’s culture. 514 Mill St., Mount Pleasant. 843-849-9000.

South Carolina Aquarium
Explore the underwater life at the South Carolina Aquarium, which offers exhibits on regional wildlife and educational programs. The aquarium is a frequent site for field trips and is also available for events in the evenings. 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston. 843-720-1990. www.scaquarium.org.

Summerville-Dorchester Museum
Dedicated to representing the history of Summerville and Dorchester County, the museum includes displays of fossils, early settlements and Native Americans from the area. The museum also includes natural history exhibits. 100 E. Dotty Ave., Summerville. 843-875-9666.

Excursions
Asheville
A little less than four hours from Charleston via I-26, Asheville is a center of vibrancy and beauty in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its walkable downtown boasts art-deco buildings, cafés, galleries and small book shops. Built in 1889, Biltmore Estate is the largest home in the country. With 250 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and gymnasium, Biltmore also includes lush gardens and a winery.

Asheville is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, which encompasses 500,000 acres in western North Carolina. The forest includes spectacular waterfalls and Sliding Rock, a naturally formed waterslide that is especially popular in the summer. Just northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell rises 6,684 feet, making it the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains.
Called “America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina. More than 100 hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible along the parkway, which is most popular in the fall when the leaves change colors.

For more information, contact the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority at 888-247-9811 or go to www.exploreasheville.com.

Augusta
Three hours from Charleston, Augusta, Ga., is known for its Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, held during the first full week of April. But visitors can also enjoy Augusta’s rich history by touring its older neighborhoods and 19th-century mills. The Augusta Canal, branched off from the Savannah River, played a significant role in Augusta’s economy during the 19th and 20th centuries, and is the only intact industrial canal still in use. Visitors can take a boat tour through the canal, explore it by kayak or bike along paths that run along the canal.

For more information, contact the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-726-0243 or go to www.augustaga.org.

Hilton Head Island
One of the most popular vacation spots of South Carolina’s Lowcountry is Hilton Head Island, which features world-class resorts that appeal to golf lovers and beachgoers alike. In fact, Hilton Head golf courses were ranked 10th by readers of Golf Digest as one of the world’s top golf destinations. The island includes more than 12 miles of beaches and family-friendly attractions including an amusement center, museums, festivals, boating and cultural events.

For more information about Hilton Head Island, call 800-523-3373 or go to www.hiltonheadisland.org.

Myrtle Beach
Also known as the “Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach spans more than 60 miles of coastline, offering everything from relaxing on the beach to its lively nightclubs. Shops and restaurants line the streets, and the area is home to more than 100 golf courses.

To truly get away from it all, check out nearby spots like Pawley’s Island, Murrells Inlet and Litchfield.

For more information, contact the Myrtle Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-356-3016 or go to www.myrtlebeachinfo.com.

Outer Banks
A chain of barrier islands along North Carolina’s eastern seaboard retains its natural landscape and serene atmosphere. Some of the country’s most famous lighthouses are along the Outer Banks, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest in the U.S. at 208 feet, and the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.

The site of the first flight on Dec. 17, 1903, is marked by the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The museum offers a number of exhibits including a replica of the Wright brothers’ 1903 model.

Another popular museum, The Graveyard of the Atlantic, captures the maritime history of the Outer Banks, where more than 1,500 ships have wrecked.

For more information, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at 877-629-4386 or go to www.outerbanks.org.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Located on 170 acres off the Lower Saluda River in Columbia, this natural-habitat zoo features more than 2,000 animals from more than 350 species from around the world. The zoo also offers interactive and educational programs for youth. Riverbanks Botanical Garden covers 70 acres of woodlands, gardens, historic ruins and plant collections.

For more information, call 803-779-8717 or go to www.riverbanks.org.

Savannah
If you love the historic district of Charleston, be sure to take a trip to Savannah. Founded in 1733 by Gen. James Oglethorpe, Savannah was the first city of Georgia, America’s 13th colony. Based on the mouth of the Savannah River, the Southern city still maintains its 18th-century charm with historic buildings along River Street, 24 green squares named after prominent Savannah figures, historic cemeteries and Victorian mansions, including the Mercer House, made famous in the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Tybee Island is a barrier island about 18 miles east of Savannah that offers visitors a three-mile beach, pier and pavilion and the Tybee Light Station, which dates back to 1732. The present lighthouse was built in 1916.

For more information, call the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau at 877-SAVANNAH or go
to www.savannah-visit.com.

Wilmington
About three and a half hours up the coast from Charleston via U.S. 17, Wilmington is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. With cozy cafés and restaurants along cobblestone streets, Wilmington has an Old World charm. Its 230-block historic district is one of the largest in North Carolina.

Wilmington’s beaches – including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Topsail Beach – are a huge draw for tourists during the warm months.

For more information, contact the Cape Fear Convention and Visitors Bureau at 877-406-2356 or go to www.cape-fear.nc.us.

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER FILE PHOTO