Welcome to Lowcountry Visitors
– your complete guide to where to go and what to do in the Charleston metropolitan area and beyond. We give you the very best of the Lowcountry from historic homes to museums to parks to beaches. You'll find everything you need to know about our most-visited attractions. So go ahead and explore. We're sure you'll find plenty to please both the young and the young at heart.

Click the links below to see what to do in each area of Charleston



historic plantations and gardens


charles towne Landing State Historic Site
On Highway 171 between I-26 and Highway 17. Park is on the site of the first permanent European colony in the Carolinas and features a full-scale replica trading ship, protective palisades, a garden of period crops from the 1670s, a natural habitat zoo and ongoing archaeological activity. Admission is $5 (adults), $3.25 (S.C. seniors, 65+), $3 students (ages 6-15), children under 6 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
(843) 852-4200. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Drayton Hall
3380 Ashley River Road (Highway 61). Only pre-Revolutionary plantation house remaining on the Ashley River. Features picnic area, reflecting pond, and 250-year-old live oak trees. House tours offered each hour. Admission is $14 (adults), $8 (ages 12-18), $6 (ages 6-11), children under 6 free. Grounds only entry, $8. Military/AAA discounts available. Open 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. (843) 769-2600. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
3550 Ashley River Road (Highway 61).
Major gardens, including Barbados tropical garden, waterfowl refuge, horticultural maze, plantation house tours, and petting zoo. Admission is $15 (adults), $14 (seniors), $10 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. House and nature tours cost an additional $7; Swamp Garden tour: $7 (adults and ages 6-12). Open 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily. (843) 571-1266.

Middleton place
4300 Ashley River Road (Highway 61). An 18th-century rice plantation and America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Features craftsmen demonstrating plantation life, plantation house tours, rice mill and springhouse. Admission for gardens and stable yards is $25 (adults), $5 (ages 7-15), children under 7 free. House tours cost an additional $10 and carriage tours are an additional $15. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 556-6020 or (800) 782-3608. Closed Christmas Day.

parks and forts

Audubon Swamp Gardens
3550 Ashley River Road (Highway 61, at the entrance to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens). A 60-acre blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp, traversed by boardwalks and bridges; natural wildlife refuge. Admission is $7 (adults), $6 (seniors and children ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 571-1266.

Angel Oak Park
3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, off Bohicket Road just past intersection with Maybank Highway. Park features the magnificent Angel Oak, believed to be more than 1,400 years old. Picnic tables, restrooms, gift shop. Free admission. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. (843) 559-3496. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center
5200 Savannah Highway (Highway 17 South). This 643-acre park highlights Charleston’s natural, historical and cultural heritage, including the significance of successful rice cultivation technology brought to America by Africans. Features eight miles of nature trails and boardwalks. Dogs and bicycles are not admitted. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Wednesday–Friday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday–Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. (843) 889-8898 or (843) 795-4386. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

James Island County Park
871 Riverland Drive. Picnic areas, trails, dog park, pedal boat, canoe, kayak, hydro-bikes and bike rentals, fishing docks, and cottages. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. through Labor Day, then 8 a.m.–sunset. (843) 795-7275. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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parks, forts and gardens

Cypress Gardens
3030 Cypress Gardens Road, off Highway 52 between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner. Cypress Gardens, a former rice plantation on the Cooper River, has swamp gardens, spring-bloom foot paths, butterfly house, and guided flat-bottom boat tours. Admission is $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $5 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Prices include all attractions. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily; no tickets sold after 4 p.m. (843) 553-0515. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Francis Marion National Forest
Accessible off Highway 52 North or Highway 41 in Berkeley County. A 260,000-acre forest with fishing, picnicking and camping plus hiking and horse trails. Daily use fee applies for access to recreation areas. Open sunrise to sunset. (843) 336-3248. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Mepkin Abbey
1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, off Highway 402, Moncks Corner. Trappist order monastery offering a rare look at the lives of monks. The Mepkin Abbey store features the work of local, regional, national and international monastics and artisans, including books, art, specialty monastery food items, CDs, videos and more. Visiting and store hours are Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday 1–4:30 p.m.; and Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested for parties of 10 or more. For information on tours, call (843) 761-8509. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Old Santee Canal Park
Off Highway 52 bypass, 900 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner. 250 acres of walking trails, boardwalks and swamp life. Stony Landing House, interpretive center, canoe rentals, guided tours, and picnic areas. Admission is $3 (adults), $2 (seniors), children under 7 free. Group rates available with advance registration. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. The interpretive center closes at 4:30 p.m. (843) 899-5200. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Wannamaker County Park
8888 University Blvd. (Highway 78), North Charleston. A nature-oriented park designed for family and group use offering more than 1,015 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands, two playgrounds, a 20-foot play hill, two miles of paved trails, 7.7 acres of grassy open meadow, and a park center with snack bar, screened porch, restrooms and large patio. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (843) 572-7275. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

museums

The Berkeley Museum
950 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner (in Old Santee Canal Park). Exhibits interpreting centuries of Berkeley County and Lowcountry history, living history workshops and special events throughout the year. Admission included in park fees: $3 (adults), $2 (seniors), children under 7 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. (843) 899-5101. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The H.L. Hunley
1250 Supply St., North Charleston. In 1864, the Hunley was the world’s first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. On Aug. 8, 2000, it was raised out of the water four miles off the coast and is now housed at the Warren Lasch Conservation Lab at the former Charleston Naval Base Complex. Admission purchased in advance is $12 per person plus a service charge, children under 5 free. Walk-up tickets sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday for public tours, leaving every 20 minutes. (877) 448-6539 or visit www.hunley.org

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visitor center

Charleston VISITOR Center
375 Meeting St. Staff provides assistance with selection of accommodations and dining; distributes brochures, maps and schedules; sells tickets for area tours, attractions, events and performances. Located across the street from the Charleston Museum originally built in 1856. Open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 853-8000. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

tours of historic homes

aiken-rhett house
48 Elizabeth St. Admission is $10 or visit both the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site. Open 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 2–5 p.m. Sunday. Last tour at 4:15 p.m. (843) 723-1159. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Calhoun Mansion
16 Meeting St. Tickets are $15. Open 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. daily. (843) 722-8205. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Edmondston-Alston House
21 East Battery. Admission is $10 per person. Student discount available. Children under 7 free. Open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and 1:30–4:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday. (843) 722-7171. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Heyward-Washington House
87 Church St. Admission is $10 (adults), $5 (ages 3-12), children under 3 free. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. Tours begin on the hour and half hour. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. daily. (843) 722-0354. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Joseph Manigault House
350 Meeting St. Admission is $10 (adults), $5 (ages 3-12), children under 3 free. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. (843) 723-2926. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Nathaniel Russell House
51 Meeting St. Admission is $10 or visit both the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 2–5 p.m. Sunday. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. daily. (843) 724-8481. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

museums

The Charleston Museum
360 Meeting St. America’s first museum showcases cultural and natural history artifacts that tell the story of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Admission is $10 (adults), $5 (ages 3-12), children under 3 free. Museum and historic home combination tickets are available. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. (843) 722-2996. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The Gibbes Museum of Art

135 Meeting St. The oldest museum building in the Southeast. Since its inaugural exhibition in 1905, the Gibbes has hosted more than 1,300 public showings. Admission is $9 (adults), $7 (seniors, students and military), $5 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays and national holidays. (843) 722-2706.

other points of interest

Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon
122 East Bay St. Offers guided and self-guided tours of city’s original customs house, built 1767 to 1771. The dungeon was used to confine prisoners during the Revolutionary War. Admission is $7 (adults), $3.50 (students and ages 7-12), children under 7 free. Discounts are available. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 727-2165. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Magnolia Cemetery
70 Cunnington Ave. Oldest public cemetery in Charleston, founded in 1849. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Accessible from Meeting Street and Morrison Drive: Free admission. Gates open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Office open to the public 9 a.m.–noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday–Friday. (843) 722-8638.

South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf. Go deep into an amazing world and learn about the diversity of life in this special and fragile environment. Admission is $17 (adults), $16 (seniors), $10 (ages 2-11), children under 2 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon and Christmas Day. www.scaquarium.org.

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Boone Hall Plantation


visitor center

Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms Visitors Center
311 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Open 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily.
(843) 849-9172. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

parks, forts and gardens

Boone Hall Plantation
Off Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Boone Hall, a 738-acre former cotton plantation, has avenues of moss-draped live oaks planted in 1743, slave cabins and a gin house. Admission is $17.50 (adults), $15 (seniors and AAA members), $7.50 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sunday. (843) 884-4371. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
1254 Long Point Road, Snee Farm, Mount Pleasant. This 28-acre historic site is a remnant of the 715-acre plantation which belonged to Charles Pinckney, an early statesman who contributed to the Constitution. Free admission. Open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. daily. (843) 881-5516. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Fort Moultrie
1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. Col. William Moultrie repelled an attack by the British fleet on June 28, 1776, at Fort Moultrie in a decisive early victory for the colonists in the American Revolution. The interior has been restored to reflect history of American coastal defenses. Admission is $5 (families), $3 (adults), $1 (seniors), children under 16 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 883-3123. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Fort Sumter
Boat tours to Fort Sumter National Monument depart daily from two locations: Liberty Square adjacent to the South Carolina Aquarium and Patriots Point Naval Museum in Mount Pleasant. Tour boat departure times vary by season and departure site. Visit www.spiritlinecruises.com for detailed schedules. Admission is $15 (adults), $13.50 (seniors), $9 (ages 6-11), children under 6 free. (843) 881-7337. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Palmetto Islands County ParK
On Long Point Road off Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Picnic areas, nature and walking trails, pedal boats, observation tower, playground, bike rentals, dog park and fishing docks. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (843) 884-0832. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

museums

Patriots Point Naval& Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Home to World War II aircraft carrier Yorktown and other ships. Also includes Congressional Medal of Honor Museum. Admission is $16 (adults), $8 (ages 6-11), children under 6 free. $3 discount for seniors and military. Open 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. daily; purchase tickets before 5 p.m. (843) 884-2727. Closed Christmas Day.

wildlife

Barrier Island Eco-Tours
Eco-tours by boat to Capers Island Heritage Preserve, led by naturalists. Trips include: 3.5-hour Capers Island wildlife exploration, 2.5-hour dolphin sunset cruise, and 3-hour remote kayaking and customized excursions. Trips depart from the Isle of Palms Marina. Schedule and admission prices vary. Visit
www.nature-tours.com for more information. (843) 886-5000.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
Off Highway 17 North. Take the Bull Island Ferry from Garris Landing to Bull Island, a 6-mile long undeveloped barrier island. Wind through salt marsh creeks of 64,000-acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Through Nov. 30, ferries depart Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and return at noon and 4 p.m. In December and January, ferries depart Saturday only at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. No reservations required. Admission is $30 (adults) and $15 (ages 12 and under). Families of five or more get one free child’s admission. Cash and check only. (843) 881-4582.

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visitor center

Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce
402 North Main St. Find information about Summerville restaurants, shops and lodging, along with events and activities. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, and 1–4 p.m. Sunday. (843) 873-2931. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

museums and gardens


Azalea Park
Main Street at West 5th South St., Summerville. Beautiful Azalea Park is a 12-acre oasis in the heart of Summerville. Peaceful paths, statuary, ponds, fountains and tennis courts are just a stroll away. Site of the annual YMCA Flowertown Festival and Sculpture in the South events. Free admission. Open 5 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. (843) 871-6000.

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
300 State Park Road, Summerville. Dorchester was settled in 1696 by a small group of Congregationalists on a high bluff on the east branch of the Ashley River. Today, Colonial Dorchester is a nationally significant archaeological site on the Ashley River containing the remains of a colonial era village, the ruins of Fort Dorchester and Old St. George’s Church. Offers interpretive kiosk, scheduled tours and excavations for viewing. Admission is $2 (adults), $1.25 (S.C. seniors), children under 16 free. Open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. (843) 873-1740.

The Henry Timrod Library
217 Central Ave., Summerville. Housed in a charming 1915 building in the historic district, the library has more than 40,000 volumes and audio/video tapes. Visitors are welcome to browse. A small fee is charged for membership. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. (843) 871-4600. Closed on legal holidays.

Summerville-Dorchester Museum
100 East Doty Ave., Summerville. This museum features exhibits on the cultural and natural history of Summerville and Dorchester County. Suggested admission donation: $2 (adults), $1 (ages 5-10). Open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday–Saturday. (843) 875-9666. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Walking Trail of Summerville’s Homes and Gardens
Free self-guided walking tour brochure lists many of the beautiful and historic buildings and gardens in the town of Summerville. Available at the Summerville Visitor Center, 402 N. Main St., during regular hours. This is a self-guided, exterior-only tour, and the brochure gives historic information about each structure or garden.

parks and open spaces

Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest

336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville. One of the Lowcountry’s premier natural experiences. Tour the 1.75-mile boardwalk trail through an ancient virgin cypress swamp forest with trees that are more than 1,000 years old. Native wildlife abounds. Nature Center and gift shop. Admission included with park fees. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday. (843) 462-2150. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Francis Beidler ForesT
Take Exit 187 off I-26 and follow signs. The Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest in Dorchester County has a 1.5-mile boardwalk through Four Holes Swamp, the world’s largest virgin bald cypress-tupelo gum swamp forest. Admission is $7 (adults), $6 (Audubon members), $3.50 (ages 6-18), children under 6 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday year-round. (843) 462-2150. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.


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Photo by Rocky Reston | Dreamstime.com
Isle of Palms


when is my dog allowed on the beach?
Regulations regarding dogs on the beach vary in the Charleston area. Following are the rules for popular area destinations:

Sullivan’s Island
April 1 through Oct. 31:
• Dogs are allowed to run at large on the beach area from 5 to 10 a.m. (dogs must be leashed on walkways and access paths).
• No dogs allowed on the beach area, adjacent waters, beach paths or access points from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Nov. 1 through March 31:
• Dogs are allowed to run at large on the beach from 5 a.m. to noon (dogs must be leashed on walkways and access paths).
• Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from noon to 5 a.m.

Folly Beach
Dogs are not permitted on the public
beach at any time between the hours of
10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 1 through Sept. 30. Leashed dogs are allowed at all other times.

Isle of Palms
Dogs are welcome year-round and leash laws are in effect daily except 5–8 a.m.

charleston area beaches

Folly Beach County Park
Only 12 miles from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is often referred to as one of South Carolina’s best beaches. Admission to Folly Beach County Park is $7 per vehicle and includes parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and picnic tables. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally in designated swimming areas. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit www.ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386 for directions and more information. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Edisto Beach State Park
This popular retreat is about 40 miles from downtown Charleston, but it is well worth the drive south. The park provides magnificent views of creeks and tidal marshes and offers all of the amenities that make a day at the beach worry-free. Admission is $4 for adults and $1.50 for children ages 6-15. The entry fee includes access to restrooms, picnic tables and shelters, a playground, and hiking trails. The trails at Edisto Beach State Park form the state’s longest system of handicapped-friendly hiking and biking trails. Hunt for nature’s treasures in the sand and hike to the famous shell mound that was used more than 4,000 years ago by Native Americans. The park
also offers two camping areas and several vacation cabins also available. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information visit www.southcarolinaparks.com or call (843) 224-9339.

Isle of Palms County Park
Isle of Palms County Park is located 15 miles from downtown Charleston. Park your car and gain access to restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and vending machines for $7. There are also picnic tables, a sand volleyball court and a playground. Lifeguards are
on duty seasonally in the designated swimming area. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit www.ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386 for directions and more information. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.


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DISCOUNT TICKET PACKAGES
Charleston Heritage Passport
Enjoy nine of Charleston’s premier historic and cultural landmarks and save nearly 40 percent by purchasing a Passport ticket for Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Aiken-Rhett House, Edmondston-Alston House, Gibbes Museum of Art, Heyward-Washington House, Joseph Manigault House, Nathaniel Russell House and the Charleston Museum. A Two-Day Passport is $44.95, valid for two consecutive days; Passports valid for an entire year are $64.95. Both Passports include one entry per landmark. Not available for groups. Must be purchased at the Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting St. (843) 853-8000.

Aquarium Wharf
Charleston’s one-stop entertainment complex is home to the South Carolina Aquarium and Fort Sumter Tours. Save with combination ticket packages available at each location. Also available: harbor cruises, casual waterfront dining, specialty shops and the Military Museum. 100 Aquarium Wharf. (843) 720-1990.

50th anniversary
coastal carolina fair

October 30 - November 8 • Ladson
The vision of the Coastal Carolina Fair is to be the “cleanest, safest, most enjoyable fair anywhere” and its objective is to promote agriculture, industry, commerce and the educational and recreational facilities of the counties of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton and surrounding areas. The fair is owned and operated by the Exchange Club of Charleston, presently the
largest Exchange Club in the nation with more than 265 members who volunteer more than 10,000 hours at the fair. GET INFO: (843) 572-3161 www.coastalcarolinafair.org

plantation days at middleton place
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Charleston
Craftworkers demonstrate the skills practiced by slaves as they prepared the antebellum plantation for harvest time. A different aspect of 18th- and 19th-century plantation life will be explored each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: domestic skills, African-American traditional arts, Lowcountry foodways, plantation
rhythms and the plantation natural environment.
Regular admission fees apply.
GET INFO: (843) 556-6020 www.middletonplace.org

holiday festival of lights
November 15 - January 4 • James Island
Every year the James Island County Park offers an enchanting 3-mile driving tour featuring local
and unique displays of more than 500,000 lights. The family fun includes a marshmallow roast, carousel rides, holiday shop, climbing wall, visits with Santa and a 54-passenger train ride through the park. Event admission is $10 per car; train ride tickets are $3 per person (children under 2 sitting in the lap of an adult are free). GET INFO: (843) 795-4386 www.ccprc.com

charleston parade of boats
December 6 • Mt Pleasant and Downtown
Get on board with a Lowcountry tradition as this display of lighted and festive boats proceeds from the Cooper River through the harbor and into the Ashley River, culminating in a brilliant fireworks display. View the procession along Charleston’s waterfront or decorate your own boat and join the parade. The parade begins along the Mt. Pleasant shoreline at 5 p.m.; viewing from the peninsula begins at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks start at approximately 6:45 p.m. GET INFO: (843) 724-7305 www.charlestoncity.info

lowcountry oyster festival
January 25 • Mt Pleasant
More than 65,000 pounds of oysters will be trucked onto the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation for the World’s Largest Oyster Roast. Designated as one of the “Top 20 Tourist Attractions” by the Southeast Tourism Society, this annual event features special contests, entertainment, and activities throughout the day, including the popular oyster-shucking contest and the oyster-eating contest. Local chefs will be judged on their prize oyster recipes, while local bands will perform on the main stage. Tickets are $8 in advance/$10 at the gate. GET INFO: (843) 884-4371 www.boonehallplantation.com



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(This will take you to www.charleston.net/preview)

November 2008 - January 2009
Editor • Cathleen Barrie
Graphic Designer • Melissa Kelley
Advertising Graphic Designer • Shannon McCarty

To advertise in Lowcountry Visitors, call your Post and Courier sales representative or our advertising department at (843) 937-5468.

Lowcountry Visitors is a quarterly guide produced by The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800. Copyright 2008 by The Post and Courier. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The Post and Courier.