If you're in the mood to jazz it up tonight, then head to one of Charleston's best jazz bars, the Charleston Grill. Technically, the venue is a restaurant, but the elegance and nightlife appeal of the place makes sense when you add the highly appealing live jazz, which is presented every night of the week. Most evenings, enjoy the live sounds of acclaimed local jazz maestros, the Quentin Baxter Ensemble, but on Sundays, the Bob Williams Duo, a local favorite, takes stage. You can enjoy the music while you relax in the lavish dining room or enjoy a cocktail in the classy bar area.
The family will surely enjoy a trip to Middleton Place as its dramatic history will capture the kids' imaginations as they walk through this 18th-century plantation. This historic attraction is listed as a National Historic Landmark and boasts one of the country's oldest formal gardens. Some of the structures on site date back to 1755, including a sugar cane mill and Plantation Stableyards for many animals that is still actively used. Don't miss the gift shop and restaurant area as you round out your visit to this truly amazing piece of Charleston's past.
If your kids love to have fun in the sun, there's no better place to let them run wild than Folly Beach, affectionately known as "The Edge of America." This beautiful barrier island is a quick 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston and the Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island. Showers, bathrooms and other conveniences are close by, and the sand, surf and sun of this popular stretch of beach will fast become one of your family's traditions whenever you're in Charleston.
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has the distinction of being the site of the country's oldest public gardens that date back to the 17th century. In this historically dramatic slice of nature, you'll find the nation's largest collections of azaleas and camellias. If you want to get a little closer to the natural beauty of this historic attraction, you can opt to take the nature train or boat tour that offer a chance to experience the plantation's wetlands, lakes, forests and marshes. Also, don't miss visiting the plantation's main house, adorned with a striking collection of period pieces and other artifacts that date all the way back to 1873.